Obituary of Robert McPherson

Robert (Bob) Edward McPherson Born in Lashburn, Saskatchewan on July 14, 1911 Passed away Mar. 1, 2005 at the age of 93 years. Bob is survived by: his loving wife Evelyn; three children: Ted and his wife Barbara of Moncton, New Brunswick; Fran and her husband Jim Metherell of Lashburn; Jean McPherson and her husband Jim Maxwell of Maidstone; six grandchildren: David (Erin), Laura, and Allan McPherson, Robbie, Lynn, and Julie Maxwell; one sister Ann Brown of Lloydminster; three sisters-in-law: Margaret Dodge of Maidstone, Frances (Irvin) Richards of Saskatoon, and Athene Clark of Lloydminster; brother-in-law Harold Clark of Cambridge, Ont.; eleven nieces and nephews. Bob was born to Archie and Mary McPherson and grew up on the family farm in the Waseca district. He attended school at Delmas, Halfway, Waseca, and Muenster. After completing his grade 11 he worked with his father on the farm. In January 1942 Bob enlisted in the Royal Canadian Air Force and was trained as a navigator. He served with the RAF in Great Britain flying in Lancaster bombers. In November 1943 he was captured by German forces and spent the remainder of the war in a prison camp. He was liberated in April 1945 and arrived home in Halifax on his birthday, July 14, 1945. The war was over, but his experiences and his friendships would stay with him always. After his discharge Bob returned to the farm, acquiring the adjacent land that would be his home for 59 years. In 1946 he renewed his acquaintanceship with Evelyn Clark and they were married on June 10, 1947. Bob and Evelyn built a house on his new land and soon there were three children, Ted, Fran, and Jean. Bob’s experiences in early life, especially in the prison camp, made him very appreciative of his family and he cared for them well. His own love of learning was evident in his support of his children’s education and he took great pride in their achievements. With the possible exception of some English novels, he read all of their university texts from cover to cover. In November 1945 Bob took on the weather observer’s job. He retired from that in 1995 and was recognized by Environment Canada for his 50 years of service. He was allowed to keep the station and made his daily measurements until January of this year. Bob had a lifelong interest in science and nature – birds, animals, flowers, the night sky, the environment. He was pleased in 1983 to fulfill a long-time dream and build an energy efficient house. He loved to garden. At his passing he was still saving seeds in the greenhouse for the 2005 tomato crop. He also liked raising chickens and kept a small flock until last fall. He loved the farm and never really retired from it. He could still be found in the harvest fields until 3:00 AM when he was well into his eighties. Bob took a keen interest in the news of the day. Politics was important to him and he defended his New Democratic beliefs proudly. He also accepted his civic responsibilities, serving on several community boards and committees, most notably the rural telephone board and as Returning Officer in several provincial elections. Throughout his life, Bob displayed a courage that made him appear matter-of-fact about his own mortality. He risked himself to rescue a comrade from the wreckage of their Lancaster. In 1979 he faced brain surgery with quiet stoicism. He was equally as resolute in his final days, knowing the end was near and peace was at hand. Donations in memory of Bob may be made to the Pine Island Lodge Building Fund or to the Diabetes Association.