KLASSEN, Robert "Bob" J.

Bob passed away peacefully on October 8, 2019. He was born on April 21, 1930 in Bradwell, SK. He is survived by his wife Arlene, children Norine (Doug) Davis, Michael Klassen, Barbara (John) Wiercinski, Susan (Terry) Peters, Linda (Rob) Perverseff, Bob (Amanda) Klassen, 12 grandchildren, 9 great-grandchildren, brother Elmer, sister Lil, and first wife June.

He was predeceased by his mother Marie-louise (née Lanovaz), father

Jacob, brother Frank, and second wife Donna.

Bob spent his formative years in Saskatoon attending Caswell Hill School and Bedford Road Collegiate. His love of gardening then took him to the University of Saskatchewan College of Agriculture. Around this time Bob also earned his pilot’s licence through the Canadian Air Force Reserve. However, in the midst of his studies he opted to join his father and brothers in the family business, J. Klassen and Sons Ltd. in 1951. In 1957 Bob became president of the company after both his father and brother Frank unexpectedly passed away. In 1984 Bob was in a life-threatening car accident when hit by a drunk driver. He was not expected to survive. While spending three months in hospital, without Bob’s direction and due to difficult economic times, the business collapsed. But in true Bob fashion, through multiple surgeries, perseverance, and sheer determination he recovered with almost no long-lasting injuries. In 1985, Bob’s entrepreneurial spirit shone brightly and with the help of family and friends he went back into business. Klassen Jewellers Ltd. enjoyed over 30 years of success and employed people in Saskatoon and across Canada.

In 1961, Bob bought property at Loon Lake, Saskatchewan. Along with several friends, a cabin was built on a shoe-string budget using the doors and windows from the old Arctic Ice Company building which was slated for demolition. Time spent at the cabin was filled with joy, laughter and fishing; a special place for all who visited.

Bob was a fantastic musician. His knowledge of the Great American Songbook was unparalleled. He first learned to play the clarinet at the age of 10 in the Saskatoon Boys Band. He went on to master whatever reed instrument was in his hands whether it a saxophone, oboe, or even a bassoon. Bob played in many bands and groups throughout his professional music career and with famous performers such as Bob Hope and Louis Armstrong. Locally, he played with the Saskatoon Symphony Orchestra, Saskatoon Philharmonic Orchestra, Bridge City Dixieland Jazz Band, Saskatoon Hobby Band, Don Watson Octet, Saskatoon Klezmer Band as well as with a multitude of duos, trios, and other combos. He played in countless events and venues in Saskatoon and the surrounding area. His great love was jazz and he was a mainstay at the Saskatchewan Jazz Festival from its inception. His contribution to the local jazz community as a mentor, organizer, leader and uncompromising musician was considerable. In 1999, Bob was honoured with a lifetime achievement award from the Saskatchewan Jazz Festival.

But most of all, his greatest pride and joy was family. And in particular, over the last few years, his loving wife Arlene was his greatest strength and comfort. For all who knew him, they will remember him for his faith in God, sharp wit, generosity, tenacity, an inability to sit still, remarkable frugality and humble nature.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 9:00 a.m. on Saturday, October 19, 2019 at St. Anne’s Roman Catholic Church (217 Lenore Dr. Saskatoon) to be celebrated by Fr. Matthew Ramsay. Rite of Committal will be held at Woodlawn Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the Canadian National Institute for the Blind (CNIB) (1149 - 8th St E, Saskatoon, SK S7H 0S3). Arrangements are in care of Chelsea Krentz - Mourning Glory Funeral Services (306) 978-5200 www.mourningglory.ca