Obituary of John Robert STRAKER

February 26, 1929 – Michel, British Columbia October 4, 2018 – Calgary, Alberta Bob Straker passed away peacefully at home on Thursday, October 4, 2018 at the age of 89 years. He will be lovingly remembered by his beloved wife of 67 years, Kay; his children, Vivian (Larry), Sandy, Brenda (Warren) and Rob (Liza); six grandchildren, six great-grandchildren, his brother Ken (Kathie), numerous nieces, nephews, extended family and friends. He was predeceased by his sister Louise and her husband Jack in 2008. He spent his childhood in the former mining town of Michel, BC, and in Vancouver. He often shared fond memories of his time in Michel, and formed life-long friendships despite moving from there at age twelve. Over the years, he enjoyed several Michel-Natal reunions. He graduated from Vancouver Technical School, and began his career in the financial industry as a bank teller. He earned his Certified General Accountant designation (CGA, now CPA) along the way. He worked for a few financial institutions before starting a twenty-five year career with Canada Trust, working in British Columbia, Ontario, and Alberta. He retired as the Regional Business Consultant for Western Canada in Vancouver, in 1993. Bob had many hobbies: fly tying, genealogy, oil painting, stained glass, woodworking, thirty years of wine making and more. He was also a collector of many things. He often said he was busier after retirement than before. He introduced his children to tent camping, and he and Kay spent many years fishing and camping. Their favourite trips were taking their camper up the Alaskan highway to the Yukon and driving across Canada in their motorhome. Bob loved to travel with Kay, taking trips and cruises in Australia, Costa Rica, Cuba, England, Fiji, France, Ireland, Netherlands, New Zealand, US and more. He had a rich, full life. We admired his zest for learning and his strong love of family. We will never forget the annual family Christmas brunches, summer salmon BBQs, and many “Happy Hours” in the sunroom drinking his wine. A private gathering will take place on Saturday, October 20, 2018 at Kay’s home. Family, friends, neighbours, and former co-workers are invited to drop in between 1:00 p.m. and 5:00 p.m. to this casual extended “Happy Hour”. We will raise a glass to Bob. Condolences may be forwarded through www.mcinnisandholloway.com. Many thanks to Dr. Stephen Dougherty, Dr. James Pinilla and many other caregivers. In living memory of Bob Straker, a tree will be planted at Fish Creek Provincial Park by McINNIS & HOLLOWAY FUNERAL HOMES, Fish Creek, 14441 Bannister Road S.E., Calgary, AB, T2X 3J3, Telephone: 403-256-9575.