Lt (N) Robert (Bob) Furry, CD, RCN Ret’d died peacefully on November 9, 2019, after a fierce battle with cancer. He passed at his home with his family and his loyal dog, Chase, by his side.
Bob was born on September 7, 1960, in Edmonton, Alberta, and joined the navy in 1978. Bob and Jennifer met in Victoria and were married at Saxe Point Park in 1981, which was the start of an adventurous life together – they stopped counting after 13 cross-country moves. After 9 years in uniform, Bob entered the University Training program (UTPM), completing his degree and accepting a commission. He maintained lifelong friendships from this program.
Bob was in the navy for 29 years serving on nine ships including HMC Ships Restigouche, Saskatchewan, St. John’s, Regina and Calgary. He stepped out of the uniform and immediately commenced work with MARPAC HQ.
After Bob retired from the navy, Jennifer was finally able to convince Bob to take his first cruise to get his sea time in. They were booked on their 23rd cruise in 2020.
Bob was a consummate professional and dedicated service member. Known for his colourful attire, Bob could jury-rig anything, was a musician with a beautiful singing voice, an adventurer, and an avid arm-chair quarterback.
Bob loved his family. He was predeceased by his parents, Robert and Winnona Furry. He is survived by his wife Jennifer, their children Karlee (Halim) Kochan and Mark (Jana) Furry; brothers Matthew (Lisa) Furry, Scott (Suszanne) Furry; brothers-in-law Trevor (Rose) Locke, Gregory (Anne) Locke; and many supportive aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces and nephews in Edmonton, Hamilton and Spain. He will be missed by all.
A Celebration of Life will be held at the Wardroom, 1586 Esquimalt Road, Victoria, on Monday November 25, 2019 at 11:30 am.
The family wish to thank his GP, Dr. Azaria Marthyman and cancer specialist Dr. David Fenton and all those involved with hospice care.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Bob’s name to the BC Cancer Agency, 2410 Lee Avenue, Victoria, BC, V8R 6V5 or Help Fill a Dream, www.helpfilladream.com and hit the Donations button.
Condolences may be offered to the family below.
McCall Gardens
www.mccallgardens.com
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Peter Duffley
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Evelyn Lightfoot Evelyn & Ron Lightfoot
Jennifer, Mark and Karlee
So sorry for you loss. He was much to young to be leaving this world even though he will be in a better
place free of pain and suffering. He will always be Robin to us. Much loved by all.
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Teresa Vermeulen Dear Jennifer, Karlee, Mark and family.
Our deepest condolences to you all. I’m so sorry to hear about Bob.
Wish I could be there to give you all a BIG HUG
Lots of love xoxo
Teresa, Doug, Katie and Kyle
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Amanda I am so sorry for you loss. Though I did not know him well, you stories of him Jennifer always painted a kind and compassionate man.
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Jaime Adams My sincere condolences to Jennifer and family. I met Bob through our Help Fill a Dream family . He was always assisting at events and while quiet would do anything to support his wife and her support of the organization.
While I only saw him on a handful of occasions, he was a gentle man with fabulous cooking skills. May your memories hold you strong. xo
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Stacey Wiper Dear Jennifer and entire family,
I was so shocked and saddened when I heard of Bob’s passing so please accept my sincerest condolences. While it’s been quite a few years since Bob and I had seen each other, his Obituary immediately brought back some great memories from our “UT” days….and more specifically, his colorful attire and hearty laughter. As well, any one who knew Bob would also readily agree that “a dedicated service member”….there were/are few as dedicated as Bob ! My heart goes out to you and your entire family.
Rest easy Bob, we have the Watch.
Stacey Wiper
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Lynne Johnstone My very deepest sympathy to Jennifer and Karlee.
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Jeremy McLeod That was so beautifully written. I remember when I first met Bob, which is when Bob and Jennifer came to book a cruise. Bob was so analytical and practically knew more about the cruise he was booking than I did! Over the years, I got to know him better and than had the privilege of getting to know both Jennifer and Karlee more. Bob was both a charming and kind man and my heart goes out to both Jennifer and Karlee, as well as, the entire family for their loss. He truly was a remarkable man.
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Linda Herr Dear Karlee and family
Very nice tribute to your dad.
Warm regards from Bob and Linda
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Gwyn Dear Jennifer, I am so very sorry to hear that you have lost Bob. My thoughts and prayers are with you at this very sad time. If you need a friend …
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Denyse Koo and Bill Schulte Bill knew Bob from their navy days, but I did not meet Bob until Jennifer joined the board of Help Fill a Dream Foundation. For many of the fundraising events, Bob good-heartedly let himself be “voluntold” or volunteered himself. Bob was not a big talker at events, but stood quietly in the background, readily jumping in to help with set up or clean up, and proudly supporting Jennifer and cheering on our cause. Our condolences for the whole family. We will do our best to be there for Jennifer.
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Robert J Rogers Well written. I have known Bob (Robin) since birth and was very proud he chose the navy for a career. I remember visiting he and parents in Hamilton when on leave from Halifax. He has been a great part of the Clann and we were so sorry with his passing. Dorothy and I recall his graduation from RMC and subsequent service. Our sincere condolences to the immediate and extended family. We will try to make the Celebration at the Wardroom.
Uncle Bob and Aunt Dorothy Rogers and family
Edmonton, Alberta
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Anne-Marie Marchi I became friends with Karlee around 2001 and in turn met Robert and Jennifer. I became their home cleaner shortly thereafter and was always greeted with warmth and smiles. When Robert was in charge of breakfast, there was always bacon, pancakes and coffee on the table 🙂 I loved to see and hear the family go on about this and that and truly felt welcome. Robert was a jovial spirit with an infectious laugh and quirky sense of humour. He loved his family more than anything and I’ll always remember him in that light. My heart goes out to his family; I can’t imagine the loss they must feel. Sending love and prayers xoxo
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Heather Beautifully written. I have so many fond memories of feeling a part of your family. I always loved Bob’s sense of humor. So much love to all of you.
Dear Jennifer and family,
Very sorry to have heard of Bob’s passing and my heart goes out to all of you. I was very fortunate to have met Bob in the early days of Naval engineering training on the west coast around 1993 (where he was a ‘seemingly’ gruff, salty sailor) and then when I got to know him better in Halifax, I discovered the kinder, gentler, family man, who would do anything for his family or a friend. Despite our age gap, we shared a love of Fleetwood Mac and Bob would always remind me that he had seen the Rumours album ‘live ‘. Bob was well seasoned in life’s complexities and willing to share that knowledge with the straight truth , a rueful grin and ‘maybe’ a dash of sarcasm …..over a libation of some kind of course. I am privileged to have known him. I’ll miss Bob, as he “Goes his own way”. Deepest condolences to you Jennifer and the family.