Robert Whitford

Robert (Beeto) Joseph Whitford was born on September 28, 1976, in Brandon, Manitoba. Raised in Moose Lake and Cranberry Portage, Manitoba.

It is with deep sadness that we share that Robert passed away unexpectedly in his home in The Pas, Manitoba on March 14, 2025.

Robert came from a large family with many Aunties, Uncles, and cousins too numerous to name here. He was loved and cherished by his family and friends. Robert was predeceased by his grandparents Frederick Murdock and Annabell Sanderson (Ross) of Moose Lake, Manitoba and Andrew and Theresa Whitford (Chaboyer) of Amaranth, Manitoba.

Robert was a bright little boy but faced many challenges following a life altering injury as a young child; however, that would not stop him from accomplishing several goals. He’s always talked about becoming a hockey player when he was younger and aspired to become a Chef when he was older.

Robert went to high school in Cranberry Portage and graduated from Frontier Collegiate Institute in 1998. Even in high school he was an avid hockey fan, Robert always had dreams of being of hockey player. He loved hockey so much that he never missed a Cranberry Portage Winter Hawks game. In true Robert fashion, his determination earned him the position of water boy with the Cranberry Portage Winter Hawks, and he travelled the province with the high school hockey team. He took his role seriously and admired his teammates.

After high school he would leave Cranberry Portage to venture out on his own and he settled in The Pas, MB. With the support and encouragement of his family, he completed the commercial cooking course at Keewatin Community College.

Robert was a hard worker; as a young teenager he worked at the Frontier Collegiate High School Cafeteria in Cranberry Portage, MB. After graduating from the KCC Commercial Cooking Course he worked at the Aseneskak Casino on Opaskwayak Cree Nation for a few months.

Growing up in Moose Lake, Robert often went out on day fishing trips and berry picking expeditions with his family; his favourite part of the day was the picnic that his mom packed for the trip. As a young adult Robert enjoyed road trips with his parents to many places across Western Canada; his favourite part of the trip was eating in restaurants and again, the picnic stops along the way.

Later while living in The Pas, his parents still lived in Cranberry Portage, he often went home on weekends, and again, the best part of the visit was the home cooking!

His most favourite pastime was watching movies and hockey on TV. When he had an opportunity during his visits to Winnipeg to see his mom, he would go to the movies and eat out at nice restaurants. Then he would go to Club Regent Casino with his dad; that was the highlight of this trips to Winnipeg.

He never missed out on Men’s night at the Aseneskak Casino in The Pas on Wednesday nights. I believe he won quite often on the draws for prizes

Robert had many friends on OCN, and he was like an uncle to his friends’ children, and he loved them like family.

Beeto leaves behind by his mother Gloria Sanderson, his father Robert Whitford, sisters Trina McKellep (Husband John McKellep, son Hunter McKellep) and Audrey McPherson (husband Duane McPherson, daughter Ledanne McPherson and son Bohdi McPherson).

Robert was a generous and kind man with a big heart, and he will be deeply missed by his family and friends.

PALLBEARERS:

Percy Knight

Jerry Ron Campbell

William Grey

Duane McPherson

John (Augie) McKellep

Howie Jebb