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In memory of those who have Crossed the Bar
PARK, Robert Michael Alexander (Bob) - was born in the family home in Winnipeg on September 26, 1928, the sixth child of seven and died at the Cowichan Hospice House , Duncan, BC, on September 5, 2024.
He was predeceased by his parents, Archdeacon R.E. and Dorothy Park, siblings, David, John, Mary, Charles, and Ann, his wife of 71 years, Florence (Lisa) and his daughter Barbara. He is survived by his sister Jeanne Robertson, sister-in-law Rosemary Wallace, his children, Kathy (Dave), Veronica, Rob, and Ian (Janice), grandchildren, Doug, Kelly, Danielle (Lindsay), Nicole, Jennifer (Justin), Hehley (Kevin), Karyn (Jason), Emily (Ross) and Owen (Lidet), great-grandchildren, Kohen, Derek, Iris and Alder, and his nieces, nephews and their families.
Bob grew up in Elmwood, attended St. John's College and was a member of the Navy Reserve. He began his teaching career in 1950 in rural Manitoba; he was a teacher / librarian at a number of schools in Winnipeg and completed a school library survey. He studied Library Science at the University of Alberta, and, in 1978 he and Lisa made a big move to Vancouver Island. Bob taught at the University of Victoria, and at a number of schools on the island, retiring in 1987.
Bob and Lisa were avid gardeners. Bob loved to keep busy. Over the years he helped dozens of people with painting, moving and random jobs that needed to be done. He was always up for a road trip. He loved children, and spent many hours at swimming lessons, child minding and "taxiing". He had a lifelong love of reading, learning and teaching. He loved words, puns, and cryptic crosswords. He had a great memory for people, places, and events to his dying day. He and his nephew Tony spent many happy hours gathering information about our family history. He was a private person with a positive attitude. He was generous, supportive, and willing to volunteer his time, energy and expertise if something needed to get done.
Bob moved to Ts'i'ts'uwatul'Lelum Assisted Living in Duncan about seven years ago. He participated in the exercise group, the walking group, Scrabble and many other activities. He enjoyed sharing books with residents, staff and their families. He took his job as editor of the monthly newsletter seriously (he loved to correct spelling and grammatical errors). Until very recently he was very independent. Bob was very happy there and enjoyed many friendships.
We would like to thank Dr. Tom Rimmer and staff for many years of care, the M'akola Housing staff, Island Health staff, and Dr. Masuda, staff and volunteers at Hospice House. Bob was described by a friend as a good man, selfless and committed to community. He didn't ask for a lot, but he passionately wanted to attend "med school" by participating in the UBC Body Donation Program. He was accepted!. Bob's was a life well lived. No service at his request. Please make donations to the charity of your choice. (The Winnipeg Free Press 21 Sep 2024)
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