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34 Entries
2008 cousin Joan Howard Sammis' funeral in Newport Beach, California
Gina Sammis
December 18, 2013
2008 Newport Beach, CA cousins
Gina Sammis
December 18, 2013
2008 Rob kindly came to represent the Howard Family at my mother's funeral
Gina Sammis
December 18, 2013
Rob was my cousin and for many years we talked, emailed, visited rarely in person but stayed connected because of our common ancestry. I never got to Canada to see him but he came to California 3 times that I remember. He was so committed and interested in everything and we could have talked for hours and hours. Our ancestor Gat Howard was our greatest interest and we were collaborating on a story about him. I am so sad that he will not be here to finish it with me. He was a very special cousin to me and it just doesn't seem that it was time for him to go. Hugs and love to all the family up there and Karen. I will miss him. There are only so many of us ancestry nuts around and it was always nice to talk with a fellow genealogist! Peace to you Rob from your cousin Gina
Don Ralph
December 16, 2013
Karin, I only heard of Robert's passing today. I am very sorry for your loss and appreciated Robert's passion for whatever he did.
Don and Susan Mercer
December 3, 2013
Hello Karen and Family
Robert was a great teacher, a wonderful mentor and an advocate for boating safety and boat operator competence through Canadian Power and Sail Squadrons - Vancouver and Mount Brenton Squadrons. Those of us who experienced a class taught by Robert on the fundamentals of navigation will never forget his dynamism, enthusiasm, clarity and devotion to his students. Susan and I also benefited from Robert's advice and direct assistance as when he showed up to give us advice on our 68-year old klinker-built skiff and then helped us to move it out of storage. All benefited from the advice Robert provided in his succinct articles in Pacific Yachting and then Canadian Yachting West. And those of us who participated with Robert and Karen on board MV Nirvana on many a rendez-vous to Keats adn Bowen Islands will always remember the fun of those voyages and the hospitality offered.
Susan and I did not know Robert in his professional life as lecturer and Dean but are certain of one thing: his teaching would have been stimulating and motivating and his ingtegrity as an administration unchallengeable.
Our deepest sympathies to Karen and family who can all take joy that while Robert has left this earth, he left us all with great memories and a legacy of teaching and administrative example for the furture.
Best,
Don and Susan Mercer
Virginia Wright
November 18, 2013
Dear Karen and friends and family of Robert,
I am thinking of you especially today as I know it is time of the service of remembrance. I so wish I could have made the journey from Toronto to be with you today.
I was so deeply saddened to hear of Robert's untimely passing! He will be incredibly missed by so many whose lives he has touched and made a difference to!
Robert always helped me feel so much a part of the Buller family (my mum's side of the family), drawing me in close through his Buller connections and stories. It was always a highlight of my wonderful Vancouver visits when I came to stay with Aunt Betty (Robert's aunt) to also spend time with Robert and Karen and get caught up! I don't think we ever missed a visit!
I will always remember Robert with love and gratitude for all that he shared. My deepest sympathies to you Karen.
With love, Virginia
November 18, 2013
Hello Karen,
Sorry to hear about Robert.
I read the news in the recent Vancouver Wood Boat Society Newsletter.
I had not realized he was related to the Rendells, who are old family friends of my family.
I will see you at the reception this afternoon.
We live across the street from Van Dusen Gardens.
Warm regards,
Douglas R. Day
RVYC
November 17, 2013
we are really going to miss you. Andy & Karen
Larry Yatkowsky
November 15, 2013
Of few can this be said - Robert always greeted me with his smile, and made me laugh.
I tip my glass in memory.
Rob O'Dea
November 15, 2013
My sincere condolences. I first met Robert when he was instructing at Power Squadron and more recently have been the beneficiary of his insight with the Oarlock and Sail Wooden Boat Club. He was always willing to share his wisdom and give generously of his time. I will remember him fondly.
Sherry Mark
November 14, 2013
Dear Karen,
I was so saddened to hear about Robert's passing. I have very fond memories of our many dinners together as well as our chats about our love of the culinary world. I remember our boating trips and the dinners at Liz and Chris's and the fun we had with the girls. To Chris and Liz, Robyn and Adrienne my deepest sympathies. Hugs to all of you. With love Sherry
Paul Schipper
November 14, 2013
We are both saddened by the passing of our good friend of over twenty years. Robert was a man of integrity and courage who brought a great humanity and warmth to everything he did. We shared an interest in good books that was a constant source of knowledge and learning for us, and he brought such an enthusiasm to every subject that you couldn't help but be drawn in to whatever interested him. He will be sorely missed, and our hearts go out to Karen and family at this time of loss. Robert may be gone but he will not be forgotten. Paul Schipper and Nadine Vockeroth
Peter Robson
November 13, 2013
Karen, my thoughts are with you during this difficult time. I doubt I ever met anyone with as much passion and enthusiasm as Robert. His generous and charismatic personality bubbled over wherever he was, whether at sea or on land. Robert enjoyed life to the fullest. He made many contributions to Pacific Yachting while helping out as a consulting editor and as a regular contributor. Robert will be missed by all those lives he touched.
