Bob Williams (1951-2018)

Bob was born in Gravelbourg, Saskatchewan and spent his youth growing up in Hodgeville, Saskatoon and Weyburn, Saskatchewan with his parents LaVerne and Wilford and his sister, Barb. From an early age Bob loved all things mechanical and had a passion for cars. He kept this passion right until the end.

Bob graduated from the University of Saskatchewan in 1973 with his degree in Electrical Engineering and spent 35 years in the electric energy industry. In 1986 he received his MBA from the Haskayne School of Business at the University of Calgary. Over the years he donated both his time and funds to both his Alma maters, because he believed ardently in education. He started his engineering career with Trans Alta Utilities where he met a few of his lifelong friends. After that he formed his own consulting company and was involved with smaller entrepreneurial companies such as Mercury Electric and Montana Alberta Tie Line. He was on the Board of Directors, and for a time, was the Chairman of, the Independent Power Producers of Alberta (IPPSA). This organization advocated for a deregulated, competitive electric energy industry in Alberta. Over the years his career evolved from doing strictly technical engineering to financial and regulatory affairs. No matter what role he played, Bob was a dedicated, determined and diplomatic engineer.

In 1977 Bob married his lifelong partner, Caroline, and they subsequently enjoyed 41 years of a fun and active marriage filled with laughter and love. They shared many outdoor adventures, sports and travel together, and over the years raised and loved a menagerie of animals. They always supported each other in whatever they took on and were a constant source of mutual encouragement. Their love was deep and devoted.

In retirement, Bob started a new phase of life when he and Caroline moved to Courtenay on Vancouver Island. While on the Island, he volunteered for the Vancouver Island Society for Adaptive Snowsports on Mount Washington, and the Vancouver Island Spine Trail Association. After several years on the Island, Bob and Caroline relocated to Kamloops, where Bob volunteered with the Adaptive Sports Program at Sun Peaks. His volunteer days on the Sun Peaks Ski Hill were always special to him.

Bob died on Dec. 2nd as a result of a massive cardiac event.

Bob is survived by his wife, Caroline, his sister, Barb Dawson (Ernie) of Saskatoon and their children, Bret (Kate), Paula Kelly (Chris) and Heather. He will be sorely missed by his loved ones and friends and by his dog, Freddie.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Bob’s memory may be made to the Cardiac Care Unit Fundraising Campaign at Royal Inland Hospital at www.rihfoundation.ca (under Donation Designation choose the ICCHA/Wish Fund-Cardiac Care).

A celebration of Bob’s life, timing to be announced, will be held in Kamloops in the spring/summer of 2019.

Condolences may be expressed at www.drakecremation.com

• Date : 2018-12-04
• Location : Kamloops, B.C.