Robert Canham Bell

Robert “Bob” Canham Bell, passed away peacefully at his home in North Vancouver on Friday August 9, 2024. He was 94. Bob was born March 31, 1930, at the family home in Toronto, Ontario, to Charlie and Ella Bell (Canham). He was the middle son of three boys, William “Bill” and Doug, both predeceased.

Bob met June Marie Mayer on the tennis courts in 1956. They were married January 26th, 1957, and welcomed their first child Mary Kathleen “Micki” the following year. Bernadette followed in 1959, Alex in 1963 and Ken in 1970. June passed away in April 1996.

He was a teacher, accountant, traveller, worshipper, chef, dancer, singer, and artist.

His work, travels and passions took him to live and work in Kenya and China, moved him from Ontario to BC (1976), and allowed him to visit over 20 countries.

He was a son, brother, cousin, uncle, friend, neighbour, colleague, husband, father, and grandfather.

It was often commented that given a short time he could make friends with a lamppost.

He told jokes, not good jokes, but jokes.

He liked to tease, but made people feel welcome and important.

He was generous with his time, talent and treasure.

Wherever he lived people knew him and he got to know them, especially if there was a beer in the offing.

He was loved and he loved others, which means he lived a good life, and is why he will be deeply missed by all those who knew him. Especially his immediate family, Micki (Tom) Ruth; Bernadette Bell (daughter Kyra Ball); Alex (Laurel and daughter Sierra) Lawson-Bell; and Ken (Sonya, daughter Lillian and son Ethan) Bell.

Grief is the price we pay for having loved. And so, dad, we grieve your death because we loved you and count ourselves better for having had you in our lives.

Until we meet again...and raise another glass, farewell dad, papa, Bob.

There will be a memorial service for Bob on Saturday August 24th at 11:00 AM at North Lonsdale United Church in North Vancouver.