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
Angela, my deepest sympathies to you and your daughter, and to the extended family.
Sincere condolences in the loss of Bob.
I first met Bob in 1994 when he hired me as his secretary while he was the Director of Finance & Administration for the Ministry of Transportation and Highways (MoTH). Bob was instrumental in my attaining a Certified General Accounting (CGA) designation. I started the program to obtain level 2 so that I could compete in some of the better-paying financial positions. Bob said he would help me if I completed my level 3. He stuck to his word and, from then on, I was given various financial assignments. However, having completed level 3, I realized I was more than three quarters of the way to a CGA designation so that made the decision much easier. I have Bob to thank for his support.
While working for Bob, I also observed how he treated his branch staff as his extended family. MoTH underwent some major downsizing while I was there and I could see how upset he would get when he had to let some of his staff go. It was like he was telling his sons and daughters that they had to leave home and move far away.
My husband and I had the pleasure of playing golf with Bob and his son Andrew when we invited them to join us for a game at Royal Colwood. I remember Bob saying that he lived about a 9 iron away from Uplands.
I also remember the many staff parties we would enjoy when Bob would let his curly hair down.
The last time I saw Bob was at my retirement luncheon in January 2007 and the last time I heard from him was on April 13th – his 60th birthday – when he responded to my birthday greeting.
It’s hard to believe Bob is no longer with us. But he will live on in our memories.
Angela, my deepest sympathies to you and Julia. I know that love and memories of that love last forever and will in time ease the heart.
Dear Angela and Family,
My deepest sympathies go out to you during this difficult time. I was truly sorry to hear when Bob first beacme ill and deeply saddened to hear of his passing.
I had the privilege of working in Bob’s branch along side Dana for a temporary period during my ‘Recall’ year in 2001,2002. I was very sad when my term ended. Bob was a wonderful man to work for and treated me with respect and caring. It was truly an honor to work for him.
Bob was one of those individuals who will always be remembered as making a difference. Even for his glasses of Sambuca at Christmas!
Anglea and family, keep your memories close as they will indeed help during this difficult time. Even though Bob is not with you in person now, his spirit will always be with you.
Sincerely, Suzanne Lim
Angela and family, my thoughts are with you during this very difficult time. I am so sorry for your loss.
Genevieve Pelletier
Angela and Julia
Our love and thoughts are with you both today, and everyday.
We love you both very much.
Love Carol and Marty
Angela,
I just returned from family vacation and was shocked and saddened to learn of the loss of your husband. My thougths and prayers are with you at this time.
Paul.
Angela and Julia
Our love and thoughts are with you both today, and always.
We love you both very much.
Love Carol and Marty
Auntie Angela
I love you very much, and we are so sorry. Uncle Bob was a wonderful man, and when our son Brody was born, Bob was so wonderful with him. He was so caring and Brody felt such comfort with him,and Bob just held him for hours. I will never forget those moments with uncle Bob. He was a wonderful addition to our family and most of all you and Bob gave us the greatest gift ever, my cousin Julia.
Julia we love you very much, and we are always here for you.
You are such a beautiful girl and a beautiful person.
I love you Julia, and I love you Auntie Angela
We love you Bob.
Love Tobi, Mike and Brody
xoxoxoxo…
Tears are words the heart cannot express. So sorry for your loss.