Bob passed away peacefully in Victoria, BC, on February 17, 2024. Bob is survived by his son Jeffrey Griffiths and Jeffrey’s wife Anne and her children Cole Bazin and Geneva Bazin.
Bob was born on October 14, 1944, in Vancouver, BC, to Arthur and Kathleen Griffiths (nee Robinson). He grew up on Alder Street with his parents and grandparents Harry and Harriet Robinson and attended Cecil Rhodes Elementary School and King Edward High School where he met his future wife, Patricia Chard. He studied at the newly opened BCIT where he was part of the first graduating class in 1966. Bob went on to marry Pat in 1971, and the couple welcomed their son Jeffrey in 1976, purchasing a house in West Vancouver that same year. Many happy times were spent there with the Chard family and close friends, the Sims.
Bob’s career took him from the front desk at the Georgia Hotel to managing operations and staffing for world expositions in Australia, China, and the US. Closer to home, he was immensely proud of his role as Director of Operations at Expo 86 and later with BC Rail where he managed the creation of the Whistler Northwind tour train.
Bob lost his beloved Patricia in 1995, but through his remarkable strength, carried on in his successful career and travelled extensively. Bob’s connection to Salt Spring Island began with boyhood fishing trips and led him to retire there in 2012 where he enjoyed his many outdoor projects. Bob will be sorely missed for his remarkable energy, generosity and positivity.
A private ceremony was held at Capilano View Cemetery on March 7, 2024 where Bob was laid to rest next to his wife Patricia. A Celebration of Life is being planned for the coming months and information will be posted online. The family wishes to thank Bob’s dedicated care team for their remarkable support. Tributes may be made in Bob’s name to the Lady Minto Hospital Foundation (Salt Spring Island) or the BC Cancer Foundation.
Condolences may be offered to the family below.
McCall Gardens
www.mccallgardens.com
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Brenda Raincock
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Hammy McClymont Jeffrey,
I was saddened to hear of your Dad’s passing. We worked together at EXPO 86, and for about a year after, we shared an office in the old railway station as we tried to get our consulting practices off the ground under the Alpha Projects banner. It was a small office, so we got to know each other pretty well! Later of we kept in touch through the Themed Attractions group. I always enjoyed our time together, especially his light hearted sense of humour. You have my sincere condolences on his passing.
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Murray Atherton As Denis Forristal mentioned…. There was a luncheon last week with some of us ‘OLDTIMERS’ from the Georgia and Bayshore and Bob’s name was brought up.. I actually trained Bob on the Front Desk of the Georgia when he graduated from BCIT. 2 years later, Bob was (attempting to) TEACHING ME Front Orffice Management AT BCIT. Needless to say I got 100% in that class. Ha ha ha. Bob was very involved in the BC Rail’s Dinner Train and I ended my full-time career at Rocky Mountaineer! A very small world. Condolences to you, Jeffrey. You can be very proud of your dad. A great guy!
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Marilyn Harris Hi Jeff, Bob and I were so sorry to hear about your father’s passing and wanted you to know we’re thinking of you and your family at this time. We have many fond memories of life on Sinclair Street and always enjoyed our annual visits with Bob at his lovely home on Saltspring Island. He was such a generous, kind and caring man, how lucky you were to have him as a father.
Marilyn and Bob Harris
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Denis Forristal Denis Forristal
Hi Jeff, I’m sorry to learn of your father’s passing. We go back to when your father just graduated from BCIT and he worked with me at the Georgia Hotel. I was a few years his senior there but we had many challenging and good days together. I got transferred to Calgary in 1970 and we lost touch for a number of years but we did catch up in later years after I transferred back to The Westin Bayshore as GM. A good man. I had just asked another industry individual about your Dad earlier this week and he just sent me his obituary
REST IN PEACE BOB
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Thor and Jan Olsen Bob and Pat were our neighbours on Sinclair Street for many years before we moved to Gibsons in 2007.
Bob was always ready to provide advice and tools from his well-organized workshop. He was a kind and gentle man with a very positive outlook.
Our sincere condolences to Jeffrey.
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Pennie Hi Jeff: I was so sorry to hear of your Dad’ passing. I always remember his wonderful Christmas tree decorating. Sending love and sympathy to you and the family.
Pennie Esplen
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Misha N. Tarasoff We are sad to hear that Bob has passed. We worked along side of him at EXPO86 and enjoyed his style and company He was indeed a good soul.
Misha and Marlene
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Jeff McNair Hello Jeffrey,
I’m so sorry to hear of your Dads passing. I worked with him at Expo 86 and always admired his kindness and his ability to get up and go forward even in tough times. He was so thoughtful to send me Christmas cards each year with the annual update. I very much enjoyed sending him the news from our end.Jeff McNair
I have fond memories of B.C. Rail and working with Bob on the rail projects. It was an exciting time and Bob & team worked very hard at the creation of an amazing rail service. He was always enthusiastic, motivated, and full of ideas! I’m sorry for his loss, he was a wonderful man and I know he will be missed. I only wish I could have seen him more in his retirement. My thoughts and condolences go out to Bobs family and close friends.