HANDYSIDE, Robert John
It is with profound shock to announce the passing of a beloved father, grandfather and friend, Robert John Handyside. Whether you knew him as Camo Bob, Papa Bob, Two Dogs or Norm, Bob's larger than life personality was sure to leave an imprint on your heart. Bob was born in Victoria, BC to Marjorie and Herbert Handyside on Feb 22, 1950, and his honest and hardworking nature allowed him to pursue a reputable career as a carpenter for nearly 40 years. As Bob's enterprise expanded so did his dreams and soon his building ventures stretched from land to sea. His lifelong project of transforming a three bedroom family cabin into a prestigious 50 bed salmon fishing resort still remains today. Bob's final project, still incomplete, was a retirement getaway in hunting heaven Alberta where he hoped to spend time enjoying his family and sharing his passion for life.
Apart from his work Bob always took time to enjoy the outdoors where he spent countless hours hunting the fields and fishing the west coast. It is here where Bob discovered his true flavor for field trials and learned to raise the loves of his life his retrievers, Morgan and Steamer. Apart from his animals Bob had a soft spot for his family and cherished spending countless hours surrounded by his beautiful grandbabies.
Bob truly had a care free and enthusiastic lust for life and never allowed any obstacle to get in the way. His perseverance never seemed to fail even when everything that could go wrong, went horribly and drastically sideways. There was an unexplainable charm to his sense of humor and his one of a kind personality will forever be missed and remembered. Bob was 8 days shy of celebrating 20 years of sobriety, Congratulations Bob!
Bob is predeceased by his parents, and his siblings, Ronald and Shirley Handyside. He leaves behind his adored children, Nichole (Brian) and granddaughter Kaeli, his son Cory (Cindy) and grand children, Taysia and Nathan, his surrogate daughter Amanda (Jon), and granddaughters Savannah and Mikhaila.
A celebration of Bob's life will be held Saturday Jan 28, 2012, 2 pm to 4pm at Courtenay Fish and Game Clubhouse, 3780 Colake Road, Courtenay.
In lieu of flowers of donations please forward to Nootka Water Shed Society or Ducks Unlimited where Bob was a very proud supporter.