In Loving Memory of Robert Ole By

After a short illness, and with family by his side, Robert Ole By passed away peacefully on July 26, 2025, at Kelvington Hospital. He met the moment with grace and courage, and left this world just the way he lived in it—wholeheartedly and with quiet strength.

Born during a bitter snowstorm on December 31, 1953, Robert was the second child and first son of Oliver and Yvonne By. Raised on the family farm, he developed a deep love for cows, horses, and everything about country life. After high school in Kelvington, he headed to Alberta with childhood friend, Jerry Klassen and worked at a dairy before returning home in 1973 when his dad, Oliver, asked him to take over the farm.

Always driven to learn, Rob pursued training in engine repair, multiple levels of welding, automotive maintenance, and computer technology. He married the love of his life, Luann Bollman, on June 21, 1980. Together they built their home on the family homestead in 1982, raising four children—Dalyse (1981), Lana (1982), Kristin (1985), and Rylan (1988)—with guidance, love, and strong work ethic.

Rob and Luann shared a passion for horses, starting a purebred Arabian herd that won big at Futurity shows. Later, they introduced Norwegian Fjords to the area, and Rob became deeply involved in their registry—he was the driving force behind making microchipping mandatory for Fjord registration, and served for years as a Saskatchewan Director for the Canadian Fjord Horse Association. His Fjords made their way to therapeutic programs and dude ranches across the U.S.

Rob was approached with an opportunity to provide Fjord horses for the movie “The 13^th Warrior,” starring Antonio Banderas.  Upon learning the animals weren’t well cared for, and often mistreated during battle scenes—he stuck to his values and refused the prestigious request.  His memory for pedigrees was uncanny, and he could talk lineage for hours. As his kids got older, the family got into raising sheep and joined the Saskatchewan Katahdin Sheep Association. Later came Thoroughbreds, sparked by the kids’ interest in pony chuckwagon and chariot racing.  Rob and Rylan raised and trained thoroughbred chuckwagon ponies, many whom are still running the track today.

Rob’s work life was just as varied—he served as a Livestock Inspector, worked at the Kelvington Auction Mart, drove trucks up north, and worked for local Farmers.  Even after “retiring,” he took on seasonal work with the Department of Highways officially retiring in 2022.

Retirement didn’t slow him down. Rob poured his energy into his greenhouse and garden, applying the same attention to detail to plants as he did to pedigrees. He was incredibly proud of feeding his family from his garden—this year’s he deemed his best ever.

What mattered most to Rob was his family. He was so proud of his kids and grandkids, their interests, talents, and achievements. Whether cheering them on at hockey, gymkhana, or 4-H, ball, helping them fix vehicles, or just swapping stories, he was all in. He taught his kids how to tow equipment properly (without breaking chains!), do home repairs, and handle tools like pros. More than anything, he raised strong, capable, independent kids—and made sure they knew how much he loved them. Rob preferred the quieter, slow pace of life and later in life he preferred to be a home-body.  He enjoyed visits from lifelong friends Greg & Lorna Niezgoda and Morris & Lorelye Kiland and many other cherished friends and neighbors.

Rob was predeceased by his parents, Oliver and Yvonne, as well as many beloved aunts and uncles. He leaves behind Luann, his wife of 45 years; his children: Dalyse Robertson (Paul), Lana Longman (Curtis), Kristin Renkas (Ryan), and Rylan (Brette); his grandchildren: Dakota (Carter), Klai (Justin), Quinn Longman, Madisyn Robertson, Emerlee, Keelyn, Makoy Renkas, Remley, Finnley, and Bentley By; honorary daughter Bobbie-Jo Porter (Ross) and many dear friends and neighbors who’ll miss his stories, laughter, and wisdom.

A celebration of Rob’s life will be held down the road. In honor of his love for family, memorial donations can be made to:

Jim Pattison Children’s Hospital Foundation
Head Office
1–345 Third Avenue S
Saskatoon, SK S7K 1M6

Arrangements entrusted to Fedusiak Funeral Chapel & Crematorium (306)752-3838

• Date : 2025-07-26
• Location : Kelvington