A Life Well Lived
Robert (“Bob”) Lorne Cummings passed away peacefully on May 17, 2026, at the age of 83. A wise, gracious, and deeply respected gentleman, Bob will be remembered for his integrity, generosity, intellect, and enduring kindness. He was a cherished husband, father, brother, mentor, and friend whose influence extended well beyond family into the business and community circles he served throughout his life.
Born in Montreal to Lorne Cummings and Christina McAskill, Bob was the eldest of four children and beloved brother to Sandie Fairchild (2011), Don (2024), and Kathy Cummings. His early years were shaped by family life in Montreal and summers at Selby Lake in Dunham, Quebec, where he developed a lifelong love of hockey, friendship, and the outdoors.
Bob attended Stanstead College, where he distinguished himself academically and athletically, graduating with the Governor General’s Academic Medal. He later studied at Sir George Williams University (now Concordia University) before earning his Chartered Accountant designation, laying the foundation for an accomplished career in accounting and management consulting. He went on to complete his MBA at Western University.
In 1966, Bob married his high school sweetheart, Sande (nee Alisandre Fruitier), a devoted partnership that spanned more than five decades. Following his MBA, he joined Touche Ross — now Deloitte — where he built a distinguished career and enduring professional relationships. Recruited by mentor Robert Brouillard, Bob and Sande settled first in Ottawa, where their daughter Greer was born in 1973, before relocating to Victoria in 1987 when Bob became Managing Partner of the firm’s Victoria practice.
Throughout his career, Bob was admired for his professionalism, leadership, thoughtful counsel, and commitment to developing young talent. In 1999, he and Sande spent 18 months in Romania supporting Deloitte’s Eastern European operations, an experience they treasured deeply.
Beyond business, Bob contributed generously to his community through longstanding involvement with Big Brothers Big Sisters of Canada, the Gustavson School of Business at University of Victoria, the Art Gallery of Greater Victoria, and the Sooke Fine Arts Society.
Bob embraced life fully and elegantly. He was known for his appreciation of fine art, exceptional food, travel, and hospitality. Friends and family fondly recall his legendary lobster feasts, Christmas Eve gatherings featuring Malpeque oysters and homemade gravlax, and his impeccable sense of style and attention to detail in all things.
Following the loss of his beloved Sande in 2022, Bob relocated to Qualicum Beach to be closer to his daughter Greer, son-in-law, and grandsons. He found great happiness in his new community, enjoying golf, family dinners, and walks embracing what he often called “one of the most beautiful places on earth.”
Bob’s legacy lives on in the many lives he touched through his wisdom, generosity, mentorship, and unwavering character. He will be profoundly missed and lovingly remembered.
In lieu of flowers, donations in Bob’s memory are gratefully accepted to the Canadian Hospice Palliative Care Association (CHPCA).
Condolences may be offered to the family below.
McCall Gardens
www.mccallgardens
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