Robert Gawliuk

Robert Lawrence Gawliuk was born in the small community of Wakaw, Saskatchewan August 3rd, 1934. He is the eldest child of the Gawliuk family, with a younger brother named Ken. Robert always preferred to be addressed as “Bob”.

Bob was very young when his family decided to move to the community of Hudson Bay, Saskatchewan. This is where he obtained most of his education. At 17 years old, Bob left home in search of employment and commenced working for the Canadian National Railway. He worked for the B&B Gang (bridge building). He worked for the B&B Gang for a few years before quitting. Bob stated that he quit the gang because they were always working in the bush, and he wanted out. He submitted a transfer to The Pas, which was denied, therefore he left his job.  

            Bob moved to The Pas and soon landed employment working at a local service station where he changed tires and pumped gas. It was not long before he was asked to apply for the mechanic position available at the local car dealership, Carol Motors. Bob applied for the position and was hired as one of their mechanics, however, because he was a mechanic by trade, he was unable to register as a licensed mechanic. Soon after, Bob challenged the Automotive Mechanic Course and passed. Bob was now a Red Seal, licensed Automotive Mechanic. Bob retired from Carol Motors in 1992.

            Bob first met his wife, Lynn Gawliuk (maiden name Phillips), when she and her brother Dan were hitchhiking to The Pas. Bob and his friend, Sam Yaremko, would see them hitchhiking frequently and they would often stop to talk to Lynn and Dan. After a while, Bob took a shining to Lynn. Bob said that everything after that was history. Bob married Lynn August 31st, 1956. They have one child, a son named Gary. Bob also has a daughter-in law, Mary; a grandson, Gary; a granddaughter-in-law, Dawn; and two great grandsons, Grady and Ozzy. Other significant people in Bob’s life include the McLauchlan family, the DeBeer family, the Zaharia family, and the Dubé family.  

            Bob’s religious affiliation is the United Church. He enjoyed gardening, fishing, outdoor activities, handiwork, and painting. He was very creative and crafty. In Saint Paul’s, Bob loved to do puzzles. When they were completed, he would glue them together and they were seen hanging all over the care home. Family described Bob’s personality as easy going, not fussy, and social. Bob loved to visit with people. He always had a warm smile and knew how to light up a room.     

            Bob was admitted into Saint Paul’s Personal Care Home October 1st, 2018. Bob passed away unexpectedly in the care home Sunday, December 29th, 2024. Bob was predeceased by his parents, Michael and Mary Gawliuk; his younger brother, Ken Gawliuk; and his in-laws Anastasia and John Phillips. In keeping with Bob’s wishes, there will be no service at this time. 

In keeping with family wishes, cremation will take place and a celebration of life will be held at a later date.