Bob Werschler was born May 30, 1968 in Russell MB, to parents Marion and Walter Werschler. Soon after he became a big brother to “sister Pam”. Bob grew up in Inglis right across from the rink where he ended up spending most of his time as a player, coach, and member of the IDCC. He was an integral part of putting the ice in every year and the renos done to the rink. He graduated from Major Pratt School and then attempted University for a year deciding to instead work in Winnipeg for a brief time before returning to Inglis. He began work at Paterson Grain at Cracknell then moved to the Binscarth elevator for just over 20 years.
He married the love of his life Leanne (Fingas) on June 3, 1995. Bob and Leanne had many years of fun and partying before starting a family. Their daughter Emily was born September of 1999 and in March of 2002 their second daughter Brooklyn was born. His three girls were the light of his life and there was nothing he did not teach them from riding a bike, changing oil, his baseball and hockey skills, driving a car, baiting a hook and shooting a gun. He was involved in all of his daughters’ activities and was prouder than ever to be with both Emily and Brooklyn when they each shot their first deer.
Bob played minor hockey with the Russell Rams and went on to play rec hockey for the Inglis Stingers for many years. He also coached both girls on their rec hockey team. Bob played fastball with the Nitemares as a back-catcher and 1st baseman and later moved onto the beer league slow-pitch team. He loved hunting and fishing not only for the sport aspect but the social aspect. And I’m sure everyone has heard the story about his “big deer kill” at least once. Along with these sports he also enjoyed golfing, broomball, volleyball, swimming like a fish, and cracking a beer with anyone young or old. You could never have just one because he would always say “You can’t fly on one wing”.
Bob spent many years going up north on fishing and quading trips with his friends. He enjoyed many camping trips with his family and with friends, usually spending a week of the summer up at the dam. Bob and Leanne had a lot of fun in their 26 years of marriage. Having a good time and laughter was a huge part of their life.
In 2012 Bob’s health took a drastic turn. For the past 9 years he battled an illness that affected almost every aspect of his health. Throughout all of this Bob kept his quirky sense of humour and smart-ass comments and Dad-jokes. He also spent hours watching cooking shows and had paid attention in grandma K’s kitchen, becoming a chef himself replicating Grandma Fingas’ cinnamon bun recipe with a Bob twist. Leanne never knew what she would get for lunch, and suppers were always an adventurous creation. They usually never ate the same thing twice because he never followed recipes, he always changed them to make them “better” and of course wouldn’t write down how he did it.
Shortly after midnight, on Wednesday June 3rd, Bob took his last breath in the Brandon Hospital.
Bob was a great man with so many friends and stories to tell. No matter where we went it reminded him of a funny story to share. They always made us laugh or sometimes shake our heads. He will be fondly remembered by all who knew him and the stories will go on for years to come.
We love you and we are going to miss you very much! Rest in Peace!
He is predeceased by his grandparents, parents Walter and Marion Werschler, and in-laws Joel and Rita Fingas. He is survived by his wife Leanne, daughters Emily (Drew) and Brooklyn (Paxton), sister Pam, in laws Bonnie and (Dave) Douglas, Sharon and (Doug) Davies, Marilyn and (Gerald) Halwas, Gloria and (Reg) Burla, Janice and (Sheldon) Ziprick, Rick and (Merlene) McFadyen numerous nephews and nieces, cousins, and all of his friends.