Photo: Bob and Deb sailing Override off Saltspring circa 2002-2003

Dear Deb, Katie, Tess,

Gail and I extend our deepest sympathy to you for your loss. I will miss his boundless spirit, kindness, and sincerity which I enjoyed since grade 2.. He came from a warm, hard working and generous family. Bob certainly embodied these qualities. He was also an unflappable party animal and guided us through many interesting adventures when he was president of the university ski club. Bob was great fun all his life and Alberta has lost a son.

Love to all,

Jerry and Gail

I live in the Highlands and was just starting an excavating business when I met Bob. He and some friends were going to come out to my place and we'd discuss our plans for getting his building materials up to the top of a very rough driveway and then another 100+ steps up to the top. They came over and we sat inside talking and drinking coffee, while my St. Bernard was outside, in the back of their pickup, eating the lunch of one of the guys. So I had them all back to my place for lunch! That was the first of many funny, memorable events over the past nearly 50 years. We'll all meet up again one day.

I loved Uncle Bobs funny nature. One of my favorite lines is “Bobs your uncle” and I must have used it at some point because every birthday or anniversary card was always signed… Love Auntie Deb and Bobs your Uncle

I’ll miss him so much

Love you Auntie Deb

Adam

I was sorry to hear this very sad news. I met Bob during the Tarragon years in Calgary and immediately enjoyed his wit and sense of humour. In those days he would tell me that the future looked great, he just had to figure out how to get from then to the future! Another of his sayings that always stuck with me was the idea that one of the most expensive parts of any drilling program was to define the “zero edge”. Very sage stuff from a guy who had seen it all.

I had the pleasure of enjoying the hospitality offered by Bob and Deb in Calgary, Saltspring Island and Vancouver Island over the years, including some sailing experiences in the Gulf Islands and as far away as the Caribbean Sea. I will cherish all those memories.

My thoughts are with Deb and the extended family during this difficult time.

Colin

Hi Deb, Katie & Tess,

I am surprised at the loss of my best friend Robert "Bob".

We both graduated from Bonnie Doon High School and UofA geology but 5 years apart, so I first met Bob in September 1985 as he was transitioning from coal geology to oil and gas. Robert "Bob" still talks about having to spot our drilling rig among several others at night. Ours was a big Crescent Drilling Triple and leaned at an angle - so easy to spot.

3 years later we worked together in Victoria at the Petroleum Branch. Bob commuted daily from Saltspring Island to support his young kids, Katie and Tess. Bob noticed a couple of abandoned oil wells in the middle of nowhere and after he left the Ministry developed a play concept that eventually, in 2000, began the Hay River oil field.

Better than that, Deb and Bob were married in Calgary in March of that year !

Since than I've enjoyed the company and hospitality of Deb and Bob, and will hold wonderful memories.

Dave R

When we graduated from grade 12 at Bonnie Doon High, Bob his Austin Healy and I took a road trip. We went from Edmonton to Jasper and than climbed Mt Robson. Camping overnight at the base of Mt Robson was quite an experience. From there we went on to Banff, Calgary and Edmonton.

Never did see Bob again. We all seem to go down different paths in life.

Bob always showed up as Bob. He was a masterful storyteller. He knew something about everything and made sure we all knew. He was a giver and liked to please and was easy to please. He was loyal to his family and friends. We will miss him deeply.

Our hearts go out to his wife Deb and family.

Dear Deb & all Bob's family

We are so sorry for your loss & send our condolences.

Russ spent 5 years in an office next to Bob's at Energy North.There were lots of stories shared over that time. But I knew Deb before that time through her sister Joanne, my good friend of over 45 plus years.

May your memories help heal the pain in your hearts.

Our thoughts & prayers go out to you.

Russ & Sharon Watkins

I've known Bob for 50 yrs and he always, always put a big smile on my face. I will miss the sailing lessons but also the peace and quiet while being under sail. When there's no wind, you just pull out a sandwich, watch the dolphins {sometimes even whales!} and have a real good chat.

We have lost a wealth of knowledge and a great storyteller. A very caring and warm human being.

Goodbye Bob

First met Bob while we were together at NSM Resources in the early 80s. Bobs personality was an instant draw. Witty, caring, and very interested in what others had to say. In later years we reconnected as neighbours in the Bearspaw area and through our spouses became close.

Bob, you’ll be very missed by friends neighbours and family.

We will try not to shed many tears for your departure but will smile because you were here.

Cindy/Garry Burlingam

Hi Deb

I was saddened this morning when I read about Bob’s passing. I hope your doing as well as can and have friends and family around to lean on.

I am great full that I had the opportunity to get to know you both. You & Bob were always wonderful to work for and very gracious hosts.

Please accept my sincere condolences

Dean Derby

I am saddened by your loss. I went to university with Bob and both of us majored in geology.

He was a gentleman, an excellent geologist and fun to be with. Unfortunately I lost contact with him many years ago.

I regret not making contact . My sincere condolemces to your family.