I can't believe it's been two whole years since you slipped away from us. There hasn't been a day that we haven't thought about you. And you still help me in my life changing decisions and laugh at my silly mistakes. Cuz I know you're watching. Much love to you in heaven, from Cindy 

Not a day goes by that I don't think about you Nairn.. don't tell anybody but I still talk to you. I look up in the sky and see you. You're there when I need advice. And always willing to help me through hard times and Good Times. I miss your heckling laugh and good spirits. Love you always


No words can express my deep gratitude, admiration and respect for Sensei Nairn.  He had such a profound influence in my life and I will be forever grateful to him.  Because of his devotion and dedication to the art of karate and his students he helped develop in me, courage, confidence and self-discipline which has served me so well throughout my life.  I have such fond and treasured memories of our many years training together.  And although my life’s journey took me away from Sensei and my dojo, my heart was always there.  Nairn was my mentor and my friend.  He will always be remembered. 
What counts in life is not the mere fact that we have lived. It is what difference we have made to the lives of others that will determine the significance of the life we have led.  




My prayers go out to Nairn ‘s family who cared for him through to his final days. It must have been very difficult but I ‘m sure Nairn is now resting in peace because he loved you and he knew how much you loved him.
My condolences also to Nairn’s friends and Karate family.
I met Nairn in the early days of the Nanaimo Shotokan club. I was in high school and nervous to join the karate club but Nairn was supportive like a big brother. He was also a great Karateka. When he fought he was ferocious but when you needed him he was warm and kind. He also had a great sense of humor and could always make you feel better if you were down. His laugh was infectious and people around him were drawn to him. 
Even after I moved away we stayed close friends. 
Nairn and Doug Rathy came to visit me in Vancouver and we had a lot of fun. 
Nairn had talked about visiting and training with me in Japan but that was before he found out he was sick. 
The last time I saw Nairn was last summer in Nanaimo. Doug had loaded him into the car and we drove to the dojo.
Nairn was feeling very sick that day but he came anyway. And like the samurai he was, he came to the bar with us the next night too. 
After the bar, Doug drove us  to Nairn’s house where we looked at a few pictures of Nairn’s family and then said our last goodbyes. 
I said, “Love you, man !”and he said “I know”.

The world has lost a great person but his memory will live on in the hearts of so many people who loved him.

My deepest condolences

Mark Waterhouse 

I had the pleasure of training with Nairn a number of times over the years at special karate camps, including once when his dojo hosted the CSKA clubs from BC, AB, and the Yukon.  He always struck me as a "gentle giant" and a gentleman.  My condolences to his family.

sensei Nairn Semple was the greatest sensei and man, sharing his knowledge with every who walked in the door to train. 
  His dedication to training us 3 nights a week for about 48 years was very much appreciated.    he changed so many lives.
  Even when he was ill, he came out and trained us, even if it was to sit in wheal chair and tell what were doing right (or wrong..lol),.   he made us a better person  and helped us grow.  

His spirit will be with us forever  in the dojo and in our hearts.    Nanaimo will be missing a great man.  

Sensei,   we bow to you in heaven.    and send you love and hugs!!   




I did not know Nairn well but know he was loved by his family.  All my love to the family.  

OBITUARY

Robert Nairn Semple

April 11, 1945 – May 26, 2019

First Memorial Funeral Services

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