HUBBARD, Albert William (Bob)
March 1, 1925 to April 13, 2016
Bob Hubbard passed away peacefully on April 13 at Delta View Habilitation Centre. He was 91. Bob was predeceased by Edith, his wife of 67 years who passed away May 19, 2015, and by sisters Bertha and Emily, brother Tom and brother-in-law Bill. Bob was born and raised in Vancouver and during high school at John Oliver, took an interest in woodworking and mechanics. He was a member of the Air Cadets and in 1942 enlisted with the Royal Canadian Air Force. After basic and airplane mechanic training, Bob was stationed at the RCAF base in Comox where he met Edith. Six months later, in 1943, Bob was sent overseas and served at two airfields in England repairing Lancasters and Spitfires. He returned to Vancouver at the end of WWII, married Edith and settled on acreage in Brookswood, South Langley where they raised their four daughters.
Bob first worked as a power linesman with Hume and Rumble then in residential and commercial construction. When the construction industry crashed in the 60’s Bob managed the Spray Division of Okanagan Helicopters. He later established Transwest Helicopters and Timbertest, working with BC Tel and Hydro.
Despite his busy work life, Bob made time for his family, taking his girls and dog camping, boating, fishing and on driving trips. He also made time to participate in various community groups. He was a volunteer fireman, a Kinsman and later a K-40 member, a Mason, Shriner and a supporter of the Legion. Bob was hardworking and a leader and in true “Bob” fashion, he moved up the ranks in the organizations he belonged to – he was the Brookswood Fire Chief for many years, a Kinsman President in the 50’s and Grand Master in the Masons in 1983. Bob and Edith settled full-time at Pender Harbour in 1990 where you’d find Bob happily puttering in his workshop, on his boat, beachcombing and fishing, or at home, entertaining family and friends, always with his dog close by.
By the fall of 2013 Bob’s health had failed to the point where he could no longer stay in his beloved home. He moved to Delta View Habilitation Centre while Edith settled in Ladner. Bob is at peace now and reunited with Edith. He is sorely missed by daughters Sharon, Gayle, Fern and Joanne; grandchildren Sarah (Darrell), Seth, Stephen (Sarah), Will, Derek, Kevin and Travis (Claire); great grandchildren Hanna, William, Alexander and Gregory; numerous nieces and nephews; and many friends. His community spirit, strength of character and stories remain with us.
Special thanks to Dr. Ron Davidson and caregivers at Delta View, and to Dr. Bruce Robinson at Madeira Park. In lieu of flowers, a donation may be made in Bob’s memory to the Alzheimer’s Society of BC, the Legion or a charity of your choice. His Celebration of Life will take place on Wednesday, May 18 at 11:00am, at the Town and Country Inn in Delta.