June 9, 1923 – April 24, 2022
Robert (Bob) was born in Glemsford, Suffolk, England. He enjoyed an idyllic village upbringing, spending countless hours cycling through the countryside and working on local farms. It was there with the family’s dogs that his love for animals began.
Bob enlisted with the Royal Army Medical Corps during World War 2 and was a member of 224 Para Field Ambulance. After the war, Bob emigrated to Canada, arriving in Montreal in 1947. He travelled west by train, found work and then settled in Edmonton, Alberta. In 1952, he was hired by Imperial Oil as a clerk at the railhead offices in Edmonton and then Peace River. Leaving Imperial Oil after 9 years, he returned to Edmonton and started his own grocery store. This experience led him to be hired by Canada Safeway as a Safeway store manager in Edmonton until his retirement.
For many years, his loyal companions were his Alsatian dogs. His first pup was Tinker Bell from Grande Prairie and Bob was her proud guardian. Tinker Bell passed away in 1985 after a long, happy life devoted to Bob. He retired that year and moved to Vancouver Island bringing with him a new puppy, King. King grew to be Bob’s constant shadow and was a source of endless delight for 12 years.
Bob never had another dog but often spoke lovingly of his pups. He never passed up the opportunity to stop and chat with dog walkers and their companions. He valued his canine friends and wished to honour their memory with a gift to the BCSPCA.
To quote Bob, “I have had a good life and made some wonderful friends. Thanks to all!”