Robert “Bob” Dale McLaren

July 26^th, 1940 – April 1^st, 2025

We are saddened to announce that Robert Dale McLaren passed away on April 1, 2025, at the age of 84.

 

He is grieved deeply by his beloved wife of almost 63 years, Patricia. He is also missed by his children and their spouses: Brenda and Geoff, Rob and Edith, Ian and Carolyn and Carolyn and Mike.  He was a much-loved Grandpa to Kathleen and Matthew, Rob (Andrew) and Rosalyn, Laura, Alex, Ainsley, Heather and Josh, Emma and Bryce, Chris, Riley and Evie. He was an adoring Great Grandpa to Edward, Leon, Bobbie, Selma, Lionel and a baby expected in September.  He will also be missed by his siblings and their spouses Wayne and Eileen, Sharen and Grant, Danny and Bonnie, Pat’s sister Joyce and her husband Doug and many nieces and nephews.  He was predeceased by his parents Bob and Thelma, his in-laws Arthur and Selma Tustian and Pat’s sister Barb and her husband Max.

 

Bob was born near Ponoka in 1940 and grew up on a farm surrounded by a close-knit and supportive extended family.  He had many happy memories of living in the country and playing with his siblings and cousins.

 

When he was 18 Bob attended Baptist Leadership Training School, and two momentous events happened that would change his life.  He met his wife Pat there and often spoke about how he immediately fell in love with her and felt so blessed to have found her.  He also felt the call to ministry at this time and set the course of faith for his life.

 

Bob attended the University of Alberta and received a Bachelor of Arts majoring in Sociology.  He sang in the University Men’s Chorus during this time and enjoyed living with a large group of friends at “the Villa”.

 

In 1962 Bob and Pat were married and a year later moved to Louisville Kentucky for Bob to attend Divinity School.  This was an exciting time of study and meeting friends from all over the continent.  Bob served a weekend church in Indiana during this time and enjoyed his first opportunity to serve a congregation.

 

Bob graduated from Southern Seminary in 1966 with a Master of Divinity and he was ordained in his home congregation in Ponoka.  Over the next 35 years Bob served churches in Whitehorse, Peace River, Cranbrook, Saskatoon, Pincher Creek, Pigeon Lake and Edmonton.  He was known as a caring pastor who loved his people dearly.

 

Bob and Pat retired to Medicine Hat in 2001 and enjoyed involvement in their new community.  Dad loved to build things needed at church and was a worship leader and Pastor Emeritus.  Music had always been a big part of his life and he thoroughly enjoyed his time with the Barbershop Chorus.  He sang with a quartet of friends, and they enjoyed singing at numerous events in the community.

 

Bob embraced his role as a Dad, Grandpa and Great-Grandpa.  He was fiercely proud of everyone in his family and immediately loved every member who joined it either by birth or marriage.  He was particularly thrilled to be a Great Grandpa and often stated that he did not think he would live to see great Grandchildren.

 

In addition to his deep connection to the congregations he served, Bob believed in serving his community through involvement in service clubs and organizations like Emergency Measures.

 

Bob was known as a man who was deeply curious about everything around him and could find the silver lining in every situation.  He had something good to say about everyone he met. He was a man of strong faith who modeled how to put your faith in action in service to others.

 

As his health declined and he dealt with pain and setbacks, he continued to be interested in his family and community and was always up on current affairs.  He was thankful for the love and exceptional care provided to him by Pat during his last years.

 

Bob’s funeral will be on April 19^th, 2025, at 11:00am at Temple Baptist Church in Medicine Hat with Pastor Ed Lehman officiating.  For those unable to attend, a livestream will be available by visiting https://www.templebaptist.ca/church-online/. Donations in Bob’s memory can be made to the Medicine Hat Women’s Shelter Society (mhwss.ca), Canadian Baptist Ministries (www.cbmin.org) or a charity of your choosing. Condolences may be made at www.gracememorial.com. Arrangements are made by GRACE MEMORIAL AFFORDABLE BURIAL & CREMATION 1924 10^th Ave NW, Medicine Hat, Alberta T1C 1T5 403-905-0440 info@gracememorial.com.

 

• Date : 2025-04-01
• Location : Medicine Hat, Alberta

1. Check all listings by this user