July 29, 1953 – August 10, 2016

It is with great sadness that the family of Robert (Bob) Lawrence Rock announces his passing on August 10, 2016 in Medicine Hat Alberta, at the age of 63 years.  Bob is survived by his loving wife, Catherine McCulloch, his step children Margaret (Robin) Simon, Jean (Chuck) McCulloch and twin grandchildren Hayden and Rylan McCulloch, all of Medicine Hat, Alberta. Bob will forever be remembered by his siblings: Janice Jorgenson, White Rock, BC, Patricia (Brian) Austin, Medicine Hat, Alberta, and Brian (Chris) Rock, Prince Albert, Sk.  He leaves behind two nieces: Joelle (André) Beaulieu and their son, Braedon, Vancouver, BC and Shannon (Paul) Kramer and their children, Dylan, Austin and Noah, Fernie, BC; three nephews: Jay Jorgenson, White Rock, BC, Mark (Stacey Cupples) Austin, and their son, Peyton, Sparwood, BC and Lindsey Rock, Prince Albert, SK.  Bob also leaves a large extended family in Saskatchewan, including 38 first cousins, 34 of which are happily still with us. Bob was predeceased by his mother Claire Rock (Bremner) in 2013 and by his father George Rock in 1993. Bob was welcomed into the world and to his loving home on July 29, 1953 in Prince Albert, Saskatchewan.  In his early years, he loved playing hockey and spending time with his younger brother, Brian, and his many cousins and friends.  He loved music and amassed an enviable record collection, always meticulously handled wearing his white gloves. Early on, Bob discerned a love of, and a gift for, writing and his creative spirit was further developed by the opportunity of working at CKBI Radio and Television writing and producing commercials, combined with studio work, camera, lighting, switching and editing activities. He graduated from St. Mary’s High School and became a passionate and hard-working academic over the years.  He continued his education and graduated from the University of Lethbridge with a Bachelor of Arts in Geography, and achieved his Masters Degree in Cultural Geography from Queen’s University in Kingston, Ontario. He was particularly proud that all of his educational accomplishments were attained by way of scholarships. Bob’s zeal for ongoing learning was enhanced by his travels to various parts of the world. Three separate journeys culminated in Bob having travelled to 60 countries within six years.  While on one excursion, he worked in Australia in advertising and media. In recent years, Bob focused his talents on becoming a playwright and the creator, writer, producer of plays and documentary videos.  He won awards for his documentaries, such as Missing Bell of Batoche, Vikings to Metis and Mandela’s Sash.  Mandela’s Sash was especially gratifying for Bob who, proud of his Metis heritage, recognized the importance of bringing attention to this true story of Metis Senator John (JB) Boucher who travelled to Ottawa in 1998 for a meeting with Nelson Mandela to present and tie a Metis sash around the waist of Mr. Mandela – a sash he wore all day, even as he addressed our Canadian parliament. This documentary was a great tribute to Metis historical education and was influential in Senator Boucher later receiving the prestigious Order of Canada for his role, on behalf of all Metis people.  During his career, Bob was recognized for many special contributions in support of promoting Metis culture, heritage and language such as: creating promotional videos and literature as the Arts Curator for the Duck Lake Museum in Duck Lake, SK; he wrote and created “Petite Marie”, an animated program for educating children about Metis heritage at home and globally; he taught University level Geography courses and oversaw satellite programs in remote areas of Saskatchewan as a Faculty Program Manager at the First Nations University in Prince Albert, SK. Bob was uncompromisingly unique and, to quote from the poem Invictus, Master of his Fate and Captain of his Soul.  We loved him.  He was our Brother. To the outside world we all grow old. But not to brothers and sisters. We know each other as we always were. We know each other’s hearts. We share private jokes. We remember family feuds and secrets, family griefs and joys. We live outside the touch of time. ~ Clara Ortega

Arrangements were entrusted to Saamis Memorial Funeral Chapel in Medicine Hat, Alberta. Cremation has taken place and at Bob’s request there will be no formal service. 

• Date : 2016-08-10