PLANK, Robert Northey – updated service address

June 20, 1936 — September 20, 2024

We are heartbroken to announce the passing of Robert Northey “Bob” Plank after a lengthy and courageous battle with cancer. Although Bob had also recently started to experience dementia, he was able to enjoy celebrating his and Inge’s 60th wedding anniversary in July, surrounded by family and friends.

Bob was born to Fred and Mabelle Plank in Rimbey, Alberta, the youngest of five siblings. He excelled at school and after graduating from high school at the age of 16 he continued his education at the University of Alberta, obtaining a Bachelor’s Degree and then a Masters in Science. He started work in Fairview, Alberta, and soon joined the Farm Credit Corporation, where he spent the rest of his career until retiring in 1994.

Music was a part of Bob’s life, and while in the choir at Peace River United Church, he caught the eye of a lovely young woman named Inge Kittel. They were married in July 1964 and moved to Kelowna soon after their honeymoon here. Within a few years, their family grew to include Sandra and then Colleen. The girls loved dancing around while Dad played “Golden Slippers” on his old accordion.

Bob was a lifelong learner. He took German classes and became lifelong friends with a couple he met at classes. When his daughters started playing in the school band, he bought a trumpet and joined an adult beginner band. When he took windsurfing lessons, he said his much younger classmates ended up in the water as often as he did!  He studied French and translated an account of a Belgian POW’s experience in WWII into English. He also studied Spanish and Russian at night school classes, and joined a group of colleagues on a research trip to the former Soviet Union in 1993.  Bob’s other hobbies included curling, gardening, and woodworking.

Although Bob and Inge made many friends in Ottawa and Regina, they looked forward to retiring in Kelowna. They continued to travel, visiting Costa Rica, Cuba, the Dominican Republic, and Mexico in winter and welcoming family and friends from Germany in summer. They celebrated their 40th and 50th wedding anniversaries with cruises to Alaska, thrilled that “the girls” were with them for the second one. Family was so important to Bob; even when he was in hospital, his concern was more for his beloved Inge than for himself.

Bob was predeceased by his parents; brothers Lester, William, and Charles; niece Susan; and nephews Trevor, Lawrence, and Jordan. He is survived by his loving wife Inge; daughters Sandra and Colleen; his sister Phyllis; and his nieces and nephews and their families.

A Memorial Service for Bob will be held on Friday, October 4, 2024, at 2 p.m. at Central Okanagan United Church, 721 Bernard Avenue, Kelowna. If you are unable to attend in person, please join the family online by Zoom at the time of the service.

Zoom Link for Bob Plank’s Memorial Service
Meeting ID: 871 8097 1824
Passcode: 523290

Bob was a generous man and supported many different charities. In lieu of flowers, the family ask that you make a donation in Bob’s name to the BC Cancer Foundation, the Central Okanagan Hospice Association, or the charity of your choice.

If you wish to send a condolence, post photos, or share a memory, please scroll down the page to the area call “Condolences”.

Service Details

The service for PLANK, Robert Northey – updated service address is scheduled for Friday, October 4, 2024, at 2 p.m. Below you will find the map for the service location and the contact information should you have any questions.

Address & Contact for Service Location:

Central Okanagan United Church

271 Bernard Avenue, Kelowna

Phone:

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Special Requests:

None.

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Funeral Pointers: