Bob departed on his final adventure sooner than expected and, like many of us, I guess, leaving behind unfinished plans and projects. Although he was not ready, complications from a heart valve implant dictated otherwise.
Bob had a great sense of adventure and zest for life. He was passionate and committed to most everything he did, from building our home to baking buns! Whether it was flying, sailing, motorcycling, scuba diving, skiing, welding, working on his many vehicles, or reading a book, he enjoyed it all. He especially loved his tractor and could hardly wait for snow so he could help plow out the neighbourhood.
Other interests included music, singing (Salt Spring Singers), attempting to learn to play the five-string banjo, and practicing the trumpet. He enjoyed poetry and charmed us with his recitations. The intricacies of the sewing machine fascinated him; from hemming his own pants to sewing sail covers.
One friend described him as a “true prairie renaissance man. There seemed to be nothing that he couldn’t do or learn how to do.” He would have loved to have been a farmer. As a young man, while attending college in the States, he followed the harvest, custom combining from Texas to North Dakota. After graduating, he spent two and a half years in northern Thailand volunteering as a mechanic on a Presbyterian mission farm.
After meeting and marrying Dawn in Regina, we both completed Master’s Degrees in Social Work from the University of Toronto. Most of our working years were spent in Saskatoon, where Bob enjoyed working with delinquent kids. Following our move to Salt Spring 30+ years ago, some will remember him as a school bus driver.
His older sister, Lorraine Bell, and nephew, Ken, will grieve his loss.
I will miss most his wonderful smile, sense of humour, keen wit, and enduring love over these past 60 years. He was a kind and generous man, loyal to his many friends. I will miss our Happy Times as well as our “Happy Hours,” where we discussed the day and plans for the morrow. We, as a couple, were good together. My best friend, my partner, my soulmate.
Thank you to the many of you who have reached out to me with your support and comfort.
There will be no service or celebration of life.
Cherish your families, your friends, and your neighbours!
Dawn
Dawn, I am sorry to hear of Bob’s passing, he was the best school bus driver ever!!! How the kids loved him. Love to you.
Bob was truly a special human with many of the character qualities we all strive to have. You and Bob also helped so many children. You birthed none but parented many. It is an honour to call you friends. We are here for you as you have always been for us. Hugs, Dee & Jack Sandberg
Dawn, my condolences. This obituary is a lovely tribute to Bob. — Susan Monaghan, former member of Salt Spring Singers.
As a former teacher I thought Bob was remarkable as a school bus driver. I am sure kids looked forward to Bob’s smile when the door opened each school day and wondered what he might surprised them with. Along with all his special qualities and abilities he was gifted with kids. What a remarkable team you were. Sid and I were so fortunate to have been your neighbors on “the hill”
.Love L/S
What a beautiful tribute! So many adventures and amazing stories to share. And always the helping heart and hands. He is missed and loved so much.
We grieve the sudden death of Bob. So many wonderful memories of working with him in Saskatoon. So many fun memories making Christmas fruit cake at your home and ours in Saskatoon. We are thankful for the many created memories together. Blessings to you, Dawn. Margaret & Richard, Saskatoon
Dawn, A great tribute to Bob, my life-long friend. I have so many memories of growing up in Saskatchewan, flying kites and
building model airplanes. Brenda and I were fortunate to have you both as friends.
Love, Brenda and Leo
Dawn, you have provided a touching and thoughtful piece in honour of your “soulmate” Bob.
Here on the prairies we have been talking about how he connected a fine group of young social workers over 40 years ago with his stellar sense of good folks to hire. That young community is now senior and remains connected.
We have had the fortune to share in many adventures with you and Bob over the years.
The last few being in amazing places with the RVs. We enjoyed our time together at the greenhouse. Bob always looking for something to fix and finding much.
Bob’s love for the north always shone through in his stories of the cabin at Roe lake.
When he shared stories of adventures in the North on snowmobiles I felt somewhat of a nervous chill, but it was obvious that it fed Bob’s sense of adventure and he so enjoyed his buddies.
It was delightful to go out to Keos for dinner where he was giggly to practise his Thai-speaking skills.
We are forever thankful for the gift of Bob.
We will miss him.
Dawn, we are deeply sorry for your loss.
We celebrate the life journey you shared.
With tender hearts we send love to you.
P.S., by about 9 each night, Bob would stand and announce, “I’ve got to get to bed now.”
Rest well, my friend.
I grew up with Bob. He lived kitty corner from me in Herbert, Sask. So sorry to hear of his passing. He was a good friend.