Bob passed away peacefully in Saint Joseph’s Hospital on Saturday, Aug. 15, 2015 following a stroke. He had been in the hospital recovering from a broken hip. He was born February 25, 1925 in Banff, Alberta; the eldest child of Charlie Harbidge and Violet West. He was predeceased by his daughter Kim, sister Margaret and brothers Skeezix and Jim. He is survived by his wife of 61 years, Bonnie, daughters Karin Boll of Calgary and Raven Wyntre-Clarkson (Malcolm) of Victoria, sister Dorothy Wetherell (John) of Cranbrook, two grandsons Jason and Daniel, two great-grandsons Brandon and Sam, 2 great-granddaughters Sara and Sua, as well as various cousins, nieces and nephews.
Bob served 24 years in the MSE section of the RCAF. Upon retirement, he operated the Upper Island Driving School for several years before driving a bus into Western Mines for Watson & Ash for 13 years.
He was an active member of the Kiwanis International and was Lt. Governor of Division 15 Pacific Northwest in 1991- 1992. He was actively involved in community service and was awarded Honorary Citizen of Comox in 2009. He served many years on the Nautical Days of Comox committee. He was instrumental in the creation of the Go Cart races in Comox.
Bob was an avid fisherman and had great luck in Buttle Lake. He was very generous with his catch.
Bob, your sense of humour and quick wit will be greatly missed by your family and friends.
A Service of Remembrance will take place on Saturday, August 29, 2015 at 1:00pm from Branch 160 Royal Canadian Legion, Comox.
For those wishing, donations in Bob’s memory to the Comox Valley Hospice Society, 2147 Comox Ave, Comox, B.C., V9M 1P2 would be appreciated.