WILLIAMSON - Robert (Bob) Alexander, youngest son of O.A. and Eva Williamson was born in Vanguard on May 23, 1928. Bob grew up with his family on the farm at Pambrun. He attended Whiska Creek School, later Pambrun School and graduated from High School at W.A. Beatty Collegiate in Swift Current. He returned to Pambrun and started farming with his Dad. As he gradually acquired some land, he tried many projects including raising turkeys, sheep, cattle, potatoes, peas, corn, and finally settled into grass and forage for seed.
Irrigation, a dream of his father's, became a reality with the construction of Russell Creek Dam and he moved from a border dyke and flooding operation to gated pipes. With the professional help of Dr. Hobbs, Lethbridge Research Station scientist, Bob pioneered the introduction of leaf-cutter bees to pollinate and cross-pollinate alfalfa to produce seed in the Southwest part of Saskatchewan. He and his longtime friend and employee, Van Theobald, found success in this project and he exported the excess bee larvae as well as the seed. Bob married Joan Carleton of Swift Current and Neville on Dec. 14, 1956. They joined his parents and brothers, John and George and families in the Williamson yard on the SW 9-11-11- W3rd. While they all lived together, O.A. made it very clear in a statement, "We are not a co-operative but we co-operate with each other." Bob and Joan raised a family of three sons and two daughters, growing up with their cousins in the yard. Bob enjoyed sports playing baseball and fastball for 40 years with Pambrun and area teams. He also played hockey and he curled for many years. He was very proud of the fact that his sons/daughters all excelled in various sports and now his grandchildren are following in his footsteps. He supported Joan's musical life and found pride and enjoyment in his children
and grandchildren who have pursued the Fine Arts. Bob and Joan retired at their Lac Pelletier home and spent many happy years at the Lake with family and friends. They also found a great deal of
pleasure and made many friends at their winter home in Texas, until Bob's health became too vulnerable for the long trips. They acquired a small home in Swift Current where they found more friends in comfortable surroundings. Over the years Bob's health and mobility have been compromised through multiple surgeries but his attitude and determination always remained positive and upbeat. He spent 2 months at Cypress Regional Hospital in Swift Current and was transferred to Shaunavon Nursing Home in March where he passed away peacefully on May 17, 2010. Bob was predeceased by his parents, his brothers John and George, his sisters Mary and Dorothy, his nephews Billy Washburn and Bruce Williamson, four brothers-in-law and one sister-in-law. He was also predeceased by his wife's parents, Ben and Edna Carleton and niece, Leah. Bob is survived by Joan, his loving wife of 53 years; his family Kirk (Greta), Dori (Bruce Lee), Alex, Melody (Ian McAuley), RJ (Sheri): his precious grandchildren Bobby, Braden, Josh, Justin, Alexandria, Morgan, Keelan, Conner and Brutus; his sisters Kathleen Washburn and Betty Beynon and sisters-in-law Lorraine Williamson and Lois Williamson; three generations of nieces/nephews and their families who were all
special to Bob; Carleton family - Lois, Keith, Gail, Maureen, Sheila,
Gregor, Darla, Michael, Candi - their spouses and families.
The memorial celebration of Bob's life was held at Millar College of the Bible in Pambrun on May 21, with Reverend Susan Fleming of the United Church officiating, assisted by Phil Ruten, Principal. A piano medley by Joan preceded the service with Jo Carter, the official pianist for the service. Derrick Carleton, Tim Kehoe, Sean Padley and Kelly Williamson ushered guests with Jodi Dayman, Trish Carleton, Jill Kehoe and Curtis Williamson attending the registers. A guard of honor was formed by his special nieces and nephews Jim, Connie and Bill Oxley, Bruce (deceased), Jack, Pam and Betty Williamson, Betty-Jo Jones, Glenda, Joan, Donna, Ross, Tom, and Lori Williamson, Jo-Ann, Lorie, Mary Jean and Billy (deceased) Washburn, Patsy, Trudy, Darla and Fred Beynon. Melody, accompanied by Ian, sang "Peace in the Valley" and family tributes were presented by niece, Pam Hopfner and sister-in-law, Candi Carleton with RJ eulogizing on behalf of the immediate family. A reception followed at the Dining Hall and a family supper at the Pambrun Community Hall concluded Bob's farewell. Anyone so wishing may make donations to Pambrun Community Club, c/o Fred Wall, Pambrun, Sask. SON lWO or Dr. Noble Irwin Healthcare Foundation, Box 1706 Swift Current, SK S9H 4G6. Burial took place at Pambrun Cemetery. Warren's Funeral Home were entrusted with the arrangements. For further information call 773-8831 or 1-800-267-6606 or visit our web site at www.warrensfuneralhome.com and express your sympathy to family members in our book of condolences.