ROBERT (BOB) BIELY
June 24, 1942 ~ May 16, 2022
Bob Biely passed away peacefully, but unexpectedly, with his wife Carol and daughters Alison and Sue by his side following a short illness.
The son of Professor Jacob and Judith Biely, Bob attended Lord Byng High in Vancouver and UBC. After gaining his MBA at the University of Toronto, where he met Carol, Bob worked for many years in the property management and development field. His greatest pride was working with his partners to develop Steveston Landing, an innovative development providing a home for small businesses, which has become a favourite destination for many thousands of visitors.
Bob loved BC’s Gulf Islands and being in and on the water. The family enjoyed a cabin on Mayne Island for many years. Twenty-five years ago he and Carol built a home on Salt Spring Island. There Bob’s warmth and positive spirit welcomed many friends, both lifelong and new, and family members from all over the globe.
He loved his projects around the property such as building arbours and sheds, and he left his daughters many treasured items of furniture created from wood scraps and branches. And then there were all the fires, indoors and out. He was also a dedicated under-gardener to Carol.
He was a source of unconditional love to his wife and daughters, always very proud and supportive of their work. Bob was pre-deceased by his sister Louise and will be missed by his brother Gordon (Lynn), sister Barbara, and his many nieces and nephews.
Bob was a kind gentle soul with a sharp wit. He was known for his stories, and was a joker who loved to tease and be teased. As his niece put it, he always had an anecdote full of details, but not always a punch line.
Words people have used to describe Bob include: joyful, youthful in spirit, fun, enthusiastic, accepting, easily pleased, genuine, devoted, helpful, stubborn (but usually in a good way!).
Special thanks to Dr. Ron Reznick and Jean, the Royal Jubilee Hospital in Victoria, and to our wonderful Lady Minto staff team on Salt Spring Island.
At Bob’s request, there will be no service. In his memory, please consider making a donation to The Salt Spring Island Foundation or the Lady Minto Hospital Foundation.
We’ll all keep those hummingbirds fed and the woodshed filled for you Bob!