It is with deep sorrow that we announce the sudden passing of Robert Percy Pearce at Brandon Regional Health Centre on Feb. 9, 2026 at the age of 81.
Robert was born on June 3, 1944, in Souris Hospital and grew up in Hartney, Manitoba. He delivered milk for his parents’ dairy farm, ran the films in the Hartney theatre, broke horses, played hockey, and had adventures with his many friends. Robert met his future wife, Marilyn Pratt, when he saw her at a dance and asked a friend to set them up on a date. They dated for 5 years and married in Elgin, Manitoba in 1965. They moved to Souris, Manitoba where they raised their three daughters Shari, Carolyn and Julie.
As a young man, Robert coached hockey, was a member of the Lion’s Club, and curled. His early career included driving for Bilton’s Transfer, Howard’s Van and Storage (moving furniture), and the Souris Superior Cheese Plant. He also worked at the seed plant in Souris and drove for Motorways. Eventually, he bought his own second-hand truck and was contracted to Arnold Brothers’ Transport as an owner/operator. Over the years, he bought a total of four new trucks that he was proud of and maintained carefully. He drove over 6,000,000 accident-free miles, and he received many safe driving awards, including the Manitoba Trucking Association Driver of the Month for October 1998.
At age 63, Robert retired and embraced a slower paced life at home allowing for cherished time with his wife, Marilyn, family, friends, and many community activities. Robert, known to his friends as ‘Bob’, deeply valued the connections and friendships he formed during these years. He joined the Sticks and Pucks group and bought a motorcycle. Robert returned to golfing, bought a golf cart, and played daily as weather permitted. It was an exciting day for him when he shot a hole-in-one on the 8th hole at the Souris Golf Course. Robert became a regular player at the Snooker club and, for a while, president. He and Marilyn were members at the Fellowship Club for 12 years where he excelled in shuffleboard. In 2017, he became a board member and took on the role of property management. During these years, he took great care in preparing and maintaining the shuffleboard lanes and in refurbishing the cement floors in the basement every fall.
Family was always most important to Robert. He adored his three daughters and was very proud of them. He became good friends with his sons-in-law and was overjoyed with the arrival of each of his six grandchildren. He enjoyed celebrating birthdays, graduations, and many other special moments and achievements of his family. Everyone loved his witty sense of humour which was on full display during the many matches of Progressive Rummy and other games the family played together. His laughter will never be forgotten.
Robert and Marilyn celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary on July 17, 2025 surrounded by family. They shared a partnership based on respect, kindness, and true love. Robert showed his devotion to Marilyn daily in the way he took such good care of her, their family, and home. He valued quiet time on the deck or sunroom where they watched the birds at their many feeders, where he would read the paper, and do a daily crossword. He will be forever missed and loved.
Robert is survived by his wife Marilyn; daughters Shari (Clark) Logan of Calgary, Alberta; Carolyn (Mike) Forster of Brandon, Manitoba; and Julie (Vince) Dufresne of Elie, Manitoba; Grandchildren Brett (Corey) and Tyler Logan, Bailey and Sydney Forster, Cole and Ayla Dufresne; Sister Ethel Brown and Niece Kim Perron.
Thank you to Dr. Sopel and the nursing staff at Souris Hospital for providing comfort and treatment to Robert during his recent illness, and to Dr. Cram for being his trusted health provider these past many years. Also, thanks to the ambulance and emergency staff at Brandon Regional Health Centre for their effort and compassion.
A funeral service was held at St. Paul’s United Church on February 21, 2026.
In memory of Robert, donations may be made to the Heart and Stroke Foundation of Canada.
Ton view the service Click Here
Our condolences to Marilyn and to all of Robert’s relatives and friends. Ethel is one I also remember! I was saddened to see that our old school-mate had passed! Only reminisced at Hartney reunions, but remember Robert from school days being kind and usually smiling. Hope you are well Marilyn! Blessings! Edith (Morden) & Bob Tarbet, Barrhead, Ab
Marilyn, Shari and Clark, our condolences to you and your family, our hearts break along with yours. Robert had a wonderful life and you can hold this close to your hearts. Let us know if you need anything. Hugs to you all.
Dear Marilyn and family, we are so sorry to hear of this sad news. Please know that we are thinking of you at this time.
