Robert McGillivary was born Saturday, April 21, 1945 at The Pas, Manitoba to Malcolm and Margaret McGillivary (nee Bloomfield, Cumberland House, SK), one of nine children. As a child, Big Eddy was home to Robert until the age of eight. In the fall of 1953 Robert attended the All Saints Residential School at Prince Albert, SK and continued on to McKay Indian Residential School at Dauphin, MB. After leaving residential school he attended The Pas Indian Day School. Robert’s first employment was with the CN Rail Extra Gang; then INCO Mine, Thompson, MB; and Mid-West Diamond Drilling as an “Open Pit” Diamond Driller. In 1969, Robert attended Keewatin Community College and met his wife Brenda Jean Weenusk of Oxford House, MB. They were united in marriage on February 12, 1970 at Westminster United Church in The Pas, MB. They made their home at Big Eddy Reserve and were blessed with three sons; Norman George, William Robert and Martin Samuel. In 1985, Robert returned to school at the Saskatchewan Indian Federated College where he earned his degree in Bachelor of Arts and majored in Native Studies. He furthered his education in Health Administration at the University of Saskatchewan where he graduated in 1993. Upon completion of his studies, Robert became the Assistant Professor in the Native Studies department at the University of Saskatchewan. Robert shared his passion for high learning with his family by continuously encouraging them to further their education. He carried this message on to his grandchildren to reach their full potential in life. He was especially proud of his granddaughter Gina’s gifted abilities as a traditional fancy dancer and made special trips to various communities to watch her compete. All of his grandchildren were very dear to his heart and each had a unique nickname given by him according to their character. Together Robert and Brenda loved their road trips, especially to Saskatoon to visit his grandchildren. It was his long time dream to travel west to see the Calgary Stampede and visit Vancouver in all its beauty, which he fulfilled. In 2009, Robert and Brenda took their last road trip to Vancouver Island to visit friends. Throughout his life, Robert enjoyed the country classics such as George Jones and Hank Williams. He enjoyed playing the guitar and fiddle and sang many of his George Jones favourites. His favourite activities were gardening, working around the house, cooking and trying new recipes, and landscaping with his John Deere tractor. Robert was a member of the Anglican Church. He had a strong faith and belief in God and was an active member of the church. When Robert became ill, he prepared his family and loved ones by gently telling them that he would be leaving soon. Robert’s love for his family, love for nature, and pride in the Canadian Military, most notably the Princess Patricia Light Infantry, were at the core of his heart. Robert served a two year term as President of the Royal Canadian Legion Branch No. 19 at The Pas, MB. Robert will be sadly missed. Robert passed away Wednesday, January 20th, 2010 at his residence, age 64 years. He is survived by his wife Brenda; sons, Norman (Paulene), William (Betty Ann); grandchildren, Gina, Damien, Jennifer, Lucy, Iris, Norman Jr., Donovan, Marcus, Blaine, Taegan, Ian, Darci, Bailey, William Jr., Baby Marty; nephew, Dwayne (Cheryl); adopted daughter, Pauline Genaille; aunty, Mariam Bloomfield; mother-in-law, Rose Weenusk; brothers and sisters, Sylvia Hansen, Miriam McGillivary, Marjorie McGillivary (Philip), Harvey McGillivary, Anna McGillivary-Spence (Jim), Hilda Wetzel (Volker); as well as numerous other close relatives.. Robert was predeceased by his son, Pte. Martin Samuel McGillivary; parents, Margaret and Malcolm McGillivary; brothers, Julius Gordon, Malcolm Jr.; brother-in-law, John Eskelund Hansen; father-in-law, Samuel Weenusk; sisters-in-law, Iona Weenusk, Brenda Weenusk; nieces, Melanie Weenusk and Ellen Theresa McGillivary; uncles, Lawrence McGillivary and Alfred George McGillivary; aunties, Ellen Pelly, Virginia Cook, Miriam Lathlin, Marian McGillivary, Eliza Fosseneuve; uncles, Simeon Bloomfield, Charlie Fosseneuve, Joseph McGillivary Sr., Paul Fosseneuve, Gordon Fosseneuve; cousin, Roy Fosseneuve; and several cousins. Wake services were held Saturday, January 23 and Sunday, January 24, 2010 at the Margaret Henderson Parish Hall, Opaskwayak Cree Nation, Manitoba The funeral service for Robert was held Monday, January 25, 2010, 12:00 p.m., at the Church of Redeemer, Opaskwayak Cree Nation, with Rev. Jim Sayese presiding. Scripture readings were proclaimed by Norman Paupanakis and Ann McGillivary-Spence. Memories of the heart were shared by Nathan McGillivary. Interment followed at Emmanuel Cemetery, Opaskwayak Cree Nation, Manitoba Active Pallbearers were John George Hansen, Danny Weenusk, Joseph McGillivary Jr., Richard Robinson, Johnathon Weenusk, Doug Paupanakis, Francis McGillivary, Thomas Weenusk. Honorary Pallbearers were David (Cookie) Cook, Hazel McNabb (nee Wilson), Isaac Cook, James McGillivary. Robert’s family expresses their gratitude to all the people who have supported them through their loss.