It is with great sadness that Bob’s family informs you of his death on August 22, 2024. Although 90 years old, Bob had his eyes on his future, with travels booked and seasons tickets in hand for the symphony. He didn’t expect this, and neither did we. He seemed invincible. He certainly never seemed 90.
Bob was a committed educator for over 30 years, believing in the importance of a strong foundation of learning for children. He was a lover of the arts, fascinated by the talent underlying art, music, and literature. He was an avid traveler and tennis player; he was a man of impeccable style. He was a community builder, serving on the senate of the University of Saskatchewan and as Chairman of the Saskatoon Public Library Board, the Saskatoon Symphony, and countless other boards. He was a cherished friend, always curious to learn about other people, admiring of their abilities and character. He saw beyond flaws.
Most of all, Bob was proud of his family – his beloved wife Eleanor of 30 years with whom he had a profound partnership. His daughter Nancy Dilts and her husband Dave Marks and their children Lauren McMahon, Hunter McMahon and Kelsey Marks; his daughter Barbara Houston; his stepson Terry Miller, his wife Almeda and their daughter Sharmila; and his stepdaughter Patti Miller and her son Willis Fitchett. Family was Bob’s core. He respected and loved his parents Fred and Faye Dilts and cherished us all.
As you grieve the death of your friend, mentor, colleague, and neighbor, please share your thoughts and memories with us. Bob celebrated his 90th birthday in January surrounded by his family. That is how he wishes us to remember him. Vibrant, funny, curious, interested, and interesting.
As Bob would wish, there will be no service.
Condolences may be shared with the family below.
McCall Gardens
www.mccallgardens.com
35 Responses
So sad to hear of the passing of “Misser Dilts”. I agree with all the wonderful statements about him made in earlier postings. As my very first Principal, at Brevoort Park School in Saskatoon, I learned so much from this man. Many of the lessons I learned from Bob remained with me throughout my career as a a teacher and administrator. One of the things that hasn’t been mentioned thus far is Bob’s love of a “good party” and if it wasn’t a good party he would do his best to make it so! Most of our staff meetings adjourned at 4:00 pm and moved to a staff member’s home for the last few agenda items. I remember more than once being given $20 bill with instructions to go fetch “a couple of Baby Ducks and a wife” because Misser Dilts thought he shouldn’t drive! He was such a classy guy and a great educator for sure! Condolences to the family!
Eleanor, Nancy and Barbara,
We are surprised to find that Bob has passed away. Our deep condolences to each of you.
We remember fondly our many get togethers over the years in Saskatoon, Victoria and at our home in Montreal.
Bob was a great inspiration – humourous, a positive, encouraging influence to us and all around him. He very much enjoyed life, with a great interest in whatever projects we were up to.
Bob was cherished and his spirit, energy and interest in all around him will be greatly missed.
Richard and Rose-Marie
I recently emailed Bob, and Eleanor just provided me with the sad news. Bob reached out to me a couple of years while we were playing Words with Friends. I never responded to those, but I am sure glad I did. Bob became my Canadian Friend as I would tell my wife. (I’m from Texas). We would talk about Germany, education, politics, cars, business, and most importantly family over the next few years. It became a friendship that I will truly cherish and miss. He was so proud of his children and grandchildren and truly took an interest in my children as well. I never had the opportunity to meet Bob or Eleanor in person, but Bob shared their day-to-day activities which made me feel like I was a close neighbor. Thank you, Bob, for being my friend, and Eleanor for sharing your husband’s time as he corresponded with me! To the entire family, I hope you can enjoy the positive impactful memories he made over the last 90 years of his life.
Sincerest condolences to Eleanor and the Dilts family. I knew Bob as ‘Mr. Dilts’, my Principal at North Park Public School in Saskatoon during Grades 6 & 7 (1964-1965). I (Kelvin) was invited to serve on the student council where I experienced Bob’s grace, humour and mentorship. Unforgettable and life-shaping.
I moved to London, Ontario in 1966 and then returned to Saskatoon in 1976 as a married, post-graduate student. My wife completed her B.Ed. and assumed a teaching position in the Saskatoon Board where she met Bob Dilts as a superintendent. He instantly recognized her surname and inquired about her connection to me.
We now live in Burlington, ON. I came across the news of Bob’s passing because I have named him (along with a picture of him and the student council) in my personal memoirs that I am publishing for my family’s benefit. Mary Lynn and I thought we would search Bob’s name on the internet. Out of our mutual admiration and respect we honour him and extend our sympathies to his loved ones.
Just last week, Meredith sent me a stack of pictures which included Bob and the family on camping trips, and pictures of Bob with my father and mother. We loved our summers camping with the Dilts and Bob was always in the thick of things. What a great man, whom we will never forget. His smile and wit, his style and love of life will be missed.
Trevor McIntyre and Family, Toronto