Robert J. Phibbs

Robert J. Phibbs May 26, 1927-March 15, 2018

Robert (Bob) Phibbs died peacefully and planned, exactly how he lived, at home surrounded by family on March 15, 2018. Predeceased by his wife of 63 years Mary and survived by his children Jean, Chris and Richard and 7 grandchildren. He was almost 91.

Bob was a graduate of the University of Western Ontario business school (1949). He moved to Calgary in 1952 and began his long career in the oil patch joining Cardwell Supply and then Bow Valley Industries where he served as Vice President until he retired.

Bob was an athlete. He played baseball for the Leamington Livies, varsity football and basketball at Western, as well as discus and javelin. He received the Claude Brown trophy for achievement in sport in 1949. He captained the 1952 Canadian Olympic basketball team in Helsinki. He was an avid squash and badminton player, curler, and a scratch golfer with the Rat Pack at St Andrews or the annual Oilmen's.

Bob was inducted into the UWO Sports Hall of Fame (1981), the Tillsonburg Hall of Fame (2004), the City of Windsor Sports Hall of Fame (2008) and the Canadian Basketball Association Hall of Fame.

He was active as a member in the Earl Grey Golf Club, the Petroleum Club and the Glencoe Club. He served on the Board of Directors of: The Calgary Boys and Girls Club (1960), Calgary Oilmen's Bonspiel (1970), Alberta Golf Association (1975), Oilmen's Golf Tournament (1973-1983)

Bob joined the Ranchmen's Club in 1974 and was President of the board when the decision was made to restore and and expand the club. He led the initiative to renovate the historic building and build the adjacent 27 storey tower into which he and Mary moved in 1982.

The Ranchmen's was an important part of Bob's life. He played bridge, pool and was a fixture in the Wolves Den. He never did warm to the Terrace nor to the relaxation of the dress code. He loved the dedication of both the club and building staff and considered them friends.

Bob lived a very good life. He was proud of his achievements, his kids and his wife. He appreciated his friends and enjoyed beating them at golf, slosh or gin.

Bob's happiest times were fly fishing on the waters of Lac Lejeune, the Skeena, the Nass River, or Hihium in interior BC. Never known for being a big talker, Bob loved the quiet of fishing and the quiet of anyone fishing with him.

At his request there is no service. Donations in Bob's memory can be made to the Canadian Olympic Foundation, 21 St. Clair Ave. East, Suite 900, Toronto or www.olympicfoundation.ca

Bob extends great thanks and appreciation to the gentle and thoughtful care of the local MAIDCare team. You gave him choice, confidence and dignity.