Peacefully and surrounded with the love of his family, Bob Knowlton passed away on November 10, 2012. Predeceased by his parents, Harold and Gladys Knowlton and step-daughter, Shannon Tyner. Bob was a loving husband to Maxine, adoring Dad to his children, Karin, Megan (Randy) and Cameron, proud Papa to grandson, Max, step-father to Lisa, grandpapa to Liam, brother to Carol Harris and uncle to Gordon (Lei Leng), Gretchen (Stu) and Bobby.
Bob was born on October 6, 1938 in Windsor, Ontario, eventually moving to Vancouver and attending Magee High School. Following in his father’s footsteps, he began his career with Imperial Life Insurance in 1962 at the age of 22. His success with the company brought him to Victoria in 1975 as Manager, to then eventually start Knowlton Insurance. He was an active member of the Capital City Club for 36 years and from this established many cherished, long term friendships. Bob was passionate about his job and being around people… he loved it until the end!
Bob was always armed with his camera, spending hours developing his own pictures and sharing them with family and friends. Many weekends were spent fishing from his boat and taking trips with the boys to the San Juan Islands. Bob had a love of music that ranged from Pink Floyd to Santana to Rod Stewart. He always had something to play for whoever would listen! His infatuation with electronic gadgets and having to buy the latest product was legendary. He always had to have the most current version of everything!
But what most defined Bob most was his love for his family, the value he placed on his many friendships and laughter. He was never without a joke right up to the end and right through his most difficult times. Everyone who knew Bob can smile right now remembering him this way and how he touched the lives of many with his humour, his compassion and his love of life.
A huge thank you to all Bob’s friends who kept in touch, visited, shared a laugh and a glass of wine throughout his courageous fight with cancer. Your love and support meant everything to him and to all of his family.
A special thanks to Dr. Sealey and the many wonderful nurses and volunteers at Victoria Hospice. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Victoria Hospice.
Funeral Service will be held in McCall Bros. Floral Chapel, Johnson & Vancouver Streets, at 10:00 a.m. on Friday, November 16, 2012. Reception to follow in McCall’s Family Centre. Condolences may be offered to the family below.
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Leanne Ringma (McKinley)
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Lue Crawford Dearest Karin and all of the family,
I did know your father Karin but I knew of your amazing bond with him and the influence he had in making you the wonderful person you are. There is a lot of grieving ahead but from what I read in these messages and in the obituary, he left the world a better place for being in it. Take joy and solace in that.
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Margaret and Jay Rolfe Sincere condolences to the family. Bob was our agent for many years and we could always rely on him to be honest and work hard for our needs.
We are truly sad to see him go.
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Michael Pasch Every now and then you meet people who make an impression on your life. During my years at British Importers, Bob was one of our great “regulars”. His visits were always full of humour and great conversation. He was also one of those sociable people who know everyone… Thanks to Bob I was introduced to the Capital City Executive Association, a connection that introduced me to nearly every professional service I have used over the last years. I had, happily, bumped into Bob a number of times in the last years and my day was always better for it. The world is a little emptier without him.
My condolences to Maxine and the rest of the family.
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Russ and Mary Tyner Maxine: We are very sorry to hear of your loss. Please know our thoughts and prayers are with you. Next time you travel east drop in to see us.
Russ, Mary and family
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Denis Smith Maxine,
I’m very sorry for your loss. I didn’t know Bob well but from a distance I admired his style and success in our business. His obituary is a wonderful tribute….my sincere condolences to you and your family
Denis Smith
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Frances (Frank) Whysker My thoughts are with all of you. Bob was one funny guy!
Love Frank
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John Crisp I am sorry I could not attend the funeral today. Bob was one of a hand full of people instrumental in my early business life. He volunteered his time to assist in training new insurance agents in the early to mid 1990’s, of which I was one. He was able to encourage and support us in a professional but light and often humorous way. Not only did he help clients, he was able to “pay it forward” and help support other advisors that now help their families and clients. My thoughts are with the family at this time.
John Crisp
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Derek Graham Dear Maxine,
My thoughts go out to you. He was a great guy and will be missed by many in our industry.
