Bob Burgess passed away in Medicine Hat, AB on Monday February 2, 2026, at the age of 63. (a number which he would much rather keep secret.)

Bob was born on May 26, 1962, in Medicine Hat. He attended River Heights School, Alexandra Junior High School and graduated from MHHS in 1981. He attended MHC and was President of the Student’s Union, before moving on to the University of Calgary and the University of Athabasca.

As a child, he joined his family working at the Dairy Queen, in the building now known as Swirls. He was young but determined, and stood on a milk crate to reach the ice cream machine. He often stood next to his Dad, Doug, observing his “gift of gab” and anecdotes, entertaining the patient folks standing in line, waiting to help hand treats out the window. He learned to follow in those footsteps and could entertain crowds with creatively spun tales that always had you in stitches. As the years went on, they moved to the 13th Ave DQ (now M&M), the tiny “high school store” near MHHS and finally, building the DQ on 3rd Street Downtown in 1991, which the family operated until 2013. The Downtown DQ became a hub for friendship and great times where staff, customers and friends became like family. You could often find Bob sitting in a booth visiting with friends and it was a meeting place where everyone felt welcome. Many of the young staff looked to him for guidance and friendship as the years went on. He also created his own DQ Shooting Team who participated in locally ran events at the MHRRC. His penchant for creating “custom made” specially requested cakes for pre-wedding celebrations were particularly entertaining and like many of his stories and jokes, were definitely not meant for a PG-13 audience.

He became a Scout Leader in 1998, in Southridge Scouts Troop #21 where he shared his enthusiasm, knowledge, and held annual shooting competitions with the local Scout troops. Bob had a passion for firearms. He could often be found at one of his favorite places, the Medicine Hat Rifle and Revolver Club, putting rounds downrange. These times brought him great joy and he would enthusiastically share his wisdom and stories with a captive audience, everywhere he went. He became a certified Master Glock Armorer and later joined the MHPS as an honorary member, in the Armory, which was a job he had waited for his entire life. The last few years he could be found working behind the scenes at Grit City Distillery, often representing them at local trade shows, happy to once again be surrounded by the people he loved to entertain.
When he wasn’t working or at the range, he loved to spend his free time hitting the open road on his bike.  Bob always thought he should have been born a Texan. Red, white and blue were his favorite colors. He loved Southern cooking, 4th of July fireworks, and confusing everyone by talking about the weather in Fahrenheit. His favorite holiday was American Thanksgiving, aka “The Real Thanksgiving”, where he spent days preparing food for his feast to spoil the people he loved most; his kids.

His three kids were the light of his life and he always encouraged them to aim as high as they wanted. Proud to be their number one supporter, he showed up for every parent council meeting, grad event, soccer game, and band recital, cheering them on in signature “Bob fashion”, with his boundless enthusiasm, and was indisputably
the most boisterous parent cheering in the crowd. Dad, we know you’ll still be watching over us, rooting for our successes, and cheering from above. We will always remember your motto: “Every day is an adventure.” We love you. 

Bob will be missed by his three children, Brayden (Ashley Enslen), Marissa (Tyson Heffner), and Teagan Burgess; their mother, Gina (Michael Weigel) and a sister, Denise (Randy) Burgess-Schwartz. Bob was predeceased by his dad, Doug in 2009 and his mom, Lil in 2018.  

A Celebration of Life in Bob’s honor will be held at a later date.