Obituary
With his loving wife, his sister, other family members, and closest friends at his side, Robert Duncan Dumas passed away peacefully on October 17th, 2022, in the Palliative Care Unit of the Fairview Health Complex.
The second child of Joe and Peggy Dumas, Robert was born August 25th, 1955, in Berwyn, AB. He spent almost all his life living and working in the Peace River region but did have some short stints elsewhere – working for his aunt and uncle in Creston, BC at Chinook Stables and Spruce Meadows Stables in Calgary, and as a Pasture Manager at Medicine Lake Provincial Grazing Reserve in Central Alberta.
In 1977, Robert returned to work with his dad at the Wanham Provincial Grazing Reserve. After his father’s passing in 1982, Robert was successful in his bid to become the Pasture Supervisor there, a position he held until his retirement as a working Cowboy in 2012.
In 1985, Robert met Kathy Gelech and they married on April 1st, 1989. This match included three stepchildren: Clinton, Toni, and Dawn Ostrem. Robert and Kathy lived at the Grazing Reserve until they purchased their farm just south of Dunvegan in 1991. In early 2022, the farm was sold, and Robert and Kathy moved into a house in the town of Fairview.
Robert and Kathy enjoyed camping, fishing, and traveling. These hobbies took them to many destinations throughout Alberta, Saskatchewan, British Columbia, Bahamas, Disneyland, Nova Scotia & PEI, cruising the west coast of BC, and two special ‘Bucket List’ trips to the Yukon and to Dumas Lake located in Northern Saskatchewan named in memory of Robert’s uncle who passed in WWII. Robert also bowled, golfed, was involved in various 4-H groups, competed in, and judged team roping and cattle penning. Robert was Arena Director, and track judge for the Waterhole Rodeo and Chuckwagon Races. He volunteered for over twenty years with the MD133 Fire Department.
Predeceased by his parents Joe (1982), and Peggy (2009), Robert is survived by his loving wife Kathy; stepchildren Clint (Anette) Ostrem, children Darby (Reece and son Kohen Basnett), Dane, Dylann, and Mary, Toni (Bryan and sons Liam and Sean) Craig, and Dawn (Darren and daughter Olivia) Campbell, sister Joanne (Ralph) Peterson, niece Cheri Peterson, nephew Barry (Melissa and children Ryan and Kylie), mother and father-in-law George and Verna Gelech, Kathy’s siblings Judy, Gene, Cindy, Dwain, Janet and their families, numerous cousins, and special friends Danny and Michelle Nester.
The family would like to extend their sincere appreciation to Dr. Moreau and Dr. Hattingh of the Grande Prairie Cancer Centre, Dr. Elgaoud and the staff of the Fairview Health Complex for the care and kindness shown to them during Robert’s treatments and stay in the hospital.
A Celebration of Life will be held at Dunvegan Inn & Suites beginning at 1:00 pm, Wednesday, October 26th, 2022. Private interment will take place following the service and lunch.
In lieu flowers donations can be made to STARS, Fairview & Area Palliative Care Society, or a charity of one’s choice would be appreciated.
Care entrusted to Peace Valley Funeral Home, 780-835-3306.
To send flowers
to the family or plant a tree
in memory of Robert Dumas, please visit our floral store.
Our most sincere sympathies to the family and friends of Robert Dumas August 25 1955 October 17 2022 (age 67)..
Death notice for the town of: Fairview, Province: Alberta