Robert "Bob" Graham

It is with very heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Robert (Bob) Graham on May 16, 2024, at the age of 76, after a courageous battle with cancer. Bob was born in Quebec and moved to Nanaimo with his family at the age of 17 where he met his future wife, Wendy.

Bob soon started his career in carpentry and was involved in many commercial and residential projects on Vancouver Island. In his spare time, he also built and renovated many homes with Wendy while raising their children. Later in life, his career turned towards building bridges where he soon became superintendent and was in charge of building bridges on the Island Parkway, along the Alaska Highway and as far away as Newfoundland. Bob was always highly respected for his work ethic and his respect for his co-workers. He never asked a crew member to do a job he would not be willing to do himself and often, rather than asking, he took on the task himself.

Bob became a red seal carpenter but soon became skilled in all trades, it seemed like there was nothing he couldn’t do from all aspects of construction to mechanics. He was always willing to drop everything to help family, a friend, neighbour or even a complete stranger. He was an excellent teacher and was willing to pass on his knowledge to anyone willing to learn.

Having worked hard his whole life, Bob found it difficult to retire. After seven or so retirement parties, he finally managed to retire and joined the Property Team at the Departure Bay Baptist Church.

Family was very important to Bob. He and Wendy spent almost 55 years happily married and raised two children together. He was a special part of the lives of his children, grandchildren, and many nieces and nephews. He will be remembered for the camping trips, good stories, giving driving lessons, chauffeuring others, including driving grandchildren on a school field trip or two.

In his spare time Bob loved to ride motorcycle with his family, camping, canoeing, and taking road trips with Wendy. He always loved hearing about other people’s adventures.

Bob touched many lives and will be greatly missed.

The family would like to express their deepest gratitude to Dr. Ontko and all the staff that cared for him at NRGH, for their amazing care and compassion, to both Bob and the family.

He is survived by his wife Wendy, children Dena (Andrew) Keith (Tamara), seven grandchildren, one great-grandson, his brother Burt (Sharon), and numerous nieces and nephews.

There will be no service at Bob’s request. In lieu of flowers, if you wish, please make a donation to the Campership Fund at Qwanoes.ca