Obituaries

William Robert (Bob) Neufeld

12/09/1929 - 02/12/2022

Text:

Obituary For William Robert (Bob) Neufeld

William Robert (Bob) Neufeld went to be with his Heavenly Father on December 2, 2022 at the age of 93 years. Family, Fitness, Faith and Service were the cornerstones of Bob’s life and he stood steadfastly to them.

Bob was a lifelong resident of Grande Prairie except for his years at the U of A where he completed his B. Ed degree and a 2 year teaching assignment for the Canadian Armed forces in Germany. A natural teacher and mentor, he impacted the lives of many he met on his journey.

Upon completion of his B. Ed degree he returned home to teach PE at the Composite High School for 30 yrs. Together with his wife June they built a home and welcomed many a soul for a heartfelt visit around their kitchen table where encouragement and laughter flowed freely from their generous hearts.

Bob began his professional teaching career in 1955 and quickly became an outdoor education trailblazer as the curriculum he developed was adopted across the province and beyond. His enthusiasm for nature along with his deep personal faith and love for youth education were instrumental in the creation of Camp Wapiti in 1963. While teaching in Germany Bob earned his Alpine Ski Instructors Certification which later became the basis for Pro Ski Adventure at the Nighthawk Ski Area. Bob loved this growing community of professionals and instructed and volunteered continuously. His great grandkids enjoyed Bob’s last lesson on Bob’s Bump this last March. After he retired from teaching he took on the job of host and guardian at the Two Lakes Recreation Area where he was fondly referred to as Ranger Bob. Another accomplishment born of his passion for God’s creation was securing protective status for the Wild Kakwa region.

His latter years consisted of daily treks to A&W to coffee with friends (and strangers) and volunteering as singer/entertainer at various senior homes in the area.

Bob was a precious presence in his faith community, McLaurin Baptist Church. Born the same year as the church was formed, his first visit was as a child in his mother’s arms in the early thirties. It would soon become his home church, where he grew, was baptized, served, led, and loved, right up until his last visit on Thanksgiving Sunday 2022.

When asked about how he wanted to be remembered, Bob said ‘I want people to know that I loved the Lord, I loved my family, I loved my church, I loved God’s Camp Wapiti and I loved my Nitehawk Ski Community.’

Bob leaves to celebrate his life, his wife of 66 years June (Allen), his daughter Jody (Dave) Penner and their three sons and families: Kaleb (Bev) Orion (Keshia) and Tal (Rebecca) and his son Barry (Ronda) and their two sons, Gideon and Nolan, and his deceased son Bobby’s daughter, Teresa (Andrew) and her family in Ottawa.

Bob is survived by his siblings: Margaret (Dan) Froese, Ron (Verna) Neufeld and Stan (Helen) Neufeld and their extended families.

He was predeceased by his parents Bill and Annie Neufeld, later his stepfather, Gene Kuykendall and his chosen son, Bobby Neufeld.

A funeral service for Bob will be held on Sunday, December 11 at 3:30 at People’s Church 11850 108 Street Grande Prairie.

To take part in the service by livestream click below:

A light lunch will follow at McLaurin Baptist Church 10913 107 Ave, Grande Prairie.

To honor Bob, in lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to Nitehawk Ski or Camp Wapiti to teach child to ski or send a child to camp.

Care entrusted to Bear Creek Funeral Home 780 830 7742 bearcreekfuneral.com

Services

11 Dec

Funeral Service

03:30 PM

People's Church 11850 108 Street Grande Prairie, AB Get Directions »
by Obituary Assistant

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Condolences

  • 02/05/2023

    Around 1990, we came up to GP as a short term mission team from Edmonton to the Chinese residents here. We met this very friendly guy who lived very near to McLaurin, at that time located near GP Composite High. From then on, Bob was a mental & spiritual support for us in the Chinese Fellowship. Always supportive. Always helpful. Always care. In the following years when I travelled up to GP, I received many invitations to eat at Bob & June's home. They encompassed the open arms spirits of many McLaurin members. Whenever we talked about ministry in GP in the last 30 years, their names often came up. Really miss you, Bob.

  • 01/03/2023

    Although l was not part of the neufeld clan, he will always be Grizzly Bear to me when l was so honored to be a counselor at camp wapit for a couple of weeks. Rest in peace 😥❤😇.

  • 12/28/2022

    I am lucky to have had Mr. Neufeld as an outdoor education teacher at the Comp in 1985 🙏

  • 12/10/2022

    "We are climbing Jacob's ladder" Up the hill to the campfire, lead by Bob on the guitar, Thank you Bob.

  • 12/10/2022

  • 12/10/2022

    When I think of Bob, I think of a man who was the most amazing selfless entertainer as he engaged many seniors to sing along with him at Heritage Lodge. Any interaction with this super friendly, personable, positive, and unflappable "gentle"man always left you feeling happier and lighter. His work is done on earth and will now be singing with the angels. My sincerest heartfelt condolences to June and her family❤️ Verna Horney

  • 12/08/2022

    Bob Neufeld was a good leader and our mentor in the Care group. He kept us on task during our Bible study. Tony still remembered spending lot of Easter weekend to watch "The Passion of Christ" ..eat snacks and pray for each other. Bob spent a lot of time working at Camp Wapiti too. He's a precious brother in the church. He will be deeply missed.

  • 12/08/2022

    I will miss this wonderful man. He and June were great support after Jack died and for that I will always be grateful. His positive spirit was far reaching and his love of life will be missed. My thoughts are with June and family as they celebrate a life well lived and say goodbye.

