ROBERT (BOB) WILLIAM SAWATSKY BURGESS

December 14, 1958 ~ January 30, 2026

Suddenly, while walking to a volunteer job, Robert (Bob) Burgess died at age 67 on January 30, 2026 in Winnipeg.

Bob was born in Red Lake, Ontario, and was raised in Dryden, Fort Frances, Atikokan, Nipigon, Madsen, and Starratt-Olsen. He left home at 16 and lived happily for many years in a suite in the Dansereau home in Red Lake.

For over 20 years beginning in 1976, Bob was well-known as the superb waiter at the Lakeview Restaurant in Red Lake who could carry eight full dinner plates at once, knew every detail of a regular customer’s order, never wrote an order and made no mistakes. In his characteristic calm, reassuring, knowledgeable way, Bob trained countless servers. His unparalleled skills were also employed at the Red Lake Inn, the Red Dog Inn Restaurant, and at innumerable banquets, weddings, and community events. He also did much bartending at the Polish Hall.

He lived in Thunder Bay for a time but when he met Brent Young in 1997, Bob moved permanently to Winnipeg and began his 28-year employment at the front desk of The Office (now Adonis Spa). He also enjoyed working part-time at Antiques and Funk, and volunteering at Goodwill.

Bob had a tremendous passion for antiques and vintage wares and was a long-time member and devoted volunteer of the Manitoba Antique Association. He spent many vacations in Mexico and, recently, had trips-of-a-lifetime to Paris and the East Coast of Canada.

For more than 20 years, Bob and Brent entertained at hundreds of events and occasions as their glitter-bearded, dynamic alter egos, Gloria Booths and Pictoria Secrete. As this iconic duo, in their elaborate, over-the-top costumes, were fixtures and media sensations in Pride parades across Canada and were known worldwide. They were honoured as parade marshalls at Canada Pride and the 30 th anniversary of Winnipeg Pride. Their last major events included being part of a Fringe Festival play last summer and being goodwill ambassadors for Unison Choral Fest. They were members of the Snowy Owl Monarchist Society, which awarded Pictoria and Gloria the rare honour of The Royal Order of the Snowy Owl.

Bob was a loyal, fair, kind, helpful, thoughtful and truly good man. He believed in doing what was right and would defend anyone from injustice. He smiled easily and laughed often. He loved animals – and shiny things – and burgers, thrift stores and antique sales. We will sure miss his quick wit and deadpan humour. How we wish we could hear “youse” many more times.

Bob is survived by Brent Young, his partner of nearly 30 years, as well as by siblings Ken (Sandra), Angie (Gerry Huetler), Russell, and Kevin, all of Red Lake, five nephews, aunts Susan (Wayne), Pat (Adam), Judy, Yvonne (Don) and many cousins. He was especially close to cousin Janalee (Bear) Jodouin of Red Lake. Bob also leaves his former partner, Maynard Olson, co-workers and many friends.

He was predeceased by his beloved mother, Ellen (née Desmeules) in 1999, grandmother Ellen Desmeules in 2006, and aunt Michelle (Shelly) Nadeau in 2024.

Heartfelt thanks to absolutely everyone who called, wrote, visited, wrote a tribute, and cared.

Our families have been outstandingly supportive, as have friends both long-time and newer.

Sincere appreciation is extended to the paramedics and Winnipeg Police Service members called to the scene, as well as the St. Boniface General Hospital emergency team and chaplain.

Tracy Pryndik of Red Lake Funeral Chapel has shown what an outstanding, compassionate professional she is. The exceptional support of our employers/friends, Doug and Erik (Adonis Spa) and Stuart and Olivia (Canada Cinema Distribution), cannot be measured.

Celebrations of life will be held in Red Lake and Winnipeg at later dates.

Should anyone so desire, donations may be made to Lucky Mutts Rescue (Red Lake), Manitoba Antique Association (Winnipeg), or to a charity of one’s choice.

Red Lake Funeral Chapel is entrusted with the arrangements.

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