ROBERT "BOB" BODNAR

It is with deep sadness, the Bodnar and Vanier families announce the passing of Bob Bodnar on October 8th 2023. Bob passed away at home with his wife Vivian (nee Vanier) by his side, just as he had wished.

Bob was a caring, thoughtful, practical and well respected man who was a good neighbour and friend to many.

Born and raised in Thunder Bay, Ontario, he attended Francis St. School, Westgate High School and earned is BSc in Physics from Lakehead University.

Bob enjoyed his work and was successful in all his fields. He was one of the first employees of the newly formed ICBC, crewed on a sailboat to San Diego, taught grade 2 for three years at Quarterway School in Nanaimo before becoming a lighthouse keeper at Estevan Point for 3 years and Scarlett Point for 4 years. On returning to Nanaimo from the lights he became a realtor for Nanaimo Realty.

Bob loved to drive. Our honeymoon in 1972 included driving his MGB from Thunder Bay to Mexico then to Vancouver where we took up residence. Later he drove us for 6 months through New Zealand in a Commer van he customized. He spent his 36th birthday on a glacier up Mount Cook. Bob purchased a 1976 Okanagan motorhome and for a year traveled across Canada, the United States and into Mexico before enjoying the many beautiful spots on Vancouver Island. Bob was also an enthusiastic fan of Nascar racing and traveled down to Florida to celebrate Nascar's 50th anniversary.

He loved to cruise. Bob transited the Equator, cruised the Panama Canal, northern Europe, Alaska and the South Pacific.

Bob was handy with tools and over our 51 years together he kept our homes, equipment and vehicles in great working order. He was also very good with animals - wise and attentive to their needs and was truly loved by our two Jack Russels.

Bob was always well informed about local and world events. He could tell you the weather forecast at any time; you didn't even have to ask!

He was an avid gardener at all our homes. Another passion of Bob's was fishing. Highlights included casting from the Kelsey Bay wharf, jigging for halibut in Christie Pass and trolling for salmon off the west coast.

Later in life, Bob took up bike riding early Sunday mornings. He explored trails on nearby islands. He was fit and strong, loved to laugh and had a great sense of humour. He said he enjoyed life!

Bob was predeceased by his parents, Josie and Fred. Bob is survived by his brother Fred Bodnar, sister Marilyn Petrunka, brother-in-law Ralph Vanier, brother-in-law John Vanier, mother-in-law Sylvette Vanier, numerous nieces and nephews and wife, Vivian.

He will be missed.
In lieu of flowers, please send donations to Myeloma Canada. myeloma.ca or to his favourite charity, the Salvation Army

Bob's Celebration of Life will be held on Friday October 27 at First Memorial Funeral Services, 1720 Bowen Road, Nanaimo. The event will start at 11:00 am. A light lunch will be served afterward.