David McCann
November 12, 2013
Robert challenged me to be my best, encouraged me to test my limits and congratulated me warmly when I succeeded while saying there would be another day when I never quite got there - he was a true friend, there in good times and bad and he is missed - although I am deeply saddened by his passing I am blessed and filled with joy that he came my way! - with love and fond memories of a gallant gentleman - David
Ginny Bociek
November 10, 2013
Karen,
I have never met you but I knew Rob from the "Dressed to Go" days, as well as my association with Chris and Liz. I was so shocked and saddened to read of his untimely passing and your lovely obituary got it absolutely right: Always smiling, high energy and enthusiastic. My deepest condolences at this sad time.
Chris (Buller), I know that Rob was like a brother to you, so my thoughts and prayers are with you, Liz and the girls also. [email protected]
Dale McClanaghan
November 10, 2013
I am saddened to hear of the loss of Robert. We served on the Vancouver Planning Commission together where he played a true leadership role. Ever enthusiastic and intellectually curious he brought people together and was a natural convener. He added to the vitality of the city and the quality of life on the West Coast. I will remember him fondly for the brightness he brought to so many. My heartfelt condolences.
November 9, 2013
Karen; we were heartsick to learn of Rob's untimely passing. Rob was a great and loyal friend whose enthusiasm and passion set a wonderful example to everyone who knew him and who we're mentored by him. We shared many fond memories of our days at Queen's in Leonard Hall - sharing Uncle Bob's excellent coffee with pancakes and sausages as only he could cook them. He introduced us to 'grinding our own coffee beans' which was rare in the 70's. As 'Warden' of Leonard Hall 'Uncle Bob' always had his door open to any student who needed help with homework or just someone to talk to and his infectious laugh and sense of humour endeared him to all of the residents. But he still could scowl when someone pulled the fire alarm in the middle of the night as a prank! And he laughed when Roland Michener, who was staying in the penthouse one weekend! watched as the elevator door opened to reveal four young men playing poker in the elevator in their skivvies, come to think of it so did Chancellor Michener! We enjoyed hikes in the Kananaskis - but not nearly enough times. Our hearts go out to you and to all of Rob's friends, Karen, as we all celebrate Rob's life. We are out of the country and will not be able to attend the celebration but we will be there in spirit with everyone. Doug, Chris, Rebecca and Patrick Gardner (Calgary)
Jan Bellamy
November 9, 2013
Karin, I am so sorry to hear of your loss of Robert. I know you know that all who met him appreciated his enthusiasm for life and community. I hope that your memories of him will help you through the tough times ahead. My heart is with you.
November 6, 2013
Dear Karen, our heartfelt sympathies go out to you and your family. Our thoughts and prayers are with you. Sandra and David
November 5, 2013
My thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort. I have many very fond memories of working with Robert at Douglas College.
~ Joan Adams, Coquitlam, British Columbia
Dana Sleigh-Magee
November 5, 2013
Karen,
Sending you my deepest sympathies & warmest hugs.
My heart is so heavy after reading about Robert's passing.
Robert had such an energy & was so generous with his time. I fondly remember being your crew on Boat for Hope & all the years in Power Squadron.
You are in my thoughts & prayers.
xo
Nishan Perera
November 4, 2013
Robert was a pillar of inspiration. He was instrumental for my initiation at work. He was generous, kind and thoughtful. Will miss him. Rest in Peace. Nishan Perera
Michael Walsh
November 4, 2013
Karen; our deepest sympathy. Like so many others, we admired Robert's energy and enthusiasm. He will certainly be missed by all of us.
November 4, 2013
We will never forget Robert's laughter, his generosity and his extraordinary knowledge of all things boating and navigating. We will miss him ~ Iain & Moya Drummond
Alex Montgomery
November 3, 2013
Even although it has been a number of years since my wife and I lived in Vancouver, I have many happy memories with Robert and Karen building our cedar strip canoe. I won't forget you.
Fair sailing, Love Mae and Alex.
Jean Hurst
November 2, 2013
I am so sorry that I will be unable to attend the celebration of Robert's life since I will be away. Please accept my sincerest condolences and rest assured that he left his mark on VanDusen and his contribution to its future is assured. ,
Dirk Heydemann
November 1, 2013
Though I only met Robert in the last 6-8 months he made a very strong impression on me. I loved his energy, enthusiasm and zest for life. He is someone that I wish that I had spent more time with. I am shocked at his sudden passing. My thoughts and best wishes go out to his family and close friends,
November 1, 2013
So Sorry to hear this news. I worked as Robert's colleague at Douglas College and enjoyed his energy, enthusiasm and courage.
Joy Page
Michele Petrik
November 1, 2013
My thoughts go to Robert's family in this sad time. He will be so missed as my friend and mentor.
Frank Paul
November 1, 2013
I worked with Robert briefly in a small management consulting firm in downtown Vancouver in the 1989/90 timeframe. I remember the warmth and ebullience of Rob's personality, his strong sense of professionalism, and a boundless energy. My condolences to family and friends.
Audrey Bruce Mckay
October 31, 2013
Karen we are so sorry for your loss of your soul mate, a generous person and a good friend. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Tamara Litke
October 31, 2013
I am so sorry to hear of this loss. My sympathies, Karen.
Benise and Billy Ellis
October 31, 2013
Our sympathy Karen. Robert made a great contribution to the community.
Paul Leigh
October 31, 2013
You will be missed for your enthusiasm and integrity my friend. I was lucky to have worked with you for a number of years. Have a great journey in the next life!
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