Robert Charles Lochhead

LOCHHEAD Robert Charles March 4, 1923 - January 24, 2009 "The social, friendly, honest man, What e'er he be 'Tis he fulfils great Nature's plan, And none but he!" Robert Burns (Jan 25) In the arms of family, passed peacefully at Surrey Memorial Hospital. Bob's long life was rich in experience and relationships. He was predeceased by his brother Roy and sister Gladys. Sadly, he lost his youngest daughter Caprice, 2 months ago. The grieving, extended family who survives him is a large one, including: his wife of 43 years, Hazel and their daughter Angela (John) Tisic; the wife of his youth, Thelma Menzies and their children Allan, Caroline Smalls, Jill Holmes and Craig; the children who honour him as a second father, Violet, Dinah, Bill, Cindy, Nola, John and Bev; as well as sons and daughters-in-law and numerous grand and great grandchildren. Born and raised in Toronto, Bob and Thelma married in 1942. Following his service with the Canadian Army (Corporal, Artillery 2nd Canadian Corps, Bombardiers) in Western Europe, he studied at the University of Toronto, and by 1949, they had moved to Vancouver. In 1951 he began his long career (til 1988) in Civil Engineering with the City of Vancouver ("The Hall"). In 1965 Bob and Hazel married and twice again he became a father. Although Bob's first concern was always family, he enjoyed his life on the 6th Floor immensely. He found professional satisfaction, enduring friendships and his membership as a baritone with the Vancouver City Singers choir. Although ill for the past 2 years, Bob had always been a physically active man. He was a competitive swimmer in his teens; later an enthusiastic camper with his families; a fine carpenter ('renos' and cabins); and gardener (wonderful vegetables). He was also a great dancer - double time jiving at parties and the Legions. A supremely generous man, Bob loved children, not just his own; he gave to his community and Vancouver youth for many years as a Scout leader. Unofficially, many young people received his support, emotional and pragmatic. He was a bone-marrow donor for a teen with leukemia (a stranger). And although not an architect, he once used his engineering and construction skills to design a small church as a volunteer. Bob was a truly good man. Non-judgemental and open-hearted, generous in thought and deed always willing to listen to new ideas or the laments of someone sad. Quick to laughter, he encouraged and was proud of even the smallest accomplishments of those he loved. We will miss him dearly. A family memorial will be private. In lieu of flowers, please support Canadian Veterans at ANAF Unit 100, 2211 Kingsway, Vancouver V5N 2T6 Att. D. Traviss.