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.
25 Responses
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)
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.
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.
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.
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