COULTER, Robert Michael: May 5, 1965 - August 14, 2014
It
is with extreme sadness we announce the sudden passing of our beloved husband
and son, Robert Michael Coulter, at his home in Grande Prairie. Born in
Drumheller, Rob and his family moved to Sherwood Park, then to a farm in the
Ponoka area before finally settling in Grande Prairie in 1980. Rob attended
Grande Prairie Composite High School, graduating in 1984. He moved to Edmonton
to attend N.A.I.T., becoming a draftsman and working for, among others, the City
of Grande Prairie. Returning to school in 1991 at the Grande Prairie Regional
College, he met his wife, Tammy Sarmaga, while they were both beginning their
Bachelors of Education degrees. They married May 22, 1993 and moved to Edmonton
where Rob finished his degree in 1995. In his almost 20 years of teaching, both
as a substitute and full time teacher, Rob touched the lives over 4,000
students. He was most happy in the classroom, sharing his love of reading and
learning, and was proud when he could help a student have, as he called it, "the
lightbulb moment." A Lion for over 12 years, Rob was passionate about the
various projects of the Grande Prairie Lions Club, serving as President,
Vice-President and his favorite, Tail Twister. His variety of ways to "fine" the
other members often left them laughing. He was most passionate about the Lions
Foundation of Canada Dog Guide program which provides Canine Vision, Hearing
Ear, Seizure Response, Autism Assistance, Diabetic Alert, and Service Dog Guides
for those with disabilities. Rob is survived by his wife, Tammy, mother Donna,
father Lynne, brother Ken, in-laws, Garry and Janet Sarmaga, sister-and brother
in-law, Glenda and Craig Stride, nieces Kendra and Kathleen Coulter and
Sarah-Anne Stride, nephew Geoffrey Stride, and many friends and family around
the world. A memorial service for Rob will be held at the Lions Learning Centre
at 9625 Prairie Road, Grande Prairie, AB on Saturday, August 23, 2014 at 4 p.m.
In lieu of flowers, donations made be made to the Lions Foundation of Canada Dog
Guide program www.dogguides.com or to a charity of one's choice. Care and
arrangements entrusted to Bear Creek Funeral Home Grande Prairie 780-830-7742
www.bearcreekfuneral.com
Block 105, Lot M