CUNNINGTON, Robert Leslie

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Robert Leslie Cunnington passed away peacefully at his home of 38 years on March 9, 2016. He was surrounded by his loving family; His wife Catharine, son Russell, daughters Abby and Nicole, as well as many additional family members and friends. His battle with cancer was brief, and he was brave and optimistic right until his final days. He was accepting and strong and went peacefully in his sleep in his home, as was his wish.

Robert, was born in Vancouver, BC and later moved to Okanagan Falls and attended SOHS where he met his sweetheart Catharine Thompson. Robert also attended St. George’s School in Vancouver and was an avid athlete. While home in Okanagan Falls he enjoyed ranch life and riding his horses “Stormy, and Pilot”, and exploring the terrain with his faithful mastiff dogs. He also had a love for capturing the beautiful scenery through his artwork, which we are fortunate to display in our homes to this day. He married Catharine in 1957 in Oliver, BC and they resided at the Cunnington ranch in Okanagan Falls. The couple started their family in Oliver, and welcomed their first child, Russell. They later moved to Vancouver where Robert worked for Electrolux with his father. Their daughter Abby was born, and the family moved to West Vancouver. Robert began a career with the Government of Canada in the Consumer and Corporate Affairs Weights and Measures Division. He had the opportunity to travel the province and see some of the many beautiful remote areas unknown to most. His travels brought him back through his childhood home in the Okanagan Valley where he and his wife decided to settle as a family in Kelowna. The welcomed their youngest daughter Nicole shortly after moving there.

Robert and his family loved their life in Kelowna. The family home was just that, in every sense of the word. Countless gatherings with family and friends were had over the years where Robert loved to entertain. He took great pleasure in watching his family enjoying his beautiful yard and pool while he BBQ’d the best roast in “our” world! Many family traditions were developed by Robert and the family intends to carry them on in his honour. He was a wonderful husband, father, grandfather, and mentor.  He was kind, gentle and generous and he was loved by all who met him. Robert was known as Mr. “C” to many, which he held dear.

Robert leaves us with a part of him in the extension of his family, which include: Grandchildren- Brandy Lee Green and her 3 children, Jasmine Rae Cunnington- Saby, Shannon Mary Cunnington, Dustin King Robert Cunnington, Shelby Lee Anderson Cunnington, Taelor Rae Wilson, Brooklyn Dawn Wilson, and Pyper Elizabeth Rae Thomson.

The family will be having a private celebration of Robert’s life later this summer as he requested.

In lieu of flowers the family requests that a donation be made to a foundation you hold dear, or that you ‘pay it forward” in a random act of kindness, as Robert often did.

The family wishes to express our thanks for the great care and kindness Robert received from Hospice and all his health care professionals. As well as our extended family and friends, who helped us through this difficult time. We are forever grateful. 

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