We Remember
FAIRHURST, Robert “Bob”
January 27, 1937 — November 15, 2024
It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Robert “Bob” Fairhurst, a devoted family man, esteemed community member, and decorated Staff Sergeant (Retired) in the RCMP. He passed away peacefully after a short, courageous battle with cancer on November 15, 2024, at Hospice House Kelowna.
Bob served 24 years in the RCMP then dedicated over 44 years to the (RCMP) Veterans’ Association and the Knights of Columbus, exemplifying his lifelong commitment to service and justice. He had a distinguished career. From postings in Revelstoke and Fort Smith, NWT to patrolling Parliament Hill and guarding both the Prime Minister and Governor General’s residences, onward to Kamloops as a member of the Ident Team to starting up a new Identification Section in Campbell River to travelling the country serving on the Audit Management Team. It was marked by numerous honours, including the prestigious King Charles III Coronation Medal presented one week before his passing, and previously, three Queen’s Jubilee Medals: Silver (1997), Gold (2002), and Diamond (2012).
In his retirement he kept busy working as a security guard at Western Star Trucks, then as a Realtor. He had many interests and hobbies such as photography, computer graphics and woodcarving. He kept active and young at heart by travelling to many different countries, bike riding, and golfing right up to the day of his cancer diagnosis where he shot a birdie!
Known for his unwavering integrity, honesty, professionalism, and sense of duty, Bob was deeply respected by his peers and cherished by his family. Beyond his professional accomplishments, he will be remembered for his warmth, wisdom, sense of humour and the countless lives he touched throughout his life.
He is lovingly survived by his wife of 64 years, Rita Joyce Fairhurst and children: Theresa (Mark) Leinemann, Catherine (James) MacPhee, Brenda (Kane) Dobberthien, and Stephen (Elaine) Fairhurst. Grandfather of ten and great-grandfather of seven. Bob was predeceased by his father and mother, Robert and Ida Fairhurst, and two brothers, Ronald and John “Jack” Fairhurst.
A celebration of Bob’s extraordinary life and a mass of Christian Burial will be held on Tuesday, December 3, 2024, at 10:30 am, at St Pius X Catholic Church, 1346 Gordon Dr, Kelowna, BC. Prayers will precede the service on Monday, December 2, 2024 in the evening at 7:30 pm. As an expression of sympathy, if you wish, flowers may be sent to 1436 Athans Court, Kelowna, B.C.
The family wishes to extend our heartfelt appreciation and thankfulness to the Doctors and nurses at Kelowna General Hospital and the Palliative team and Hospice staff at Interior Health.
He will be dearly missed but never forgotten. How lucky are we to have had someone in our lives that makes saying goodbye so very hard. ♥️
If you wish to send a condolence, post photos, or share a memory, please scroll down the page to the area call “Condolences”.
Service
Tuesday, December 3, 2024, at 10:30 am
Location
St Pius X Catholic Church
Sending love and prayers to all of you as you grieve the loss of this incredible man!
Rita and family, our family (the Bud Sherris Family) are so sad about Bob’s passing and share in your family’s loss. We all adored Bob and admired him for his beautiful gentle personality and generosity to helping anyone in anyway he could. He truly was a peace officer well beyond his service with RCMP. We will remember his heart of gold that touched our hearts and will treasure all our fond memories of Bob.
With our deepest sympathies,
Louise Sherris, Wendy & Rick Foley, Wayne & Mona Sherris
To Rita & Family Our condolences on your loss of your husband, father. & grandfather. He was a kind & generous man who welcomed a young constable & his wife into the Campbell River Section. We have never forgotten your family’s kindness & support. He was inspiration to me and will not be forgotten.