Robert Arthur Hales

With profound sadness the Hales family announces the sudden passing of Bob / Bobby on October 15, 2016, at 82 years of age. He was a devoted husband to spouse Marj, best dad ever to daughters Karen, Cheryl and Kim, as well as a caring, supportive and fun grandpa to four grandchildren: Nadina, Nicole, Melissa and Daniel. He was also a cherished son, brother, nephew, uncle, son-in-law, brother-in-law and a friend to many.

Bob was born in the small town of Avonlea, Saskatchewan. As a teenager he moved with his family to Chilliwack, B.C. where he graduated from Chilliwack High School. Upon graduation from high school he briefly worked in the banking industry. He quickly realized that he could not spend the rest of his life working in banking and needed to follow his passion for music; in particular, jazz music and the trumpet. Bob then moved to California where he attended Westlake College of Music.

Bob graduated from Westlake College in 1957, moved to B.C. and immersed himself in the music industry. With hard work and determination Bob became a well respected, multifaceted musician and an intrinsic part of Vancouver’s music scene during the 1960’s, 1970’s and 1980’s. He was an accomplished trumpet player, composer, arranger and conductor. He composed and arranged original music for both television and movies, as well as music for the closing ceremonies of the 1988 Calgary Winter Olympics. In 1972, Bob wrote the well known theme music for the CBC television series, “The Beachcombers,” which is still being played today.

Bob was the leader of the “Bobby Hales Big Band.” He had the honor of working with some of Vancouver’s most talented musicians and an array of the greatest local and international performers. In addition, he taught music at Douglas College, was the Musical Director of the Pacific National Exhibition for six years and the President of the Vancouver Musicians’ Association (Local 145) from 1996-2012. Bob was inducted into the B.C. Entertainment Hall of Fame for his contribution to the music industry in 1996.

Above all, Bob was a dedicated family man. Bob met Marj while he was playing in a dance band in Sylvan Lake, Alberta. They were married in October of 1957 and were only a few days short of their 59th wedding anniversary when he passed away. Bob and Marj had three daughters and four grandchildren. Together, they created a family home that was full of love and laughter. They welcomed extended family members into their home, along with neighbours and friends.

Bob remained in touch with his relatives in Saskatchewan; spoke frequently to his beloved sisters Joyce and Robertta. He happily embraced all of the relatives from Marj’s side of the family. He spoke often of the importance of family and was unabashed about how he felt about his family. There are no words to express how much he is loved and respected by his family and how much we will miss him.

Lastly, it would be a disservice not to mention Bob’s unparalleled sense of humour. He was quick witted and had the uncanny ability to tell incredibly funny stories. He saw humour in everyday situations. Bob was known to tell many corny and sometimes inappropriate jokes (which he often found himself giggling at). Bob had a unique way of looking at the world and dissecting problems; he was wise and extremely thoughtful. He also enjoyed golfing, bowling and time spent with all of his many friends.

Predeceased by his parents, Robert and Eunice Hales, brother Douglas Hales, sister Robertta Monkhouse, mother-in-law Winnifred Severinson, brother-in-law Clark Roberts and much loved cat Tashee.

Please join the family in celebrating the life of this incredible man. Memorial service is being held on Saturday, November 5, 2016 at 1 p.m. at First Memorial Burkeview Chapel (1340 Dominion Avenue Port Coquitlam B.C.).

In lieu of flowers please consider a donation in memory of Bob to either the Alzheimer Society of B.C. or the B.C. SPCA.

http://www.alzheimer.ca/en/bc/Get-involved/Ways%20to%20donate

http://www.spca.bc.ca/