Robert Thomas Fitzsimmons

FITZSIMMONS, Robert Thomas – passed away at Chilliwack General Hospital on Wednesday May 7, 2014 after a courageous battle with Cancer– he was 50 years young. Bob is survived by his best friend and mother of his children, Alison, sons Brad, Scott and Mike, and his parents Tom and Miriam Fitzsimmons and grandmother, Norma Fitzsimmons. He is also survived by his sister Sheri Bourrie and his brother-in-law Sean Bourrie, his in-laws Sandy Andreasen (Peter) and Gerry Kellington (Sharron), brother-in-law Terry Kellington, nephews, Ben and Ian Bourrie and Evan and Colin Kellington, and special friend Nicole Lapierre and many – many good friends, and former students, all of whom he cherished. Bob was born in Niagara Falls, Ontario and raised in Vernon, B.C. Bob spent many weekends at the family cabin at Mabel Lake where he learned to fish, water ski, ride his motor bike and developed a great love of the outdoors. Bob attended Vernon Senior Secondary School where he was passionate about sports and his work ethic and competitive nature led him to excel in many areas, but especially cross-country running which took him to UVIC on a scholarship. Bob worked summers at Rap Attack – rappelling from helicopters to fight forest fires. He ultimately achieved his Degree in Education – trying his hardest to cram 5 years of education into 10 years while he traveled the world. Bob met Alison Kellington while teaching Phys Ed and Social Studies at Sardis Secondary School; they married and had three wonderful sons who were Bob’s heroes. Bob taught at Sardis Secondary School for over 20 years where he coached, trained and mentored scores of young athletes in multiple sports. There he developed the popular annual Sardis Strong Man competition, strength training courses and the Sardis Baseball Academy, which continue to this day. Bob is also well known at Sardis for his love of computers …. Bob developed a passion for hunting which he shared with his boys, his dad, and scores of great hunting partners. Last fall, while accompanied by his buddy Don, he achieved his dream - a successful mountain goat hunt. A celebration of Bob’s life will be held at Sardis Secondary School on Friday, May 16, 2014 at 3:00 PM followed by a gathering at the Coast Hotel to raise a toast to honour his life. As a tribute to Bob’s love of sports we are asking that those attending his celebration of life do so wearing jeans and their favorite sports team jersey or apparel. In lieu of flowers please consider donating to the Canadian Cancer Society or a memorial scholarship fund set up in Bob’s name – cheques made payable to School District 33 and noting in the memo line it is for the “Bob Fitzsimmons Memorial Award” can be brought to the Celebration of Life or mailed to School District 33 at 8430 Cessna Drive, Chilliwack, B.C. V2P 7K4.

Arrangements under the direction of Henderson's Funeral Homes & Crematorium Ltd., Chilliwack, British Columbia.