REAY, Robert Ellwood
With his daughters by his side, Bob, beloved father and grandfather, passed away peacefully on March 22, 2009 in Terrace, BC.
Bob is survived by son Robert (Kerrie), daughters Rachel (Greg) and Janet (Darryl), and his wonderful grandchildren Devan, Kelson and Jenna. In England he leaves two sisters Sheila Pearson (Frank), Elspeth Storey both of Penrith, and sisters-in-law Eva Jackson (Harry) of Appleby and Vera Spurr (Bruce) of Shrewsbury.
Bobby was predeceased by his parents Robert (1984) and Annie Reay (1998) and his loving wife Dulcie in 1989.
Bob was born and raised in Penrith, England. Working with his father, he was a Director of the building contractor firm, Robert Reay & Son. Bob enjoyed boxing along with being a popular and avid rugby player with the Penrith Rugby Union Football Club. In 1954 Bob married Dulcie Watt and in 1963, along with their children, immigrated to Canada eventually making Terrace their home. Bob worked for the Cassiar Mining Corporation and then as the Manager of Omineca Building Supplies. He operated Bob Reay Contracting until his retirement in 1989. Bob kept busy in retirement with his family, including helping Robert building houses and spending endless time with his grandchildren; he was just the best and most wonderful grandpa. Bob was a member of the Kitselas Masonic Lodge and in 2005 the Brethren of Kitselas Lodge bestowed an Honorary Membership to their Brother Reay.
Bob was known as a quiet, kind and gentle man, who possessed an inner strength matched by few. He was a devoted husband, father and grandfather being well respected and loved by many. Bob is going to be sorely missed by his family and friends in both Canada and England. He will also be missed by the staff of Terraceview Lodge who tended to “Bobby” with such care and kindness making his last years comfortable.
We wish to extend our heartfelt thanks to Dr. Strangway, ambulance staff and nursing staff at Mills Memorial and the medical staff at Prince George Regional Hospital for the wonderful care and compassion they showed our dad during this difficult time.
A Memorial Service was held in Terrace, BC on April 4, 2009 at St. Matthews Anglican Church. Flowers gratefully declined and donations may be made to: Terraceview Lodge Recreation Department c/o Bonnie Casault.
“Mom and Dad are together again – with all our love”