Obituary of Robert Gordon Cardiff

Uncle Bob, a quiet, gentle, soul, left us for his heavenly home April 16, 2023, just a few days short of his 78^th birthday.

Bob was born April 28, 1945, in Saskatoon, SK. Not long after, he was adopted by Bill and Kay Cardiff and was raised in Lloydminster. In high school, he met the love of his life, Colleen Strickert. They were married on February 19, 1966. Bob and Colleen lived many places, including Sherwood Park, Bellview, ON., and Kelowna, B.C., finally settling in Strathmore, AB, in 2007. They raised two sons, Brent and Jason.

Bob became a Christian in 1976. He took his faith very seriously and was baptized shortly after. He became involved with the Full Gospel Businessmen’s Fellowship as a speaker and president of his chapter.

Bob was quite athletic. He excelled in swimming and was an instructor in the Red Cross swimming program. He also played and coached hockey, being named Coach of the Year four times in minor hockey.

Bob became a master electrician. He continued his education in the fields of business administration, business law, cost accounting, project management, marketing, stress-management, grief counselling, and tourism. He had jobs in Edmonton, Edson, Lloydminster, Kingston, Toronto, Kelowna, and Calgary. He worked as an electrician and became a project estimator responsible for preparing and submitting proposals for major plants and projects in the Oil Sands. He also looked after all electrical permitting and inspections. Project values were in the billions of dollars.

Some of Bob’s volunteer work included funeral services director, palliative care helper, suicide help line worker, and radio auction host.

Bob was predeceased by his parents, Bill and Kay Cardiff; his wife Colleen; sons Brent and Jason; nephews Lester Bruck and Marvin Johnson; nieces Elaine Johnson and Sharon Brown; and all of his in-laws except for his sister-in-law Vivian Bruck.

He is survived by his nieces Barbara Gustafson, Brenda Schultz, Darlene Friedel, Gloria Svendsen, and Sylvia Ramquist; and nephews Doug Graham, Roy Johnson, and Bob Johnson; and many great nieces and nephews.

Bob started having health issues in 2020 that led to him losing his ability to manage on his own. A wonderful care home was found for him that allowed him to keep his beloved dog, Darla. We are very grateful for caregiver Sharon Sequillion who has provided amazing care for Bob these last three years, right up to the time of his death. We also appreciate the care and kindness of Dr. O’Brien and the staff at Strathmore Hospital.

Bob’s family also gives immense thanks to Brenda Schultz and her family for the many ways they helped to facilitate Bob’s comfort and well being up to the very end of his earthly life.

A funeral service will be held on Saturday, May 6, 2023, at Rosebud Church at 2:00 p.m. 

Until we meet again.

Rest in Peace Uncle Bob.