Bob passed away suddenly and unexpectedly at his home in Victoria on January 11, 2021. Born in Pembroke, Wales, his family moved back to Canada when he was very young. Bob was raised in Kingston and educated at Queen’s University, where he graduated in 1968 to teach high school mathematics in Oshawa and Ottawa. Bob met his wife Ruth (Simonton) playing badminton in Ottawa where he said he was looking for a mixed-doubles partner. Well, he found one, and the partnership lasted more than 50 years! They married in 1974 and shortly thereafter, influenced by Ruth’s father, Bob changed careers and became a chartered accountant. He had his own practice on the outskirts of Ottawa. In 1991 Bob and Ruth moved from Ottawa to Victoria, where Bob took on a new business venture as the owner of Green Acres Par 3 Golf Course and Driving Range.
Bob is predeceased by his parents Rodger and Helen (née Callingham). He is survived by his wife Ruth, his brother John (Helen), (Cobourg, ON), nieces Maggie and Jaclyn and nephew James. He will also be deeply missed by Ruth’s family in Toronto, brother John (Susan) and sister Jean (Richard) and their children – nieces Brett, Ashleigh, Kate and nephews Bill, Tom, Reid, Jeremy, Colin.
Bob always had a great love of sports; basketball in his youth; badminton for many years (both recreational and competitive); and more recently golf. On arriving in Victoria, the badminton community became his first friendships and have continued over 30 years. In 1996 he and Ruth joined Royal Colwood Golf Club where again he made many wonderful friends. He enjoyed his time at the club both on and off the course, especially the social events. He was also keenly interested in tennis both playing and watching tournaments. This led to travels to the grand slam tournaments and other major events. Bob never claimed to be a world traveller, however, he and Ruth enjoyed trips to Europe, Mexico and the Panama Canal. He preferred to enjoy Ruth’s travels vicariously from the vantage point of his comfortable couch, watching The Weather Network.
Bob will always be remembered for his wonderful sense of humour, some of which he displayed in his annual poems and commemorations of milestone birthdays. Bob’s warm and quick wit and his unfailing optimism will be greatly missed by his many friends and family.
A celebration of Bob’s life will be held at a future date.
Donations in Bob’s memory may be made to Broadmead Care Society at www.broadmeadcare.com.
Condolences may be offered to the family below.
McCall Gardens
www.mccallgardens.com
20 Responses
Barb and I have very touching memories of our many, many good times with Bob and Ruth. We enjoyed our trips to Victoria and their returns to Ottawa. Over the years during their residence in Ottawa we played a lot of badminton and tennis together, and had fun trips all over, amongst them to the US Open and to Portugal. RA Badminton parties and dinners with many mutual friends were also enjoyable and have left us with great memories of our times with this marvelous couple. Bob was a very unique person and will remain in our memories.
Mac and Barb Jewett
Dear Ruth
We were so sorry to hear about Bob’s sudden passing. Our thoughts are with you and your family.
Ruth I type this note with tears on my keyboard, I am so sad about the passing of such a wonderful man. Not sure if you remember our first meeting, I was looking at joining a golf club in Victoria and met with then GM Philip Nurse and said I would need to play the course before joining. He set me up to play with you and Bob. I had so much fun with you two I joined the next day! When my lovely wife Ursula passed away in 2012 you two were so good to me offering support. When I see you next at Royal Colwood I hope we can have a nice long hug.
John Read
Dear Ruth
I am truly sorry for the sudden loss of your sole mate. While I did not know him well I enjoyed all of our encounters at Royal Colwood. Take care my friend I know you will live on as you always have with Bob at your side in spirit.
Ruth — Arlene and I have the loveliest memories of you and Bob all these many years ago when you were newly arrived to Victoria from Stats Canada. Our sincere condolences.
Frank & I have such great memories playing badminton together at the RA in Ottawa. We moved away in 1976 but always kept in touch with annual letters at Christmas. In later years when we ended up in Calgary & then Sherwood Park we made occasional visits to you with a game or two at Metchosin. I recall fondly your 2 lovely bulldogs!! Finally, our paths made it to Parksville in 2015 but life takes its turns & we only managed one trip to visit you there. Still, we continued the friendship in annual Christmas updates & Bob’s clever poems! We are saddened to read of Bob’s sudden passing which I learned this morning from my brother, Roy & Linda Leslie, Victoria, whom you met years ago. They wish to be remembered. Our sincere condolences, Ruth! Our memories of times together are vivid & full of laughter. Bob will be missed. Please stay in touch.
Frank & Maggie Carr
Deb and I send our heartfelt condolences on this untimely loss of such a great character. We will both miss his cheery hellos and warm smile. Keep swinging that club Ruth, Bob will always be playing alongside.
We will always have fond memories of Bob and his humour and his annual poems. He will be remembered every time we open “The Cook Book”. Our sympathy and love to you, Ruth.
Maureen and Kathleen MacDonald
We always looked forward to Bob’s Christmas poem. He had a great sense of humour. Ruth we are so sorry for your lossLove & big hugs
We will remember Bob’s humour with great fondness, Ruth. Our love and sympathy to you.