Obituary for Robert (Bob) Michael Rogers
Robert (Bob) Michael Rogers
June 7, 1947 – October 23, 2021
It is with heavy hearts and profound sadness that we announce the passing of Bob, loving husband, dad, brother, ‘Pops’, uncle and a true friend to so many.
Bob leaves to cherish his memory a devoted wife of 50 years, Heather; daughter Shannon Burtnett (Kyle), granddaughters Tyler and Brady (of Southlake, TX), son Ryan (Carla nee Hague), grandsons Cameron and Calder, sister Maureen and niece Catherine.
He was predeceased by his parents Albert and Cecilia (nee Reid); and his father and mother-in-law Fred and Glenna (nee Ross) Nuttall.
Bob was raised by two hardworking and loving parents who first lived in Norwood. His first strides on the ice were at a community rink known at the time as the Falcons Community Club. As the family grew to add sister Maureen, they moved to Windsor Park where he spent many hours on the ice at Winakwa Community Club. His heart always remained with the “The Norwood Boys”.
As the seasons changed Bob’s interests were peaked by baseball and soccer. Bob chose to take the pitch with the Curly Haas Royals in West Kildonan Soccer League where his natural talent was noticed at an early age of 10. The league run by Vince Leah offered Bobby many opportunities that included city, provincial and national travel and even international competition. At this point he developed the nickname Rapid Robert, with a natural goal scoring ability. Bob caught the attention of Italinter manager Ralph Cantafio who mentored Bob through an elite level soccer career which continued through his late teens and early adulthood. This relationship developed into a family friendship.
As the leaves changed to Fall, he switched his focus to football where Bob earned another nickname, this time “Mr. Everything” played a variety of positions including corner linebacker, fullback, halfback and punter. In May of 1967, at the age of 20 he was invited to the Winnipeg Blue Bombers Football Club’s Training Camp. Another nickname rang true and “Skinny Kid” quickly decided that professional football was not a career he’d pursue.
With Winnipeg being a Winter City, he was once again drawn to hockey this time as a goaltender and excelled at the position. His quick feet from soccer helped him develop a unique style as a standup goalie, which led him to play many standout games between the pipes. The sport took Bob to many countries, playing in games in the United States, Finland and Sweden.
Back at home in Winnipeg with the support of his family he directed his attention to education. He often called it the school of hard knocks although this time there was formality when he joined the hockey program with the United College Wesmen. He was a quick study, at the sport of Volleyball. In 1969 he earned the male university Athlete of the Year, as a two sport athlete. The University of Winnipeg Wesmen went on to win the Western Canadian Intercollegiate Volleyball Championship as well as the National Intercollegiate Championship. That is the year Bob met Heather Dale Rogers. After courtship, they were engaged in 1970 and married in 1971. In October of 2021, they celebrated 50 years of marriage.
With both Heather and Mom Cecilia urging him, he realized it was time to focus on his career. First with Proctor & Gamble, this came to a quick end due after being recruited to a hockey tournament out of town and an untimely meeting at the airport with a sales manager. After another attempt in the consumer packaged goods industry, he again realized that sports was his passion and joined Spalding of Canada where he travelled Western Canada building the territory. Bob felt this was the career he was waiting for. The introduction opened the door and became a turning point for Bob, he wasn’t going to be part of a team, it was time to build one of his own, in 1974 Shan-Ry Agencies was created. A sales model where he would be a Manufacturers Agent, this came with a risk as it was a commission-based role. Bob thrived in this challenging environment with the addition of Sekine Bicycles. The allure of hockey once again presented an opportunity with a draft call by the Boston Bruins, although he ultimately chose family over professional sports.
With Heather now expecting their first born, Bob went to his first factory tour in Japan, quickly realizing the travel he was exposed to as a child with sports was similar yet so uniquely different. Back in Canada, Bob was offered the opportunity to represent Maska, which ultimately became CCM Sport Maska. He was now selling to the sporting goods industry where he thrived. Dad spent nearly 25 years with CCM as his primary line. From the relationships built, he looked to grow his agency with the addition of AJM International followed by Debco, he now had a strong portfolio in the promotional products industry. Bob took great pride in the product lines he represented, although over the past week it is abundantly clear that Bob’s legacy may be the impact he made on those that held him in such high regard. Bob’s tribute to the coaches and mentors from his formative years was his ability to see potential in people and encourage them to believe in themselves.
