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
I am sending my sincere condolences to Barb and Nancy and Family.
Our family enjoyed many a family picnic and camping trip with the Dilts, especially back in the 1960’s, 1970’s. Bob’s sense of humour, sense of style, enthusiasm for life, and leadership were admired by all.
I am very grateful to our family friend, Bob Dilts.
My thoughts and prayers are with the Dilts Family at this sad time.
Meredith (McIntyre) McGeough
Kamloops, BC.
My condolences to all the family and friends of Bob. In my small interactions with Bob he was an understanding and supportive man. He loved and cared for his family along with many others. Bob will be greatly missed.
My deepest condolences to you Eleanor, Barb, Nancy and family. I remember Bob as a man of integrity, dignity, kindness and sophistication. He was a true professional and I am deeply saddened by the loss of this wonderful man and friend.
As a Principal on Leave I worked in central Office with Bob and cherished his positive attitude. I extend to my good friend Eleanor my sincere condolences, having lost Shirley over 5 years ago I feel your pain
Lester Hunt
Dear Eleanor and family
The art world will surely miss Bob’s ongoing support at art openings and other events. He was such a well respected supporter of the arts. As a former teacher of the deaf and hard of hearing I remember too his strong support at Saskatoon Public Schools as our board liaison person for the Hearing Impaired Program. So many students benefitted from his thoughtful and consistent support for the program. We were so grateful. May your memories sustain you and
may Bob rest in peace
Agnes Ruest
Bob was part of our fall and winter tennis group. I have the fondest memories of his youthful and positive enthusiastic outlook about all things. He was an inspiration about living a full life.
My condolences to his family and hope that wonderful memories will sustain you at this difficult time.
I echo all of the above comments. I too was at Brevoort Park School from 1-8 and he was an encourager with a bright smile that welcomed us every day. I remember our assemblies where we sang hymns from our little hymn books (I still have mine 60 years later) every Friday. What a school we had. The “We Try Harder” buttons were also a highlite for me but thinking back on it now what a way to push us to do better, be better kids, to care about one another. He instilled morals and love into each one of us. I wish we had people in our school systems now that cared that much!
Thinking and praying of you all as you miss him…
Dilts family, we are so sorry for your loss. I have so many happy memories of Bob and your family growing up. I remember him as a gentle man who always had a smile on his face. Our family was lucky to have known him.
My sincere condolences to the family and all that knew Mr. Dilts. I’m a former student from many decades ago, of what was then a brand new elementary school – Brevoort Park in Saskatoon – with Mr. Dilts as its first Principal. What a fine example of a person, educator and student supporter.
With Vice Principal Mr. Dickie they were a good team who had expectations of us, cheered us on and worked towards student successes. I have many great memories from Grades 3-8. In particular Friday morning assemblies of the entire school in the gym. We sang Oh Canada, God Save the Queen, and many popular songs of the day. And of course who could forget the “We Try Harder” buttons, given to those deserving students for whatever positive action of that week-academic or a kindness to others. Didn’t have to be a big thing either, it was noticed and their effort rewarded.
Over the years, I have remembered Mr. Dilts fondly. “Thanks for the memories”. He’ll not be forgotten.
Sincere condolences to Bob’s family. In another lifetime we were lucky enough to spend time with The Dilt’s at family dinners, camping trips and a few journey’s to the mountains to ski. His sense of humour and positive outlook was an inspiration. Much peace to you Mr. Dilts. Thanks for the great childhood memories.