VINEHAM, Robert Harry James
Bob Vineham was the Toronto New Year’s baby of 1933 and lived to July 12, 2010. He passed away at his home in Courtenay following a lengthy illness, with his loving wife, Diane, at his side.
He resided and worked in and around Toronto until the late 1980’s when he travelled to Vancouver Island where he eventually retired. Bob had an extraordinary rapport with animals and was around them most of is life as an animal care attendant and zookeeper. He also wore other hats over the years - electrician, furniture maker, gardener, bus driver, and custodian. Bob was a man of few words, a soft-spoken, gentle person. He was a gifted artist who created many charcoal and pastel drawings, as well as carvings for anyone that asked. He loved nature and the out-of-doors. Some of Bob’s favorite places were Algonquin Park, where he loved canoeing and camping; Point Pelee, where he took pleasure from bird watching; the Florida Keys, where he escaped the Ontario winters; and the Courtenay Air Park, where the sights, sounds and smells of the ocean lifted his spirit. Bob taught himself to play the guitar (all by ear) - and there are many fond memories of family sing-a-longs when he played. He also studied the martial arts - especially Aikido, worked with leather, liked to sail and enjoyed fishing. He was also infatuated with anything to do with dinosaurs. Robert will be lovingly missed by his wife, Diane; his children, Kathy, Cindy and Mike; his stepsons, Cameron and Brad; his 5 grandchildren; and his brother, Don.
We sincerely appreciate the guidance and support generously given by the second floor staff at St. Joseph’s Hospital, Dr. John Fitzpatrick, the VIHA home care team, the Canadian Red Cross and the Comox Valley Hospice Society.
Memorial donations may be made to the Comox Valley Hospice Society, if desired (www.comoxhospice.com)