Robert passed away peacefully, leaving behind his loving wife Belita, his two stepsons and their partners, his six children and their partners, his 16 grandchildren and 1 great grandson, his nieces/nephews. He is predeceased by his parents Jack and Edith and his sister Jenny.
Robert was born in Shaunavon, Saskatchewan before moving to Nanaimo, BC with his parents at a young age. In Nanaimo he found his passion for the ocean, mastering deep diving and strong swimming skills at an early age. He lived the latter part of his life in Richmond.
He took his love for the sea to the next step, working for many years in the Tugboat industry, plying the BC coast. He was a professional logging truck driver. Later he worked for BC Ferries and then branched into industrial construction projects including working in the early days of construction of Fort McMurray township, helping build mega dams, a geodesic dome and his own custom home. He farmed and raised animals including bees. His volunteer work included altar serving, volunteer fire brigades and St Joseph the Worker’s Fall Fair events. He was a proud member of the Carpenters Union & Carpenters Executive Board. He later went back to his first love, working on a freighter that traveled from Vancouver to Alaska as a first mate, but eventually was forced to retire due to severe arthritis in his hand.
In the early 90’s, while on leave from his Ship, he met his future wife and great love Belita at the Steveston Hotel and they were married shortly thereafter in the Philippines. They have been happily married for over 30 years.
Robert loved the Ocean, the beauty of Alaska, Ships, Airplanes, vehicles, hockey, deep sea diving/salvaging, cooking, country music, and golfing. He loved animals and often had dogs in his life, including two of his favorites Alpine and Moon Child.
He enjoyed spending time with his wife and family, was proud of his children/grandchildren’s accomplishments and was known to help Belita cook up a feast when any of their children/grandchildren came around.
His funeral mass will be on Thursday, November 7, 2024 at 11:00AM at St Joseph the Worker Parish - 4451 Williams Road, Richmond BC, followed by his burial service at Gardens of Gethsemani Catholic Cemetery - 15694 32nd Avenue Surrey BC. There will be a reception following the funeral mass. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to either:
https://www.canadahelps.org/en/charities/st-joseph-the-worker-parish/ Or
https://www.canadahelps.org/en/charities/richmond-kinsmen-home-support-society/ Or
https://www.canadahelps.org/en/charities/alano-club-of-the-north-shore/