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
Nancy, please accept my heartfelt condolences on the loss of your father.
Sincerely
Heather MacLennan
Dear family,
Bob was my first principal. He energized everyone who worked with him. He supported me as a new teacher and encouraged my creativity. He had a zest for life and a thirst for learning. We would connect a few times over the years, whenever we were in the same place, and it was like time hadn’t passed.
Bob interviewed me for a teaching position with the Saskatoon Public School Board in 1985. I remember the pouring rain as I ran into the old board office downtown. Bob greeted me with a smile. He recognized my skills in music education and supported me.
So sorry to hear of Bob’s passing.
Bob and I were many times on the tennis court together over the years. He was always very positive and upbeat, and it was my great pleasure to have known him.
Dear Eleanor,
Norah and I were very sad to hear of Bob’s passing. He and I had many hard fought tennis games together. He was always fun to play with. I enjoyed our many discussions on many topics, he was very knowledgeable on many.
We have never known another like him; loving, gentle, giving, energetic and funny.
A mentor to say the least. A hero is more accurate. With deepest pride, we can say that Bob was/is a wonderful friend.
…Eleanor and family, we can only try to imagine the hole in your hearts. Know that so many of us who knew him less intimately love him so very much…and we all will miss him so very much.
Dear Eleanor.
Bob and I were so very sorry to hear of Bob’s passing. We will remember him as a fun and funny neighbour, a great cook, a tennis lover, and simply a delight to chat with. You two had a wonderful and adventurous life together and we know you will miss him. We will never forget him happily trimming his lawn edges with scissors!! Our condolences…
Ann & Bob
Nancy, Dave and the family,
We are sending our deepest condolences to all of you. Please know you are in our thoughts and prayers. Hopefully with time the pain will ease and be replaced with all the wonderful memories.
All our love,
David and Brenda
Eleanor, Colleen and I are so sorry to hear about Bob. I will always be proud to say that I knew him, honoured that we were able to maintain contact through the years. He was a special man. Thinking about you today.
Bob was a renaissance man if there ever was one.
He shared his love of life with us all. I will miss him in my life as will all who had the joy of knowing him.