We Remember
NAKA, Robert (Bob)
September 12, 1945 — July 20, 2014
Passed away on Sunday, July 20, 2014 at the age of 68. Survived by his loving wife Shauna of 30 years, daughter Andrea Kouwenhoven (Jeremy) of Kelowna, son Timothy Naka of Calgary, brother Stan Naka of Kelowna, sister Audrey Palfrey (Bob Moore) of Kelowna and numerous nieces and nephews. Bob was born in Kelowna on September 12, 1945. He was involved in farming, sports including hockey, men’s senior softball, fishing and was a pie connoisseur. Bob was a steward of the land. Family was very important to him and he loved children. At the end of Bob’s life he became an organ donor and helped 5 people with his donations. Bob was a man of integrity and lived life by his principles. Bob started his working life by articling at Rutherford Bazzett Chartered Accountants. He worked as the comptroller of Big White Ski Resort during the early years of the hill’s development. In the early 1970s he started Valley Waterworks with John Naka. They enjoyed many years of success with many valued customers. Bob’s pride was providing excellent customer service. Sincere thanks to Dr. Beck and the entire staff of the IUC ward as well as Dr. Marjorie Docherty and Henry Docherty.
A Celebration of Life will be held on Thursday, July 24, 2014 at 7:00 pm at Springfield Funeral Home, 2020 Springfield Road, Kelowna, BC. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to BC Transplant, Suite 350, West Tower, 555 West 12th Ave., Vancouver, BC V5Z 3X7. For those wishing to send a condolence, photos or share memories, may do so by scrolling down this page to the area called “Share Your Condolences.”
Service
Thursday, July 24, 2014 at 7:00 pm
Location
Springfield Funeral Home
Share with Others:
BC Transplant, Suite 350, West Tower, 555 West 12th Ave., Vancouver, BC V5Z 3X7
Service Information
Service Details
The service for NAKA, Robert (Bob) is scheduled for Thursday, July 24, 2014 at 7:00 pm . Below you will find the map for the service location and the contact information should you have any questions.
Address & Contact for Service Location:
Springfield Funeral Home
2020 Springfield Road Kelowna, BC
Phone:
Special Requests:
None.
Funeral Pointers:
Condolences
Our deepest sympathy to Bobs’ family. We are shocked to hear of his passing. Bobs’ knowledge of irrigation & waterworks, business ethics and exceptional customer service was an inspiration to everyone in the industry. His smile could light up any room. Bob will truly be missed.
I have known Bob for many years having played hockey,coffee time and out of town hockey tournaments. To Shauna and the children our heart felt sympathies. From ALL the Kelowna Cobras Hockey team that was,”you won’t be forgotten any time soon”. Bob your unselfish organ donation,wow,your number one.
George & Claire Poitras
We are saddened to hear of Bob’s passing. Our thoughts and prayers are with all of you during this difficult time.
Shauna – Please accept my deepest condolences. I’m so saddened to hear this news, and please know my thoughts are with you. It sounds like he has left many wonderful memories with so many people.
My Good friend will be missed.He helped so many farmers and believed in Kelowna as a great place to live.
My mom Elsie and Dad Val always had a special place in their hearts for Bob.
My mom always remembered how Bob liked strawberry shortcake at her house on Gordon Dr.
our thoughts and prayers are with the Naka family
Domenic and Lina Rampone
My condolences to the Naka family. Bob was such a competative person in all the sports he was involved in and so much fun in the old days when we used to bowl. He will be very missed.
We are so sorry to hear of Bob’s passing. Our thoughts are with you Shauna, Andrea and Tim.
To Shauna and family,
My deepest condolences on the death of Bob. I remember you and your family when we had St. Francis at St Edward’s Catholic Church. My prayer will be with you. Art+
To Shauna, Andrea & Tim
We are sending our deepest condolences on the passing of your wonderful Husband and Father. What a wonderful person and he will be surely missed. You are all in our thoughts and prayers. Take care. Paul, Judy, Matt, Amanda and Eliisa Koovisk.
Dearest Audrey and her family, I send you my love. How lucky you were, Audrey, to have a brother like Bob. I send heartfelt condolences to all who loved him.