Dear Marilyn, Shari, Carolyn and Julie,
I am so sorry for your loss.
Sincerely,
Pam Whitfield
Sorry to hear the sad news all our condolences from our family to yours it is unbelievable to realize that Roberts no longer with us
Marilyn and Family- We are so incredibly sorry for your loss. Thinking of you at this difficult time.
Susan and Greg Logan and Family
Our thoughts and prayers are with you Marilyn and families . We were very saddened to hear of Robert’s passing. Please take care of yourself.
Marilyn and family. My deepest condolences and wishing you strength as you move through these next steps in this journey.
Sincere condolences to Marilyn and all the family.
Reg and Shirley Olson
Thinking of you and your family at this sad time.
My sincere condolences.
Stay strong Marilyn.
Condolences to Marilyn, Shari, Carolyn, and Julie.
Robert and I were friends all our lives. I am so sorry for him to be gone.
We had a lot of good times together.
Stay strong Marilyn and kids.
Barrie Mcdonald
Marilyn, Alan and I were shocked to hear of Robert’s Passing. We send our sincere and heartfelt condolences to you Marilyn and your girls and families. We will be over when we return and also to offer our help to you in any way we can in these coming days and months . Hugs to you our dear neighbor. Thinking of you Xx.
Alan and Lesa Harkness
Marilyn so sorry to hear of your loss. My thoughts are with you and your family.
Terralee Seafoot
So sorry to learn of Bob’s passing. My condolences to To Marilyn and the family..
Shari & Clark, so truly sorry to hear of your dad’s passing. My condolences to your Mom, sisters and families as you help each other through your great loss.
We are so sorry to hear about the loss of your father and grandfather. Our sincere condolences
Gail Nykoliation, Em Scott and Laura Scott
Marilyn & Family, You have our deepest sympathy on Robert’s passing. He was always happy and had a ready smile when talking to you. May you all find comfort in the wonderful memories you’ve shared.
Marg & Wally
Marilyn and family. We were so sorry to hear of the loss of your husband, father, and grandfather. Keep your memories close.
Doug and Helen Fenwick
My sincere condolences to Robert’s family. I only knew Robert for a year through playing snooker with him.
A very thoughtful and fun gentleman and I am sure you will miss him, but the memories will persist for us all.
Marilyn and family my deepest condolences thinking of you all in this sad time
We are sorry to hear of your loss. Our condolences to your family.
David & Marion Howard
Julie and Vince
We are so sorry to hear about Robert’s passing. We know he was an amazing husband, father and Grandpa. It was such a great pleasure to know him. Please know you are in our thoughts and that we are sending lots of love your way.
O sorry to hear of Robert’s passing. My sympathies to you all.
We are so sorry for your loss .
Sympathies to Marilyn and family .
Kathleen Lagasse
Marilyn and family, we are so sorry for your loss. Thinking of you all at this sad time.
Sincere condolences to you and your family, Marilyn.
Robert was a very kind man, who was kind to all who were lucky enough to know him. A wonderful husband and father and grandparent. He will be missed, but so glad you all had many years of joy and happiness with him. Stay strong and know others care and are always here for you all. Mary Ann Carlisle and family
Marilyn and family
My deepest sympathy. My heart breaks for you and your family. He was a wonderful man and he will truly be missed.
Marilyn and family
Sorry to read of Robert’s passing. I can’t believe how many years have passed since we worked together at Howard’s.
Bob & Linda Johnston
Marilyn, Shari, Carolyn and Julie and your families my sincere condolences for your loss. Thinking of you all at this sad time may your memories be comforting. I send you all healing prayers and a comforting hug. R.I.P. Robert
Marilyn and family. My condolences for your loss. Holding you close in my thoughts and prayers. Laura
Very sorry to hear of Robert’s passing. Condolences to you and your family Marilyn.
For you Bailey and for your family, we want to offer our condolences during these difficult times
Famille Lefebvre xx
Marilyn and family our condolences on Robert, such a gentleman. Sincerely Ken and Carolyn Rae
Marilyn and family. Our sincere condolences on the passing of Robert
John and Marg Spratt
Marilyn, Our condolences to you and your family during this difficult time.
Marilyn and Family.
Our sincere condolences are with all of you at this very sad time.
Robert was a great husband, father and grandfather. He will be missed.