With great sorrow the family announces the passing of Bob. He is terribly missed by his wife Pat of 52 years, daughters Bobbi Walker (Doug) and Tanya. His best friend and grandson Robbie, and his favourite granddaughters Sarah and Brooke. His brother Don (Val) and many other family and friends.
Bob retired from Victoria Fire Department as Captain Fire Master Mechanic in August 2003. He was proud to be a part of the VFD family.
After retirement Bob spent countless hours with his greatest joy in life, his grandkids. He loved watching the kid’s hockey games and his true passion lacrosse games, which Robbie will carry on for his grandpa.
His mechanical skills were beyond genius. He restored many cars including a 1954 Ford pickup for Pat and his 1974 Ford pick up for Robbie.
Bob was kind, humble and well respected, loved by everyone he met. He would often take a friend, young or old under his wing, with patience and soft-spoken guidance he became a mentor to them. He was always there to help a friend or chat over a cup of coffee.
Thank you to the staff at RJH 8 South, for the wonderful care.
A very special thank you to Sam Bowie, Larry Mills and Scott Michell (who was like a son to Bob). You are wonderful friends!
A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date. Condolences may be offered to the family at www.mccallgardens.com.
-
Janey Turner
-
Rowena Bastien Bob’s kind spirit, love of fire departments everywhere and his amazing ability and desire to help benefitted the people and fire departments in the Cariboo Region many times over. Bob’s hard work resulted in at least a dozen fire trucks being put into service here in Central BC. Thank you Bob. You are Loved and Missed. Thank you to Pat and his family for sharing him with us. Im sorry for your loss. Rest in Peace dear friend.
-
Don Campbell Bob was one of the first people I met when we moved to Victoria.
He was a very special guy.
Over the years we would meet up at various meetings or Lacrosse games.
If all men were like Bob the world would be a much better place.
We send our heartfelt condolences to Pat and the family.
Sincerly
Don & Trudie Campbell
-
Robertsonj Pat and Family
We are thinking about you and your family at this most difficutt time and hope your special memories will help .
Jim always enjoyed working with Bob for many years. Martie also enjoyed Bob’s company to talk over cars and trucks over a cup of coffee.
Wishing you Peace and Comford
Our Deepest Sympathy
Geri,Martie,Jamie,Geordie,and Torrie Robertson
-
John and Marilyn Bate Dear Pat and all the Family.
We are very sad to learn of Bob’s passing.
Such a class Gentleman and Friendly to all.
We are so glad our paths crossed in life with both of you.
Please know our thoughts are with you. Thankfully the Memories live on forever
Most Sincerely
John and Marilyn Bate
-
Richard ( Dick) Austin Dear Pat and family,
My condolences and heartfelt sympathies are conveyed on the loss of Bob. Had the pleasure of working with Bob during his tenure with the Victoria Fire Department. His title was Master Mechanic but in reality, his skills and expertise far outweighed this title. Bob was the quintessential problem solver in any mechanical task assigned to him, I marveled at his insight – ability to make the silk purse out of a sow’s ear when asked. Processed with a wonderful sense of humor and quiet demeanor which made him respected and liked by all. He leaves us far too soon, rest in peace, my friend.
-
Bob Melnyk Bob Melnyk, (Qualicum Beach) Chief Training Officer Rtd, VFD
So very sorry to hear of Bobs passing. Will fondly remember him for his expert skills as the Master Mechanic for the VFD. He spent countless hours with me to provide the best fire apparatus driver training for VFD members. Also, the 4 plus years that he spent with me and the small group of VFD members that restored the “Charles Redfern” steam pumper. I always looked forward to an enjoyable break in my day when I would escape from the fire hall and have lunch with D/Chief Rich Brideson, Bob, and you too Pat, at the “Ingy”. Some great stories were told and many problems were discussed and solved, along with of course, some joking and laughter. I remember Bob as being exceptionally talented at whatever he did, always helpful to others, and I was thankful to have worked alongside with him. Pat, please accept my condolences for you and your family at this difficult time.
-
Barb Lehoux So very sorry to hear of Bob’s passing. I am retired now, but had the pleasure of working with Bob at the Victoria Fire Department. I worked in the front office and he was always so kind. He was a true gentleman at all times. I use to love his sense of humour. Please accept my heartfelt sympathies on the loss of your loved one.
I have just heard of Bob’s passing. My association with Bob was his expert care and maintenance of my horse trailer and the emergency pick up service he provided me. Once when broken down on the highway near Sayward Rd. I called Bob because my truck’s engine had exploded. I was stopped with a loaded horse in the trailer on a hot summer’s day. Not only did Bob call the tow truck for me but he arrived at the scene, hooked up my trailer to his truck and delivered my horse and I safely home. Bob was the guy you could count on and I will truly miss him, his funny stories and his gentle reassuring manner. My deepest sympathies to his family on the loss of a kind and decent gentleman.