Robert Henry KING

KING, Robert Henry
June 29, 1937 - October 6, 2025
It is with great sadness that the King family announces the death of Robert Henry King on October 6, 2025. He is survived by his beloved wife, Gwyneth (nee Vaughan-Jones); daughter, Kathryn Sawyer (Ron); son, Robin King (Rose); grandchildren: Adam Sawyer and Karissa Sawyer. He also leaves behind his brother, John King and his children: Jerome and Jennifer; sister, Irene King; and niece, Rhonda Chalmers (Robert).
Born in King's Daughters Hospital in 1937, Bob spent his early years living in Deerholm next to his father's mill King's Tie Mill, that now resides in the Forest Discovery Centre. He attended Glenora School - a one room school, before moving to Duncan in 1950, where he attended Cowichan Secondary School, graduating in 1955.
Bob spent his life being engaged in many different activities. He was a scout as a youth, and a member of the Baden-Powell Guild. He developed a love for the sea and its protection through his love of sailing as a young man. He spent many Sundays sailing the Ris-K in races at Maple Bay Yacht Club. Bob served as the Commodore of MBYC for four terms and also as president of the BC Council of Yacht Clubs. He was involved with the Marine Parks Forever Society because of his passion for protecting and supporting those recreational opportunities. His last boat, Sans Peur, spent most summers cruising the local water ways until he could no longer sail.
His was a life of service. Inspired by Terry Fox, he took up running and participated in many marathons, and organized the first local Terry Fox run committee. As well he served as president of CVACs running club, Boy Scouts District Council, District 3 Baden-Powell Guild, the Cowichan Retired Teachers Association. Perhaps his proudest achievement was being the founding president of the Cowichan Valley Schools Heritage Society, and seeing the publishing of the Cowichan Valley Historic Schools School Remembrance Project.
Bob was a well known teacher starting his career in Ucluelet after two years of college. Hired as a Grade 6 teacher, he was instead offered a position teaching shop at a high school level. After marrying Gwyneth in 1959, he moved to teach in Merritt BC before returning to the island to teach at Cowichan Secondary School. He worked there for 6 years before moving to Quamichan Secondary, where he stayed until his retirement 26 years later.
The King family loved to travel and spent many summers exploring by land and sea and air the natural wonders of the island, the home province, Canada, and abroad. There was always an opportunity to learn, to explore, to see, to spend time together.
A Service will be held at 2:00pm on Saturday, November 22, 2025 at St. Peter, Quamichan, 5800 Church Road, Duncan, BC. A tea to follow in the church hall. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made towards finishing the new hospital.
To express condolences, share memories and photos, please visit: www.sandsduncan.ca