We Remember
BISSELL, Robert (Bob) D.
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Sadly we announce that Robert (Bob) D. Bissell passed away on Tuesday, October 4, 2022 with his family by his side.
He is survived by his loving wife of 45 years, Barbara Jane; daughter Laura (Mike); his granddaughters Penny and Callie; sisters April (Christopher) Freschi, and Teddy (Gary) Morehead; his nephew Andrew (Mandy) Morehead; his mother Erma Bissell; and pre-deceased by his father Howard Bissell.
Bob was loved and will be sadly missed by all who knew him. Bob was such a caring and gentle soul. He loved listening to music,reading, tinkering on his classic vehicles and was passionate about his family and his community.
Bob was a member of the Kiwanis of the Central Okanagan in Kelowna for 30 years and held various positions within the Kiwanis structure including Club President, Lt.Governor for Division 9, and President of the Society for the Kiwanis Towers. Bob and team members of the Kiwanis Club devoted endless hours volunteering and believing that every child should have a chance in life that started with their health and well-being. Bob’s involvement at Pearson Road Elementary School attests to his passion for supporting children. He was instrumental in establishing a breakfast program at the school and organized a team of volunteers to provide a healthy meal to the students. He also supported the Kiwanis TERRIFIC Kids program which recognizes the students for their non-academic qualities such as respect, effort and responsibility.
After his retirement from a long and distinguished career with the Federal Department of Industry Canada, Bob was able to devote additional time and energies with the Society of the Kiwanis Towers. Bob was instrumental with the Society for the Kiwanis Towers in setting up the Kiwanis Legacy Funds with KGH, Central Okanagan Foundation, Okanagan College and UBCO. It was his foresight regarding the future of Kiwanis in our community that the community’s children’s organizations will benefit from the Legacy for years to come.
The family would like to thank his physician Dr. Angela Andruchow, his oncologist Dr. Marianne Taylor with the Cancer Clinic and all the Staff at Hospice House Kelowna for their compassion and care shown to Bob and his family.
A Celebration of Life for Bob will be held Monday, November 14, 2022 at 2:00 pm at Willow Park Church, 439 HWY 33, Kelowna, BC, in the Fireside Room with Pastor Joseph Battiston officiating.
In Lieu of flowers, donations in Bob’s memory would be welcomed to Kelowna Kiwanis 2017 Legacy Fund (Central Okanagan Foundation), or BC Cancer.
If you wish to send a condolence, post photos, or share a memory, please scroll down the page to the area called “Condolences”.
Service
Monday, November 14, 2022 at 2:00 pm
Location
Willow Park Church, 439 HWY 33, Kelowna, BC, in the Fireside Room
Share with Others:
Kelowna Kiwanis 2017 Legacy Fund (Central Okanagan Foundation) or BC Cancer Society Link: www.centralokanaganfoundation.org, www.bccancer.bc.ca
Service Information
Service Details
The service for BISSELL, Robert (Bob) D. is scheduled for Monday, November 14, 2022 at 2:00 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:
Willow Park Church, 439 HWY 33, Kelowna, BC, in the Fireside Room
439 HWY 33, Kelowna, BC
Phone:
Special Requests:
None.
Funeral Pointers:
Condolences
Bob was a much beloved and admired member of the Industry Canada team not only here in the Pacific Region but nationally as well. In fact as he moved here from the Ontario Region we always owed Ontario a debt which could never be repaid. He was extraordinarily capable and was always thoughtful, kind and respectful of clients and
colleagues alike. Bob solved, rather than created, problems and did it in ways that without fail brought credit to Industry Canada. . It was an honour to be his friend and colleague. Although I did not know about his exceptional public service after his retirement, it doesn’t surprise me in the least. We have all lost a wonderful friend.
My sincere condolences to his family.
I send my deepest condolences to Jane, Laura and grandchildren. Bob and I worked together in Toronto. He had a wry sense of humour and a delight to be around. Rest In Peace my friend.
To the family and friends of Bob our thoughts and prayers are with you as you morn the loss of a fellow colleague! Bob and I had the opportunity to work on government programs together over the phone and finally got to meet him one day in Ottawa! His phone and larger than life personality were the same! He was a very respected colleague! So sorry for your loss! May he RIP!
Jane and family please accept my deepest condolences, Bob was a great guy and a friend. I worked with Bob in the Toronto district office and remember him fondly. I remember having coffee with him at your kitchen table, shortly after he won the position out west, with him trying to get me to take his old beige VW van off his hands. Theses are moments that are etched in memory never to be forgotten. Rest in piece my friend.
Dear Jane, Laura and all the family.
Our deepest condolences go out to all of you. I was shocked to hear the news of Bob’s passing, wishing that we would have had the opportunity for another coffee get together with some of the crew from Industry Canada. I had the pleasure of working closely with Bob for several years when he was appointed Director of the Kelowna Office. He was a great man and will be sincerely missed.
Dear Jane and Family, my codolences on Bob’s passing. He was truly instrumental in mentoring and developing me in my career and I will be forever grateful to have known him. He will be greatly missed.
Was a pleasure and and an honor to know Bob both professionally (Kelowna) and personally. He’ll be missed.
Dear Jane , Laura & family , we are so sorry to hear of Bob’s passing . Our thoughts & prayers are with you . Bonnie & Bob
I had the pleasure of working for and then along-side Bob for several years. He was a gentle and humble soul who had both high professional standards and a fun sense of humour. He provided service to others during his working years and also in retirement with his several volunteer activities. His dedication to a life of service is admirable and is an example to be followed. We are truly saddened to learn of Bob’s passing. Our sincere condolences Jane, Laura and family.
Dear Jane and family, my sincerest condolences for you at this time. I was so saddened to hear of Bob’s passing. I had the pleasure of meeting Bob in the late 70’s and working with him in Toronto(DOC) until the mountains took him away. He would often send me beautiful pictures from his office window (rubbing it in of course). Great humor he had and truly one of the good guys!
With Love and Remembrance,
Joanne McCourt
To the Bissell Family, I was very sorry to learn that Bob has passed away. Please accept my sincere condolences. Bob was a respected colleague who exemplified the qualities of a true servant leader: compassion, skill, and knowledge that was shared with humility while never losing sight of his personal self-worth. May your memories help buoy your spirits as you hold him close to your hearts. Bob will be missed by many.
Sincerely,
Rose Sirois
Jane, sending a hug. My thoughts are with you and the family.