Robert John Wilson

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Bob was born on January 3, 1935 on the family homestead in Crooked Creek, AB. He was the oldest son, the 3rd child of what would be five children. The family moved to Goodfare, AB in 1944 and Bob spent his growing years there on the family farm. After graduating high school, he went on to Agriculture School in Fairview, AB with the intent of becoming a farmer. Practical considerations instead lead him to pursue the electrical trade, becoming a journeyman electrician and working 40+ years “in the field” – servicing oil and gas production in the area surrounding Fort St John, BC., where he was well known for his experience and expertise.

In 1958, Bob married Shirley McEachern and they started a family together, having 3 children, Walter, Cheri and Chad that they raised in Fort St John, BC. Shirley had a paralyzing stroke in 1966 and ultimately passed away in 1981. In those years, Bob kept a normal life going for his family, creating and providing tools to enable Shirley to function in daily life. He was always very active and steered his interests to those the children could participate in – skiing, skating, family holidays, forest marches.

In 1983, Bob married Terri Szabics, his children largely off on their adult paths. Bob and Terri remained in Fort St John, working, travelling, gardening and golfing. Upon retirement in 2001, they moved to Kelowna, BC. There they joined the Newcomers Club and the Kelowna Garden Club and were very active contributing participants. Terri died in 2008 and Bob bravely carried on with the many activities on his own. Never one to stop learning, he extended his skills in photography and added guitar playing to his pursuits.

In his later years, as health became a challenge, he continued to demonstrate his aptitude for learning and finding solutions to any problem. When encountering an obstacle, he would ponder for a time, search out advice, ask for help and eventually come up with a workable solution. With this trait, he was able to be independent and live in his own home into his 90’s – a life he valued dearly.

Robert (Bob) John Wilson is survived by his brother James (Jim) Wilson; his children, Walter (Vicki) Wilson, Cheri (Ray) Wise, Chad (Wendy) Wilson; his grandchildren (9) and great grandchildren (13); numerous in-laws, nieces and nephews and their families. He was predeceased by his wife Shirley of 23 years, his wife Terri of 24 years, his parents, Fred and Eleanor Wilson, his sister Patricia Carrell, his brother David Wilson and his sister Anne McDonald.

In lieu of a formal service, his children embarked on a “Memorial Week”, honoring his life by setting aside time together each day to do an activity they had enjoyed with their Dad over the years. He is dearly missed.

Arrangements entrusted with First Memorial Funeral Services (Dignity Memorial) Kelowna, BC 250-762-2299