May 26, 1930 - November 22, 2020
Bob died, at age 90, at Ty Watson House, after a short stay at West Coast General Hospital, Port Alberni.
His wife of 57 years, Margaret is left to cherish his memory and sons, Kevin and Julian, daughter-in-law, Audrey and grandson, Logan, plus relatives in his native England. Born in Shropshire, England, Bob started playing the violin at age six and has had a long and distinguished career in music. One of his first orchestra gigs was playing for 'South Pacific' where he met Sean Connery who was in the chorus.
He has been in some of the most prestigious orchestras in the world, including the Liverpool Philharmonic, BBC West of England Players, Bournemouth Symphony, London Philharmonic and Vancouver Symphony.
His name appears on many recordings and he also has played on countless movie soundtracks. Bob emigrated from England to Canada with his wife and two small sons in 1976 and played with the Vancouver Symphony Orchestra for 25 years and also Vancouver Island Symphony in Nanaimo when he was semi-retired.
He has traveled the world with music - most notably with the London Philharmonic which was the first western orchestra to play in Red China during the Cultural Revolution of Chairman Mao in 1973. For the past 16 years, Bob has lived in Port Alberni, and has enjoyed playing in the community with pianist, Bev Hintz, and Phil's Harmonics String Orchestra.
He was a very generous man, particularly with his gift of music and unhesitatingly gave of his talent whenever asked, for benefit concerts, etc.
Somewhat of a loner, Bob was not the most sociable of persons, but his keen wit and sense of humour will be remembered by all who knew him. He was the best husband and father in the world.
Heartfelt thanks to Dr. Williams and the medical staff at West Coast General Hospital and also Ty Watson House.
There will be no Remembrance Service owing to Covid-19 restrictions.
In lieu of flowers, donations in Bob's memory may be made to the West Coast General Hospital Foundation, 3949 Port Alberni Hwy, Port Alberni, BC., V9Y 4S1 or Alberni Valley Hospice, Ty Watson Foundation, 2579 - 10th Ave, Port Alberni, BC., V9Y 2P5.