Obituary of Robert Winston Holliday

After a long courageous battle with cancer, Robert ‘Doc’ Holliday, left us December 28, 2022 to be with the angels. Left to mourn Bob is his sister, Judy (Sam) Holukoff, brother-in-law Gordon Bell, his nephews Keith (Debbie) Bell, Brock (Sarah) Holukoff and Blake Holukoff and his niece Darlene Bell. His great nieces Katherine Bell, Grace and Gabriella Holukoff and great-nephew Evan Holukoff will surely miss the happy and fun times with Uncle Bob. Bob also leaves behind many cousins from Winnipeg and around the globe that he enjoyed spending his time with. Bob was predeceased by his sister June Bell and parents Isabell and Herbert Holliday. How does one sum up the life of Bob ‘Doc’ Holliday……… It all began on the hottest day of the week, June 28, 1942 in Winnipeg, Manitoba. Born to Isabell and Herbert Holliday at the Grace General hospital. Bob left the hospital to live the first four years of his life on Winnipeg Avenue and then on to St. Vital where he never left. Bob was the middle of three children and the only boy; maybe that’s why he was the way he was! Bob’s zest for life was apparent at an early age. He was a very active kid being involved in Sea Cadets, Boy Scouts, baseball at Glenlee Community Club and always being involved in community events. Even back then Bob had many friends and a true passion for his community. Bob began his writing/reporting career at The Lance then went onto the Tribune, CJOB and retired from the Sun in 2007; in 1981 Bob also dipped his toes into promoting professional wrestling and as with everything else in his life, gave it his all and took it to a new level. Retirement from the Sun was just the beginning for Bob. Once his time freed up, he went to work on all his passions. Bob dedicated his newly found time to the St. Vital Historical Society and Museum, Police Association, the Breakfast Clubs (at The Red Top), travel overseas and family time. He shared his love of photography with his great-niece Katherine (Kginger so he called her) with many hours spent taking pictures together and then photoshopping them so they would be perfect. He loved poking around family history and documenting his findings; probably stems from his reporting days. Volunteering was in Bob’s DNA, it was his passion and love of people that made him so good at. Miyamoto Musashi wrote, “Think lightly of yourself and deeply of the world.” This sums up Bob. He never wanted recognition or a spotlight and to be honest he would prefer not to receive it as he did it for the love of people. Bob has received many rewards, dedications and honors over his years of service and each time was humbled by them. Bob was appreciative of all the recognition but the last one came on Friday December 23, 2022 from the Winnipeg Police Association making him an Honorary member. This gave Bob so much happiness in his last days. Bob wore many hats over the year’s but a few always remained constant, a teacher/mentor, helping hand and a friend. Bob was direct and would never hold back. If you messed up, you heard about it but if you were willing to listen and learn, he would be patient and teach you all that he knew. He would always have time to lend a listening ear and help people out when needed. His presence was felt the moment he walked into a room, his positive attitude and quick wit did the trick. If you ever had some banter with him, you knew he was your friend. He loved to banter back and forth and you could see the enjoyment when he had the twinkle in his eye and his famous crooked smirk. Leave it to Doc to get under your skin. Bob was an independent and private person who didn’t want to burden or trouble people and that was true to his ending. A special thank you to all the doctors, nurses and health care aides at both Grace Hospital and St. Boniface Palliative Care as well as Access Center St. Boniface for all the care and compassion you showed to this very special man. A very special thank you to nurse Colleen that was with Bob on his last evening, you are such a kind and gentle soul and were exactly who Bob needed in the last hours of his earthly life. Bob’s wishes were to have no funeral or service. In respecting Bob’s wishes, the family is planning to have an informal time for friends to honor him. This will take place in early summer of 2023. In lieu of flowers, a donation would be appreciated to St. Vital Museum or Cancer Care.