Obituary of Robert (Bob) Ernest Gordon TINK

September 22, 1952 – Calgary, Alberta

May 19, 2020 – Calgary, Alberta

Robert (Bob) Tink, father, brother, uncle, jokester, storyteller, boat driver, truck restorer, wood worker, animal lover, mentor and inspired leader of many, died peacefully with Jessica and Andrew at his side on Tuesday May 19, 2020, age 67.

Born in Calgary, Bob graduated from U of C in 1975. He taught in Vulcan for one year, then moved to Branton Junior High in 1976.   Bob made school fun - in the classroom, on the court, on west coast trips. Leading with care, compassion and humour he inspired students, teachers and families alike. Bob’s dedication to others was honoured through the creation of the Bob Tink Student Citizenship Trophy at Branton.  In 2002 Bob was the proud recipient of the Pan Canadian Outstanding Provincial Principal of the year award. 

Over his 35-year career, Bob created an extensive network of friends and colleagues at Colonel Irvine, F.E. Osborne, Mount Royal, Clarence Sansom and Montgomery Junior High Schools and John Diefenbaker High School, where he retired as Principal in 2011.

Bob cared deeply about his students and colleagues.  A skilled leader and communicator, he rarely forgot a student name, regularly recalled special occasions in colleagues’ lives, and could be counted on to make the right, rather than easy decision to best serve students.  

He prided creating opportunities for new teachers. He treasured mentoring colleagues moving into principal positions and directorships. His legacy lives on.

Bob loved family and was known for BBQ excellence, pig roasts, and community soccer coaching. He was a diligent synchronized swimming Dad and football Father.  At Tink family reunions Bob was fun and funny, would ride horses with the kids, drive the sleigh with Uncle Al, help build a larger than life snowman, and laugh with the youngest through oldest.

Subsequently, summers and spare time were spent with family, building, then enjoying “Stella’s Dream” Windermere Lakehouse.  Buying a boat was the beginning of a match made in heaven for Bob and the kids.  Jess, Andrew and friends clamoured to be pulled behind the boat driven by their Dad, a funny and safe driver. Bob too, was most happy, staying dry in the driver’s seat!

After retirement Water Valley became home. With his horses and faithful canine Charley, Bob found sanctuary and solitude at nature’s doorstep. He cherished countryside tranquility while maintaining connections with friends, family and colleagues.

Bob leaves to mourn his daughter Jessica and son Andrew (fiancé Breanne) and the love of his life Wendy. Bob’s memory lives on through extensive family and loved ones. His siblings, Hazel Higgins, Maureen (Wayne) Myhre, Lorraine Dahm, Verral (Lorna) Tink, and Larry Campbell survive him along with their families. In passing, Bob is reunited with his parents, Benjamina & Gordon Tink; as well as siblings, Albert (Dianne) Tink, Wade Tink, Neena Campbell Soper, Jack Campbell, and brother in-law Tom Higgins. He will be deeply missed by many nieces, nephews, cousins & extended family members across the West. A cowboy at heart, he will be treasured forever by the vast Tink family.

Bob made a difference. We are all richer for having shared our lives with Bob at home, at work, at Windermere, at the game, at Water Valley and now at peace.

Bob’s celebration of life will be held once large group gatherings are permitted. To stay informed email fortheloveofbob1952@gmail.com