Obituary
It is with profound sadness that we announce the peaceful passing of Bob Paul at his home in Crofton Manor . Bob was born in Edmonds BC, the first child of William Paul and Ruth (Bates) Paul. He is predeceased by his wife Phyllis (nee Lapp), daughter Wendy Blanchard, son-in-law Brian McCann, and brothers Bill, Jack and Stanley.
Bob is survived by his sister Barbara, brother Doug, his three children; Louise (Bruce), Jim (Nancy), Margaret (Bruce), son-in-law Deyril and his nine grandchildren; Callum, Bronwen (Ian) Kaitlin, Alexander (Christine), Robert, Wesley, Sean, Kelsi and Mark, two great-grandchildren Morgan and Seamus; along with extended family in B.C., and beyond.
Bob was raised in Burnaby/New Westminster attending T.J. Technical High School and became a carman in the C.N.R. repair shops. After serving five years in the Royal Canadian Corp of Signals during WW II, he returned home in 1946 and attended the University of British Columbia, graduating in 1952 with a BASc. in Civil Engineering.
Following university Bob joined Canadian Bechtel Ltd., and thereafter enjoyed a full career in the engineering-construction industry with the Bechtel organization, retiring in 1987 after a distinguished and rewarding 35 years of service. At retirement, Bob was Vice President and Director of the Bechtel Petroleum line, President of Bechtel Canada Ltd., Bechtel Quebec Ltd., and a Director of the three principal operating companies of the Bechtel Group, San Francisco. He was also a former member of the Association of Professional Engineers of Ontario, and the Canadian Business Council of National Issues.
Bob and Phyllis had a 65-year marriage of adventure. They travelled the world for work and leisure; living in Toronto, San Francisco, Houston, and then finally returning to Vancouver, where they built their home overlooking English Bay. As members of Shaughnessy Golf Club, they continued their love of golf, and made many new friends.
Bob never forgot his humble roots; being generous of spirit he would be, reliably, the first to support, encourage and inspire family and friends. Qualities of loyalty and integrity defined him. He always enjoyed a friendly wager, whether it was on the games of golf or bridge he played, or the football and baseball matches he watched.
Fulfilling one of his dreams, he established an extraordinary gathering place in the Okanagan for friends and family to stay connected. “The Ranch” was a place where Bob enthusiastically participated in the cattle ranch, as well as managing the business. Family Christmases were celebrated yearly at the Ranch, with siblings and grandchildren, forming strong bonds that still exist today.
Robert H. Paul was a remarkable man; a loving family man; an accomplished career professional; an insatiable bibliophile seeking knowledge and understanding. Bob has been a beacon of optimism for the family;he will be greatly missed.
A Celebration of Life for Bob will be held at Shaughnessy Golf and Country Club, Vancouver, on April 15, 2018 from 2:00pm to 4:00pm.
In lieu of flowers, donations gratefully acknowledged to a charity of your choice.
Nos plus sincères sympathies à la famille et aux amis de Robert Henry Paul January 31 1920 March 26 2018.source
Décès pour la Ville: Vancouver, Province: Colombie britanique