Derek Graham
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Ross Macfarlane I, as many, am privileged to have known Bob with his smart and funny way of being with everyone. I will miss Bob’s humor. My thoughts and heart are with Maxine, and family. My sincere condolences.
Ross Macfarlane
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Pat (Gourlay) Porter So saddened to hear of Bob’s passing. He was a great guy, full of fun and charm. He will definitely be missed by all is friends and former schoolmates, as he was such a huge part of us all.
My thoughts go to his family. There will be many good memories to share over the coming years.
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Phil Nyren Bob, I’m going to miss you something awful.
Wish you were here.Phil
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Mike Clermont MY MOST HEART FELT CONDOLENCES TO MAXINE AND FAMILY. BOB WAS A GOOD FRIEND AND I WILL MISS HIM VERY MUCH. I WILL ALWAYS HAVE FOND MEMORIES OF THE GOOD TIMES WE HAD TOGETHER. UNFORTUNATELY I AM IN CALIFORNIA AND NOT ABLE TO ATTEND THE FUNERAL. MY THOUGHTS ARE WITH THE FAMILY DURING THIS DIFFICULT TIME.
MIKE CLERMONT
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Ken (Lane) and Daphne Many memories of Bob’s contributions to the Capital City Executive Association; most notably perhaps social events such as the Halloween parties.
“And although it may be difficult today to see beyond the sorrows, we
pray that looking back in memory will help comfort your tomorrows.”
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Martin Clermont Bob , we will miss you! But we are better to have
known you. Your love and humour will always be
with us. Nothing but great memories !Maxine , and all of Bob’s family all we can offer is our
sincere condolences and continuing love.Martin & Shalene
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Catherine McRae I would like to extend my deepest sympathies to Maxine and family. The obituary reads beautifully in terms of reflecting Bob’s love of life, family and humour. Bob was a dear friend to me and through difficult times as well as the good times he could always bring a smile to my face. My heart felt heavy when I found out about his passing. He will be missed by many because he was loved by so many.
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Glenda Plews My sincere condolences to Bob’s family. Bob always had a smile and a laugh and a sincere interest in what you were doing. He welcomed and encouraged me when I first started with CCEA and the group of key friends he introduced have stayed true through the years. He will be greatly missed and remembered by many.
My thoughts are with you.
Glenda.
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Bob Wallace He made me laugh , often
Thanks Bob
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Sue Smart My sincerest sympathy to you all. It was always a pleasure spending time with Bob. There was always lots of laughter. He was a class act, with that little twist. I feel blessed to have had him cross my path in life.
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Lola Pawer {Aceman} Oh my Oh my my dear friend has died..Bob and I had a lovely relationship during school and he truly was a great guy..
I am very sad to hear about him passing and send my deepest sympathy to all his family.
I loved that guy . Rest in peace Mr
Lola
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erica williams Karin and family
I am so sorry for your loss. What a strong fight he put up to stay. Wishing you all continued strength in the memories of him.
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Rick Stolle Jr. My sincere condolences to the entire family.
Bob was always a kind friend and positive influence every time I met with him, and his ability to lift the spirits of any situation is a testament to the outstanding individual he will be remembers as.
Our thoughts and prayers go to his family during these difficult times.
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helena and Blair Watling Our sincerest sympathy to you all in the loss of your dad,husband and grandfather.
Our thoughts, prayers and hearts are with you at this very sad time.
I know how much he will be missed by you all…May he rest in peace.Helena and Blair Watling
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Karen Smith One of the first brokers I met when I started in the financial services industry was Bob, he was always ready with a joke and a smile. He was a genuine person who called life as he saw it….and did so with no regets.
My condolences to Maxine and family, your loss is a great one. If there is anything that can be done to help please do not hesitate to ask.
Karen & all the HUB Victoria Staff
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Frank Goethals My sincerest condolences to Maxine and the family.
Bob’s humour brought many laughs to his many friends and he will be missed. There will never be another like him.
I worked for Bob from 1978 to 1979. He was a kind, generous, fun boss. I am saddened to learn that he has passed away. My condolences to his family.
Leanne Ringma (McKinley)