Robert Edward "Bob" Hollies

In loving memory ~

Passed away peacefully in his sleep on July 28, 2024, after a short residence at Wexford Creek Seniors' Community in Nanaimo, BC.

Bob was born in Smoky Lake, Alberta on January 19, 1932, to Annie Craigmyle Robertson and Dr. Edward Gardiner Hollies. Edward worked at the hospital there until asked to relocate to Pouce Coupe, BC in the Peace River area in 1936. Bob grew up in "Pouce," along with sisters Kathleen "Kay," Ruth, and Ethel, and he attended high school in Dawson Creek, moving to UBC in Vancouver for Grade 13. He went on to study chemical engineering at the University of Alberta in Edmonton. While at U of A, Bob worked hard, made many lifelong friends, joined the Mixed Chorus, and met and fell in love with nursing student Joan Cox.

Shortly after graduation in 1955, Bob was offered a position with Atomic Energy of Canada Limited (AECL) at their Chalk River facility near the community of Deep River, Ontario. In 1957, Bob married Joan in her hometown of Beaverlodge, Alberta, and she joined him in Deep River. They both worked at "the plant" until son Doug came along in 1961, followed by daughter Janet in 1962. Bob and Joan developed many friendships with other young couples and enjoyed exploring the outdoors in places like Algonquin Park. Bob also continued to sing in local theatre productions.

When AECL opened its Whiteshell Nuclear Research Establishment in Manitoba, Bob accepted a transfer there, and the young family moved to the brand new townsite of Pinawa in 1963. The family grew up with the town, and Bob continued to work at WNRE and to pursue his many interests: sports, including softball, golfing, and skiing; outdoor activities such as canoeing, hunting, and fishing; community involvement like coaching hockey; as well as being an active church and choir member in the Pinawa Christian Fellowship. He even took flying lessons!

Shortly after Bob's retirement, in 1991, he and Joan moved to Qualicum Beach on Vancouver Island. Here, they joined a newcomer's club, which became a social organization called the Third Dimension. Bob participated in sports such as hockey and Slo-Pitch through the Parksville Golden Oldies Sports Association (PGOSA). Bob and Joan also joined the congregation at Knox United Church, where Bob sang in the choir for over 30 years. He also sang with a Madrigal group, and with the Oceanside Consort Choir. Bob was always interested in politics, and in retirement, he volunteered with the federal Liberal party. Even after losing Joan in 2010, Bob continued to remain engaged in many activities in his community, and "Slugger" became such a regular at Serious Coffee that they practically adopted him.

Bob will be greatly missed by his son Doug (Pat), his daughter Janet (Craig), his grandchildren Kirsten (Cam), Laurel (Ian), Niklas (Keely), Ryanne (Brian), Marys, Jessica and Nolan, his brothers-in-law Harold (Audrie), John (Caroline) and Neil, and his nieces Donna, Mary Lou (Al), Sandra (Blaine), Sharon and Jody (Ron), and nephews Brian (Vicky) and JD (Sherrie). He will also be missed by his multitude of friends, teammates, and fellow choristers.

Bob was predeceased by his beloved wife Joan, his sisters Kay, Ruth, and Ethel, his sister-in-law Islay, his brother-in-law Harold Kettleson, and his nephew Ross.

A celebration of Bob's life will be held on Friday, September 6th, at Knox United Church, 345 Pym St., Parksville at 11:00 am. In lieu of flowers, and in the spirit of Bob's generous nature, please consider making a donation in his name to your favourite charity.