Bob Mazer remembered as builder, business icon

Brandon is mourning the passing of Robert (Bob) Mazer, a leader in agriculture, business and community development, whose legacy spans generations and industries.

Mazer passed away Sunday at age 75, surrounded by family, following a brief but courageous battle with cancer.

He was widely recognized as a builder, the driving force behind Mazergroup and a steadfast supporter of Brandon’s growth and progress, the group’s chief financial officer, Wally Butler, who worked with Mazer for 28 years, told the Sun on Tuesday.

“I affectionately called him ‘Bob the Builder,’” Butler said. “That’s really what he did all his life — build things. From launching irrigated potato acres near Rivers Air Force Base to transforming downtown Brandon by investing in The Town Centre, Bob was always working to grow something.”

A statement released by Mazergroup described Mazer as “a true industry pioneer” whose connection to farming began early. He started farming at just 17 and by 1969 had joined his father in running the family’s agricultural equipment dealership in Brandon.

Under his leadership, the small business evolved into Mazergroup, now a major dealership network with 18 locations and more than 400 team members across Manitoba and Saskatchewan.

“Bob’s vision for exceptional customer service, strong communities and a dedicated team” laid the foundation for the group’s continued success, the company said.

Mazer’s impact extended far beyond the business world.

Brandon Mayor Jeff Fawcett, Mazer’s nephew, reflected on his uncle’s legacy with deep affection.

“He was better than just a great businessperson. He wanted to be around his family, and we all loved him back deeply,” Fawcett said. “He showed up for everything. He loved Brandon, he loved agriculture and he’ll be deeply missed.”

Fawcett described Mazer as “almost a genius,” who had a unique way of thinking and a remarkable ability to see value in people and places.

“He believed in himself, and he brought out the very best in others, especially with the support he had at home from his wife, Patti, and his boys.”

Mazer was a “straight shooter and a trusted ally,” Assiniboine College president Mark Frison told the Sun.

“When I first moved to Brandon 15 years ago, the first name I was told to call was Bob Mazer,” Frison said. “He was the biggest champion of the college — chairing major fundraising campaigns, including the Prairie Innovation Centre and the trades program. He even helped bring New Holland training to the college.”

Frison said Mazer’s contributions were lasting.

“We named the central hallway in our Trade Centre ‘Mazergroup Main Street.’ He received one of our first honorary diplomas,” Frison said.

“Bob was iconic in Brandon’s business community and a true leader in every sense.”

Butler said Mazer’s leadership during difficult times was especially inspiring.

“When things were the toughest, that’s when Bob got the most motivated. He always saw opportunity first, never just the challenge.”

As a leader, he added, Mazer left behind a strong foundation that the Mazergroup team is committed to building on.

“He’ll be missed as a colleague, mentor, and friend — but also as a loving father and grandfather. His love for his family was deep and unwavering.”

Mazer and Mazergroup have been great supporters of the Brandon Chamber of Commerce, chamber president Jennifer Ludwig told the Sun.

“I didn’t know him personally, but he was a past president of the chamber from 1990 to 1991,” she said. “Like other past presidents, he was a great resource for incoming presidents and sitting presidents as he provided guidance when needed.”

The chamber, Ludwig said, recognizes that he was a true icon in his industry and will be missed.

“With Brandon’s business community being so close, if you didn’t know him personally, you would have definitely heard of him and heard of his achievements in the business world,” she said.

“On behalf of the chamber, our thoughts go out to his family during this sad time.”

Premier Wab Kinew also paid tribute to Mazer in a public statement Monday night.

“Bob was a great Manitoban who helped to make Westman and our province a better place,” he said. “His legacy will live on with Mazergroup, in the ag industry, and through his philanthropy. He will be missed.”

In 1998, Mazer was named Brandon’s Businessperson of the Year, and in 2024, Mazergroup was named Dealership of the Year. He was also inducted into the Farm Equipment Dealership Hall of Fame.

The Sun could not reach any family members for funeral details.

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