Robin Martin Henschell

Robin Martin Henschell, aged 81, passed away peacefully on April 13, 2025, at the Whitemouth Personal Care Home after a brief battle with dementia-related illness.

He is survived by his four children, Kevin (Colleen), Brent (Rhonda), Candyce (John), and Raelene, and his eight beloved grandchildren: Brianna, Zac, Bethany, Chloe, Cole, Jared, Gavin, and Denylyn. He was predeceased by his wife, Eileen Henschell and his parents Emma and Alex Henschell.

Dad was born in 1944 and grew up in River Hills, Manitoba, on a farm where his parents had cows, horses, chickens, ducks and pigs. Robin’s dad was an avid outdoors man who made a living on the trapline at one time. Dad learned everything he knew about the outdoors from his father, who passed down a deep love for nature, hunting, and the trapline. From a young age, he was by his dad’s side, absorbing the skills and knowledge that would become such a central part of his life. As a teenager, Dad met the love of his life, Eileen Lueck. They started dating and were inseparable from that point on. He loved a few things fiercely from a young age—cars, the outdoors and Eileen—and it was clear to everyone who knew him that she was his heart and home forever.

Dad later accepted a position in Pinawa - a move that marked the beginning of a new chapter. He built a home and raised his four children in the beautiful town, nestled along the water, where he and his family embraced everything the outdoors had to offer.

His career was at the Whiteshell Nuclear Research Establishment in the RD 5 Fuel Loop Research Test Facility, conducting research on fuel thermal hydraulic performance and system behaviour. He worked with experiments related to boiling water and pressurized water reactors. The RD5 facility was equipped to test simulated fuel assemblies and components under various reactor operating conditions. Dad assisted in both the operation of this facility and in developing novel components for facility operations. He enjoyed a very long career until his retirement.

A true outdoorsman, Dad followed in the footsteps of his father and brother by maintaining a registered trapline in the Whiteshell. The trapline, covering the area around Seven Sisters, Pinawa, and stretching up the Winnipeg River to Dorothy Lake, was a source of joy and pride throughout his life. He built a secluded trapper’s cabin north of Otter Falls, up a creek called English River—his treasured escape into the wilderness. His son Brent continues to run the trapline today, proudly carrying on Dad’s legacy. Dad loved fishing and especially family trips on Crowduck Lake.

He had a passion for vehicles of all kinds and an eye for a good deal, whether it was a car, a treasure at a garage sale, or a gem found at an auction, he had a brilliant ability to “dicker” on the price—he took pride in the hunt as much as the find.

Dad had a quirky sense of humour and a big, generous heart. He had a natural way with people and formed friendships across many different walks of life. He loved to socialize—whether it was grabbing coffee or lunch with friends, having a chat anywhere he saw someone, or catching up after church. His faith was a constant in his life, and his relationship with God gave him strength through many chapters, especially in his later years. He especially loved his Saturday morning “men’s breakfast club” where he made lots of coffee, waffles and bacon and always had his “open” sign on at “Robin’s Roost”.

One of the deepest losses he carried was the passing of his wife in an accident many years ago. He never fully recovered from her loss, and we take comfort in knowing he is rejoicing in their reunion now in heaven.

After the tragic accident that took Eileen’s life, Dad suffered significant physical injuries that left him with lasting pain for the rest of his life. But he never let it define him. He rarely, if ever, complained, even when the pain was at its worst. Instead, he chose to focus on the good around him—his family, his faith, and the beauty of the outdoors. His resilience was remarkable, and his positive attitude never wavered. He had a way of lifting others up, even when he himself was hurting, and he faced every challenge with quiet strength, grace, and an unwavering sense of gratitude for the life he had.

Dad always said that when he could no longer enjoy the outdoors, he wanted to spend his final days at his cabin. Though that wish couldn’t fully come to pass, the next best place was the Whitemouth Personal Care Home. After losing his mobility, he entered care earlier than expected. The last few years were not without challenges, but his final two years at Whitemouth were filled with compassion, dignity, and exceptional care. The family is deeply grateful to the dedicated staff and caregivers who looked after him with such kindness.

Dad will be remembered for his deep connection to the land, his warm and generous spirit, and his unwavering love for his children and grandchildren and faith. He leaves behind a legacy rooted in nature, love, and in the values he instilled in his children and grandchildren: to be kind, to give generously, and to treat others the way you wish to be treated.

Funeral Service will be held on Thursday, April 24 at 11:00 a.m. at Sobering Funeral Chapel, 1035 Park Avenue E., Beausejour with viewing one hour prior to the service. Interment will follow in Whiteshell Baptist Cemetery.

www.soberingfuneralchapel.com