Haydn Robert (Bob) Stinchcombe passed away on December 23rd at his home in Victoria. Born in 1934 to Hettie and Robert, Bob spent his years to 1941 living in Risca, Wales. Like many UK children of this era, Bob spent much time “under the stairs” as hostile planes dropped land mines and high explosives to destroy the factories manufacturing aircraft wings for the hurricane fighters. Luckily, they missed both his house and the factories.
Over the following years Bob lived in various communities in south Wales: Cwmdare (mining), Bishton (agricultural) and Welsh speaking Cwm Gwaun. He attended Larkfield and Chepstow Grammar Schools. Following high school graduation, Bob worked for British Rail before serving in the Royal Air Force for the customary two years. After the RAF, Bob went on to prepare for a career in teaching at Coleg y Drindod.
In 1956 Bob began his teaching career in London, England before joining a flood of British teachers emigrating to Canada, to fill the need of a lack of teachers, a shortage caused by the post war baby boom. After a year in Saskatchewan, Bob moved to Princeton, BC and taught at the Elementary Junior Senior High. It was in Princeton that Bob met nurse Susan Elizabeth Avery who became his dear wife for sixty-four years. Together they raised four great children – Rob (Rita) Burnaby; Guy (Sayuka)Waterloo; Sarah (John) Medicine Hat; and Richard (Chikage)Tokyo. Bob and Susan are very proud of their six grandchildren: Chris, Lucas, Kaila, Cyndi, Kendra and Tom.
Shortly after graduating from UBC, Bob and his family moved to Vancouver Island, where he continued his teaching career while Susan
nursed in Victoria hospitals.
Bob and Susan had a passion for travelling and went on many great trips with friends. He inspired his
children and grandchildren to go on their own adventures by telling stories about his travels and the latest non-fiction book that he read. He was passionate about leading a healthy lifestyle, and loved to play and watch rugby, soccer, field hockey, golf, squash, and cycling. After retirement, he joined the local teachers walking group, the Ramblers, in which walks were often planned around sharing lunch with the group.
To view the service, please click the video below:
Condolences may be offered to the family below.
McCall Gardens
www.mccallgardens.com
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Marlene Madsen
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Will Alan Smith Dear Stinchombes, A spark has gone out in many peoples lives. When all Bob and Sue’s kids moved off the Island and to all four corners of the globe the fill the void with travelling to Kamloops, neighbours, neighbours grand children, and later me (with many a Sunday night dinner)
Sue would feed me and Bob would tell me (not in so many words) to get a proper job because there was no future in Kabuki Kabs. So I did. For the past 15 years I have been teaching in Winnipeg. Every Xmas and spring break I would report back to Yale street (my second home) about the courses I was teaching and how much I chipped away on my mortgage. This is but the tip of the iceberg of my stories and my time spent not only with Bob and Sue but also with their children. Arigoto for all the memories and when we meet again I will have my mortgage paid off and finished the list of books that Bob suggested I read! In this time of sorrow the bright memories will always guide the many people whom Bob’s life has touched over the years as both a teacher and a parent, friend and neighbour.
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Alison Dickson Sarah & family,
My condolences on the loss of your Dad and Grandfather. Recall growing up with family in Oak Bay and knowing both your parents. It’s always sad to see someone we love pass away. May all the loving memories of your time spent together stay forever in your hearts and help you through this time. Take care, Alison Dickson
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Tina May My sincere condolences to Susan and family. Thinking of you all at this sad time. Sending love from Tina and family from Rugby, England. Xx
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Tami (nee Smith) Many condolences to you all on your loss. Mr Stinchcombe (as I knew him growing up) was a lovely man – a devoted husband to Susan & caring father to my friends Sarah & Richard (& their siblings Guy & Rob). May your memories of him remain always in your hearts. Thinking of you all, love Tami
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Robyn Hamilton Palmer Miss Me But Let Me Go
Author UnknownWhen I come to the end of the road
And the sun has set for me,
I want no rites in a gloom-filled room,
Why cry for a soul set free!Miss me a little — but not for long
And not with your head bowed low.
Remember the love that we once shared,
Miss me, but let me go.For this journey that we all must take
And each must go alone;
It’s all a part of the Master’s plan
A step on the road to home.When you are lonely and sick at heart
Go to the friends we know,
And bury your sorrows in doing good deeds.Miss me, but let me go.
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Lise Palmer Dear Rob, Rita, Chris and Kaila, I’m sorry to hear about your dad’s / grandfather’s passing. I was glad to get to read more about him – he sounded like a wonderful guy, and as I read, I thought of many lovely characteristics he seems to have passed down. Lots of love to you all at this time from the Palmer family.
Dear Sue,
Our condolences to you and your family. We miss seeing Bob and our chats on Yale street. We will miss you when you move to be closer to family.
Kevin and Marlene from up the hill.