Robert (Bob) James Slocombe, 66, passed away peacefully at home on Wednesday, February 26, 2014. Bob was born on April 27, 1947 in Upminster, Essex, England. Bob immigrated to Canada in August 1969 to take a two year teaching position in Regina, Saskatchewan. Choosing to continue his life in Canada, Bob met and married Pamela (Pam) Paton in March 1971. They enjoyed raising four children together while Bob worked as an industrial arts teacher in the Regina Public School System. His first post in Regina was split between Connaught and Lakeview Schools. The balance of his teaching career was spent at Martin Collegiate. Bob enjoyed many things that kept him in nature which included gardening, hunting, deck building and landscaping. Bob enjoyed music of all types and encouraged his children to express themselves musically. He was a skilled woodworker and many of his fine works of furniture, carpentry and decking are among the homes in Regina today. He was a true perfectionist who took great pride in his work, but modest enough to let the work speak for itself. He had an easy personality and was a kind, caring friend to everyone he met. He had a keen sense of humour and enjoyed making up funny sayings and renaming common places and items to entertain his children. In Bob鈥檚 early retirement from teaching, he worked as a custom woodworker at North Forty Fine Furniture Ltd until he retired completely to Courtenay, BC on Vancouver Island in July 2004. On the island many of Bob鈥檚 talents were often put to use again and he enjoyed kayaking, gardening, hiking, and working in their church. One of Bob鈥檚 greatest joys in his retirement was fulfilling a life long dream of building wooden boats. Bob crafted three unique cedar strip kayaks and he took immense pleasure being out on the water in them. He loved that he was able to share this with his wife, children and grandchildren.
Bob is predeceased by his parents George and Elsie Slocombe, brother in-law John and niece Rae-Anne.
He is survived by his wife Pamela of 43 years, his four children: Ericka (Blake), Elaine (Mick), Ian (Jenna), Alison (Chris) and his six grandchildren: Christopher, Sarah, Max, Jack, Elyse and Mila. Sisters: Rita (Joe) and Mary in England, and their children and grandchildren. Bob鈥檚 extended Canadian family include his loving mother in law Janet Thornton (Tom) and his in-laws: Ken (Darlene), Ellen (Derrek) and Don (Marie) and their children and grandchildren.
The family wishes to extend our sincere thanks and appreciation to our friends and family for the outpouring of support and prayers we have received over this time. We wish to thank personally all of the home care workers and doctors who were invaluable during this time of need. Flowers gratefully declined but donations in Bob鈥檚 memory may be made to the charity of your choice.
A service will be held on Saturday, March 8, 2014 at 1:00 at the St. Michael and All Angels Chapel at 19 Wing Comox.