To Shauna, Andrea & Tim,
We are so sorry to hear of your loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with you now. Sending you our love.
Shauna, Timothy & Andrea – we offer our heartfelt sympathies at this time of tremendous loss. Thrilled to hear that Bob donated that others might enjoy a longer life – truly excellent! I have told many people the story of your “lengthy” engagement with Bob, Shauna. I hope that the fun you shared in your journey together offers you real solace in the years to come.
Uncle Bob always had the biggest smile of anyone I knew. I will remember him fondly and forever smiling. My condolences to Auntie Shauna and family.
Oh my, what can I say?? Bob was such a nice man. The kids loved reading stories with him. Rick loved talking to him about fishing. So sorry for your loss Shauna, Andrea and Tim. You were lucky to have shared his life.
Shauna, Tim and Andrea
My heart and thoughts are with you all. We were shocked and saddened by Bob’s sudden passing, far too young to be taken from us. Bob had so much living and so much more do accomplish in his life. We were cousins, but we grew up together, our Kelowna families raised almost like siblings. So in some ways, this is like losing a brother.
I can’t be there to say good-bye due to circumstances beyond my control, but with heavy heart I say farewell. So to Shauna, Tim and Andrea – you never lose those you love, they are always with you and part of you.
Sending lots of love from Marj, George, Derek & Misaki, Danielle & Anthony, Quintin, Violet
Bob was always respected and a good friend with all that he touched. His laughter and humor was always present. Heart full condolences to the family.
“What we have once enjoyed we can never lose. all that we love deeply becomes part of us.” (Hellen Keller)
Our hearts are broken for you and words cannot express our sorrow. We are so sorry for your loss; our heartfelt condolences to you all. With much love and hugs, Tina, Stephen and Annaliese
So sorry to hear of Bob’s passing. Remember lots of good times in the hockey rinks over the years.
Grant and Sharlene
So sorry to hear of Bob’s passing We remember lots of good times in cold hockey arenas and tournaments. Bob was always good for a laugh and enjoyed a good time.I know he will be missed,!,
Sharlene & Grant.
I was shocked to hear of Bob’s passing.
We knew each since the early 70s through hockey and business. His smile never faded and he gave so freely of himself.
May I offer my sympathies to all of his family and relatives. We will all miss you, Bob.
stoffee
Shauna, Tim, and Andrea,
We are so sad to hear of Bob’s passing. Jack remembers how personable and helpful Bob was at the shop. I remember the strong and loving family that blessed my classroom those years. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all.
Deb and Jack Duncan
So sorry to hear about Bob.Our thoughts are with you and your family. Tom & Carol Stockdale
I was profoundly saddened to hear news of Bob Naka’s passing, but the outpouring of sympathetic comments which the Naka family have already received here is ample testament of the beautiful legacy which Bob has left behind. It’s clear that Shauna, Timothy, and Andrea have countless well-wishers at their side who want to help them in this difficult time.
Shauna
So very sorry to hear of your sad news.
Please know that I am thinking of you.
Rose
We are sorry to hear of your loss. Our thoughts are with you during this difficult time.
Mary Lynn & Roy McKay
To Shauna, Andrea & Tim
So sad to hear of Bob’s passing.
Our thoughts are with you and your family.
Heather
I knew Bob many years ago in the Valley Waterworks days, and always enjoyed connecting with his upbeat, caring personality. I hadn’t seen him for years, but it came as a shock when I simultaneously found that he was a caregiver for our grandchildren, and that he had passed away. The gift of the organ donation is so much in character for Bob. My condolences.
Shauna, Tim, Andrea & Jeremy
Deepest sympathy to all of you during this tragic time. I will always remember Bob’s generous spirit and his beautiful smile.
Dear Shauna, Andrea & Timothy
Our deepest condolences are extended to your family in your time of sorrow. May your wonderful memories help give you comfort at this time. He will live on in all of you forever and in the lives that were saved by him being an organ donor.
With love & compassion
Sam & Patti DiMaria & family
Shauna, Tim and Andrea –
So sorry to hear of the loss of your husband and father. Our thoughts are with you at this time.
Ginny Brown – Kevin, Kyle, Wes Cook
I am so sorry to hear of Bob’s passing.