He was never alone in the agency business, with the support of customers who often became friends, mentors, sales managers and customer service staff Bob was a “Road Warrior” through Shan-Ry Agencies. It was these customers and friends that alerted the family of some changes and heartfelt concern regarding Bob’s health. First a lung cancer diagnosis, followed by a diagnosis of dementia that ultimately took him from us. One of Bob’s regrets was that he didn’t have a retirement tour, the chance to say goodbye. As the family helped wrap up outstanding business, it was very difficult to reach out as Bob was fiercely protective of his contacts. We thank everyone who remained in contact. Many stories were shared with Dad in the time leading up to his passing. It was now our turn to share stories with him. This has allowed the family to laugh, cry, tease and learn a few more “Bob-isms”. We learned of more nicknames during this time, including Prairie Dog, Silver Fox, Mr. Rogers and the The King of Sporting Goods.
Having been introduced to Golf as a Caddy a Niakwa Golf Course, his first job helped him understand the etiquette of the sport. He learned that he could balance the competitiveness of sport while spending time with trusted business contacts, he embraced this idea. In later years, golf was a way to spend quality time with Heather. As Members of Pine Ridge Golf Club for 19 years Dad was challenged as a “Lefty”. Heather is extremely grateful for the community who have supported her through Dad’s illness.
Although his passion for his career and customers is what supported the family. Bob’s inner peace was time with family which often included learning a new sport, which included Downhill Skiing, where he and Ryan spent many hours together, with weekend trips to Agassiz and some more challenging experiences in the mountains. When business slowed down he took time to reflect. This routine began in his formative years with his Mom, Dad and Sister at a cottage in Grand Marais. A humble retreat where they spent many weekends and holidays. Some of Bob’s strongest friendships grew there where sports rivals became lifelong friends. It is here where he learned to play volleyball on the sand at Grand Beach. Heather’s family also shared a love for the lake where he was exposed to many new water sports. Waterskiing, sailing and a sport that frustrated him was windsurfing, as he was never able to master it, although again with his unique style he did teach others to sail backwards. Heather’s family embraced Bob and they spent many summers at Lake of the Woods. It is here where Bob found inner peace. Heather and Bob spent weekends and most of the summers at the lake, raising their kids with the support of Bob’s nearest and dearest friend Uncle Gord. The two of them hatched a sporting event known as Superstars, most easily described as lake Olympics. The family holds these relationships closest to their hearts and we know Dad and Gord are “sittin’ on the dock of the bay, waistin’ time”. In recent years Dad found himself exploring a new lake, this time with Shannon and her family in Texas. Countless trips were taken where he developed a timeless bond with his granddaughters. Bob appreciated the simplicity that came in his later years with time spent outdoors, whether it be a walk with the family dogs, bike rides, tobogganing, or time at the outdoor rink where he and Ryan made new memories with his grandsons.
In 2019, he was inducted into the Manitoba Hockey Hall of Fame with the 1972-1973 St Boniface Mohawks who made a valiant effort in a run to the Allan Cup Final. This team went on a 21 game win streak in Manitoba, their Western Canada series went to 7 games with the Mohawks winning. After heading out East, the Orillia Terriers claimed the Allan Cup that year.
Dad was given many nicknames it was truly the family names that he held the closest to his heart including Uncle Bob. With our final kiss goodbye we whispered “We love you Pops.”
Cremation has taken place, followed by the interment with family by his side at a later date.
The family would like to extend their heartfelt thanks to the entire staff of the Poseidon Personal Care home for their support with end of life care. A very special thank you to Susan who was his angel on earth.
A celebration of life has been scheduled from 1pm – 5pm on November 28, 2021 at the Winnipeg Winter Club, 200 River Ave, Winnipeg, MB. Proof of Covid -19 vaccination and ID is required, masks are also mandatory.
