Robert "Bob" Edward Hollies

Passed away peacefully in his sleep on July 28, 2024, after a short residence at Wexford Creek Seniors’ Community in Nanaimo, BC.

Bob was born in Smoky Lake, Alberta on January 19, 1932, to parents Annie Craigmyle Robertson and Dr. Edward Gardiner Hollies, a little brother for one-year-old Kay. Edward continued to work at the hospital there until 1936, when Edward was asked to move his practice to the Peace River area, and the family moved to Pouce Coupe, BC. Annie, a nurse, helped in the medical office, and with delivering babies, until Bob’s younger sisters, Ruth and Ethel, were born in 1942 and 1947 respectively, completing their family of six.

Bob grew up in “Pouce,” and attended high school in neighbouring Dawson Creek where he completed Grade 12. Throughout his school years, he enjoyed participating in sports, especially baseball. In 1949, Bob ventured to UBC in Vancouver to complete Grade 13 to qualify for university. He then moved to Edmonton, where he studied chemical engineering at the University of Alberta. During his university years, Bob developed many lifelong friendships with classmates, and cemented his love of choral singing as a member of the Mixed Chorus. Perhaps most importantly of all, while at U of A, Bob met and fell in love with nursing student Joan Cox.

Shortly after graduation in 1954, Bob was offered a position with Atomic Energy of Canada Limited (AECL) at their Chalk River facility near the community of Deep River, Ontario. During his first few years living and working in Ontario, Joan was finishing her degree and working as a public health nurse in Fairview, Alberta, so they maintained a long-distance engagement before marrying in her hometown of Beaverlodge, Alberta in August 1957. They began their married life in Deep River, where they both worked at “the plant” until son Doug came along in 1961, followed by daughter Janet in 1962. Bob and Joan developed many friendships with other young couples and enjoyed exploring the outdoors in places like Algonquin Park. Bob also continued to sing in local theatre productions.

When AECL opened its Whiteshell Nuclear Research Establishment in Manitoba, Bob accepted a transfer there, and the young family moved to the brand new townsite of Pinawa in 1963. The family grew up with the town, and Bob continued to work at WNRE and to pursue his many interests: sports, including softball, golfing and skiing; outdoor activities such as canoeing, hunting and fishing; community involvement like coaching hockey; as well as being an active church and choir member in the Pinawa Christian Fellowship. He even took flying lessons.

Shortly after Bob’s retirement, in 1991, he and Joan moved to beautiful Qualicum Beach on Vancouver Island. Here, they joined a newcomer’s club, which became a social organization called the Third Dimension. Bob was able to enjoy sports such as hockey (until a broken ankle forced him into “early” retirement) and Slo-Pitch (for much longer) through the Parksville Golden Oldies Sports Association: eventually earning a lifetime membership in PGOSA. Bob and Joan also joined the congregation at Knox United Church, where Bob enjoyed singing in the choir for over 30 years. He also sang with a Madrigal group, with the Oceanside Consort Choir, and with the choir at St. Anne and St. Edmund Anglican Church too. Bob was always interested in politics, and in retirement he volunteered with the federal Liberal party, putting up lawn signs for local candidates, attending policy meetings, and even attending a National Convention in Ottawa.

Even after the blow of losing Joan in 2010, and despite challenges with his mobility, Bob continued to remain engaged in many activities in his community. He continued to play Slo-Pitch with a pinch runner and helped manage the team, he attended Oceanside Generals hockey games faithfully, and “Slugger” became such a regular at Serious Coffee that they practically adopted him. Even in the last few months, when he was confined to bed, Bob still followed current events, reading his newspaper every day, doing his crossword and jumble puzzles, and enjoyed watching sports. (Thank you, Edmonton Oilers, for that entertaining playoff run.)

The family would like to thank the staff at Wexford Creek and the many home support workers at Island Health for the caring and empathy they demonstrated during the last few months, in addition to providing physical care.

Bob will be greatly missed by his son Doug (Pat), his daughter Janet (Craig), his grandchildren Kirsten (Cam), Laurel (Ian), Niklas (Keely), Ryanne (Brian), Marys, Jessica and Nolan, his brothers-in-law Harold (Audrie), John (Caroline) and Neil, and his nieces Donna, Mary Lou (Al), Sandra (Blaine), Sharon and Jody (Ron), and nephews Brian (Vicky) and JD (Sherrie). He will also be missed by his multitude of friends, teammates, and fellow choristers.

Bob was predeceased by his beloved wife Joan, his sisters Kathleen “Kay”, Ruth, and Ethel, his brother-in-law Harold Kettleson, his sister-in-law Islay, and his nephew Ross.

A celebration of Bob’s life will be held on Friday, September 6, at Knox United Church, 345 Pym St., Parksville at 11:00 am. In lieu of flowers, and in the spirit of Bob’s generous nature, please consider making a donation in his name to your favourite charity. (He had so many pet causes, we couldn’t choose.)