Bob Marks

Bob (Robert) MARKS passed away at home with his family and friends by his side at the age of 68, on February 14, 2010 (b. November 8, 1941).

He is remembered lovingly by his wife Wendy (nee Miller), son Scott and daughter Nancy (Scott) as well as many close friends and family who proved their mettle in past months.

Bob is survived also by two brothers, three sisters, and their families: Leona (Jack) Foster, Stan (Ann) Marks, and Lawrence (Joyce) Marks, all of Winnipeg; Marge (Bob) Drysdale of Brookdale; Barbie (Greg) Graham of Wellwood and many nieces and nephews. Bob was predeceased by his parents, Frank and Elsie (nee Hanson) and his brothers Orville (Rhoda), Lorne (Eleanor), Doug (Gaynor) and Raymond.

Bob was born and raised in Newdale, Manitoba. After a short stint in Winnipeg, Bob moved to the West Coast in 1967 and soon after began his career with the BC Government. Wendy and Bob married in 1969 and moved to the Saanich Peninsula, where they have lived for over 40 years. Bob was a father and friend to his children and participated in their lives, giving generously in so many ways, but most importantly with his time and support.

Bob enjoyed staying active with yoga, pilates, running the lakes and was a common sight at Saanich Commonwealth Place and at Mattick’ Farm, for a Sunday walk, coffee and banter with the gang. Activity was a staple of Bob’s life so much so that he never felt himself unless he had been active each day. Bob participated in his community by coaching Little League, volunteering and serving with the Central Saanich Lions Club.

Bob made small and grand expeditions –the West Coast Trail, Tofino, Parksville, camping trips en route to Manitoba, baseball games in Seattle, repeated trips to Africa, South America, Asia, Scandinavia, England and his annual visit to the beaches of Maui. He enjoyed discovering the local birds and exploring nature wherever he visited. Bob experienced peace and beauty through nature whether on one of his many trips or in his backyard dozing to the birdsong or gazing at the swaying Douglas Firs – except when he was cursing the thrice-shedding Arbutus tree or chasing the neighbour’s cats away from his bird feeders!

Bob's sense of humour, quick wit, kindness and love of life defined and served him. Bob was always willing to lend a hand or give a word of encouragement or congratulations, unless you were a lottery winner from out East! Bob relished his time with all those that he befriended or simply encountered. Bob knew that life was not a solitary endeavour, but rather a team pursuit and that a sunset or, better yet, a sunset and a gin & tonic is always more enjoyable with a friend at one's side.

We miss him deeply.

A celebration of Bob's life will be held at McCall’s Floral Chapel at Johnson at Vancouver Streets in Victoria on February 27 at 2pm. A reception will follow. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to: The Mount Newton Centre (Bob volunteered here and we used their resources to care for Bob at home) or the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society of Canada (this is the charity that Bob's friends and family raised over $10,000 for in 2009).