NICOL, Robert Donald (Bob)
of Qualicum Beach, BC known for his
eternal optimism and energy to help others,
went Home to be with the Lord on
December 21, 2003, peacefully at home, after
a courageous battle with pancreatic-liver cancer.
Survived by his loving wife of 31 years, Carol; 1 son Cameron (Julie) of Lynwood, WA; 1 daughter Cara (Gregory) of Everett, WA; 5 grandchildren Cassandra & Rebecca of Lynwood, WA; Christina, Dian and Amber of Everett, WA; Foreign Exchange student from Mazatlan Orphanage Margie Diaz & daughter Lil Arlem; his mother Trilby Pearl Burroughs of North Vancouver, BC; Mother-in-law Sophie Viola Bender of Decorah, Iowa; 1 brother David (Diane) Nicol of North Vancouver, BC and their children Sue (Brad) Collins and Jane (Andrew) Horembala and their children Jenna, Adam, Ryan and Dan.
Born December 30, 1933, the family lived in Victoria, where Bob, at age 8, sold the “Papery Times” on the corner of Yates and Douglas. Bobby was a swimmer at the Crystal Garden Pool and an alternate for the Olympics.
The family then moved to Port Alberni. Bob enjoyed sports, especially basketball, and made many lasting friendships over the past 50 years there, being able to attend the 50-year reunion of Port Alberni High School last year.
Bob joined the Canadian Air Force in 1952 out of High School and by 19 years of age was flying F-86 jets, stationed in Germany. He returned to Canada and completed his service in 1957 on Search and Rescue flying duties at RCAF Station, Sea Island, Vancouver. Bob was a member of SPAADS (Saber Pilots Association of the Air Division of the Squadrons) which is an association of Veteran Saber Pilots.
After service, Bob then moved to the States, working for Bekins Moving and Storage with his energetic big smile way, became Rookie Salesman of the Year nationally in the U.S.
Later Bob moved to Seattle going into Real Estate, managed several offices; in 1970 met Carol and they married in 1972 and became a Real Estate team for 20+ years. Bob also had a log house building business, building several beautiful homes. In 1983, Bob and Carol moved to Bob’s home on Vancouver Island.
In 1987, Bob was Funding Chairman of the Old School House of Qualicum Beach, which was going to be bulldozed for a parking lot. Bob raised $48,000 with Stan Hagen and the Lottery, and Mrs. Veronica Milner graciously agreed to allow the 1st Garden Tea and Art Auction to be held at her estate. Bob worked along with the Founding Members and many volunteers to have a successful $22,000 raised along with the help of the artists. Bob helped arrange this Garden Tea for 3 years. The Old School House is a great addition and enjoyment to Qualicum Beach. (1987 video at Service)
Bob and Carol had traveled to Mexico for over 25 years every winter, and in last years, Bob initiated a Baseball League of Canaco in poor areas of Mazatlan to help boys and girls age 6-16 to have a chance to better themselves and have fun with their families. Bob’s heart really went out to the folks there. He helped provide equipment for over 20 teams along with Oceanside here at Parksville and Port Alberni for the lovely people of Mazatlan. A wonderful united effort. Last year, the Canaco League honored Bob by naming the Ball Field in his name along with Richard Runde of Minneapolis.
Bob’s other passions were salmon fishing at Barkley Sound, growing his special tomatoes and baking homemade bread. Bob also loved golfing, as a member of Qualicum Beach Golf Course and was a Men’s Club officer, he enjoyed the challenge of golf and the fellowship.
Bob was dearly loved by family and many friends, and we’ll miss his sweet-spirit of optimism and energy to help others.
A Celebration of Life will be held on
Saturday, January 10, 2004 at 1:30 p.m.
at St. Stephen’s United Church,
150 Village way, Qualicum Beach, BC
with Reverend Phil Spencer officiating.
Donations in Bob’s memory would be appreciated to Pancreatic Cancer Society (1-877-272-6226) or District 69 Hospice Society, 210 West Crescent, Qualicum Beach, BC V9K 1J9.
E-mail condolences to the family may be sent to yatesfuneral@shaw.ca.
YATES FUNERAL SERVICE & CREMATORIUM
(248-5859) in care of arrangements