A Spartan Salute!

December 17, 2014

Bob Bahniuk’s CAREER “Obit”…

After a career filled with off-roading in a red Cadillac, gifting Ukrainian sausage, forwarding risqué emails and doing many other things that apparently are too juicy to be published… Bob Bahniuk has hung-up his Spartan spear.

In addition to being a committed Spartan employee (and enthusiast) for 26 years, and a dedicated ISA Edmonton Section Member (and advocate) since 1980, we’d like to highlight a few other milestones in Bob’s work life…

An SOB (son of a butcher), when Bob was a young lad he worked for his dad at Central Alberta Meat. “This is where his love of bacon was born, which explains why he wears a bacon tie, suspenders and belt to all the Ukrainian weddings he attends… and why dogs love him too”, says Andy Bahniuk, Bob’s brother.

Bob graduated from St. Joseph High School in 1970 and then from the University of Alberta in 1974 with a Civil Engineering degree (“of all things” says Andy). He first worked for CANA Construction, then Canron Pipe, and then Barber Engineering & Controls (where his instrumentation expertise was born). Finally, Spartan prevailed.

Bob will be remembered for his happy approach, welcoming my home is your home disposition, contagious sense of humor, big heart and giving nature. When he wasn’t out for lunch, you could most often find him in conversation and looking out for someone/encouraging them.

He leaves behind his fellow Spartians in exchange for more time with his “long suffering” wife of 33 years (says Andy), son Markian (married to Kate), daughter Daria (who will continue the Bahniuk’s Spartan legacy), his oldest sister Roma Martiuk (married to Bob), younger brother Andy Bahniuk (married to Laurie), his youngest sister Teresa Klimchuk (married to Rod) and all of his wonderful nieces, nephews and friends.

The ISA Edmonton Section would like to congratulate Bob on his retirement and thank him for everything he’s contributed to our organization (the list is… endless). We are so grateful that he’s not yet retiring from our association and we look forward to continuing to work with him.

Congrats Bob and thank you - enjoy Phoenix, overtime hours at the lake and the continued pursuit of your endless home renovations!

ISA Congratulatory Messages...

“Congratulations Bob! You are a legend in the Alberta instrumentation industry! You’ve been a mentor to me while working together on the ISA Edmonton Section’s Executive Board and as an industry competitor. I’ll miss seeing you around, except in the customer purchasing offices! Take care and enjoy.”
– Dave Robinson, Samson Controls & ISA Board Member

“Bob, you’re one of the most caring and helpful people I’ve ever had the pleasure of meeting. I am always astounded by how many people you know, and thank you for always being willing to share your contacts. I have no doubt that your humour, diligence and generosity will be missed by Spartan. Best of luck in your future endeavours and I look forward to our continued friendship. Congratulations Bob!”
– Dion D. Dubé, Enbridge & ISA Board Member

“Bob, you’re a kind-hearted, funny and strong-willed man. At the first ISA board meeting that I attended years ago, I watched you share your ideas with authority. It was at that time that I realized I wanted to learn from you… and I’ve been an ISA Member every since (but my wife now make me sleep in the garage). Congratulations on your retirement and a distinguished career.”
– Blaine Barnes, Tundra Process Solutions & ISA Board Member

“Congratulations Bob. May your retirement life be an adventure. Here’s to an end of an era and to the start of a brand new chapter. You are truly one of a kind! ‘It takes a long time to become young.’ – Pablo Picasso”
– Marietta & Dennis Miller, Execu Graphx & Charlton Event Management

“Bob, we would like to thank you for all the support you have given to the NAIT instrumentation program over the years, and for your outstanding contributions to our industry. We wish you a wonderful retirement.”
– Aaron Boser, NAIT & ISA Board Member, & the NAIT Instrumentation Department

“Congrats Bob, I know that the Italian Bakery is concerned about going out of business now that you won’t be picking up treats for meetings as much. I always enjoy your enthusiasm, knowledge and stories…
Your customers and co-workers will miss your vast knowledge, training ability and mentorship. I wish you all the best in your future endeavours.”
– John McKenzie, Strata Controls