Robert W Hassell

Passed away very peacefully on May 9 at the age of 89 in his South Surrey home with Florence “Mother”, his devoted wife of 65 years at his side.

He is lovingly remembered by his three daughters, Diane Balsor (David), Sandra Howes (Chuck) and Shirley Montague (Peter), his six grandchildren Jocelyn, Lindsey (Rico), Lisa (Matt), Laura, Rob, and Spencer and his 3 great grandchildren Dominic, Olivia and Brenna.

He is also survived by his brother Reg and predeceased by his sisters Dorothy, Irene, Lois and brothers Lawrence and Richard.

Born in Cumberland, BC on Feb 12, 1923 he lived most of his life in South Surrey. He started in the bulldozing business with his three brothers. From there his many business projects spanned the Lower Mainland, California and Florida. A determined, self taught and hands on man, he undertook challenges and problems with the same enthusiasm as he lived his life.

In the early years, with Florence as his trusty navigator, and their three daughters in tow, they created many happy family memories as he piloted his own plane around the country. Later, they followed that with boating and fishing around the west coast and finally, travelling together in their motor coach, many times crisscrossing the United States and Canada.

Over the years, on countless occasions, people would take advantage of his vast wisdom and incredible problem solving skills. He was never too busy to help a friend or associate and always, without any fuss or fanfare. He thrived on seeking solutions no matter how difficult the task. He made a big difference in many people’s lives and will be greatly missed.

A Celebration of Life Service will be held Wednesday, May 16, 2012 at 2:00pm at Victory Memorial Park Funeral Centre, 14831 28 Avenue, Surrey, BC

If you so choose, in lieu of flowers we ask that a donation be made to the Peace Arch Hospital Foundation as Dad had generously supported our local hospital in the past.