Robert Bob Matthew Hagel

Robert (Bob) HAGEL On January 8th 2011, Bob Hagel passed away peacefully at the age of 69 at Nanaimo Regional General Hospital in British Columbia. He will be lovingly remembered by all who knew him, but most of all, his wife Annette, and his four children Rosanne, Colleen, Michael and Paul -his self-described “ÃRCMP ”Ä -and their growing families. Bob grew up in Beiseker, Alberta, with his Mom and Dad, Matt and Magdalena (Mac), and his two brothers, Ron and Wayne. As a young man in Beiseker, Bob spent much of his spare time working in his father's grocery store, Hagel's Grocery Ltd. — an experience, which undoubtedly stoked his entrepreneurial spirit and love for serving people that would become his signature qualities later in life. Bob left Beiseker in 1962 and joined the seminary in St. Albert, Alberta with hopes of becoming a priest one day. His quest to preside over a holy congregation would be short-lived however (much to the delight of his yet-to-be discovered family) and in 1966, Bob enrolled into Notre Dame University in Nelson, BC to pursue a Bachelor of Education. Upon graduation in 1969, Bob moved to the Pas, Manitoba on his first professional teaching contract with Indian Affairs. While in the Pas, Bob met his beautiful wife, Annette, who was visiting from Ireland and working on a two-year contract with the Bishop on behalf of the local Catholic Diocese. After a few short months, Bob `popped the question' and he and Annette married. Shortly thereafter, Annette gave birth to their first child, Rosanne, and moved to Taber, Alberta where Bob would take on his first, fulltime counselor position with W.R Myers High School. Several years later, with four children now in tow, Bob joined St. Mary's Catholic High School in a dual role of counselor and teacher. Although teaching and counseling youth was rewarding, Bob's faith and passion to work independently provoked him to resign his job with St. Mary's and to start a small business called the Taber Christian Store. Bob and his wife owned and operated this business until 1998, proudly serving the region's Christian community for over a decade. Rooted in the strength of his Catholic faith, Bob made significant contributions to the community of Taber and surrounding region in numerous capacities including counselor, teacher, landlord, business proprietor, volunteer, and community-builder. Bob and his wife spent almost 40 years in Taber before moving to Courtenay, BC in the summer of 2010. Bob's greatest reward was in helping those around him. He would jump at the chance to offer a ride to a senior so they could make their medical appointment on time. He would be elated to offer his personal possessions to others if the need arose, particularly if the object came from his well-stocked garage. And at the mere mention of a health ailment or issue, Bob would talk to you for hours about potential natural cures, which he believed would offer you more comfort and happiness. He possessed a larger-than-life personality and anyone who crossed his path walked away with a smile and good story. Bob will be remembered as a brilliant father and husband, a storyteller, entrepreneur, and a kind and gentle man who lived his life in the interests and service of others; qualities we should all aspire to during our lifetimes. He is survived by his wife, Annette, and her children: Rosanne (Peter) Gerritsen, Colleen (Sean French), Michael (Veronica Rogers), Paul (Paula); and his brothers Ron (Sharon) and Wayne (Darla, deceased), and their families. As well as three grandchildren, Pierce, Ava and one grandchild expected to arrive on Jan. 23rd 2011 in addition to three step-grandchildren, Taylor, Kennedy and Ethan. Bob was predeceased by his parents, Matt and Magdelena. A Funeral Service will be held at 1:00pm on Friday, January 14, 2011 at Christ the King Catholic, 1599 Tunner Drive, Courtenay, BC. In lieu of flowers or gifts, please make a donation in his name to the charity or non-profit organization of your choice. If you would like to share your personal memories and stories of Bob Hagel, please send them via email to [email protected] and they will be shared with the family.