Robert Washington

Robert Washington obituary

Robert Washington

Robert Washington Obituary

Published by Vancouver Sun and/or The Province on Dec. 13, 2016.
Robert (Bob) Washington 19 Aug 1934; 10 Dec 2016 We are sad to have lost husband, father, grandfather and extraordinary human being, who gently passed away December 10th after several months of dealing with cancer.

Bob was born in Wadena, SK August 19, 1934. He worked at what he truly loved, which was broadcasting and that took him to Moose Jaw, Saskatoon, Winnipeg and Montreal, then back to Winnipeg. The "Voice of K-Tel" became known worldwide when Bob began doing spots for TV. These were telecast everywhere, including England, Australia and the USA.

He and his wife Linda moved to Vancouver BC in 2005 to be with their son Rob, daughter Susan, and grandchildren Jackson and Annie.

Bob always served his community in so many ways, volunteering wherever there was a need, whether Variety Telethons, Red River Exhibition, YWG as a "Gold Wing", Pan Am Games, Meals on Wheels, YVR as a "Green Coat", emcee at Brock House, helping with dinners at First United, helping make sandwiches Saturday mornings at CMU for "street meals" for youth, and so many more organizations with which he was associated. He was proud to be a contributing "patient" for the Standardized Patient Program.

Bob was a supporter of many charities but a favourite of his was the BC SPCA.

A Memorial Celebration of Life will be held at Canadian Memorial United Church on December 22nd .

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Sign Robert Washington's Guest Book

Not sure what to say?

November 16, 2017

Linda W posted to the memorial.

December 23, 2016

Someone posted to the memorial.

December 22, 2016

Jeff Lonto posted to the memorial.

21 Entries

Linda W

November 16, 2017

Dear Bob, Your big smile and kindness always warmed my heart. It is too sad that I can't see you anymore. You will be missed forever. Deep condolences to your Linda.

December 23, 2016

I was privileged to have known Bob for over 40 years..while living in Winnipeg ..and then later in Vancouver
Bob and fellow broadcaster Tom Ashmore used to have a program called. Wash and Ash..at radio station CKRC..and they used to read the comics that appeared in the Winnipeg Free Press ..on air ..every Sunday morning . What a hoot it was ! For those who knew Bob..you can well imagine the hilarity that the program provided !
Bob was a class act...always a gentleman..never a dull moment in hi presence .He will be missed ..but never forgotten. The voice of KTel world wide is now silent.
Our most sincere condolences to Linda and family.
Howie and Joan Larke

Jeff Lonto

December 22, 2016

As a kid in Minnesota in the early 1970s, I was familiar with Mr. Washington's voice on the K-Tel commercials on afternoon local TV. He had the ultimate rock 'n' roll disc jockey voice. I loved to mimic his voice when I was young. I only knew him as "Harvey K-Tel" (from the SCTV parodies by Dave Thomas) until a few years ago when I researched him on the Internet. Sad to hear he died, but glad he lived a long, fulfilling life. Take care, Mr. Washington!

Linda Perron

December 21, 2016

We will all miss Bob, in whichever capacity we knew him.
There was always a cheerful greeting and a joke as we changed shifts as Greencoats. Deep condolences, Linda and family.
Safe home, Bob.

Barb Boman

December 20, 2016

I was so sad to hear about Bob
My most sincere condolences to his family. I was a fellow Greencoat of Bob's and was lucky enough to spend some time with him. His cheery manner and natural comfort with people made him a perfect airport volunteer. He will be truly missed.

Bernice

December 17, 2016

I was so saddened to hear of Bob's passing. I am a Greencoat at YVR and our paths crossed quite often. He was a lovely man and I will miss him and his wry sense of humour. My sincere condolences to his family.

Bernice

December 17, 2016

I was so saddened to hear of Bob's passing. I am a Greencoat at YVR and our paths crossed often. He was a lovely man and I will miss him and his wry sense of humour. My sincere condolences to his family.

