It is with sadness that we announce the passing of Bob on August 22 at the Oceanside Hospice in Parksville after two years of loving care at home by his wife of 63 years, Marilou. Bob leaves behind son Bruce (Brenda), daughter Susan (John), son Douglas (Sandra), grandchildren Jordan, Lesley-Ann (Matt), Amy (Tom), Dustin (Amanda), Timothy (Skye), Elandra (Steven), great grandson Everett, sister-in-law Valerie (Joe) and many nieces, nephews, and cousins.
Bob was born February 11th, 1937 in Saskatoon, the youngest and last of five siblings. Parents Andrew and Helen Paterson emigrated from Scotland after service in the First World War. Bob was the first in his family to attend university, graduating in 1960 from UBC with a Bachelor of Science, Honours Geology, and continuing with graduate work for three years. Bob and Marilou met at university where Marilou completed a Bachelor of Science in Nursing. They married in 1961 in Vancouver, and soon Bruce and Susan came along.
Bob’s early career consisted mainly of exploration work for mining companies until 1963 when he was hired by Texada Mines. He initially was the geologist and then the mining engineer for the iron and copper mine on Texada Island for 14 years. During this time he achieved his Professional Engineer certification. Life on Texada was good. Douglas was born, family holidays were planned, recreational opportunities were enjoyed, and lifelong friendships were made. After a brief two years in Grande Cache, Alberta, working for McIntyre Mines, in 1979 he became Manager of the Coal Department for the Energy Resources Conservation Board (ERCB, now AER) in Calgary. His work with the ERCB took him to various places in Alberta for hearings, as well as occasional travel for conferences elsewhere in Canada and overseas. During the time in Calgary all three children graduated from university, married, and six grandchildren called Bob “Grandpa”. Bob and Marilou retired happily to her family home, “the holiday house” in Parksville in 1997.
Playing sports was always part of Bob’s life from hockey, baseball, and soccer in his school years to curling in his working years and into retirement. This led naturally to his demanding role as a coach when his children entered sports. He enjoyed fishing; particularly, salmon fishing with his kids, and was pleased to return to the west coast in his retirement. Other hobbies included photography, model-building, re-finishing furniture, gardening, and “puttering.” Reading was a favourite pastime; particularly history, which only really interested him from the time of Napoleon onwards. He rooted for the New York Rangers, laughed heartily at Herman comics, and during the pandemic discovered Paddington Bear cartoons.
Bob’s leadership qualities resulted in his participation in community life. During the Texada years he represented the island on the regional board and became involved in the local community association. In retirement in Parksville he became a director for the Society of Organized Services (SOS) with particular involvement in building the new Thrift Shop. Bob supported Marilou’s attendance at Knox United Church and was invited to join the Building Committee for the church renovation in 2005. His interest in history led him naturally to join the District 69 Historical Society.
No doubt the loss of his father when he was a young boy made Bob strong, independent, and wary. He was a “fountain of knowledge”. He expected the best from everyone. He was a fighter and a lover to the end.
Marilou and the family are very grateful for all aspects of our healthcare system which tended to Bob’s complex medical needs over many years. The family are gathering at the end of September to celebrate Bob’s life.
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