RUSSELL, Robert (Bob)

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It is with great sadness that we announce Robert (Bob) Russell passed away on December 25, 2014 at the age of 83 years.  He is survived by his daughter Sandra Cooke, his granddaughter Tara, his sister in law Donna Russell, his nephew Roger Russell (and family) as well as extended family in BC, Alberta and Ontario.  Bob was sadly predeceased by his wife Patricia in 2006 and his brother Leslie in 2010.

Bob was born in 1931 in Jacquet River, New Brunswick to very humble beginnings. His early life was exceedingly difficult but helped to form the hard working, compassionate man he would later become in life. 

Bob moved to BC at age 19, working in Vancouver before settling in Kelowna. A carpenter by trade, Bob worked on several major dam projects in BC and Manitoba, including the Revelstoke Dam, the Mica Dam and the Limestone Dam. 

Although it appeared Bob was a confirmed bachelor, he met his future wife, Patricia at age 47. They married three years later in 1981 with Pat’s daughter, Sandra standing as a bridesmaid.  Relatives remember 13 year old Sandra weeping tears of joy after the wedding, knowing she finally had a dad to call her own. Bob legally adopted Sandra in 1986, confirming his own deep desire to make it official.

For leisure, Bob and Pat enjoyed camping, often enjoying family holidays at Mara Lake and Mable Lake. Bob also enjoyed fishing and could often be found on a Sunday afternoon at Postil Lake enjoying the solitude fishing afforded him. Occasionally he had to share his little fishing boat with a grounded and sulking  teenage Sandra, who did not quite share the same passion.

Bob was an active member of the Okanagan Chapter of the Old Time Fiddlers. In years previous Bob competed in several fiddling competitions, often winning top prizes for his musical ability.  Self taught on the fiddle, Bob played by ear, never having had the opportunity to learn to read music.

In 1996, Bob waged a valiant battle against cancer overcoming bleak odds, which afforded him another 18 years of active life. Bob could often be found on Monday evenings playing his fiddle at the Kelowna Cancer Lodge, offering entertainment to people who found themselves sharing the same battle he had. It was his way of giving back.

Bob also enjoyed gardening, and in the past few years created a community garden in his side yard, sharing the space with several other seniors who shared his passion for tomatoes, peas, cucumbers and radishes. Bob shared the rewards of his efforts with neighbours, who then repaid his kindness by shovelling his driveway or taking out his garbage for him when such activities became more difficult.

At the end, Bob accepted his terminal diagnosis with the quiet dignity in which he lived his life. He will be sadly missed by his family, close friend Al Chretien and his faithful dog Leo. 

A Celebration of Life will be announced at a later date.  In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Kelowna SPCA, www.spca.bc.ca or the Canadian Red Cross, www.redcross.ca .  If you wish to send a condolence, post photos or share a memory, please scroll down the page to the area called “Share Your Condolences.”

Service Details

The service for RUSSELL, Robert (Bob) is scheduled for A Celebration of Life will be announced at a later date.. Below you will find the map for the service location and the contact information should you have any questions.

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