From Tribute Archive

Parksville, British Columbia
January 21, 1930 - September 17, 2021

Robert passed away peacefully at Dover House in Nanaimo, BC. He survived the pandemic, the lockdowns, and the 2021 heat wave, but finally succumbed to his many chronic conditions.

Born in Wainwright, Alberta, Robert had 4 younger siblings. The boy from a farm fell in love with the ocean, mountains, and forests when he travelled to Gambier Island (Camp Latona) one summer with the Wainwright Sea Cadets.

He met his wife Anna (deceased in 2014) while serving in the Canadian Naval Reserve in Esquimalt, BC. Together they had 6 children. Robert obtained his degree from the University of Alberta in Education, and a Masters from Oregon State University in Industrial Education, which he taught, for many years at UBC in Vancouver.

Upon retirement to the Sunshine Coast, Robert was an active member of the BC Emergency Measures agency, his local HAM radio club on the Sunshine Coast (VE7ALT), and his local provincial Liberal association (when they were still “liberal”). He made many friends through these activities.

Robert and Anna travelled in their RV every winter to the southern US and Mexico. He also designed and built a small home in Halfmoon Bay, and enjoyed sailing, cooking, watercolour painting, photography, gardening, reading and playing harmonica.

Children of the depression years, Robert and Anna encouraged their children to pursue education, learn music, and be resourceful.

Robert is survived by 5 children, 5 grandchildren, and 6 great-grandchildren, as well as his 4 siblings.

The family are grateful to Dr. Trepess and the staff at Dover House in Nanaimo for their dedication and excellent care for Robert these past few years.

A funeral service will be held on Wednesday, October 6, at 11:30 am at St. Peter’s Roman Catholic Church at 301 Machleary Street in Nanaimo.

If you wish, in lieu of flowers, please make a donation to the charity of your choice in Robert's memory.