Bob & Gloria were chaperones for my parents before they were married 64 years ago when they went camping. We were lucky to have known them from these early days. My Dad met Bob working a couple years before this in the London area I believe. When Gloria & Bob moved to Calgary, we drove out and visited them. At age 5 I was able to ride on one of the Stampede wagons along with my brother age 3 with contacts Bob had. Before you knew it we were up in the wagon! What a thrill. We enjoyed many fun hikes in the Rockies and when they came to visit us in Algonquin Park. At 25, I went out west to volunteer in Kootenay National Park for the summer and Bob & Gloria checked in on me making sure I was alright - they felt like my second parents. We enjoyed a lovely weekend hiking at Shadow Lake and visits at their Calgary home. Over the years we kept in close contact always thrilled when our families could get together…whether it was enjoying Bob’s special salmon recipe or hearing their stories of the west. Everyone would laugh hearing the stories of their past camping “capades”. Bob was kind to bestow their ash canoeing paddles with my husband and I. We will always cherish lovely pieces of art work - an owl, loon and one of Gloria’s gorgeous quilted pillows. He introduced us to Operation Smile talking passionately about the benefits of the surgeries the children received and how it benefited them. We are happy he did. When my husband and I were married, I asked Bob & Gloria to do the “Toast to the Bride”. Many fun times! Until we meet again ;)

Where does one begin in trying to express gratitude to the All-Mighty for having had Bob as a Rotary Club mentor at the very start of one’s Rotary apprenticeship? A larger than life person, an elegant and vivacious spirit, a kind albeit tough mentor, the “owner” of the biggest heart under the Rotary sun… That was Bob all right. After Gloria - the love of his life - passed away, my family was fortunate enough to receive her piano from Bob, along with her music sheets and metronome. I don’t know what we did to deserve that honour but Gloria and Bob’s memory will stay with us until the day… we meet again. Memory eternal…

Maria and Valentin Serban