Robert Cline Wilken

Robert (Bob) Cline

Bob was born in North Bay, Ontario in 1948 and passed away peacefully in Vernon Jubilee Hospital on Friday, June 3rd, 2011 at the age of 63 years.

He is survived by his loving wife, Brenda, of 30 years; his beloved four-legged friend, Chelsea; two brothers, John of Manitoba and Karl of Florida: three nephews, extended family and friends. Bob was predeceased by his parents.

Bob always had an interesting, real-life story to tell. The story began when Bob’s father, a sea captain, retired to Florida where Bob grew up and received his education. While in high school, Bob won the state championship for B Flat Tenor Saxophone, an accomplishment which led to an invitation to play with Guy Lombardo and The Royal Canadians for a New Year’s Eve celebration. He graduated from a Technical Institute and received an Electronic Technician Certificate. Bob worked at a series of jobs in Florida but was eventually hired as an electronic technician with the Barnum & Bailey Circus Company and was able to travel throughout the United States and up into Canada, landing first at Winnipeg, and then on to Calgary where he left the circus. He then found his own way to BC, his destination being Vernon. Bob had various jobs in Vernon, one of which was as head electrician for the DND at the Army Camp for seventeen years, until the Camp closed. That led to him becoming a dealer of collectibles and antiques, which had always been a hobby of Bob’s. He enjoyed camping and was an avid fly fisherman.

Bob will be remembered for his interesting, real life stories, his great sense of humour, his love of animals, his ability of fix anything and to lend a helping hand to anyone.