KAY - Robert (Bob) William passed away quietly on Tuesday, January 28, 2014, in Trail, B.C. Bob was born in Rossland, on June 29, 1920, to Emily Marie (Larsen) and Gilbert Campbell Kay. On August 29, 1942, he married Gertrude Mabel Hollett, daughter of James Herbert Hollett and Mabel Aliez (Brushett), in Lethbridge, AB. They spent many years living in the 'Golden City', where they raised their children. When he tired of shoveling snow, he and Gertie, moved to Trail.
Bob was employed as a young man by Canada Post, served in the Royal Canadian Air Force, and then was employed by CM&S (Teck) until his retirement (1985), after almost 45 years with the company. He was a proud Mason, Corinthian Lodge #27 A.F.& A.M., and held the rank of Grand Master.
Bob was predeceased by an infant (stillborn) son (1943), his mother (1966) and father (1960), wife (2001), and brother, Gilbert (2001). Dad was the last of his generation of immediate relatives.
Surviving him are 3 children: Millicent (Ross), Maurice (Lynne), and Leonard (Janet), 7 grandchildren, 11 great-grandchildren, and 15 nieces and nephews. With love, he took great pride in his family, welcoming their visits and sharing in their accomplishments.
Bob was noted for his kindness, chivalry, devotion, hospitality, generosity, thoroughness, precision, and love of ice-cream; all this with an omni-present sense of levity, 'whichacallem', and slapstick humour.
He loved all that their camper and boat represented. Waterton Park, Kootenay Lake, Whatshan Lakes, and Christina Lake all had special places in his heart. In his latter years, he loved to spend time walking at Waneta Mall, visiting with customers and clerks alike. Being the affable soul he was, he had a smile and friendly greeting for all he met - whether he knew them or not …often with an enthusiastic, LOUD, and memorable, “Oooooooooh!“
Dad and his family were grateful to the staff of the B.C Adult Cochlear Implant Program @ St. Paul's Hospital in Vancouver for returning his ability to hear! Dad appreciated the kindness extended to him over the last year and a half at Chateau Manor, KBRH, and Talarico. In particular, the family thanks Dr. McCoid and the staff at Poplar Ridge for their extraordinarily kind, attentive, and professional care over the last many months.
It was Bob's request that there be no funeral service. Jordan Wren of Alternatives Funeral and Cremation Services™ has been entrusted with the arrangements. You are invited to leave a personal message of condolence at the family’s online registry at www.myalternatives.ca
As an expression of sympathy, donations in Bob’s memory may be made to KBRH Health Foundation - Poplar Ridge, 1200 Hospital Bench, Trail, B.C. V1R 4M1 or online at www.kbrhhealthfoundation.ca
“It takes a village…” From the family, we thank you all. “Go Ahead”.