  • 12/08/2022

    Bob was a wonderful role model as I began my teaching career in 1969. His philosophy of life-long physical participation was far ahead of its time. I have special treasured memories of our work together with Bob Guest in the creation of Wild Kakwa and the successful protection of Kakwa Falls. I shall never forget our field trip to that area with two bus loads of Comp students. He taught all of us so much! Jim Brackenbury, Victoria

  • 12/08/2022

    I so appreciated Bob's "Outdoor Ed 10" class that included an overnight camping excursion at Musreau Lake, I believe, in the middle of winter! Bob fully integrated his deep faith with his work and family as well as his church life, including at Camp Wapiti, the family cabin, and with the Wild Kakwa association. As a man and father figure, Bob was unfailingly kind and gently set out his expectations of us high school boys by addressing us as "Men, . . ." Bob's was a life of service to God and to others without expectation of thanks or laurels. He made our lives richer.

  • 12/07/2022

    It was a sad moment indeed when I got a call from a classmate of mine from the Grad class of 1970 that a wonderful man, coach and teacher, Neuf, had passed away. Bob had a tremendous influence on me. He was a guide and mentor who guided me into the teaching profession. Neuf's teaching of outdoor education, hunter training courses, organizing Pow Wow Days in the early years of the Comp was really innovative. Our PE 30 camping trip was an experience all of us remember to this day. Bob's philosophy of teaching lifetime sports left a lasting impression on me and as a result made an impact on all the students on the high schools, I taught in for over 37 years as I copied his curriculum. His soft spoken, empathetic, patient way of guiding students in class was extraordinary. Bob Neufeld was the absolute epitome of the Master Teacher and human being. Rest in peace dear friend.

  • 12/07/2022

    I would like to share this memory of Me Bob Neufeld. In 1958 I was in Grade 12 and on the GPHS basketball team. Bob announced that we were going to Edmonton to play two games against Jasper Place and Concordia College. We needed transportation and Willard Cook father offered the car for Willard to drive . So off we went Bob and Willard driving. Five boys in each car. We were told to bring a shirt,jacket and tie with us. We won the first game but lost the second. Sunday morning Bob told us to put in our shirt,tie and jacket because we going to church. The front row was empty so we were seated there. After the service the congregation was asked to stay seated and were asked to stand and were introduced to them. I wonder today if taking 10 boys in two cars 300 miles would be allowed. I think the experience was great for us all.Thanks Bob you were one of a kind and will be well remembered by those who knew you for your kindness,knowledge and strong character. Hilmar Lange Grade 12 1958. Adelaide Australia

  • 12/07/2022

    Condolences to June and family. Bob spent many hours volunteering at Heritage Lodge in a variety of activities. He will be missed.

  • 12/07/2022

    I too met Bob Neufeld at the GPCHS 1971-1973. I never had the pleasure of being in his PE class but certainly seen him often in the High School halls and speak upon occasion. He moved around the school with so much speed accomplishing everything he did the same. My classmates of 1973 Grad Class will be celebrating our 50th year Reunion August coming up. His name has been mentioned more than once. Would have been so nice for him to have joined us. Bob will be missed by all Students who knew him and knew of him at the GPCHS. Rest in Peace Bob ! LeAnne Ross (Reynaud)

  • 12/07/2022

    Bob Neufeld was my PE teacher at GPHS (before GPCHS existed) in the early '60s. He introduced us to a great variety of sports, including refereeing - what a great way to teach one how to see things from different angles: players vs the rules. He was the teacher who discussed with me what I would do after high school - a short meeting: you are going the uni. Rest in peace, Bob. You certainly had a life well lived and loved by many. Roger Hnatiuk, Canberra Australia.

  • 12/07/2022

    Mr Neufeld was my phys Ed teacher at gp comp from 1984-86 he was an amazing person , teacher and mentor . He had taught my dad in one of his first years snd dad felt the same about this man . As an educator myself I look back and realize that he was a key influence in my decision and a mentor in the classroom , on the field as a coach and most importantly as a human being ! I loved this man and condolences to his family and the 1000's of people who share these feelings . We have lost an angel on earth !

  • 12/07/2022

    Bob's high school curriculum he created to have students give different sports a try is 100% the reason I enjoy downhill skiing today. We never could have afforded or envisioned that growing up. Bob you were a trailblazer whose legacy will last for generations to come. Much gratitude. #gpchs #classof89

  • 12/07/2022

    I first met Mr Neufeld as my PE teacher at GPCHS He impacted me immediately with his passion for life,his extremely evident positive look on life and a joy that always radiated from his innermost being,A physical loss here on earth but truly heavens gain.To Mr Neufeld's family I offer my sincere condolences both now and for the days to come.May the peace of Christ comfort each and every one of you.

  • 12/07/2022

    An extraordinary physical educator and sports leader who had a profound impact on countless students and athletes. Terry Bangen, Kamloops, BC

  • 12/07/2022

    Our prayers are with the family and I can't say enough about what an inspirational person he was. He truly had the light of Jesus shining through him. ❤️🤗😢🙏

  • 12/07/2022

    Bob, you'll always be an absolute legend in the eyes of all those who have had the privilege to know you. Brian Leathem and family Sydney, AUSTRALIA

  • 12/06/2022

    Condolences to the family. Bob and June's Two Lakes camp was a great place of sanctuary. A life well lived. Dwayne Matier

  • 12/06/2022

    Bob was a great person. He was loved by all. Bob also Known as ( Grizzly ) was well known to attend the Father/Son/Daughter campout at Two Lakes. Play his Guitar and sing to many kids and there fathers. RIP Bob.

  • 12/06/2022

    God be with June and families as they will miss him so much. So many memories come to mind such as choir in McLaurin at Christmas time and the Contata that we sang. He was so generous with his smile and his caring thoughts. God bless his wife June and all the rest of the family. Maxine & Laurel Hyatt

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