November 12, 1931 - March 26, 2023
It is with profound sadness and heartfelt grief that we, as a family, announce the passing of Charles Robert (Bob) Williamson on Sunday, March 26, 2023, at the age of 91 years.
He is survived by his wife Helen of 64 years and daughters Tracy Annable, grandchildren Robert, Matt, Krystal, and Ryan. Robbee Salvati (Bob d.), grandchildren Thomas (Ashley), Sam (Marieka). Michelle James (Rob), grandchildren Shannon (Don), Craig (Maria), and Lauren (Nicole). Roanna Bennie, grandchildren Charles (Norma) and Jamie (Chad), and his 11 great-grandchildren.
He was predeceased by his parents George and Abbie Williamson. He also leaves behind his beloved brother George Williamson (Jo), nephews, nieces, and families.
Bob was born November 12, 1931, in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, and spent his early years in North Battleford. From there the family moved to Gibsons, B.C. At age 16 the family moved to Prince Rupert where he worked on the fishing docks as a teenager and became an accomplished track athlete in high school.
Dad went to UBC and was among the very first graduating class of Forestry in 1955. From there his exploits out in the wilderness were epic and Dad often regaled his grandchildren and their friends with the stories. He was a mountain climber, hiker, road builder and big adventurist his entire life.
None more so than when he married the love of his life Helen in 1958 and they spent their honeymoon at the Empress Hotel in Victoria. Soon after their family began in Vancouver and his life was filled with his gals. Over the years he would jokingly refer to his living with 5 women and one crazy dog.
Helen and Bob bought their home in Chemainus in 1967 and he went to work for Doman Industries at that time. They raised their family in Chemainus enjoying life on Beach Drive and spent many summers camping with the family at Tall Timbers Resort on Sprout Lake.
At the age of 50, Bob went back to school to become a Millwright for the Crofton Pulp and Paper Mill. He was by far the oldest student and finished top of his class. Something he was extremely proud of. He eventually retired from the pulp mill at the age of 65. In their retirement years, they could be found cruising and travelling.
Dad could always be found in his shop working on some new woodworking project for mom or a friend. Some of his favourite times were spent with family and friends for happy hour as he would say the sun was up over the yard arm somewhere in the word.
But by far his most enjoyable times were spent watching his grandchildren and great-grandchildren growing up. Teaching them, sharing his experiences, listening to them, and telling stories. They looked to him for strength, unwavering support, and will always remember how much he loves them.
We will all miss his wicked sense of humour, his one-liners, his favourite saying, and his smile.
Loving husband, loving Dad, loving Grandfather, and friend. You will be missed.
We would like to thank Dr. Tanis Morris for her care throughout the years and the staff of CDH who looked after Dad.
Celebration of Life will be held from 12:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m. PT on Saturday, April 22, 2023, at the Chemainus Legion Hall, 9775 Chemainus Rd, B.C.
Service Details
12:00 PM