April 13, 1951 – July 08, 2011
Bob died peacefully after a two year diagnosis of metastatic melanoma. Bob was an extremely loving husband and father. He cherished life long friendships, was a sports enthusiast, an avid cyclist, great story teller, music lover, outstanding leader, instructor and mentor, an astute judge of character and had an insatiable mind for information. Bob was a proud ambassador of his birth place, Trail, BC and the West Kootenays and loved hiking in the Canadian Rocky Mountains. He enjoyed his UBC days, graduating in 1974 in Commerce, specializing in Accounting and Information Management Systems and successfully passing exams to become a Chartered Accountant which he practiced for several years. Bob had a distinguished 32 year career with the BC Public Service. He was the Senior Financial Officer in several ministries as well as Chief Information Officer in his most recent position with the Ministry of Transportation. Predeceased by his mother and father, Estelle and James Buckingham and brother, Dick; Bob is survived by his wife, Angela; children, Andrew, Diana and Julia; step-mother, Pam; siblings, Peggy (Mike), Colin (Alana) and Sally (Crispin); several nieces and nephews; and former wife, Jill Howard.
A Celebration of Life will be held at MCCALL BROS. FLORAL CHAPEL, Johnson & Vancouver Streets on Monday, July 18, 2011 at 2 pm. A reception will follow in McCall’s Family Centre. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Victoria Hospice. Condolences to the family may be offered at www.mccallbros.com.
54 Responses
My deepest sympathies to you and your family. Bob and I coached our daughters in the Oak Bay Little League Girls Allstar teams for several years. For that month in June we all had such fun together. Bob brought an unrelenting dedication and passion to the game—persisting, focusing, organizing, and eating hot dogs after games. Above all, he made the connection between how we practiced and how we did games: winning was the goal, but how we got there was most important. His always “do your best” attitude I am certain spilled over to other parts of these young players lives. We will miss you Bob.
Tara Ney
Bob and I coached the both our sons and our daughters over eight years at OBLL, we shared many a night of practice and games together and endless discussions on what happened or what should happen at any given game. We shared a great love of the Blues, Base(soft)ball and children in sport. He had a great impact on everyone he touched.
Robin Pat Alix and I are saddened by this loss and extend our sympathies to Angela Andrew Diana and Julia.
Angela,
My sympathies for your loss. I pray for comfort and peace for you and your family during this time of grief and loss.
Dan Penman
Angela, my deepest sympathy for your loss. I truly enjoyed the few times i talked with Bob and we always seemed to have some stories to share. A very special person…
My family’s thoughts and prayers are always with you.
Greg
Each year I looked forward to Oak Bay softball along with Di and so many other friends. Bob was an uncompromising coach who taught us that hard practice, focus and hustling on the field can win the game. Those summers at Fireman’s Park are some of my favourite memories. We were so lucky to be on his team (we won a lot).
All my love to you in this time of loss. Know that Bob made a huge difference in my life and the lives of so many other young catchers, fielders, and pitchers who continue to carry the focus and dedication he taught us into our careers and families.
Chelsea
Dear Angela,
Please accept my deepest sympathies. My thoughts and prayers are with you.
Nahid
Angela,
With deepest sympathies. Might the fond memories of Bob be with you at time of sorrow.
Bill
Dear Angela & Julia,
We cherish the wonderful visit we had with you in May of 2010. Our walk together through Buchart Gardens, and then dinner at your home including Julia. Then you came to Sask. in July for the Boldt family reunion. That was special too.
In November of 2010 we shared with you the passing of your mother in Chilliwack. Even though we are many kilometers apart, we walk with you during this time of sadness. We wish for you comfort and peace.
Marge & Leonard, Saskatoon
Bob was an outstanding softball coach; he was dedicated, competitive and truly cared about his players. Those were some really great summers. I’m so sorry for your loss.
Dear Angela, Andrew, Di & Julia,
Our deepest sympathies go out to you – Bob was so very special to us as well – he remains in our hearts and will never be forgotten.
We continue to grieve alongside with you…praying for you all.