We Remember
BLOW, Robert A
October 21, 1943 — July 6, 2018
He was a man who lived life on his terms, ever grasping the bull by both horns and crossing boundaries for all he was worth. He was of the opinion that, if one is enough, then two or three or four can only be better, better and better. Excess all the way. His unique sense of humor and quick wit was tinged with an intellect, that sometimes bordered on the absurd. That, in a nutshell, was Robert Alfred Blow.
The greatest irony was, contrary to being so single minded and willful, he was a devoted husband, loving father, brother, son, uncle, loyal friend and, most recently, proud grandfather. In his wildest dreams he never imagined he would live long enough to have grandchildren. His family was his anchor. Those who knew him and loved him in his private life could be enamoured and infuriated all at once, yet it was his brutal honesty and unwavering love that kept the waters calm when a tempest was brewing.
Bob was born in Selkirk, Manitoba on October 21, 1943, the youngest child of Irene and Jack, little brother to Margaret Anne. He grew up on the family farm, took piano lessons from Miss Thompson in Winnipeg on Saturdays, then headed west to seek his musical fortune in 1967 with a band called the Wiggy Symphony. Plenty of water flowed under the bridge of his professional and personal life before he met Nancy in 1980 and married her in 1985. They raised two sons – Matthew and Michael. Their partnership continued for the rest of Bob’s life, while Bob’s career in music – always a defining aspect of who he was – continued to evolve.
As a musician and entertainer, Bob had a larger-than-life personality that made him instantly likeable. He played keyboard and guitar professionally from about age 14 through to his fifties. To witness Bob’s charisma on stage was a memory to cherish. He shone, passion emanating from his very being. Bob’s natural people skills and magnetism continued to serve him (and his customers) well in the hardware department of the Kelowna Rona store where he worked for more than 15 years, until 2014. People would come to that store in search of Bob, to get his take on their project, then exchange personal stories. Sadly, in the years prior to his retirement, Bob lost his joie de vivre. Once so high-spirited and full of life, by the time he quit working he ended up isolating himself at home rather than embracing new opportunities and experiences.
Bob’s life ended all too soon at 74 years of age, his body ravaged by liver disease. Heartfelt thanks to Doctor Tara Sebulsky for her no-nonsense attitude, and the caring support she provided to Bob over the years he was her patient. Enough can’t be said about the incredible team at Cottonwoods Cadder Court unit, and the tender, respectful care they administered until the moment of his passing on July 6, 2018. The family will be forever grateful to them for making Bob’s final days as comfortable as possible for him, and by extension more bearable for them. Ultimately, Bob’s family knows how blessed they were to have had a compassionate, supportive network of friends standing by, ready to lend a hand, give a hug, provide a meal or companionship, whatever, without even being asked.
Bob is survived by his wife Nancy, sons Matthew (Kyla) and Michael (Kirsten), grandsons Thompson and Atticus, niece Jill and nephew Rob. He was predeceased by his parents and his sister.
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.”
I have fond recollections of engaging with Bob at Rona when I was in need of help. He had a way of talking with me that left me feeling good about myself. No question was silly or superfluous and I always got the assistance I needed. As a Rona frequent flier, we sometimes got talking about family and our lives outside the store. He talked so happily of his grand kids. I’m very sad with all of you. Your loss is great.
Oh Nancy. I am so sorry to hear of Bob’s passing. We have wondered many times how he was doing. It was a pleasure playing with him and writing those songs. Our sincere condolences to you and your family. Sincerely. Deb Stone and Rich Jacobson
To Nancy and family. We are so shocked and extremely saddened to hear of Bobs passing. I can’t imagine the sorrow you are going through, but please know that we are thinking of you and sending you our deepest condolences. If there is anything that we can do, please don’t hesitate to call.
Richard and Sherry Dahle
My love and prayers to Nancy, Matt, Michael and families. He certainly left an impression with those who felt the love that he so openly expressed. RIP Bob.
My love and prayers to Nancy, Matt, Michael and families. He certainly left an impression with those who felt the love that he so openly expressed. RIP
Our sympathy to Nancy and the boys. Gerry played in band with Bob in the late 60s and 70s.. We have been lucky enough to visit periodically over the year, sorry we never got a chance to say goodbye.. Bobby Blow your larger than life personality and sense of humor, shall be missed RIP buddy…
A great tribute! So sorry for the loss. I am glad to have met Bob that summer. Take care all and enjoy your time together. 💕❤💕.
Nancy and Family… We are saddened to hear of Bobs passing.
Much Love
The Goodwins
Sincere condolences, Nancy & family! Reminiscing on a great visit with all of you 3 years ago. Love & Hugs from Jack & Nancy
Nancy, Matt and Mike,
I was so very sorry to see you post of Bob’s passing today Nancy. He was certainly such a character. I always loved the way you described meeting him and the beginnings of your years together—you certainly enjoyed quit a wild ride together. I’m always thrilled to see you posting photos of grandchildren and all the fun you are having. I’m so sorry to hear the end continued to be tough, but glad to know they are all there and to see you celebrate his life with such compassion, kindness and honesty. My thoughts are with you and the boys. Best, Jenn
Dear Nancy & family
Very sorry to hear of Bob’s death ,so devastating for your family.. after reading such a loving tribute,it sounds like it was a life well lived..condolences to all of you..Barb
To Nancy, Mathew and Michael
We are very sorry to hear of Bob passing. We worked for many years with Bob at my parents bar together while he was in the band Applejack. He was a very talented musician on the keyboards and his stage presence was magnetic! Through many late nights, many laughs, and many conversations we all loved Bobby Blow. After his music career ended we would go visit him at Rona . He always smiled, helped and talked of his family, He was just a great guy!
Our thoughts and prayers are with you in this most difficult time.
Lea and Elaine Kunz
Nancy, so sorry to hear of your loss. My prayers are with you and your family.
I’m very sorry to hear of Bob”s passing. He was
such a nice man, and I have thought of him often since he retired from Rona. The hardware department has not been the same without him.
So Very Sorry for Your Loss, Bob to Me was a Great Friend and Co-Worker at Rona Home & Garden, I can’t imagine he’s gone. I moved to Edmonton after my Husband Passed and loss touch. I send Big Hug’s.
Bob was one of the first people I met, when i
came to Kelowna about 10 yrs. ago. Met him at Rona, & had the pleasure of working with him for a few yrs. at Rona. Was sorry to see him leave. He was very knowledgable about a lot of things. He used to tell me stories about his musical exploits. He will be missed. Sorry to see him go so soon. All the best to his wife & family. He was a great guy….
Bob was one of those guys who always brightened my day when I started at Rona in 2012. I was lucky to have him on my team because he truly knew the meaning of customer service. My deepest condolences to his family.
Nancy, Matt and Mike. We are so very sad to hear of the passing of Bob. We loved living next door to you. Bob was the nicest neighbour, always taking with us. He was so great with our kids, taking Brianna over for a visit so I could rest. We loved our visits to Rona after we moved so we could go and visit Bob and catch up. Nancy, it was so good to see you just a few weeks back. Our thoughts are with you at this hard time. I am going to come by one day and we should go for a walk. Love Kathy and Kristian Sorensen
I worked with Bob at Rona and he was always such a joy, and a light. Always ready with a witty comment or good joke, especially on a bad day. I am so sorry for your loss, as he truly was a one of a kind wonderful man.