Robert Preston Barr

Barr, Robert Preston (Bob) passed away peacefully in Duncan at Cairnsmore Place on April 7th, 2022. He was predeceased by his loving wife Eileen in 2015. Dad will be greatly missed by his family and his many friends. He is survived by his children Larry (Aileen), Jo’Anne (Bill), Ian (Melanie), Chris (Maggs), Donna (Pat), Doug (Susan), and Fiona, as well as his many beloved grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces, and nephews.

Bob was born October 22, 1927 on the family homestead near Tugaske, Saskatchewan to Annie and George Barr who emigrated to Canada from Scotland in 1905. Bob was the last of his generation, being predeceased by all of his siblings and his parents.

Bob carried a pride in his Scottish roots his entire life. He liked to hear some Robbie Burns poetry and have a wee dram every now and then. Bob grew up a farm boy working on the family farm near Davidson, Saskatchewan with his brothers and parents. After the end of WW2, he explored the world beyond the farm, trying many jobs including truck driver, mechanic, auto body repair man, and an Otis Elevator mechanic before joining the RCAF in 1950. It was while stationed in Winnipeg that he met Eileen on a blind date. He quickly realized that this fun-loving woman was the one for him. They got together and were partners in life for the next 64 years.

Bob served his country proudly for 20 years during the height of the Cold War as a communications technician then a radar technician. His time with the RCAF saw Eileen and Bob stationed in England, France and many places in Canada before Bob left the Air Force. His second career as satellite communications specialist started at the Teleglobe earth station in Lake Cowichan in the early 1970’s, and he remained there until his retirement. He had the good fortune to then be contracted by the federal government to support the building of a new satellite station at Butrago, Spain. This allowed Bob and Eileen to work and live in Spain for 8 months, where they were able to travel around Spain as much as they could. He often said that his memories of their time in Spain left him appreciating and loving the country. Bob loved to travel. His international travel included, Scotland, Portugal and Africa. He also traveled back to Saskatchewan many times over the years to see family and where he grew up.

Bob always liked being on the water, owned several boats and spent many a happy hour fishing. He explored the Island including the West Coast and North Island camping, fishing, and just enjoying the wilderness.

He loved most sports but especially baseball, and very especially his Cubs. He was so thrilled to be able to attend spring training in Arizona a few years ago. Bob’s other great passion was golf. He was a long-time member of Mount Brenton Golf Club, and up until a few years ago, was playing the game regularly.

Dad always said that he did not want a big fuss made after he was gone. So, with that in the forefront of our minds we invite any who wish to join us on Thursday April 28, 2022 between 1:00 – 3:00 pm, at First Memorial Funeral Home, 375 Brae Road, Duncan, for a chance to share stories about Dad and have a laugh with each other. Dad would especially appreciate the laughter. Light refreshments will be provided.

Bob’s family wishes to thank the staff at Cairnsmore Place for supporting Dad so well these last few months. We also want to thank the staff of Cowichan Community Health Services who assisted him in such a caring way while he still lived in his home. Thanks also to Simone and Shannon for being there for Dad; and to so many others who helped make our Dad’s final years so much better, thank you for your compassion and caring, especially during CoVid.

In lieu of flowers, please donate to a charity of your choice.

And to you all from Dad, Slàinte Mhath.