Longfield, Arthur Raymond (Bob)
Feb. 11, 1921 - May 7, 2003
Bob passed away at St. Joseph’s Hospital Extended Care Unit where he had been a patient for 6 years. He was predeceased by his parents Jesse and Beatrice Longfield of Victoria and his brother Gordon of Bellingham, Wash. He leaves behind his loving wife Lois, daughter Judy (Ted) and son Daniel, three granddaughters: Angela, Carey Ann (Andy) and Paula (Dainan) and two great grandchildren: Kiana and Hayden. He also leaves his sister Gloria of Port Alberni and sister-in-law Genise Longfield of Bellingham and many nephews and nieces and in-laws.
Bob was born in Victoria where he attended a small kindergarten run by Emily Carr and South Park School. At an early age he entered the forest industry which he loved and spent most of his working years in the woods in the Comox Valley and Nitinat. He spent 4 years in the Canadian Army, landing on the beach at Normandy on D-Day. He spent time in France, Holland, and Germany, finally as a Jeep Ambulance driver. Following the war he returned to Courtenay, married and had the two children. In 1963 he moved the family to Lake Cowichan and worked there for 18 years until he was injured in a logging accident and eventually forced to retire. In 1981 the family returned to Courtenay where Bob eventually suffered a stroke and spent his last years in Extended Care where he became well known to staff and volunteers as he roamed the corridors. Despite his handicap he could always smile!
Bob was well known as a member of Alcoholics Anonymous where his “way with the word” and great sense of humour were a benefit to many in his long years of service.
The family wish to thank the wonderful staff and volunteers at Extended Care who did so much to make Bob’s last years comfortable.
A Service of Remembrance was held May 10th in St. George’s United Church with Rev. Neil Lemke and Rev. Ray Brandon officiating. A touching tribute was given by long time friend Bob Callander. The family was overwhelmed by the wonderful response of all who attended. May God bless you all.
If so desired donations may be made in Bob’s memory to St. Joseph’s Hospital Extended Care in Comox, BC.