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In memory of those who have Crossed the Bar
PALMER, Robert Douglas (Bob) - passed away at his home in Ottawa on Sunday, August 18, 2019. Bob is survived by his beloved wife Louise, their son Kevin (Patricia), daughter Angele Close (Ryan), grandchildren Ethan, Marina, Dublin, Dahlia, Sonny, brothers Allan (Delores), Peter (Linda), and sister Kim Madey (Andre). He is predeceased by parents Bernard and Bernadette, sister Marlyn Coutts and her husband James. He is remembered fondly by family, friends and colleagues from Canada and around the world. The "Father of Canadian Targets", Bob was a pioneer in the Unmanned Vehicle (UVs) Industry and his dogged pursuit and tenacity put Canada on the global stage. His hard work and commitment was for the success of all rather than individual recognition. Bob grew up in Ottawa's Little Italy and as a military brat was moved to Churchill, Shilo, and London, ON. Bob was a boy sailor at sea and later stationed in Nova Scotia with the Royal Canadian Navy. He moved to Montreal, taking business school at night and landing a job at Rolls Royce, where he met Louise. They married in 1967 and moved to Gimli, MB in 1974. Bob found his calling in 1980 when he joined Boeing in Winnipeg and established the Vindicator target program. This led to over 3 decades in marketing of UVs, aka drones. In 1999 Bob negotiated the sale of Bristol's target division to Schreiner, which included moving to Medicine Hat to be its Canadian President. In his early sixties Bob led the company to tremendous growth, resulting in its purchase by longtime competitor Meggitt. If you can't beat 'em, buy 'em. He relocated to Ottawa where he retired in 2007. Bob excelled at football, boxing, hockey and baseball. He loved fishing and curling but most of his sporting life was possessed by the impossible pursuit (for him) of even par. His love of golf rarely rewarded his passion, though a hole in one at age 68 and a trip to the Masters (as a patron) in 2008 are part of his legacy. His happiest moments were spent with family and friends, sharing stories and tipping a glass. His generosity, energy and positive attitude were only rivaled by his booming voice and infectious laugh that was genuine whether you were laughing with him or at him. Donations in Bob's honour can be made to Doctors Without Borders. A celebration of life will be held from 1 to 3 PM on Mon. Aug 26 at Connaught Ranges All Ranks Mess, 35 Shirley Blvd Nepean, ON. (National Post 23 Aug 2019)
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