Robert Gordon Kitzul, affectionately known as 'Bob' by all who knew him, was born on September 28, 1951 in Ituna, SK and passed away suddenly at his favourite place, his home, on March 11, 2013. Robert was the fourth of five sons of Steve and Anne Kitzul. He was loved by all who got to meet him, possessing an open and friendly demeanor with an abundance of humour and charm. After his family moved to the farm outside of Bredenbury, Robert went to Clumber School, and later Bredenbury School, "up-hill, both ways, on top of the power lines because of the snow" as he would say. He moved on to the Yorkton Regional High School where he graduated in 1969. He later went to Moose Jaw to what is now known as SIAST where he learned valuable skills as an electrician that he would demonstrate time and again throughout his life. Robert worked hard growing up and during his family years, spending countless hours at his parents' farm during seeding and harvest, working together with his brothers. It was then that his passion for mechanical work was formed. 1972 proved to be a year of big changes in Robert's life as he married Debbie Ingbritson of Saltcoats, SK and, together, they had a son, Kevin. A second son, Sheldon, followed in 1973. Robert moved his family to Cartwright, MB where he ran an Esso bulk station for a year and a half before moving to Rivers, MB to work at another Esso station. Robert and his family returned to Bredenbury in 1975 where Robert managed a Gulf bulk station for a time. His boys loved the 'free' cream sodas and ice cream that came with this! Robert later moved on to IMC at the K-1 mine near Esterhazy where he won many safety awards, the respect of his peers, and gained the skills and experience to become a Millwright. After working at the mine, Robert applied his trade in Wollaston Lake and Prairie Creek before moving on to CanAmera Foods near Harrowby, MB where he worked for 19 years. Robert worked at various other smaller jobs until he retired. He never lost his ability to solve virtually any mechanical problem that was presented to him - from vacuum cleaners to engines to tools. He later expanded to the world-wide web where he even started up with online banking before anyone in his family! In his spare time, Robert loved to take his family camping and fishing with their favourite spots being Whitefish Lake, MB and the Lake of the Prairies, MB. Robert even turned a school bus into a family camper, because he could. Robert also loved to barbecue and cook up all sorts of tasty dishes, from pasta to stews to the Sunday family favourite, homemade French fries. In his later years, Robert formed a strong bond with two key individuals - his mother Anne and his cat, Perky. Robert and Anne would do all sorts of things together while they kept each other company and entertained. Perky never left Robert's side, even at the end. Robert was predeceased by his parents, Steve and Anne. He is survived by his sons, Kevin (Kristine) of Stony Plain, AB; and Sheldon (Erinn Catchuk) of Regina, SK. He is survived by his brothers, Terry (Verna) Kitzul of Bredenbury, SK; Donald (Donna) Kitzul of Bredenbury, SK; Dale (Brenda) Kitzul of Bredenbury, SK; and Matt (Doreen) Kitzul of Bredenbury, SK; and many cousins, nieces, nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews. Funeral Services were held on Friday, March 15, 2013 from The Chapel of Christie's Funeral Home & Crematorium with Mr. Fred Nicholson officiating. Special taped music selections included "How Great Thou Art" and "Amazing Grace" by Elvis Presley. The Cremation Committal Service followed at the Yorkton Memorial Gardens, Garden of St. Luke, Yorkton, SK, with Sheldon Kitzul and Kevin Kitzul serving as urn bearers. Friends so wishing may forward their condolences to the family by visiting www.christiesfuneralhome.com. Funeral arrangements were entrusted to Christie's Funeral Home & Crematorium, Yorkton, Saskatchewan.
