Robert Dawson Major

Dad passed away peacefully, in his sleep in the early morning hours on February 20th 2019; at Third Crossing Manor in Gladstone.

Bob was married to Minnie Schapansky (passed away 2015). They raised 8 children: Ricky (Doreen) Major; Jeanine Carpenter; Wanda Major; Michelle (Maurice) Espenell; Cyril (passed away 2017) Wendy Major; Dennis (Corrianne) Major; Shawn Major; Owen (passed away 2010) Krisia Major; Gloria (Doug) Twiss was like a daughter; brother Keith (Marlis) Major. They have 12 grandchildren and 9 great grandchildren. Bob also has numerous brother in laws and sister in laws from moms side. He was predeceased by his mom and dad: Frank & Mae Major; sister Betty Major; sons in law Terry Carpenter & Shane Donely; great granddaughter Emily Ann.

Those who crossed paths with Dad knew him as Bob; or RD. He had many long time friends which he met through trucking; hunting and socializing.

Dad did the best he was capable of, to help Mom raise their large family. He did many different jobs throughout his life, but his passion was trucking. His last working years were running his business: RD Major Trucking & Sons. He may not have been able to say it to them, as they were growing up; but through his last years, speaking to new friends at the Campground, he was quite proud of his boys. He often said they were pretty good machine operators; truck drivers and mechanics (but of course he taught them everything and they were not quite as good as him!). One of his favourite trucks was his 409 GM (purple) – mom’s favourite colour.

Dad was also very good at hunting and had quite the gun collection. Lots of memories of the hunting parties around the kitchen table with mom cooking for everyone and the stories! The stories got bigger every time they were told! Another trait his sons inherited (including the stories getting bigger each time!) But of course dad telling the stories he taught them everything and of course was still a better shot then all of them! He also hooked the sons in law into hunting, which his daughters made them go! Many of the grandchildren and great grandchildren inherited the love of hunting and also enjoy eating the many meals of wild meat!

Dad was an active member for years in the Game & Fish Organization in Carman and Elm Creek.

As dad aged he lived with his son Shawn for awhile and then moved in with us at Lynchs Point Campground for 5 years before having to be placed in Third Crossing Manor in Gladstone due to his declining health for one year. (on a personal note: The people responsible for care homes need to change how the elderly people are spending their days; one is no better than the other; the quality of life for the elderly, needs to change; they need a purpose in life no matter how small when families cannot care for them and have to work; therefore at the mercy of care homes. And yes they need more direct care people for these changes.)

While Dad was at the Campground: his grandson Micheal tried looking after him the best he could, while doing his job at the Campground and while we were working at our other jobs. The stories that could be told with those two! Dad had his jobs at the Campground, and going for rides with Maurice to count the herds of deer! (the same deer every time!)

The “Seasonals” quickly became friends with dad (“Pops or Young feller” were his nicknames) they would come up and have visits with him as he sat in the porch, (as his job was to watch who came in and who left, so he told us). Thank you all who did this; it broke up his days.

Jeanine, Tara and Tejay would take dad when we had things we had to do; so he didn’t have to go into the home for weekends or when we went away. Always a story there!

At Dad’s request, cremation has taken place and no service will be held. Family and close friends will gather to celebrate “RD: Bob: Popa’s “life at a later date in April.

As dad would often end his conversation with you...“You betcha, see you later”.....with a big wave and smile!

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