Robert Ralph Knowles

Robert Ralph Knowles passed away peacefully at Harwood Manor on February 24, 2021 at the age of 88 years. Left to cherish his memory are his loving children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren: Dan (Sandra) Knowles; Jeff (Shawna), Carter & Cody. Cory (Justine), Kennedy. Christie (Dustin) Wolf. Jim (Surj) Knowles; Jamie (Kevin) Lewis, Kiera & Hailey. Colin Knowles. Cheryl (Allan) Laing; Alison (Jeff) Michel, Carson & Morgan. Ryan Laing. Also survived by sisters-in-laws Teresa Engler & Cordellia Crittenden & brothers-in-laws Don Engler & Don Nolin and numerous nieces & nephews & their families. He was predeceased by his loving wife Geraldine, parents Robert & Jane Knowles. Brothers David & Donald. Sister-in-law Sheila Nolin. Bob was born in Wilkie, SK on October 5, 1932 to Robert & Jane Knowles. He grew up on the family farm south of Rockhaven and attended Weewona one room school. After leaving school he pursued his lifelong passion for farming. On December 17, 1955 he married Geraldine Skotheim, the apple of his eye. They were blessed with three children Dan, Jim & Cheryl. Bob ran the Rockhaven rotary snow plow for many years. He enjoyed having agriculture exchange students come to work on the farm from Denmark for several years. He loved to share his farming knowledge with them and learning about their country & culture. The family enjoyed many camping trips & visiting relatives. Bob was an accomplished farmer, talented mechanic, carpenter & a jack of all trades. As well as growing crops, he raised hogs for many years. Being the kind gentle soul he was, he took time to listen to others and offer advice when asked. He possessed a dry sense of humor and had a sharp wit. He had a strong work ethic & was always willing to help others. He took pride in his work & liked nothing better than being out on the land. In their retirement years, Bob and Gerry enjoyed travelling, and visited England, Hawaii, California and Mexico. They spent many winters in Yuma, Arizona, travelling south with their RV and enjoying the sights along the way until Gerry's passing in 1993. He remained actively farming with Dan until the fall of 2013 when he moved to Caleb Village in North Battleford where he enjoyed the social activities and made many new friends. He enjoyed many trips back to the farm during the busy seasons in a supervisory capacity. In June of 2017 he had to move to Harwood Manor due to advancing Parkinson's disease. While at Harwood he enjoyed the musical entertainment and meeting new people. Bob took great pride in all his children, grandchildren & great-grandchildren and loved to spend time with all of them. The family of the late Robert Knowles would like to thank the staff at both Caleb Village & Harwood Manor for their compassionate care and support during his time there. A private family service will be held on Monday, March 1, 2021 at ‘The Garden Chapel’ in North Battleford with Rev. Dexter van Dyke officiating. Interment will take place at Rockhaven Cemetery, Rockhaven, SK. A link to the live streamed service will be posted to Eternal Memories Facebook Page and a link will be available following the service of the recording. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to: BUH Foundation, Box 1358, North Battleford, SK  S9A 3L8. buhfoundation.com or Parkinson's Department at Royal University Hospital, 103 Hospital Drive, Saskatoon, SK  S7N 0W8. Arrangements are entrusted to Robert MacKay of Eternal Memories Funeral Service & Crematorium (306-446-4200).