Robert Andrew Faris

It is with profound sadness that we share the passing of our much loved, husband, father, and grandpa, Robert Andrew Faris, who left us on Friday, September 27, 2024 at the age of 62.

Robert, known by everyone as Bob or Bobby, and by some as the ‘Tim-Bit Fairy’, was born on July 16, 1962 in Melville, Saskatchewan. The Faris family moved to Ontario for a short time before returning to Wilcox, Saskatchewan, where he excelled as a ‘stud’ athlete on many teams. He continued to play slo-pitch into his 50s, still crushing ‘50-year-old dingers’ and would usually be found on the golf course when he wasn’t spending time with his family. The knowledge and skills he achieved as an athlete enabled him to naturally progress into coaching—he was a longtime and proud coach of the Miller Marauders football team.

Bob lived fully for his family, golfing, watching the Boston Bruins, and doing crosswords and puzzles. He was lucky to survive cardiac arrest in January 2015 and we were blessed to share nine extra years together. In the time that followed, he kept things simple and was always present for each moment… except when he was watching the Bruins. Bob was a big, gentle, bear who cherished and adored Heather, his children, and his grandkids. Bob and Heather met as colleagues at Miller High School and she always had his heart even before they were a couple. He would prioritize her needs at work before anyone else, making sure everything in her classroom was just right, even brushing the snow off her car whenever it snowed. As a couple, Bob continued these simple acts of love everyday. Together Bob and Heather shared a beautiful love story and though it was far too short, it was one that most wished they could have.

Bob had four kids with his first wife, Carol: Matthew, Rachel, Jenna, and Luke. He shared many memories with his kids in their younger years—most notable, squishing in the station wagon for annual camping trips to North Dakota, a road trip to Arizona, watching them play sports, and playing the Atari and SEGA Genesis. In later years, he continued the road trips in the ‘Thunder-chicken’, and then ‘Bert’, whether to see Matthew and his family in Fort St. John or Rachel and her family in Winnipeg. He shared road trips with Jenna to see the Bruins play, and with Luke to watch a Jets game in Winnipeg. He was the best dad to his kids yet, somehow, Bob managed to outshine himself when he graduated to grandpa—a title of which he was most proud. He had five grandchildren whom he treasured: Isaac, Harlow, Stella, Jackson, and Olivia, and two grand-kitties, Cash and Molly. He was always present for his grandkids and took every opportunity to spend time with them, especially if it involved food or treats. He showed love in every moment and was always genuinely happy because he had everything he could have dreamed for and more.

Bob was truly an exemplary man who will be forever loved and missed dearly.

Bob is survived by his family who adored and loved him deeply; his mother Tillie; mother-in-law Irene Haynes; wife Heather; first wife Carol; son Matthew (Lindsay) and their children Jackson and Olivia; daughter Rachel (Shane) and their children Harlow and Stella; daughter Jenna (Tyler); son Luke and his son Isaac; siblings, (sister-in-law) Nancy; (brother-in-law) Phil Charge and Bernie; Theresa (Jim); Mike (Chris); sister-in-law (Chris); brothers-in-law Chris Haynes (Rosa) and their children Sierra and Allegra; Robbie Haynes and his children Annabelle and Theo; and Andy Haynes; and so many friends, nieces, nephews, and family members. Bob was predeceased by his father Rennie, father-in-law Herbert Haynes, brothers George and John, and his cat Eddie.

A Funeral Mass to celebrate and honour Bob will be held at Holy Rosary Cathedral (2104 Garnet Street, Regina) on Saturday, October 5, 2024, at 1:00 pm.  A private family internment will follow.