Robert died peacefully after a courageous battle with MS on December 22, 2020 in Victoria, BC. Bob was born the youngest son of Beatrice and William Brooks on January 22, 1954 in Winnipeg, Manitoba.
Bob was predeceased by his devoted wife Deb of 29 years, in 2014. He is survived by his Siblings, Joan (Gord), Diane and Brian; his brothers-in-law Bill and Sandy (Deborah); numerous nieces, nephews and their children. Bob will be missed by many neighbours, co-workers and friends; of particular mention are friends who became family Kim, Steven and Aidan also Perry and Corey.
Bob started out his life the youngest of six children in a busy but loving household. Bob entered his teen years just as the 60’s revolution was underway. This shaped Bob’s ideology of free thought and social political leanings that stayed with him his entire life. Uncle Bob could always be counted on for a spirited debate and was genuinely interested in how someone formed their values. Wanting to make a positive impact, Bob entered Provincial Governmental Affairs. First for the Manitoba Government and then the B.C. Government. One of the largest projects Bob spearheaded was the commissioning of a public community ski hill on the Winnipeg floodway. At the time this was considered an unusual use of government land and ground-breaking in precedence. This ski hill is considered, to this day, one of the top winter activities in southern Manitoba.
In 1985 Bob married the love of his life Deb. Together they travelled the world sharing a love of fine food and wine. Travels took them to their beloved Europe where they would take in the arts and culture. Other times they would jump on a ferry to watch Basketball or catch a Jazz Concert. Bob and Deb enjoyed sharing their adventures with family and friends through pictures and funny stories. What they have left us is an example of unconditional love and acceptance.
MS entered Bob’s life during his prime and he learned to co-exist with the disease. For many years Bob continued to travel and live vigorously, despite barriers the disease presented. When finally, the disease got in his way, Bob passed as he chose to live, on his own terms.
The family wants to thank Bob’s healthcare team lead by Dr. Tracy Tresoor and the support given by Dr. Konia Trouton. We are incredibly grateful to Bob’s friend and caregiver Kim whose companionship meant everything. Please celebrate Bob’s life often by raising a glass in his remembrance and living your own adventures. In lieu of flowers, a donation in the name of Robert Brooks to the BC Wild Animal centre (Wildarc) https://spca.bc.ca/donations/wild-arc/ would be appreciated.
Condolences may be offered to the family below.
McCall Gardens
www.mccallgardens
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Richard Stafford
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Gaye and Bernie Wilkinson Gaye and I got to know Bob over the past two and a half years and unfortunately one of our common bonds was MS. We looked at Bob’s passing as “happy, sad”. Fortunately, Bob was given control over his life, something Gaye’s brother, Trev did not have, a few years ago. We appreciated Bob’s upbeat, philosophical attitude towards what life had dealt him. We miss him.
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Sandy and Deb The Obituary truly sums him up. We met Bob when he met my sister Deb. They married and the life they shared together was a wonderful one. We take comfort in knowing they may now continue their travels together… Our heartfelt condolences go out to all the family and friends…
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Diane Ward Bob was my brother. Over the years we were separated by many miles with me and my family living in Texas and Bob and Deb living in Victoria. He and Debra came to Texas during the 100 degree hot spell in June to attend David and Jana’s wedding. Bob came to Texas again in cooler weather this time for a short visit on his travels to Florida to visit friends. I last saw Bob on the way back from a cruise to Alaska. He was driving his car and did not let his MS get in the way of enjoying life. My family and I are comforted in knowing Bob is now reunited with his love Deborah, his Mom, Dad, sisters and all who have gone on before. Rest in peace my dear brother.
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Orleen MacLulich I always enjoyed seeing Bob cruising our strata complex neighbourhood and having him stop to chat. In all my interactions with him I got a sense of a man who was thoughtful and approached life with a “cup half full” philosophy. I admire his courage in living life on his own terms right to the end. Condolences to his family and friends!
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D. Robinson Bob had a resurgence for life during the initial days of the pandemic. He could be found making the rounds of the neighbours as people met on lawn chairs outside their townhomes. Bob seemed upbeat until his final days.
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Janice Schmidt Bob was a wonderful neighbour, along with Deb, for many years. We will miss his sense of humour and interesting conversations. Condolences to the family.
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Perry and Corey Ulmer I met Bob nearly thirty years ago, when he first arrived in Victoria and joined our small team at work. We were a bit of a wacky, fun-loving crew, and Bob was the perfect fit, with his wry sense of humour. Some of my happiest working years were spent alongside Bob.
Corey and I soon developed a bond of friendship with Bob and Deb, sharing many great meals and bottles of good wine over the years, with much laughter and celebration. We have birthdays in the same week as Bob’s, so the three-birthday meal at a favourite restaurant became a tradition that continued to last January. After Deb passed, we grew even closer to Bob, getting together for visits over coffee or dinner.
We shared many wonderful times with Bob, but challenges and hard times too. We watched Bob deal with two of the biggest challenges anyone can face, the progression of his disease and losing Deb. I will always admire the incredible strength and grace and dignity he showed in facing blows that could have left him bitter and sulking. Instead, he weathered the worst, and grew in depth and humanity. He inspires me to persevere, and rise above whatever life brings.
Bob could be gruff and particular at times, but for a friend in need he was always a gentle, empathetic listener, and generous with sympathy, comfort and insight in reply. He was our oldest and closest friend in Victoria. We miss him dearly, and offer our sympathy to all who love Bob. We share in your loss.
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Iona Haggard It was truly a pleasure to have gotten to know Bob. He will be missed dearly.
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L. Amanda Bailey Bob will be fondly remembered, a good friend and neighbour.
I worked with Bob for a number of years and always enjoyed and respected his knowledge, leadership and humour. Although it’s been a few years now since his retirement, I still have many fond memories of Bob. Rest in peace, Bob.