He was born in Moose Jaw, Saskatchewan, on January 10, 1933, son of the late Robert and Cecile Stark. He grew up on a homesteaded farm and spent several years of his education in a one room schoolhouse before moving to the big city of Moose Jaw to attend high school at Central Collegiate. Robert (Bob) excelled at sports in high school, and when he could not be found on the basketball court, he would likely be at the curling rink. Curling became a passion for Bob through his adult years, as can be evidenced by several trophies.
After graduation, Bob worked as a meat packer until he found a career at Gulf Oil, rising to a senior position in process control. Retiring from Gulf Oil as a young man of 57 years in 1990, Bob went on to a second career in construction and renovation that lasted into his 80s. Bob loved working with tools, and retirement gave him the freedom to choose the projects that gave him enjoyment and satisfied his passion for building. He built almost every house his family lived in and over his second career of 25 years renovated many for other families.
In 1954 Bob married Betty Lazurka at Zion United Church in Moose Jaw and they and Duke, their golden retriever, moved into a small but cozy house near the ballpark where Bob would spend many nights playing fastball with his family watching from the stands. He was proud of his ’56 two tone Chevy and made sure he parked it far from the left field fence, which he would often clear with one of his homers.
In 1969 Bob accepted a transfer from Gulf Oil and moved his family to Port Coquitlam, BC, where they lived until moving to Maple Ridge for several years, and then finally to Abbotsford to be closer to their grandchildren. Always a sports fan, Bob and a close friend were two of the first fans to buy season’s tickets to the Vancouver Canucks when they were affordable, as he really enjoyed hockey and loved playing on an “old timers” team well into his 70’s…his elbows being a favorite part of his equipment. Bob also enjoyed golf and played many afternoons with his buddies – he so much enjoyed travelling to the interior for golfing trips with his brother Dick.
Bob will be sorely missed by his neighbors, family, and his long-time friends who knew him to be friendly, kind, and always willing to help. Bob is survived by his wife, Betty, his four children Wendy, Nancy, Randy (Donna) and Ken; his four grandchildren Carson (Gabby), Danae (Don), Landon, and Danica, as well as two brothers, Rod and Dick, and several nieces and nephews.
Friends and family will be informed of a memorial service to be held both live and virtually. Anyone wishing to attend either is asked to reach out to the family by clicking on the appropriate link below to receive instructions.
COMPARTA UN OBITUARIO
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