A well-known and respected local broadcaster hired by the “first” STAR-FM (CKSR-FM) in 1986, he hosted the afternoon drive show, Swingin' on the Star, and That's Entertainment. With music such a strong part of his life he loved the opportunities his career afforded for doing interviews with a great variety of performers and entertainers from David Pomeranz to Tony Bennett and from Anne Murray to Johnny Marks (he wrote Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer) to Rita MacNeil. A great aviation buff he was thrilled to cover the Abbotsford Airshow for 4 days each year for eleven years. He was there for media day, which allowed him to fly with the Snowbirds one year, as well as the three actual show days.
He served as Music Director and had a variety of other duties both at C-ISL 940 in Richmond when it first went on the air and at CFAX 1070 in Victoria. He also worked at CKDA 1220 in Victoria and prior to moving to Victoria he worked for CHFM in Calgary for nine years. Bob had about thirty-five years of broadcast experience overall.
Bob was the long-time drummer and announcer for the Abbotsford-based big band The Moonliters. He also played with the Clearbrook Connection Dixieland Band, the Cats 'n' Jammers, and a variety of other small groups. He was MC for the Chilliwack Dixieland Jazz Festival Opening Ceremony a number of times. His MC experience also included the We'll Meet Again production with the Abbotsford Concert Band under the direction of Shannon Goldsmith. More recently he played drums with and was on the Board of Directors of the Cascadia Wind Ensemble.
As a volunteer Bob was a highly dedicated member of the organization CASARA, the Civil Air Search and Rescue Association, from 2000 to 2014. His volunteer activities included being the sponsor announcer you heard at Chilliwack Flight Fest for more than twenty years.
He shovelled snow for neighbours, shared his vast music library and knowledge and generally helped others whenever there was a need and he had the ability. One year he put out a house fire next door.
He was a stay-at-home dad for three years after being laid off two days before our oldest son was born, and Mike was the first new infant he had ever held!
Bob was an amazing person. He had a slightly warped, great, at times wicked sense of humour which made him a big favourite with a lot of people.
Bob will be greatly missed by many people and the world is a little less bright without him in it. He is survived by his loving wife and family; Joanne, son Mike (Amy and grandson Logan), daughter Susan (Justin), and son David. Your thoughts and prayers are greatly appreciated as we adjust to this huge loss.
In lieu of flowers please donate in Bob's name to either the Canadian Cancer Society or the Capilano University Linton Garner Jazz Award. Thank you.
SHARE OBITUARY
v.1.8.18