Robert "Bob" Clarke Birston

He leaves behind his devoted wife, Patricia, to whom he was married for 63 years, as well as his cherished daughters, Darla (Stephen) Abercrombie and Alana (Chad) Cazes. He was a proud grandfather to Braelynn (Max), Claire, Jessica (Joel), Alex (Olivia), and Christian.

Born in Alsask, Saskatchewan, Bob spent his formative years in Port Arthur, where he graduated from Port Arthur Collegiate Institute. He met Patricia while working at Safeway, and their shared journeys began with joyful road trips with friends before their marriage in 1962. Shortly after, they moved West, settling in Prince George, B.C. to establish a home and life there for over 55 years.

Bob dedicated himself to a variety of professional pursuits after Safeway, starting in accounting and later transitioning to construction, where he worked for Garvin and Bea Dezell. He became General Manager at Gang-Nail Truss and later worked for Canfor as a supervisor at the local pulp and paper mills.

A lover of nature and the great outdoors, Bob spent countless weekends camping across B.C. and Alberta. He built a family cabin at Summit Lake and also spent many winters at their cabin on Purden Mountain. His hobbies included music, photography, sailing, skiing and travelling. Animals held a special place in Bob's heart, and he was rarely without the companionship of a loyal dog.

In his retirement years, Bob and Patricia embraced adventure, traveling across Canada and down to Arizona with their fifth wheel. He learned more about his Métis heritage and history, and began exploring Vancouver Island after moving to Duncan, B.C., where he had a beautiful view of the Cowichan River.

The family extends their deepest gratitude to the staff at Mount St. Mary Hospital in Victoria for the special times he had there with Patricia and the compassionate care they provided to him in his final days.

A celebration of life will be held at Summit Lake at a later date.

The family kindly requests that, in lieu of flowers, donations be made to Mount St. Mary Hospital in Victoria, B.C.