Tribute

On the evening of Friday, January 19, 2024, Robert Peter Thompson passed away at the Kelowna Hospital after a brief illness.  Bob was born on July 8, 1947 .

Bob’s early years were spent in Brandon, Manitoba with his elder sister Joan and younger sister Linda.  The family moved to Moose Jaw, SK in the early 60’s where Bob discovered his love for football and his first wife Marilyn.  Bob and Marilyn married in October of 1967 and first daughter Robbi followed in May.  The young family moved to BC in 1970 and daughter Shelly was born in Cranbrook in 1971.  Bob loved the mountains and embraced his life here.  He learned to fish for trout instead of walleye and hunt deer, elk and moose instead of jack rabbit.  Bob was fortunate to gain employment in Canal Flats as a labourer at Crestbrook Forest Industries.  It was at Crestbrook he took his apprenticeship as an electrician and worked there until rheumatoid arthritis forced him to stop after over 30 years.  Never one to stop, he continued to hunt, fish and camp while keeping busy during the winter on his beautiful wood working projects.  Bob was always very active in the community working with the Winter Club, Curling Club, Canal Days, Wilderness Club and any other place where his volunteerism was required.  Bob remarried in 1981 to Deborah Quin.  He found happiness in

2021 when he met Linda Snyder.  His life was greatly enhanced by her gentle presence and kind heart.  Linda remained by his side until the end.

Bob leaves to mourn his passing his beloved partner Linda Snyder, his two daughters Robbi Jenks and Shelly (David) Larose and grandchildren; Josh, Tanner, Bernadette (Jacob), Peter, Maxwell (Payton), Shana (Derek), Jamison (Elsa), Logan as well as five great grandchildren.  He also leaves his honorary grandchildren; Peter and Rachel and of special note, his long-time hunting and camping buddy, “Uncle” Albert.  Bob was a larger than life character and his humour and presence will be missed.  Bob was predeceased by his parents, Peter in 1979,  Mildred in 2014, sons-in-law Bert in 2017 and Dan in 2023.

A Celebration of Life for Bob will be held on Saturday, April 27, 2024 at the Columbia Inn in Canal Flats from 2:00 to 5:00 pm.  We welcome all to come and share your memories with us.