February 4, 1936 - November 12, 2021
My beloved Bob passed away on Nov. 12, after a lengthy illness. He is now at home in heaven with our Lord Jesus. Though our lives had slowed down, we still enjoyed our quiet life together, with visits to family and friends (in driveways).
Bob was born on Feb. 4, 1936, in Hamilton, Ont. He was the youngest of 8 children of Dorothea and Frederick Jackman. Now all deceased. He joined the RCAF in 1953 and served with the first U.N. Peacekeeping Force in the Suez Crisis. He also flew anti-submarine patrols during the Cuban Crisis '61-'64. He was a proud member of the Legion since 1976.
In 1958, Bob married Thelma Kachkan and they were married for 41 years. Bob worked for the City of Hamilton for many years as an arena manager and then as a director for Senior Services until his retirement in 1995. He and Terry moved to Courtenay to be closer to their daughter Melody. Terry died in 2000.
Bob was predeceased by his children Bobby, Melody and Wayne. He is survived by grandchildren: Megan (Steve, Emma, Keira); Amy (Don, Rachel) in Courtenay, niece Sarah Jay (Fred, Tao) in Duncan; great grandchildren in Winnipeg: Sean (Lily, Emily, Adalyn, Owen; Matt (Kayla), Rachelle (Chris, Lexy); Riley (Neil, Valny, James), plus many nieces, nephews and cousins in Hamilton and his favorite niece Dorie!
In 2003, I, Linda married the love of my life, my soulmate, and my best friend. We so enjoyed our lives together and had many adventures and laughs. Bob was a very kind, thoughtful man who loved his family and friends. He enjoyed socializing and loved music and dancing. This led to many jazz weekends in Penticton, Seaside Oregon and Courtenay. We had wonderful times travelling through Europe and enjoyed Hawaii every year.
My family warmly welcomed Bob in their lives, and he had many adventures with his new grandchildren too! He is so missed by my daughter Linda-Rae (Dan, Ryan, Kyle, Caitlyn); and by my son Brian (Rachel, Sera, Jillian). Family dinners won't be the same without him!
Bob had a deep and abiding love in his Savior Jesus, and he so enjoyed the bible study and fellowship at Courtenay Baptist and Cumberland Community Church with Paster Peter Rabey. We were so blessed that we could share our faith and pray together.
I just want to thank all our friends and neighbours for their outpouring of love, cards, and support during this sad time. I would also like to express my gratitude to all the staff on 4B and to Dr. Bell, for the wonderful care he received.
There will be a celebration of Bob's Life in the New Year, and this will be announced at a later date. Please consider a donation to the Salvation Army in Bob's memory.