Robert Thomas Smith June 1, 1943 – January 23, 2022
Robert (Bob) Thomas Smith passed away peacefully at Hilltop House in Squamish BC
on a sunny winter’s day. Husband, father, grandfather and adventurer Bob had a great
love and appetite for a life well lived. He passed “gently into that good night” after a
long battle with dementia and heart disease. He is survived by his wife Kathleen, his
children Caitlin, Laura and Jason and his grandchildren Amelia, Jack, Augustin, June
and James.
Bob was born in Vancouver BC to Margaret McFarlane (deceased) and Donald Smith
(deceased) had a sister Donna (Laughton) and grew up in Victoria BC. After some
colourful teenage years he found his professional purpose studying mathematics, first
at the University of Victoria and then postgrad at the University of Toronto. He passed
his actuarial exams while at Manulife in Toronto and after marrying Kathleen in 1979
they moved to Vancouver BC.
He worked at Fidelity/Seaboard Life and obtained his MBA from the University of British
Columbia. He eventually became president of Seaboard Life Insurance and held this
position until the company was sold.
Bob consulted for William Mercer Ltd for a few years before moving on in his semi
retirement to various board positions with Healthcare Benefit Trust, Worksafe BC and
BCAA. He obtained his Directors College designation and INSEAD designation during
this time.
He and Kathleen retired from Vancouver to Whistler BC where he was an active
volunteer with Whistler Blackcomb Mountain and the Rotary Club. He greatly enjoyed
his skiing, photography, woodworking, bridge, golfing, hiking, reading and music.
Bob never stopped being curious about the world he lived in and he took great pleasure
in traveling whenever he could, photographing special moments both on land and in
the ocean while meeting many people in the course of these travels.
Bob’s columbarium niche will be located in the forest in the Whistler Cemetery and a
celebration of his life will be held later in the year when the weather permits. There is a
memorial page for Bob on the Squamish Funeral Chapel website.
Words cannot express our deep gratitude to Dr. Gornall, Dr. Millar and the wonderful
healthcare staff and volunteers at Hilltop House in Squamish BC.They were there for us
every step of the way with their dedication, love and support especially during the last
two years and the challenges of Covid. We ask all the friends and organizations whose
lives were touched professionally or personally by Bob to consider donating to the
Hilltop House Support Society in lieu of flowers. Your donation will allow these good
people to continue their outstanding work in helping other residents lead meaningful
lives despite their health challenges.
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Our most sincere sympathies to the family and friends of Bob Smith Sunday January 23rd 2022..
Squamish Funeral Chapel & Crematorium
Death notice for the town of: Squamish, Province: Colombie britanique
Truly saddened to learn of Bob’s transition. I recall the day he arrived at seaboard Life as VP of “everything important” (e.g. finance, real estate and more). I’m recalling that article in the Vancouver Sun where they superimposed a cross-legged photo of Bob sitting atop a computer screen when he first introduced OA (Office Automation) at Seaboard. OA was cutting edge back in the mid-80s. And my fondest memories of Bob are his super competitive nature during all those lunch-time wally ball tournaments on the racquet ball court. Boy, could he ever spike that ball!
Rest in peace Bob. You always had my deepest respect and you have left me with fond memories.
Bob Smith (2022)
I remember Bob well. I always thought of him as being “larger than life”. His diving, his photography, his ability to completely redo a house on his own. Wow.
My favourite story about Bob was his October 1987 diving trip to Belize. He was out of touch with the rest of the world for two weeks in which there was a huge stock market decline. When he got his first newspaper when back on shore, he could not believe the stock values.
Bob was a great guy! He was very enthusiastic about a lot of things! He and I shared a love of travel, and would compare notes when we returned from our respective trips. My deepest condolences to the family. So glad you were able to access hospice support during a difficult time.
I only have privilege to call him as Mr. Smith but I worked for him only for a year but he always acknowledge every staff member with their first name with a smile that we can’t all forget. He was very extrovert but yet have a strategic plan for all their staff members. May god rest his soul in peace and provide strength to his family and friends. We will all miss you talking about your cottage house and your inspirations to spend time with your beautiful kids and your family