Arthur and Janice Lee

December 16, 2016

My wife and I knew Bob in his capacity as a 'Green Coat' at YVR. He was such a kind, gentle man with a wonderful, wry sense of humour and it was always a pleasure to run into him and have an uplifting chat.
We've lost a good 'un -sincere condolences to his family.

Stuart Omsen

December 15, 2016

Bob was a longtime and close friend of my family. He was a kind, sincere, happy and loving person, who cared about everyone. Bob always had a smile, and joke ready, and was so good at lifting your spirit when needed. I truly enjoyed his company and always looked forward to seeing him and Linda. He will be deeply missed by everyone who had the amazing pleasure to know and love him and those fortunate enough to call him a friend!

Leo Zaccary

December 15, 2016

Bob was one of the happiest and nicest person I have i met he used to call me at my pizza shop for a pizza and always with a smile and a joke he always made my day Bob you will be missed .Leo Zachary from Zaccarys pizza.

Willy Cole

December 15, 2016

Extending my sincerest sympathies to the Washington family. Bob was my inspiration in broadcasting while growing up in Manitoba. Meeting Bob for the first discussion about broadcasting at CKRC was an education in itself. Good fortune would have me journey with Bob and other broadcasters from across North America to Houston for a world movie premiere. Bob was as genuine on air as he was in person. I cherish his direction and the memories. Rest in peace old friend. You made our world a better place.

Peter Brock

December 14, 2016

I met Bob in 2012 and my fondness for him was immediate. We became friends on day one and I treasured him. Everyone knows Bob had a magnificent speaking voice but his fine words and effortless timing bowled me over when I first heard him behind a microphone. Bob was also a ton of fun to talk to. When it comes to Bob and me, his life has ended but our friendship will live on.

Trish Brown

December 14, 2016

So long to one of the sweetest men I ever met...may fond memories stay with you always Linda.

Dwight Iwan

December 14, 2016

I met Bob as a very young man when I was on a practicum at CKRC radio in Winnipeg. We later worked together at CKND and through Variety Manitoba. Bob was a class act, legend and pro. Condolences to his family, but take comfort in knowing how many people were touched by the kindness and grace of Bob.

December 13, 2016

The world has lost a truly gentle man and true gentleman. I met Bob and Linda through commercial auditions, and we had become friends. Always gracious, the soul of selflessness and just a lovely man. He will be sorely missed but long remembered. Sincere condolences to Linda and the family.
Barbara Wallace

Pat Balon

December 13, 2016

Saddened to learn of Bobs passing. I have some wonderful memories of time spent together presenting the Youth Talent Showcase. You couldn't be in a bad mood when you were with Bob he wouldn't have it. One of my memories of Bob was the fact that he knew everyone not necessarily by name mind you but everyone knew him.
Deepest sympathy to you all.
Pat and Ernie Balon

Chris Brown

December 13, 2016

A true professional and the most congenial fellow with whom I ever worked. Happy trails, Bob.

December 13, 2016

So sorry for your loss, prayers and thoughts for Linda and Family. I had the pleasure of working with Bob as a Green Coat volunteer at YVR.
Cary

December 13, 2016

So sorry for your loss, prayers and thoughts for Linda and family, Bob was a shining light in this world, may he rest in peace, love Maxine xo

Linda Strange

December 13, 2016

So sorry to hear of the death of Bob Washington. He was one of the voices of my youth during his high-profile radio career in Winnipeg. I was pleased to meet him and wife Linda through a couple of commercials and movies being filmed here before they moved to the West coast. Fine people. Thanks for all you've contributed, Bob. Many good memories for you, Linda.

December 13, 2016

Linda and family
So sorry for your loss
I had the pleasure of working with Bob as a Green Coat Volunteer at YVRAP
Bob was the best and will be missed
Lots of Great Memories
Our Deepest Sympathy
Love Glenda and Ian Walker

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November 16, 2017

Linda W posted to the memorial.

December 23, 2016

Someone posted to the memorial.

December 22, 2016

Jeff Lonto posted to the memorial.