January 7, 1912- November 7, 2008
Nearing the end of his 96th year, Bob passed away peacefully at home with his family by his side and only 157 steps from where he was born on January 7, 1912.
He lived all his life in the Fulford Valley as did his fathers before him. He worked hard all his working life: ran the farm with many cattle, sheep and Christmas trees, cleared land with stumping powder, logged, including hand falling timber with cross cut saws, yarded logs with donkeys, drove a logging truck, boomed logs in Fulford Harbour, ran sawmills, and worked for Hydro and Telephone, to name a few things.
He was predeceased by his loving wife of 59 years, Molly, daughter Lyn (Dennis) Andrews and son in-law Tim O’Donnell. He is survived by his children Darlene O’Donnell, Ted (Donna) Akerman, Roberta (Max) Allard, Morris (Janice) Akerman, Cathy (Dale) Cook, Dan Akerman, Pat (Brenda) Akerman, Jim Akerman, Kerry Akerman, Lance Akerman and 30 grandchildren and 45 great-grandchildren with more to come.
Over the years Bob was instrumental in the community such as the building and renovating the Fulford Hall and organizing basketball, roller hockey, roller skating and dances in the hall, organizing May Day celebrations in the Fulford area for many years, roofing and renovating St. Paul’s Church, the creation and building of Drummond Children’s Playground and building the Fulford Ball Park. He also was a founding member of the Salt Spring Rotary Club and Salt Spring Parks and Recreation Commission. After all the changes he had seen in his life time he was very proud at the age of 95 years, to publish a book titled “The Akerman Family Growing up with Salt Spring”.
The family would like to send a special thanks to Dr. Megan Newcombe, Dr. Kelly Gallion, the staff of the Lady Minto Hospital emergency room, Home Support Services and nurse Sue Banks and all that sent their thoughts and prayers.
You are invited to a Celebration of Life for Dad on Sunday, November 16, 2008, 1 p.m. at the Fulford Community Hall. In lieu of flowers, if so inclined, please donate to “Home Support Services”, # 2-137 Crofton Road, Salt Spring Island, B.C. V8K 2R8 (250-537-9955). Or a donation box will be available at the “Celebration of Life” and all proceeds will be sent to “Home Support Services”.