Always Loved – Never Forgotten – Forever Missed
June 7, 1947 – October 23, 2021
It is with heavy hearts and profound sadness that we announce the passing of Bob, loving husband, dad, brother, ‘Pops’, uncle and a true friend to so many.
Bob leaves to cherish his memory a devoted wife of 50 years, Heather; daughter Shannon Burtnett (Kyle), granddaughters Tyler and Brady (of Southlake, TX), son Ryan (Carla nee Hague), grandsons Cameron and Calder, sister Maureen and niece Catherine.
He was predeceased by his parents Albert and Cecilia (nee Reid); and his father and mother-in-law Fred and Glenna (nee Ross) Nuttall.
Bob was raised by two hardworking and loving parents who first lived in Norwood. His first strides on the ice were at a community rink known at the time as the Falcons Community Club. As the family grew to add sister Maureen, they moved to Windsor Park where he spent many hours on the ice at Winakwa Community Club. His heart always remained with the “The Norwood Boys”.
As the seasons changed Bob’s interests were peaked by baseball and soccer. Bob chose to take the pitch with the Curly Haas Royals in West Kildonan Soccer League where his natural talent was noticed at an early age of 10. The league run by Vince Leah offered Bobby many opportunities that included city, provincial and national travel and even international competition. At this point he developed the nickname Rapid Robert, with a natural goal scoring ability. Bob caught the attention of Italinter manager Ralph Cantafio who mentored Bob through an elite level soccer career which continued through his late teens and early adulthood. This relationship developed into a family friendship.
As the leaves changed to Fall, he switched his focus to football where Bob earned another nickname, this time “Mr. Everything” played a variety of positions including corner linebacker, fullback, halfback and punter. In May of 1967, at the age of 20 he was invited to the Winnipeg Blue Bombers Football Club’s Training Camp. Another nickname rang true and “Skinny Kid” quickly decided that professional football was not a career he’d pursue.
With Winnipeg being a Winter City, he was once again drawn to hockey this time as a goaltender and excelled at the position. His quick feet from soccer helped him develop a unique style as a standup goalie, which led him to play many standout games between the pipes. The sport took Bob to many countries, playing in games in the United States, Finland and Sweden.
Back at home in Winnipeg with the support of his family he directed his attention to education. He often called it the school of hard knocks although this time there was formality when he joined the hockey program with the United College Wesmen. He was a quick study, at the sport of Volleyball. In 1969 he earned the male university Athlete of the Year, as a two sport athlete. The University of Winnipeg Wesmen went on to win the Western Canadian Intercollegiate Volleyball Championship as well as the National Intercollegiate Championship. That is the year Bob met Heather Dale Rogers. After courtship, they were engaged in 1970 and married in 1971. In October of 2021, they celebrated 50 years of marriage.
With both Heather and Mom Cecilia urging him, he realized it was time to focus on his career. First with Proctor & Gamble, this came to a quick end due after being recruited to a hockey tournament out of town and an untimely meeting at the airport with a sales manager. After another attempt in the consumer packaged goods industry, he again realized that sports was his passion and joined Spalding of Canada where he travelled Western Canada building the territory. Bob felt this was the career he was waiting for. The introduction opened the door and became a turning point for Bob, he wasn’t going to be part of a team, it was time to build one of his own, in 1974 Shan-Ry Agencies was created. A sales model where he would be a Manufacturers Agent, this came with a risk as it was a commission-based role. Bob thrived in this challenging environment with the addition of Sekine Bicycles. The allure of hockey once again presented an opportunity with a draft call by the Boston Bruins, although he ultimately chose family over professional sports.
With Heather now expecting their first born, Bob went to his first factory tour in Japan, quickly realizing the travel he was exposed to as a child with sports was similar yet so uniquely different. Back in Canada, Bob was offered the opportunity to represent Maska, which ultimately became CCM Sport Maska. He was now selling to the sporting goods industry where he thrived. Dad spent nearly 25 years with CCM as his primary line. From the relationships built, he looked to grow his agency with the addition of AJM International followed by Debco, he now had a strong portfolio in the promotional products industry. Bob took great pride in the product lines he represented, although over the past week it is abundantly clear that Bob’s legacy may be the impact he made on those that held him in such high regard. Bob’s tribute to the coaches and mentors from his formative years was his ability to see potential in people and encourage them to believe in themselves.
