Obituary of Robert George Siemens

SIEMENS – Robert George – March 30, 1953 – January 25, 2017. With shock and grief we announce the passing of Bob Siemens–devoted son, caring brother, loving husband, adoring father and doting grandfather. Bob died suddenly of natural causes on Wednesday night at his home in Rush Lake, Saskatchewan. He was predeceased by his father Henry and is survived by his mother Selma, his siblings Carol (Doug), Carl (Hollyce), Greg (Stephanie) and Peggy. Bob also leaves behind his wife Gladys, their daughter Lea (Simon), and his granddaughter Romy. Born in Swift Current, Bob grew up on a farm near Rush Lake and attended Herbert High School. In his youth he had diverse occupations and spent many winters riding his custom-built Honda motorcycle through Mexico with his brother and friends. In 1979 Bob met Gladys, a sculptor who lived in the former Rush Lake schoolhouse. They fell in love, had a daughter named Lea and got married. Lea was Bob’s little sun—his life revolved around her and his fierce loyalty to her knew no bounds. Together they drove around the countryside, searching out babbling brooks in spring and later taking photographs at Highfield Dam. After a period of farming, and running his own auto body shop for many years, Bob also worked as a foreman at Honey Bee Manufacturing in Frontier and as a welder at Wheatland Machine Shop in Swift Current. In 2014 he launched his own custom metal design and fabrication business called The Metal Shop. But if Bob’s vocation was working with his hands, his true gift was an eye for beauty. He was a professional photographer whose work was exhibited in gallery shows, businesses and homes. His main subject was the prairie landscape he knew intimately and held so dear. Two years ago, the object of Bob’s attention became his granddaughter Romy. He would hold her in his huge, weathered hands with remarkable tenderness, and the two instantly formed a special bond. Those who were lucky enough to know Bob realize just how much we’ve lost in his passing. He had the hands of a working man, the spirit of youth, and the soul of an artist. He was truly one of a kind and will be remembered often, by many. Those who wish to join us in saluting Bob are invited to an informal celebration of his life at 2 p.m. this Sunday, January 29th at the Rush Lake Hall in Rush Lake, Sask.. Musician Eliza Doyle will perform a special set and a light lunch will be served. All are welcome. For further information or to sign the family book of condolence, visit www.parksidefuneralhome.com. Arrangements are in care of Parkside Memorial Funeral Home – Ryan Cappelle