Robert William Pitts

With great sadness, the Pitts family announces the passing of Robert William Pitts, better known as Bob, on Thursday, October 26, 2023, in Calgary, Alberta at the age of 92 years. He was born on August 12, 1931, in Nelson, British Columbia, to Swea and Herbert Pitts.

Bob was a humorous, dedicated, and proud man, living life to the fullest in equal measure of dignity and passion. Bob had a successful career in the Alberta oil industry that began in 1957 as a geologist at Hudson’s Bay Oil & Gas. He enjoyed over 35 years in the industry, leaving a lasting impact on his colleagues and the field.

Bob was a natural athlete and enjoyed most sports, but he excelled in basketball, tennis and hockey. In his younger years he could generally be found at the hockey rink either playing or coaching. Bob enjoyed playing hockey into his 60’s and carried a passion for the game throughout his life. Some of Bob’s greatest stories came from road trips with his teammates through the years, culminating with the Bearspaw Oldtimers annual trips to Santa Rosa in the 1970’s and 1980’s.

Many of Bob’s closest and most cherished friends resulted from his lifelong involvement with sports, and hockey in particular. Bob enjoyed time on the golf course well into his 80’s and in recent years, spent his leisure time playing pool, cards and board games with friends and family. Bob was an avid camper and it was on these family adventures that many lasting and special memories were made.

Bob’s love of adventure, combined with his keen wit and sense of his humour made gatherings with family and friends enjoyable and memorable. Bob was the consummate gentleman and treated everyone who crossed his path with grace and respect. Nothwithstanding his penchant for practical jokes and with an ever-present devilish twinkle in his eye, he taught his children, grandchildren and even great-grandchildren how to always look for the positive in any situation. In Bob’s eyes there was always a silver lining.

Bob's educational journey was rich and varied. He attended the Provincial Institute of Technology and Art (now known as SAIT) in Calgary, graduated with a Survey/Drafting diploma, and excelled on the “Cal-Tech” basketball team, winning two provincial championships. Bob also found time to serve as Student Union President during that time.

Following graduation from SAIT, Bob went back to hockey and earned a scholarship to the University of Michigan in 1953. Bob graduated with a BSc. in Geology from the University of Michigan in 1957. At U of M, Bob was proud to be part of the Wolverines Hockey team that captured NCAA championships in 1955 and 1956 and he was honoured to captain the 1957 squad to the finals. It was in Ann Arbor, Michigan that Bob met and married Marjory (Morton) before making their way back to Calgary where they made their home and raised their family. Together, they continued proudly supporting the Wolverines, singing “Hail to the Victors” and wearing the “M” with pride!

Family was so important to Bob and he will be greatly missed by his loving children: Lori Bright of Upland, California; Jim and wife Candy of Winston-Salem, North Carolina; Cathy and husband Dean Roy of Calgary; Robert and wife Jacquelyne of San Juan Capistrano, California and, and Tom and wife Cheryl of San Francisco, California. “Grampa Bob” also cherished each and every moment spent with his 15 grandchildren and 13 great-grandchildren.

Bob is predeceased by his beloved wife of 56 years, Marjory, his daughter Jennifer, his mother Swea, his father Herbert, his brother Herb, and sister Doreen.

A Celebration of Bob and his life will be held at Foster's Garden Chapel, located at 3220 - 4th Street NW, Calgary, AB, on Friday, November 3, 2023, at 2:00 pm.

In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to The Arthritis Society of Alberta & NWT Division, a cause that has held great personal significance to Bob, Marj and the entire Pitts Family.

Bob's legacy will be remembered by all who had the privilege of knowing him. His humour, dedication, and generosity of spirit will continue to inspire and bring warmth to the hearts of those whose paths he crossed. Go Blue, Dad!