Obituary
Henri “Bob” George Edward Erwig
Our dear Bobbie has played his last note and left the stage forever.
Bob is survived by his loving wife Ilse, son Robert (Michelle), daughter Riette (Dan) Kenkel, and grandchildren John and Vivian Kenkel.
Bob was most known as the energetic, charismatic “Bouncin’ Bob,” a jazz musician who loved people, and was loved back. His charisma and passion for music inspired many young musicians. Born in The Hague in the Netherlands in 1935, Bob started his musical career at the age of 15 by secretly listening to jazz greats, under the watchful, and not always approving eye of his mother.
Bob married Ilse Bartels in 1958, had a short career as an engineer, and then in 1966 they emigrated to Canada with their two young children. In no time at all, Bob found a day job and a band.
He played in many bands, the longest being 25 years with the Climax Jazz Band in Toronto, with whom he performed on stages all over the world.
In 1996 Bob and Ilse retired from their day jobs and moved to BC. Bob of course found other jazz musicians, joining and forming bands wherever he was. He also became a grandfather, joyfully spending hours with his grandkids next to him at the piano or playing horns.
Bob suffered several strokes, eventually losing his ability to play his beloved cornet. Not to be discouraged, he focused on the technology of the internet, listening to and downloading his own music as well as his favourite bands. He also became a collector of various artistic films and videos.
Bob’s physical body started to fail him, and he spent his final years at Brookhaven Care Home, feeling the love of everyone who knew him, and visited every day by his loving Ilse. He passed away quietly with Ilse by his side.
Bobbie was loved and respected all over the world, and now his beautiful, energetic spirit is bouncing all over the universe.
He will be sadly missed and always loved.
Arrangements are in the care of Everden Rust Funeral Services & Crematorium,
West Kelowna Arrangement Centre (250-768-8925).
Condolences may be sent to the family by visiting www.everdenrust.com.
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Our most sincere sympathies to the family and friends of Bob Erwig December 31 1935
February 10 2022..
everden rust funeral services & cremation
Death notice for the town of: Kelowna, Province: Colombie britanique
death notice Bob Erwig December 31 1935
February 10 2022
mortuary notice Bob Erwig December 31 1935
February 10 2022