LOWE, Robert William
(1931- 2023)

Bob was born in his family home on Rupert Street, in Vancouver on July 22, 1931, and died at the Burnaby Hospital on April 8, 2023 after a brief stay. He was predeceased by his older sister, Berta, and his younger brother, Charlie. He is survived by his loving wife of over 70 years, LesLee, his sons Rob (Toni) and Jeff (Donna), grandkids, Robbie, Josh, Christopher, Danielle and Mike, 10 great-grandkids, and his loving nieces and nephews. There is a lot to say about Bob's life, so we will try to stick to the highlights. Those of you who knew him will think we have missed some important details, and undoubtedly, we have. Bob graduated from Burnaby South High School at the age of 16, after having skipped a grade. He was president of his graduating class and captain of the rugby team. He married his high school sweetheart, LesLee in 1952. He began his working life delivering milk. Although no one in his family had ever pursued a post-secondary education, he quit his job and completed his teacher training. He began the next phase of his career as a teacher with the Vancouver School Board. His journey of self-improvement through education continued. Somehow, while working full time and raising a family he obtained a BA in English (UBC) and a Master's Degree in Linguistics (SFU). He never attended UBC nor SFU as a fulltime student. Bob taught in the Faculty of Education at SFU, became Chair of the English Department at Douglas College and finished his career as Vice President Academic at Kwantlen College. In 1961 Bob and LesLee bought acreage on Government Road in Burnaby, and so began the country life. Rob and Jeff had an amazing childhood growing up with horses, cows and goats in the backyard. Bob retired about 30 years ago, and he spent summers with LesLee at their beloved second home at Gun Lake. He kept busy working with the Kekinow Native Housing Society and sitting on the UBC Senate for 6 years. While these facts and dates are important, they don't really touch on the essence of Bob Lowe. He was physically strong, quietly emotional, fiercely stubborn and amazingly kind. He was the person that his wife, kids, grandkids and friends could count on. He touched many people in many ways. He tried to make the world right for us. He was a strident and vocal proponent of Chevy Pickup trucks, scotch whiskey and Husqvarna chain saws. He set an example for the rest of us to follow. His enduring affection for Leslee was sweet and touching. The last time they saw each other, they sat face-to-face holding hands. Bob Lowe was a good man. Let's just leave it at that. Special thanks to Dr. Ken Appleby, who first met Bob when he was a little boy. Ken jumped in and provided thoughtful and caring medical support during the last few years of Bob's life. "A celebration of life will be held at a later date to be determined.