Robert "Bob" Smith

Bob passed away peacefully with Medical Assistance on September 7th 2023 at Sooke Hospice.

Bob is lovingly remembered by his wife Sue with whom he celebrated their 48 years of being a couple in July 2023. His sister Joanne Wright (Hamilton Ontario) and her children, Jim Kompare, David Kompare, Denis Kompare and Janet Kompare-Fritz (and Dave Fritz) have fond memories of family get-togethers with Bob. Over four decades Bob enjoyed many visits with his sister-in-law Peggy and brother-in-law David Beresford (Marlborough MA USA), and their children by whom Bob was affectionately called “Uncle Bullet”: Todd (and Lauren) Beresford, Sean Beresford, and also Emily Beresford. His lawn bowling friends in BC and Arnprior, Ontario have many happy memories of camaraderie with Bob on and off the bowls greens. On a hiatus of living in the east before moving back to BC again in 2015, Bob shared happy times with friends and family from Blue Sea Lake Quebec, Lac Long Quebec and Maniwaki, Quebec, at the curling rink and jaunting around Quebec’s historic towns.

Much could be said about the many things which Bob did throughout his 79 years, but the most striking factor about Bob was his personal goodness as a human being. Bob was naturally gifted with radical acceptance of what life gave him. With neither strong aversion nor greed, he steadfastly managed the challenges and opportunities bestowed on his path. His equanimity remained unfaltering even while enduring the cruel ravages of Alzheimer’s disease. Bob’s exemplary patience is a most valued and appreciated gift for his wife. His humble way of traversing his life is a treasured memory --- never boasting nor drawing false attention to himself. From age 19 Bob’s nickname was “Bullet” --- of course this is ironical because Bob always had the presence and confidence to go at his pace and do things on his own time which definitely was not fast! He could always be counted on to do a job thoroughly and correctly no matter how big or small, and no action would be taken until he had researched all the facts on the matter! There is a large binder brimming with tributes to Bob’s dedicated role as art partner --- a role in which he did everything from take photos, frame and hang paintings, schlep art to and from galleries and give support at every turn. Treasured times working as a team.

It is with the deepest gratitude that I give thanks for the privilege of learning from your remarkable way of being Bob, and for the honour of loving you.