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Robert "Bob" Aitken

FUNERAL HOME

The Sequoia Centre at McCall Gardens

4665 Falaise Drive

Victoria, British Columbia

Robert Aitken Obituary

Name: Celebration of Life for Robert "Bob" Aitken
Start: 2019-09-27T21:00:00.000Z
Location: Sequoia Centre at McCall Gardens

AITKEN, Robert "Bob" Robert "Bob" Aitken passed away peacefully on August 13, 2019 surrounded by family. He played many roles during his life: son, father, grandfather, husband, educator, outdoorsman, animal lover, poet and friend. To Bob, a person's most important responsibility was to family and friends, and throughout his life he put that thought into action. Bob was born in Vancouver in 1934 and moved around BC until eventually settling on Mayne Island, nurturing his love of the outdoors. He attended high school on Saltspring, then went on to earn his BA and teaching credentials at UBC. Here he met his lifelong friend Eric Foster and future wife Mary. Bob and Mary married in 1959. After a short stint working in Dawson Creek, they moved to Richmond, where they had their two children Rob and Regan. During these years, Bob taught at Alpha Secondary in Burnaby and gained a Master's Degree at SFU. In 1976, Bob moved the family to Victoria when he took a position with the Ministry of Education where he worked for several years before taking a senior role with SD61 Board Office, where he worked until his retirement in 1994. He had a quick wit and his vocabulary was legendary. Bob's mischievous side kept those around him laughing. Even in retirement he worked hard at keeping up his physical strength, especially his "super grip" handshake. In his later years after Bob and Mary divorced, he moved to Cobble Hill and enjoyed the company of his friends, children and grandchildren. It was here where Bob and Jeanne O'Neill spent many happy years. Bob is survived by his children, Regan Hansen (David Galbraith) and Rob Aitken (Denise); grandchildren, RJ (Amy) and Colin Aitken, Victoria Gervacio (Frank), Alexandra and Kieran Hansen, and Alex and Matt Galbraith, as well as great-grandchildren Isabelle, Aiden and Camille Gervacio. A Celebration of Life Service will be held for Bob at 2:00pm on Friday, September 27, 2019 in the Sequoia Centre at McCall Gardens in Royal Oak, 4665 Falaise Drive. Donations in his honour may be made to the Alzheimer Society. Condolences may be offered to the family at www.mccallgardens.com

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

Published by Victoria Times Colonist from Sep. 1 to Sep. 3, 2019.

Memories and Condolences
for Robert Aitken

5 Entries

Sandy Cameron

October 2, 2019

I worked for Bob in Curriculum in the 80s. I remember the day he asked me to work for him. To say the least I was stunned. I told him he had to be nice to me, and he always was. He was definitely my favourite boss.
He had an interesting way of dealing with his mail. He would count 1, 2, 3, and put it on his desk. Number 4 went into the garbage. He didn't even look at it.
I was so disappointed when Curriculum disbanded and I had to get a job elsewhere.
He told me of the time he had to get a summer job to help pay for his university. Somehow he got a job as a cook at a lumber camp. One fellow asked him if he new how to make a raisin pie. Of course he said. Actually he had no idea. He just put the raisins inside the pie, and when he cut into it all the raisins just rolled out.
He loved Calvin and Hobbs. I used to buy him a daily calendar every year.
Bob and Gary Rupert used to have such a good time together. They each had large water guns. Once in awhile one of them would charge into the other's office and fire the water gun at the other.
Unfortunately because of the time of year I was unable to get some daffodils, Bob's favourite flowers.
He was so proud of his children and loved them so much!
He was such a special man and I loved him (still do) in my own way. I will always think of him.

Grade 10, Salt Spring High School

September 21, 2019

Barry Rolston

September 5, 2019

I knew Bob professionally as an Educator. He was an enthusiastic, bright and energetic leader in his field. He always saw the 'big picture' and had a twinkle in his eye as he did his work. He will be missed.

Jo-Anne Rees

September 2, 2019

Bob was a good friend of my Dad's. I remember him when I was a little girl & many visits throughout the years. He always wore the biggest smile.

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Marie Elliott (Bennett)

September 1, 2019

We welcomed Bob and his family when they arrived on Mayne Island from Salmon Arm in the 1950s. Our small one room school classes were enlivened by his antics and the teacher gained a few more skills in administration. He was a keen Monopoly and card player, impossible to beat. Thinking about him always brings memories of happy times.

Showing 1 - 5 of 5 results

Memorial Events
for Robert Aitken

Sep

Celebration of Life

2:00 p.m.

Sequoia Centre at McCall Gardens

4665 Falaise Drive, Royal Oak, BC

Funeral services provided by: