November 15, 1954 - November 26, 2019
From an early age Bob loved to be outside and was often out riding his bike. He played baseball and was on the jam pail curling league. Bob was also a member of the Winnipeg Boys Choir. At the age of 16 he rode his bicycle from Winnipeg to Nakusp, a distance of 1800 kilometres.
In the late 70s he met Sandra while fruit picking in the Okanagan. They worked a few seasons at a fly in fishing camp in Northern Ontario. After their daughter Rebecca was born, Bob attended the Mackie Log Building School in Prince George. Together he and his Dad built a home in Yahk.
Bob, Sandra and Becca later moved to Prince George where Sara and Hannah were born. In
1991 he became a journeyman carpenter and worked as a contractor. For over two years he and Sandra and five other couples met to plan and create an intentional community. They collectively purchased 160 acres outside of Prince George and Common Ground was born.
After he and Sandra separated he met Alexandra. He returned to school, and at the age of 50 graduated with a Bachelor's degree in Social Work. He got a job with Kwadacha Nation, a small community in Northern B.C. He then found work with Ktunaxa Child and Family Services and he and Alexandra moved to Creston. He was later employed by the Ministry of Children and Family Development. Bob was one of the founding members of the Creston Valley Community Housing Society.
Bob loved to sing, cycle, hike, snow shoe and cross country ski. He and Alexandra did
a 3 month cycling trip in Europe. He became an avid archer and loved to hunt, mostly because it gave him an excuse to be in the mountains and woods. Six years ago he was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis but was determined to stay active. His perseverance was extraordinary.
Bob was thrilled when two of his children moved to Creston. He loved being a grandfather and wanted Aiden and Riley to enjoy the outdoors. He took them camping, taught them to shoot a bow and helped them learn to ride bikes. And sleep overs always meant pancakes in the morning with plenty of maple syrup.
Bob was predeceased by his parents Edna and Robert Benvie and his birth mother Joyce
Lussier. He is survived by his partner Alexandra Ewashen, his children Rebecca, Sara, Hannah (Jay), grandchildren Aiden and Riley, his sister Rose Mary and the mother of his children, Sandra, as well as many other family members and friends.
Many hearts are broken.
Donations can be madein Bob's name to Trails for Creston Valley Society.
P.O Box 32 Creston, BC, V0B 1G0.
https:// www.crestonvalleytrails.ca