On Friday, September 24, 1999, Bobby Bend passed away peacefully at the age of 85 at Rosewood Lodge in Stonewall, Manitoba. Born on April 16, 1914 at Poplar Point, Manitoba, Bobby led a very full and productive life, making significant contributions to sports, education and politics in the province of Manitoba. He was one of the many outstanding sports products of Poplar Point which included his sister Olive, his brother Lin and cousin Bryan Hextall Sr. After starting his teaching career, Bobby remained active in sports as a baseball umpire. His contribution to baseball in the province of Manitoba were formally recognized three years ago when he was inducted into the Manitoba Baseball Hall of Fame. After graduating from the University of Manitoba with a B. Science degree in 1937, Bobby taught school in a variety of locations throughout the province. He later received a B. Ed from University of Manitoba in 1960. During his career as an educator he was a teacher, a principal, a superintendent, a special assistant to the Deputy Minister of Education and a Minister of Education. Near the end of his career, he was honoured with the Ed Brown memorial award for his contributions to education in Manitoba. Bobby visited the political arena several times during his career, always returning to education afterward. He was first elected as a MLA in 1949 as an independent candidate for Rockwood Constituency. He joined the Liberal government of Mr. Douglas Campbell to become a cabinet member serving as Minister of Health and then Minister of Education. He reentered politics for the final time as the Leader of the Liberal party in 1969. He was a lifetime member of the Anglican Church, serving many roles. His religious beliefs influenced his actions in all aspects of his life. Bobby is predeceased by his parents Jack and Ada Bend; brother Lin and sister Olive; His loving wife of 61 years, Kay, mourns his passing. Also mourning his death are son Jack and Jane Rylett of London, Ont., son Jim of Cochrane, Alta. and son Robert and Pipattra Somapa of Brandon, Man. Bobby had five devoted grandchildren who will miss him greatly, Bonnie of Canmore, Alta., Ryan of Toronto, Ont., Rebecca and Brandy of Cochrane, Alta. and Allison of London, Ont. (Winnipeg Free Press)