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William Robert O'Hara
December 12, 1927 - June 17, 2018
Tribute
William Robert (Bob) O’Hara
Our beloved husband, father, grandfather, uncle and friend died peacefully at the Cowichan District Hospital, Duncan BC on Sunday, June 17, 2018.
Born in Montreal on December 12, 1927, Bob grew up in Winnipeg and was schooled by the Jesuits at St Paul’s College. Bob began his working life as a banker with the Royal Bank in Winnipeg and met Wref in Kamloops. They celebrated 63 years of marriage in April of this year. While in Kamloops, Bob met the Burns family which led to a move to Yellowknife in 1956 to manage Precambrian Mining Services. He joined Wardair in 1958 in its early days in Yellowknife. Bob was very proud of his association with Wardair where he was employed for over 30 years, latterly as vice president of the cargo division stationed in Toronto.
Bob lived his life with zest; he played many team and individual sports such as football, baseball, squash, golf, cycling and he liked to run. He and Wref sailed, skied and back packed in the mountains. And Bob loved his toys: sail boats, tractors, cars, cameras and motorcycles.
Bob and Wref lived in Kamloops, Yellowknife, Edmonton, St. Albert and Toronto and then retired to the beautiful Cowichan valley for many years of a happy retirement.
Giving back to his community was important to Bob. He served on school boards both in Yellowknife and in St. Albert and volunteered as a ski patroller in Alberta and Ontario. In the Duncan area, he was a driver for cancer patients for over 17 years, canvassed for Heart and Stroke for many years and enjoyed volunteering at the Chemainus Theatre.
Bob was predeceased by his father Michael A. O’Hara, mother Margaret O’Hara (nee Burns), sister Joan Grassby, and brother Michael B. O’Hara. His life is celebrated by his wife Wreford (nee Canty),
his children, Megan O’Hara and husband, John Innis of Cowichan Bay, Shelagh Hohm and husband David of Edmonton, Michael O’Hara of Edmonton and Kevin O’Hara of Toronto. He was immensely proud of his five grandchildren, Alison, Peter (Britt Sanders) and Liam Innis, Allegra Hohm and Sean O’Hara.
The family is grateful to the medical and nursing staff of the CDH for their kind and respectful care and in particular to Dr. Murray Archdekin.
In lieu of flowers, Bob’s friends might consider a donation to the Cowichan Hospice Society.
A funeral mass will be celebrated at St Edwards Church on Monday June, 25, 2018 at 1:30 pm with a reception following.
Condolences
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From: H.W. Wallace Cremation & Burial Centre
H.W. Wallace Cremation and Burial Centre Staff send our condolences to family and friends.
From: Maureen
Relation: Receptionist at Resonance Hearing Clinic
Always had a twinkle in his eyes and a cheery view on life. One of my favourites. He will be missed. My thoughts are with you all.
From: Max and Marjorie ward
Relation: Friend
Bob was a fine man and a good friend. His long relationship with Wardair was a huge contribution to its success. We are saddened by his illness and passing. Our love and sympathy to Wreford and the family.
From: Mary McKechnie
Bob was my boss for the last 5 years at Wardair in the Cargo Dept. He was someone you could discuss issues with and debate your points (not like “the boss says do it this way”). It was great to work with him. Lots of good memories. Cheers Bob from Mary
From: Susan Lumholtz-Smith
Relation: Fellow volunteer at Chemainus Theatre
Bob was a class act and I’ll miss his cheerful face at church on Saturday.
From: Iris Duggan
Relation: as a volunteer at Chemainus Theatre
Dear Wref-we are so sorry to hear of your loss of Bob and all o fBob’s fascinating stories of a life very well lived. it has been a pleasure and a privilege to have known you both!!! Enjoyed the time we shared at Steve Hewson’s celebration of life.
From: Bev Lukoni (Arnold)
Relation: Stylist/Friend
With a heavy heart I would like express how much this very special man will be deeply missed .
I have known Bob for over 20 yrs , as his stylist /friend . Every forth Thursday morning first thing will not feel the same without you Bob . Your flying free with the Angels my friend !
I would like to say how truly blessed I feel to have known such a special man .
Bob will be remembered fondly forever in my heart .
Sincerely ,
Bev Lukoni ( Arnold)
( Shear Essence Hair Studio)
From: Eileen Hillyard
Relation: Friends
Dear Wref, we are so sorry to read of Bob’s passing. What a lovely man….we feel privileged to have known him. I hope your sadness is tempered by the memories of the wonderful life you shared for so many years. With much affection, Eileen and Ken Hillyard
From: Heather Schyf
Relation: friend/CCS cancer car program
Wref and family; So sorry to hear of Bob’s passing. He was such a nice guy and working with him on the CCS cancer car program was a pleasure. Our monthly meetings over coffee and not to forget the sweets which Bob most enjoyed were always positive. My deepest sympathy to you.
From: Gordon Allen and Shirley Imada
Relation: Friend
Hi Wref, Megan and John,
So sorry to hear of Bob’s passing. Hope to see you all soon.
Service Schedule
Private service arrangements have been made.
Memorial Gifts
The family has not designated a preferred charity at this time.
Thank You Notice
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Blooms at 49th Parallel – 778-422-0262
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