Call
Email
Facebook-square Instagram

780-532-2929 | info@oliversfuneralhome.com

Facebook-square Instagram

Obituaries

Robert Clyde Blimkie

September 09, 1929 - May 03, 2025

Text:

Obituary For Robert Clyde Blimkie

It is with profound sadness, yet gratitude for a life well lived, that we announce the passing of Robert Blimkie on Saturday, May 3, 2025 in Grande Prairie, Alberta, at the age of 95.

Rob was born September 9,1929, in Grande Prairie, Alberta and spent his life in the Grande Prairie area. He and his siblings grew up on the family farm. Rob, along with his brother Bert, left school early to help support the family when his father became disabled with arthritis at an early age. Rob worked in logging camps in the Peace River region beginning at the age of 16.

In 1955, Rob married Dolores Probst of Beaverlodge. The two went on a grand adventure for their honeymoon, driving through BC, into Washington state and on to Yellowstone National Park. As their family grew, Rob worked their farm located east of town, eventually raising purebred Hereford cattle as well as growing various grain crops. He also was employed in the lumber mills in Grande Prairie. Rob had a strong work ethic and as with most farmers, laboured in harsh conditions with never a complaint. In his free time, Rob enjoyed fishing and hunting.

Rob was a wonderful musician. He was taught to play the fiddle by his mother, who also had no formal musical training. Rob played “by ear” and taught himself to play the accordion, keyboard, guitar, and mandolin. For many years, Rob played with the Westernaires band who entertained at many weddings and other events “in town” as well as throughout the region. He also participated in parades and donated his time to play at various senior’s lodges. Rob and Dolores eventually began travelling around Alberta and Northern BC for fiddling competitions where Rob collected many awards. He was called “Stomping Rob” as he continually stomped his feet while playing. In his final days, Rob continued to enjoy listening to his fiddling music. There is a recording of his music in the Alberta Provincial Archives as part of a special project on old time fiddling.

Rob and Dolores were also regular contributors at the Grande Prairie County fair and earned many awards for various entries over the years. Rob was a friendly man, who always had a smile and kind words for those he encountered. It was difficult to walk down the street in Grande Prairie with him, as he would continually stop to chat to the people he knew. He was always willing to lend a hand and help a neighbor.

Rob was predeceased by his parents Herbert and Margaret Blimkie, brother Bert and granddaughter Melissa. He is survived by his wife of 70 years, Dolores, sister Ann, four sons: Laurie (Karen), Brent, Glen (Joanne) and Dean (Shawna). Grandchildren: Kathrina (Kodi), Alicia, Ryan, Ronin, Liam and Michelle. Great grandchildren: Sophia, Desmond, Bree, Ella and Mila.

Rob loved his children, grandchildren and great grandchildren deeply and was proud of all of them.

In late 2023, Rob and Dolores moved from their farm to Prairie Lake Seniors Community, where he resided until his death. The family is grateful for the support provided by the Prairie Lake staff.

Rob is greatly missed by his wife and family, but we know he is now free and imagine him with his big smile and fiddle in hand.

At Rob’s request, the family will hold a private memorial at the family farm, to be scheduled in the coming months.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Rob’s memory to either:

Canadian Cancer Society AB/NWT: www.cancer.ca or

Grande Prairie Museum : Bag 4000, Grande Prairie, AB T8V 6V3

Photos & Video

Add New Photos & Video

Condolences

  • May 12, 2025

    George and Mary Morrison

    Our condolences to the family of Rob Blimke. It was 51 years ago next month that he played at our wedding dance, in the Goodwin Hall. George and Mary Morrison

  • May 11, 2025

    Angela Werner

    So sorry to see that Rob has passed away. I experienced, first hand, the kindness he was known for. Years ago I had a wayward bull that had escaped and decided to visit Rob's pedigree Herefords. Rob corralled this trouble maker and helped me get him loaded and shipped to auction mart. Rob had just the right replacement too, a quiet, mild mannered, two year old Hereford I named Curly. Rob even delivered Curly. For many years Curly proved to be the most quiet and gentle bull you could ask for, and he always stayed inside my fences! Rob was famous for raising gentle pedigreed, Herefords and won many awards showing them.

  • May 10, 2025

    Levola Sedore

    Dear Delores & family, so very sorry to hear of Rob's passing. He was so kind and caring with so much musical talent. He will be missed by all who knew him. My deepest sympathy- love from Levola Sedore and family.

  • May 09, 2025

    Dave Doll

    Growing up a mile away, was so privileged to share many memories with Glen and the family. As I got older, I was so entertained by his quick wit and joy of music, a void to the community, a true loss, condolences to all

  • May 09, 2025

    Joanne Ingalls

    Sending sincere condolences to the family of Rob, my father and my husband played music every weekend with Rob and those years have made a real impact on our families with great memories. Hold Rob close to your hearts, he was a very gentle man. Blessings to you all. From the Waldner and Ingalls families.

We are experiencing some technical difficulties with our Obituaries.  We are working to resolve the issue as soon as possible.  Our apologies for any inconvenience.

 

To view the livestream of Sandra Van Schaick (Saturday at 11:00 am) or Glenn Kochendorfer (Monday at 2:00 pm) visit https://www.facebook.com/olivers.funeral.home/

Facebook-square Instagram
Get Directions
Street View
Scroll to Top