Robert (Bob) Walter Hampton

January 2, 1926 – June 4, 2011

Bob was born on January 2, 1926 at St. Joseph’s Hospital in Victoria. He was the eldest of five children born to Henry Waite Hampton and Grace Florence Hunt. Bob’s early years were spent in Esquimalt where he attended Lampson Street School. At the age of ten, Bob’s mother passed away and he, along with his three brothers and one sister entered the B.C. Protestant Orphanage where he spent the remainder of his formative years. Bob enjoyed basketball, swimming, chess, camping and reading.

Bob attended Victoria High School, Victoria College and the University of British Columbia where he received his Bachelor of Arts. Following his graduation he went to the Provincial Normal School, Victoria for a one year teacher training course where he was awarded the Denton Memorial Scholarship. In the late 70’s, Bob returned to university and he received his Master of Arts from the University of Washington.

Bob began his teaching career at Lampson Street School in 1949. In 1950, he moved to S.J. Willis Junior High School where he spent many years as a well-loved classroom Math and English teacher. Later in his career, Bob worked as a vice-principal in a number of the Victoria junior secondary schools: S. J. Willis, Central, Shoreline and Arbutus. Bob was an avid chess player and an accomplished basketball player. He passed on these passions to many a student by running a chess club and coaching basketball in every school he taught. Bob retired in 1986 after 37 years of service as a teacher and vice-principal to the Victoria School District. Countless times during his retirement, we would run into former students who remembered “Mr. Hampton” and were eager to relate the positive impact he had on their lives.

At the age of eleven, Bob gave his life to Christ at a children’s meeting at Oaklands Gospel Hall. His commitment to the Lord led Bob to be involved in a number of Christian organizations: Gideons, Overseas Missionary Fellowship, Inter Varsity, Pioneer Pacific Camp, Camp Qwanoes, Red Sea Mission (now Reach Across). He taught many Bible classes and was regularly asked to preach. Bob was an active participant in his church throughout his life spending countless hours and personal resources supporting those in need.

In 1950, Bob married his beloved wife, Julia and adopted Julia’s son, Cashman. The years that followed brought three more children: Robin, Jill and John. He had thirteen grandchildren and three great-grandchildren. Papa, as he was fondly referred to, was a loving, faithful, patient husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather. His life was marked by thankfulness and a servant’s heart. He invested countless hours providing emotional, practical and spiritual support to his family. There was not a day that went by when prayers were not offered up on behalf of each one. Papa was a big man – six foot four inches tall and size 15 shoes – but he had an even bigger heart – a heart we will miss.

Throughout his life, Bob gave of himself to his family and his community. On June 4, 2011, at the age of eighty-five years old, Bob was ushered into the presence of his Lord and Saviour and now rests in complete peace.

Donations may be made in Bob’s memory to

Mount St. Mary Hospital
861 Fairfield Road, Victoria, BC V8V 5A9
or
Reach Across
Box 88520, Surrey, BC V3W 0X1