Bob Staples (April 25, 1930 - April 15, 2023)
Robert Stanley Staples (Bob) passed away peacefully at Meadow Ridge Seniors Home in Medicine Hat on Saturday, April 15, 2023, at the age of 92 years.
Bob was one of three children born in Empress on April 25, 1930, the other two being a sister, Norma and a brother, Stanford. Yes, triplets at the beginning of the great depression. Unfortunately, Stanford died in infancy, but Bob and Norma had a close connection, speaking their own language that no one else understood. Bob attended Viewfield School which was a mile away; a walk he did many times and continued to do well into his seventies long after the school was gone. He then went on to high school in Medicine Hat and Tech in Calgary, but by this time he had two loves - farming and Chris. The farm he could buy, but she took some courting. Perseverance paid off and a few years later he had a new bride and a Social Plains farm. Four children arrived and with a move up the road to the Staples’ homestead, came a brand new house and a new baby. Bob was a farmer and cattleman with a love for all animals. Years went by, kids left for university and second eldest son, Murray bought uncle Cecil’s farm just a short walk from home. Murray suffered spinal injury in 1978, but eventually was able to live pretty independently in his bachelor shack. Bob’s morning routine consisted of feeding calves in the winter, gardening in summer, and feeding barn cats followed by having coffee with Mur. This was repeated in the afternoon with rum replacing the coffee.
Dad had a good life by his own account with a loving wife Christine for 62 years, good friends and family with many get togethers and laughs. Bob became Catholic before marrying Chris and as the years went by, his faith grew stronger. In fact, he was known to do a little preaching himself when he got a few rums in him. The highlight of his Catholic faith was a pilgrimage to Our Lady of Medjugorje. Bob will be sadly missed by his children: Blaine (Leona), Glenda (Allen), Rob and David (Jacquie); grandchildren, great-grandchildren as well as numerous nieces, nephews, extended family and good friends.
He was predeceased by his wife, Christine; son, Murray; parents, Stan and Mary; brother, Roland; sisters, Beth and Norma and two infant siblings. The family would like to thank the staff at Meadow Ridge for their care they provided to Bob during his time there. Those wishing to pay their respects may do so starting one hour prior to the Vigil Prayers which will be recited at Cook Southland Funeral Chapel, 901 - 13 Street S.W., Medicine Hat on Sunday, April 23, 2023, at 7:00 p.m. Visitation will be offered again starting one hour prior to the Funeral Mass which will be celebrated at St. Patrick’s Roman Catholic Church, 238 - 2 Avenue N.E., Medicine Hat on Monday, April 24, 2023, at 1:00 p.m. with Father Roque Pereira celebrant. Interment will take place in the Empress Cemetery on Tuesday, April 25, 2023. (Condolences may be expressed by visiting our website at www.cooksouthland.com) Memorial tributes may be made to the Alzheimer Society, #306, 10430 - 61 Avenue N.W., Edmonton, AB., T2C 3G3 or to a charity of one’s choice. Honoured to serve the family is Cook Southland Funeral Chapel, 901 - 13 Street S.W., Medicine Hat, Alberta, T1A 4V4. Telephone 403-527-6455