Shauna, my thoughts are with you and your beloved family.
What we do for ourselves dies with us, what we do for others and the world remains immortal.-Albert Pine.
That’s how I”ll remember Bob.
Shauna,
Very sorry to hear the sad news. We are thinking of all of you.
Tammy
Shauna, Tim and Andrea
So sorry to hear of Bob’s passing. He will be sorely missed by all! He was a great person and truely enjoyed life. The staff at Van Kel were blessed with knowing Bob and his wonderful family for many years. Bob was a great employee and became a true friend after his well deserved retirement from the irrigation industry. He always had a big smile that cheered you up. Bob will be missed by many….our thoughts and prayers go out to you and the family.
Shauna, Andrea and Tim,
We are so saddened to hear of Bob’s passing. May your family and friends give you love and support during this difficult time. May your memories console you and remind you of a great man and his life well-lived. Love, Laurie, Erin and Brooke.
Shauna, Andrea and Family,
I wanted to let you know that I was sorry to hear about Bob. I only had the chance to meet him the once, but it was a fun day in your house and I could feel all the love. May you find some comfort in your memories. Andrea I heard how brave and strong you were.Big hugs to you girls and your family.
Dearest Shawna, Timothy, Andrea, Stan, Audrey, and family
Our family (Colleen, Michelle and I) wants to express our heartfelt sorrow and deepest condolences for this profound loss of a beautiful caring soul, father and life partner. Our continuing prayers go to you and the family.
I worked for Bob at Valley Waterworks and Irrigation and saw his insightful business acumen and his commitment to service; I played many games of chess with Bob and experienced his competitive nature and deep logic; I communed with Bob when he came over to help my father on his farm and saw his generosity in spirit and time; I debated with Bob about life, religion, politics, science and countless topics where his erudition honed early by “reach for the top” and opinions was clearly apparent—he always took a position evoking much thought. I also saw his journey into husband and fatherhood and the great love he demonstrated for his family, his passion for his special life soul mate and pride in his children. A remarkable gifted man with strength of character, integrity and work ethic, uniquely all Bob who profoundly impacted his family, friends, communities, professions and whose imprint will forever be felt and honoured in the woven fine fabric of our collected memories and history.
So sorry to hear of your loss. Our thoughts are with you.
I am shocked and saddened to read that Bob has passed away so suddenly. I valued his friendship over the years and remember fondly the times that we socialized together. He was always ready to provide assistance and share his knowledge and time. He will always be remembered kindly by myself.
My condolences to your family. Sorry I was out of town yesterday and unable to attend the funeral. I remember Bob from school playing soccer, softball, and track and field. He was a great athlete – he could run ‘like the wind’. Then we spent a few years together playing ball with the Rovers. He was such a good person. Take care, Don Kroschinsky
I am so sorry to hear of the passing of your father, Tim and Andrea. May you find comfort in the memories and love surrounding you now, and always.
To Shawna, Tim and Andrea
My sympathies to you all on the passing of your beloved husband and father. I only met Bob once but I want you all to know my thoughts and prayers are with you at this very sad time.
Liz Corrigan
Dear Shauna, Andrea and Tim, I am shocked and saddened at the loss of this great man. Bob and I shared many wonderful conversations. I remember your family every time I drive Old Vernon Road. He will be very much missed. His contribution to the organ donation program is magnanimous, and in the spirit of who Bob is. He will live on with us. May God bless you all.
Very sad to hear of Bob passing. I will always remember his sense of humour and his smile that was always quick to appear.
Shauna, Tim & Andrea,
I am so sorry to hear of the passing of a wonderful husband and Dad. I know this loss will leave an empty space in your lives, may it be filled with lots of wonderful memories of a cherished man. My thoughts are with you all.
Auntie Shauna Tim Andrea and family
My deepest condolences. I’m very sorry for your loss… You are in my thoughts and prayers. The memories of seeing my dad in several intense game of chess with uncle Bob at my grandparents house will always bring me a smile…
Auntie Shauna Tim Andrea and family
My deepest condolences. I’m very sorry for your loss… You are in my thoughts and prayers. The memories of seeing my dad in several intense games of chess with uncle Bob at my grandparents house will always bring me a smile…