With his family by his side, following an illness borne with great courage, Bob passed away in the home he built and happily tended. Bob was a loving, honourable and loyal husband, father, son, brother and uncle. He was the rock of his family.
Bob leaves behind Jan, his beloved wife of 40 years, and granddaughter Danika, the light of his life; brother Mike (Meg), uncle Tony Cox, Jan’s family: father-in-law John Newman, Thad (Sharon), Judy (Ian) and Brian (Lorna); many nieces and nephews, and Danika’s family (Mary Kate, Joe and Jenessa). Bob was predeceased by his son David, Mum and Dad, Joan and Peter, and mother-in-law Ellen Newman.
Bob was born in Halifax and, as the son of a Navy man, the family lived in England and on both coasts of Canada before settling permanently in Victoria. Bob attended Colquitz Junior and Mt. View High School and obtained his Masters in Marine Biology at UVic.
A passionate protector of the environment, Bob enjoyed a rewarding career with the provincial government, working in marine and natural resource-related ministries. In retirement, Bob felt privileged to be part of several local urban-stream restoration groups.
Bob’s life was rich with activities. A car “nut” from his early years, Bob enjoyed rebuilding vintage cars. He loved being part of the Early Ford V-8 Club and treasured the friends he made there. Bob was an animal person: dog lover, bird feeder, wildlife rescuer. He rode his bike everywhere (the environmentalist trumped the car nut!), played softball for many decades, and had his heart broken by the Canucks every spring.
A celebration of Bob’s life will be held at the UVic University Club on Saturday, November 14 from 2:00 – 4:00 pm.
If desired, donations in Bob’s memory can be made to Peninsula Streams Society (peninsulastreams.ca or P.O. Box 6000, 9860 West Saanich Road, Victoria BC, V8L 4B2) or KidsSport Greater Victoria (info@kidsportvictoria.ca or Box 345, #185- 911 Yates Street, Victoria, BC V8V 4Y9). Condolences may be offered to the family below.
McCall Bros. Funeral Home
15 Responses
Dear Jan, Our heartfelt condolences for your loss. Sending you love and prayers in this most difficult time. Hugs, Chris and Malcolm Rodin
Dear Jan,
My heart goes out to you and for Bob. That was a cruel and painful way to leave unfinished life. When Bob could not speak. Couldn’t get the words out I didn’t know how to comfort him. He always had something to say. He was enthusiastic and always showed interest in what Doug and I were up to. Love him for that.
I am so sorry he had to go through sickness.
Love from your neighbours Doug and Sally
My sincere condolences to Ursula and the entire Cox extended family. Bob was just a wonderful man and a dedicated, knowledgeable and engaged professional biologist. I knew him during my 16 years in Victoria as a member of the Fish and Wildlife Branch. Bob was a guy we all respected who was approachable, gregarious and possessing a great sense of humor. He clearly loved life and his passion for work and his family was obvious to us all. I am so sorry Bob has left us at such a young age. He will be sorely missed, but that smiling face and sharp wit will remain with us forever. All my best, Craig.
My very best to the family at this time, I hope you find comfort in your memories of Bob.
I had the pleasure of working with Bob in the early years where he brought sensibility and fun to field work. I learned from him. We met again during a rock wall building course many years later and again with work on watershed restoration work on the peninsula. He was a great guy , capable and appreciative.
Dear Jan
Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Having known Bob since school and then working with you
He was always forever a really great guy.