Robert Pamplin

Robert is survived by his loving wife Jean; sons, John and Chris; brother, Brian and grandchildren, Grace, Joanna and Alexander. He was predeceased by his parents and sister.

Robert was a professional engineer who travelled Europe extensively as technical advisor with a major U.K. Engineering Company with special skills as a negotiator.

He formed his own company developing pharmaceutical packaging machinery. He spent a brief period in the British Police Force then went back to engineering before venturing into farming, starting in the field of egg production and then moving on to dairy farming. Robert was elected to the British Egg Marketing Board covering six South Western counties of the U.K. He opened a Toy and Gift Store in Teignmouth (South Devon) which was the best for miles around. Another direction change occurred when he formed a building contracting company in the U.K., specializing in the renovation of thatched properties, some 500 years old. This was followed by a spell as a Real Estate Agent specializing in the sale of hotels. He also went on to own and operate holiday apartments.

Robert was very involved with Torquay (S. Devon) Music society, both as member of the Board and then President. At that time he founded a music society in a small village in Devon (Holcombe) which is still very active and has an increasing membership. He organized and acted as an auctioneer for a major fund raising event for this new society.

In 1981, he immigrated to Canada and settled in Maple Ridge.

He formed a partnership with a Canadian, specializing in restoration of hotels and building contracting generally. He renovated numerous homes (whilst residing in them), both in the U.K. and Canada.

Robert founded the Maple Ridge Music Society giving lectures on classical music and presenting live concerts of international artists. He was on the board of Maple Ridge Arts Council and was President as well as a member, of the Maple Ridge Parks and Recreation Commission. While a member of the Arts Council, he organized and acted as Auctioneer for a major fund raising event for this Society. In addition to these good works, Robert was the Manager of the Vetta String Quartet in Vancouver. A Quartet who continues to maintain a concert series of a very high standard.

He lectured on classical music at the Chilliwack Campus of the University of the Fraser Valley.

Robert was a member of Vancouver Mayor's Committee to Save the Vancouver Symphony Orchestra at the time of their bankruptcy, representing the musicians, attending two meetings every week in the Mayor's office for over 6 months.

Over the winter months for several years, Robert presented 2 weekly radio programs in Arizona on the F.M. radio station, part of P.B.S.

When he moved to Mission he gave regular lectures on classical music at Lifetime Learning Centre Society for 5 years. Once again he put his organization and auctioneering skills to good use, organizing and presenting a major fund raising event for Mission. He also founded The Mission Concert & Recital Society presenting international classical artists at St. Andrews United Church and at the Clarke Foundation Theatre.

Robert presented music programs and lectures at Cedar Springs Country Estates in Abbotsford, his home for the past 15 years. In the year 2000, Robert lectured on classical music on a cruise ship and was very well received. He was honoured to receive the "Lifetime Achievement Award" in 2007 from Mission City Council, as well as the Community Builder Award. He also received awards signed by Brian Mulroney, Prime Minister of Canada and Bill Bennett, Premier of B.C., and the Vancouver Symphony Orchestra.

For the last 5 years, he presented music and operas on DVD to residents of Chartwell Cedarbrooke Independent Living facility in Mission, the final one being this last April. Other hobbies besides music were furniture making, silversmithing, water color painting and wood carving, horse riding, downhill skiing, hiking and playing snooker.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Wednesday, November 15th at 1:00 pm from the Chapel of Woodlawn Mission Funeral Home, 7386 Horne Street, Mission, British Columbia. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the Mission Memorial Hospital Foundation or to the Heart and Stroke Foundation in Roberts memory.

“Forever in our hearts”

"Success in life has nothing to do with what you gain or accomplish for yourself, it is what you do for others" Danny Thomas