August 8, 1930 – September 23, 2013
Bob died peacefully with his devoted wife and family by his side. Born and raised in Sussex, England, Bob was a Royal Marine Commando (45th Brigade) before emigrating to Canada in 1957 where he became a BC Corrections Officer and successful businessman. He was an avid salmon and steelhead fisherman and guided in Campbell River. He was a talented artist and a proud carver of aboriginal art. Bob is survived by his wife, Mary; sons, Warren (Patricia) and Kirk (Kathleen) and beloved grandchildren, Erin, Christopher and Sarah. He was a loving brother to Lewis (deceased) Michael, Jennifer and Jill; favorite uncle to all his nieces and nephews in Canada, England and New Zealand. Special friend to Susan and loving godparent to her daughters, Dylan and Marina. Bob was a big presence in all our lives and will be dearly missed.
The family wish to thank the nurses and care aides of Royal Jubilee Hospital (4th floor north) for the wonderful care given to Bob.
A Celebration of Life will be held at Saint Mary’s Anglican Church, 1701 Elgin Road, Oak Bay, on Friday, October 4th at 1 pm. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to Bob’s favourite charity, Our Place. Condolences may be offered to the family below.
McCall Bros. Funeral Home
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Carl Martin
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Daniel Laurence Matthews To my lovely, funny, larger than life Uncle Bob… We always looked forward to seeing you, even though it wasn’t often, with an ocean between our families… You had so many tales to tell, you passed on your wood carving skills when we visited you all those years ago… You were exactly what an Uncle was meant to be, and so you will be missed but not forgotten! Love and prayers to all the family! x
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Elizabeth Laugharne Dear Mary – I knew Bob for too short a time. Nevertheless, I shall always remember him as the real gentleman he undoubtedly was. I will especially remember our talks about his life while serving in the Royal Marines. Know that my thoughts and prayers are with you. God bless.
Liz
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Jill Young Every memory I have of my brother Bob is either a good one or a funny one. He was one of the eldest and I was the youngest in our family, so there was a big age difference between us.
I remember as a child, our mum getting ready to welcome him home on leave from the marines.
I remember him giving me a lovely wrapped box as a present and when I opened it, there were bats he had collected from our attic …a present for his kid sister . He thought it was so funny but to this day I am terrified of anything that flutters, flies and flaps.
I remember him running across our garden with a kettle of boiling water, as I lay on the ground with a friend…him tipping it over our screaming faces, and being splashed with cold water. Very funny Bob!
It was he who came to my aunts house with our dad, to tell me our mum had died. I refused to believe it and it was he who put his arms around me and hugged me.
I remember him coming over for my wedding and the chats we had.
I remember him coming to stay and him trawling round the antique shops looking for beads…and his delight when he found some he could sell in his shop.
I remember him flying to England when our dad was dying…. He was in a coma and not expected to last the night. I was so upset thinking Bob had flown all that way for nothing. But when he walked into the hospital our dad rallied and said ‘ that’s my son Bob.’
We had many talks about life and death and what comes after and so look forward to the time when I will see him again.
In the meantime we mourn his passing and send all our love to Mary, who has been such a loving wife, and to Warren and Kirk who have lost their dad and my sister Jen. All our love from England to all those family members in Canada who have lost one they love. X
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Sandy & Daryl Foster Mary and Family,
We are so very sorry to hear of Bob’s passing. He was a gentleman who we enjoyed knowing who always contributed with knowledge, kindness and good humour.
Please accept our sincere sympathy.
Sandy and Daryl Foster.
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Robyn Murray Words can’t express the sadness in my heart…Bob was many different things to many different people. He started off as my first boss, then he became my friend and taught me to follow my heart. His love and passion for everything that he did was an inspiration to all who knew him and I will never forget the many discussions we had about beads. Not many people could talk for hours on end about my favourite topic! I worked for Bob many years ago, but some of my most treasured possessions are the beads and carvings from my time in the Bead Shop, Victoria. Bob, your memory will shine through them always. I miss you and will never forget your love of life and your never ending smile. Kia kaha Mary.
Much love, aroha nui
Robyn, Cris, Sereia and Koru –Dunedin, NZ
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Armond & Doreen Forseth We are so glad that we were able to visit with you this past summer and had such a nice time with Bob who was looking so well at that time. We remember so many fun times we had together in Mexico with you. Our thoughts and prayers are with you Mary, the Lord is gracious and kind to those that reach out to Him. Blessings on the family at this time of grieving for the loss of their loved one, Bob.
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Valentine and Edna Roth To Mary
We always enjoyed Bob’s company.
He will be sadly missed.
Love
Edna and Val
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Fred Leard Bob was a wonderful person who was always there for others. After a lengthy period of not seeing him we were on a holiday to Victoria last year and were able to meet up with him and Mary and enjoy a nice evening together. My deepest sympathies and condolences to Mary and the rest of Bob’s family. Wish we could be there for the service but unfortunately that is not possible.
The world has lost a good man and I’m sure that he’s found his reward in heaven.
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Tracy Brown …We are really sorry we can’t be with the family at this special time, but sad time. Though we haven’t been with you much over the years, not as much as we would like, it doesn’t mean we haven’t been thinking of you all. And remembering all the happy memories when we were together. Please accept our deepest sympathys!!! Sending lots of love from us all…The Hounsoms here in Alton Hampshire UK
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Ron & Edna Bjorgan So sorry to hear of Bob’s death. As we sit here in our living room in Kelowna, we are looking on a beautiful carving of the raven, that Bob carved and we received while serving Grace as your pastor. You have no idea how important this gift has been to us. To have a piece of aboriginal art made by someone we knew and loved is such a gift. Blessings to you, Mary. You are a delight and a compassionate individual. I trust you are being cared for in the same compassionate way you care for others.
Peace,
Pastor Ron and Edna Bjorgan
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Catherine Manning Dear Uncle Bob sorry we can not be with the family at this time. Sending Love and Hugs to Mary and your Boys and their Family at this sad time. I remember so well when my Dad died and i said i am so sad that dad has gone but he is no longer in pain and was ready to go. The tears i am crying are for me because i will miss him so. Untill we all meet again with much love Catherine
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Diana Craig RIP Uncle Bob!
You will be deeply missed and remembered fondly.
Hugs and In our Thoughts for Aunt Mary, Warren (Patricia), Kirk (Kathleen) and grandkids.
Till we get to see you again!Love From
Diana and Jaedon
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Steve & Gail Craig and family Our heart goes out to you all. We are sorry that we won’t be able to attend. Uncle Bob had the kindness of an angel and the soul of a saint. We will remember him fondly and our thoughts will be with you on this day.
Steve, Gail, Diana, Jaedon, Chad, Jill, Jada and Abby.
Please excuse our lateness, Mary. We only found out, today, of Bob’s passing.
I will remember Bob’s incredible wit and sense of humour, more than anything else! He would look down at me with a grin and a twinkle in his eye, after telling a funny story. I recall him telling me that his Jeep Grand Cherokee was stolen on two different occasions while he was in Surrey on business. I replied, “Don’t you think God is trying to tell you something, Bob?” He looked down at me with that “Old King Cole” expression on his face and said back, “Perhaps He wants me to drive a different coloured vehicle, Carl!”
Bob was a terrific guy and I know. well-loved by all who encountered him. He will be greatly missed by his family! Bless you, Mary!
Carl and Jill Martin, Lunenburg, Nova Scotia