We are heartbroken to share the news of Robert (Bob) Brian Parnell’s passing on July 4, 2025, at St Boniface Hospital in Winnipeg, at the age of 72. Bob is preceded in death by his parents, Harold and Marie Parnell. He will be greatly missed by his devoted wife Judy, son Ryan (Laura), two grandchildren Norah and Tristan, brother Doug, nephews Brian (Agnes), Jeff, Leanna (Greg), and many other family members and friends. Born on September 30, 1952, Bob was the second of two sons to Harold and Marie in Winnipeg, Manitoba. During his youth, he stood out in sports, especially cycling and speed skating. In his younger days, Bob was a competitive speed skater who raced across Canada and Europe and earned the title of Canadian Junior Speed Skating Champion. His adventurous nature drew him into aviation where he left Winnipeg to fly bush planes in northern Canada. After years of flying bush planes in the Arctic region, Bob learned that Air Canada was hiring. He quickly trimmed his large mustache and cut his long hair before heading down to Edmonton for an interview. Bob secured the position which launched him into a new chapter of flying globally. Throughout his career with Air Canada, he piloted different aircrafts and concluded as Captain of the impressive Boeing 777. Many coworkers from Air Canada became lifelong friends. It was during a layover in Edmonton while working for Air Canada that Bob met a young flight attendant named Judy. It was fall 1984 when he realized she was someone he wanted to share all his adventures with. Together they traveled far and wide from the French Alps to Yukon exploring different parts of the world together. They tied the knot on May 24, 2003 at Pinewood Lodge located in Whiteshell Provincial Park in Manitoba. If aviation was Bob’s first love then lakes were certainly second; for him that meant Whiteshell Lake. His grandfather had built a cabin on Dorothy Lake back in the ’50s where Bob spent summers throughout his childhood. This lifelong connection led them to owning cabins at Dorothy Lake along with Golden Acres, Barrier Bay, Nutimik Lake; even acquiring Nutimik Lodge in spring 2005. With Judy by his side they ran the lodge for ten years becoming well-liked members of their community within Whiteshell area. Even after selling it off he remained living at Nutimik Lake for several more years enjoying countless campfires and BBQs there with friends made over time-a lot will miss him dearly as they shared drinks while swapping stories solving all sorts issues together. The later years of Bob’s life were challenging due to late-stage Parkinson’s Disease symptoms affecting him deeply; however during last year he’d been residing Kildonan Personal Care home situated within Winnipeg-where many staff members felt warmed by both wit humor presence despite how brief stay might have been! He managed forge bonds even here among those close friends who’ll surely feel void without him now too! A celebration honoring Bob’s life is planned at family cabin located Barrier Bay within Whiteshell Provincial Park set date September twenty-seven twenty-twenty-five; further details upcoming soon! An interment ceremony shall take place following day surrounded only by intimate circle relatives good pals Roseau River Community Cemetery. If you wish honor memory instead sending flowers consider making contributions towards Parkinson Canada: https://www.parkinson.ca/get-involved/personal-giving/
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