He was never alone in the agency business, with the support of customers who often became friends, mentors, sales managers and customer service staff Bob was a “Road Warrior” through Shan-Ry Agencies. It was these customers and friends that alerted the family of some changes and heartfelt concern regarding Bob’s health. First a lung cancer diagnosis, followed by a diagnosis of dementia that ultimately took him from us. One of Bob’s regrets was that he didn’t have a retirement tour, the chance to say goodbye. As the family helped wrap up outstanding business, it was very difficult to reach out as Bob was fiercely protective of his contacts. We thank everyone who remained in contact. Many stories were shared with Dad in the time leading up to his passing. It was now our turn to share stories with him. This has allowed the family to laugh, cry, tease and learn a few more “Bob-isms”. We learned of more nicknames during this time, including Prairie Dog, Silver Fox, Mr. Rogers and the The King of Sporting Goods.
Having been introduced to Golf as a Caddy a Niakwa Golf Course, his first job helped him understand the etiquette of the sport. He learned that he could balance the competitiveness of sport while spending time with trusted business contacts, he embraced this idea. In later years, golf was a way to spend quality time with Heather. As Members of Pine Ridge Golf Club for 19 years Dad was challenged as a “Lefty”. Heather is extremely grateful for the community who have supported her through Dad’s illness.
Although his passion for his career and customers is what supported the family. Bob’s inner peace was time with family which often included learning a new sport, which included Downhill Skiing, where he and Ryan spent many hours together, with weekend trips to Agassiz and some more challenging experiences in the mountains. When business slowed down he took time to reflect. This routine began in his formative years with his Mom, Dad and Sister at a cottage in Grand Marais. A humble retreat where they spent many weekends and holidays. Some of Bob’s strongest friendships grew there where sports rivals became lifelong friends. It is here where he learned to play volleyball on the sand at Grand Beach. Heather’s family also shared a love for the lake where he was exposed to many new water sports. Waterskiing, sailing and a sport that frustrated him was windsurfing, as he was never able to master it, although again with his unique style he did teach others to sail backwards. Heather’s family embraced Bob and they spent many summers at Lake of the Woods. It is here where Bob found inner peace. Heather and Bob spent weekends and most of the summers at the lake, raising their kids with the support of Bob’s nearest and dearest friend Uncle Gord. The two of them hatched a sporting event known as Superstars, most easily described as lake Olympics. The family holds these relationships closest to their hearts and we know Dad and Gord are “sittin’ on the dock of the bay, waistin’ time”. In recent years Dad found himself exploring a new lake, this time with Shannon and her family in Texas. Countless trips were taken where he developed a timeless bond with his granddaughters. Bob appreciated the simplicity that came in his later years with time spent outdoors, whether it be a walk with the family dogs, bike rides, tobogganing, or time at the outdoor rink where he and Ryan made new memories with his grandsons.
In 2019, he was inducted into the Manitoba Hockey Hall of Fame with the 1972-1973 St Boniface Mohawks who made a valiant effort in a run to the Allan Cup Final. This team went on a 21 game win streak in Manitoba, their Western Canada series went to 7 games with the Mohawks winning. After heading out East, the Orillia Terriers claimed the Allan Cup that year.
Dad was given many nicknames it was truly the family names that he held the closest to his heart including Uncle Bob. With our final kiss goodbye we whispered “We love you Pops.”
Cremation has taken place, followed by the interment with family by his side at a later date.
The family would like to extend their heartfelt thanks to the entire staff of the Poseidon Personal Care home for their support with end of life care. A very special thank you to Susan who was his angel on earth.
A celebration of life has been scheduled from 1pm – 5pm on November 28, 2021 at the Winnipeg Winter Club, 200 River Ave, Winnipeg, MB. Proof of Covid -19 vaccination and ID is required, masks are also mandatory.
Always Loved – Never Forgotten – Forever Missed