Robert Earle Gale

Bob was a longtime resident of North and West Vancouver before relocating to the Comox Valley in 2022. The youngest of five children born to Ellis Walcott Gale and Ida Maria Witwer of Calgary, he grew up there and never lost affection for his hometown. Dad’s love of study and thirst for knowledge guided his extensive education in geology from the early years in Alberta and BC to a crowning PhD from Stanford University. In January of 1960, he married Valerie Sylvia Rowbottom, recently arrived from the UK. From the moment Dad saw Mom, his heart was captured and they began a love affair that endured over 50 years and produced three very fortunate children, along with three beloved and doted-upon grandchildren. Bob was a devoted son, brother, uncle, husband, father and grandfather. He made many friends and acquaintances throughout his career in mining exploration and life with Mom on the North Shore. Bob had a wry sense of humour and a twinkle in his blue eyes. He loved to dance to any music with a good beat, told us stories involving the many scrapes he got himself into, and sang funny songs about desperados. We will forever remember him as a dedicated, loving father who calmly guided us and was always there to catch us when we fell. His quiet, gentle, but steadfast ways were hallmarks of his character until the very end. Bob was predeceased by wife, Valerie, in 2013. He is survived by his children - Ann (Alex), Robert (Lisa), and Lori (Barry), grandchildren - Amy (Elise), Adam (Nicole) and Justine, sister-in-law, Sylvia, the Siegrist family, and many cherished nieces, nephews and their families in Canada, the UK, and the US. Bob’s family would like to thank the staff and residents of Ocean Front Village for helping to make his transition to the Comox Valley a happy one. We would also like to sincerely thank the Comox Valley Hospital staff in 3B and 4B, as well as the Comox Valley Hospital Liaison team for their compassionate care of Bob, and the guidance they provided to us.

A gathering to remember Bob will be held at a future date.