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
We are deeply saddened at Bob’s sudden passing. It is with the fondest of memories that we remember the Dilts Family.
Our deepest condolences.
Laurel (aka Laurie Bolt) & Phil Radomsky
Bob was such a lovely neighbour on Linkleas- cheerfully working away with Eleanor in their gorgeous garden. I’m sorry for your loss.
My deepest sympathy to your family. Bob Dilts was truly a remarkable and memorable man and he had a huge impact on students and teachers. I always wished I had worked for him once I became an educator. He was so ahead of his time and I realize now how lucky we were at Brevoort Park to have him as our principal. So many innovative and forward thinking ideas. My mother went to Teachers College with Bob and was so pleased he would be our principal when we moved to the Brevoort Park community. I remember Mr Dilts fondly.
Cathy (Mienhart) Cyr
Eleanor and family: We were saddened to learn of Bob’s death. We were fortunate that Bob was the Principal at Brevoort Park School when our four children had their first experiences with formal education. Bob was a charismatic educator and leader. We recall his mantra – LBE – “Lets Be Enthusiastic” which characterized everything which Bob did. It was a wonderful “Mission Statement” for the school and the students and staff promoted it with great spirit. It made a lasting impression on our children. Working with Bob at Central Office in later years was always a pleasure. He maintained his sense of enthusiasm for education and students at all times . His contribution to the overall work of the Board was significant. He will be missed and remembered. The family will have a great deal of wonderful memories which will help them during this sombre period. We send our sincere condolences to all.
Peter & Corinne Smith
Bob made a huge impact on my life in so many ways. He nurtured me from being a rookie teacher throughout my career. He was a gentleman, a scholar, and a great friend. His sense of humour and quick wit will always be fondly remembered. He will be missed.
My condolences to the “Queen”.
I remember Bob well. He was my superintendent when I began teaching with the Saskatoon Public School District. He certainly was a man of style! I thoroughly enjoyed my years teaching on the same staff with Eleanor. My sincere condolences to Eleanor and family. May you find comfort in family, friends and fond memories!
Dearest Eleanor, Ethel and I always loved seeing you and Bob. He was a great tennis pal! I am heartbroken to hear of his passing and send you my sincere condolences. Best, Earl
Dearest Eleanor,
I am so saddened by your loss but thrilled that you shared 30 wonderful years together. Bob was my first principal and you my second last. Your and Bob’s friendship meant the world to me during some difficult personal times.
My heartfelt condolences to you and your family.
I consider myself a friend of Bob’s as we were together in Kinsmen in Saskatoon. We had dinner and a meeting every Monday at the Bessborough Hotel as Kinsmen. We worked together on fundraising events. He will be missed by his old friends.
John Wolfe
I’m writing to offer my condolences to you. We’ve never met, but I have delightful memories of Mr Dilts, who was my elementary school principal in Saskatoon. He was a warm, welcoming man who encouraged the best in us academically and shared his love of music through weekly all-school assemblies in the gym where we would sing along to songs by Joni Mitchell, Anne Murray, Glen Campbell and others. I wish I knew he was living in Victoria as I definitely would have visited to say hello and to thank him for being a supportive part of my early school years.