JAMES, ROBERT (BOB) JOHN

Posted: July 16th, 2015

Robert passed away on July 14, 2015, after a very long illness. He was born on October 25, 1943, in Buxted, England, and grew up in Raymond, Alberta. He moved to Edmonton in 1965 where he met Frances Heidinger. They were married in Medicine Hat on June 4, 1966. Robert graduated as a chartered accountant in 1972. With the exception of a two-year working vacation in Montreal, they lived in Edmonton.

His lifetime passions and accomplishments were varied. Flying was a lifelong love, and Bob was a member of the Air Cadets for six years in Raymond. He later obtained a private pilot’s license and took great pleasure in night flying and aerobatics. He was an avid motor sport, hockey and baseball fan. Bob loved reading, particularly history and science fiction. He loved cats, model building and muscle cars. Many of these interests served as subjects for a lifelong interest in taking and printing photographs. During the last ten years of his life, he found much peace and comfort in visiting the University of Alberta’s Devonian Gardens.

Bob spent twelve years as a volunteer “uncle” in the Uncles at Large program in Edmonton. He spent time working with the Edmonton Public School Board, Canadian Utilities Ltd. and the Government of Alberta in Alberta Transportation where he finished his career.

He leaves to cherish his memory: his wife (Fran) of 49 years; mother Ethel; brother David (Roslyn); one niece and one nephew and their families; brother-in-law Lloyd (Linda) Heidinger, and sisters-in-law Shirley (Gerald) Mayer and Marion (Jim) Drake. Bob was predeceased by his father Robert Alan, aunt Helen Bennett, father-in-law Herbert Heidinger and mother-in-law Emma Heidinger.

A private burial will take place at Little Plume Community Evangelical Missionary Church Cemetery in Cypress County, Alberta.

A private celebration will be held at a later date.

Psalm 103, verses 15 and 16:

As for man, his days are as grass;

as a flower of the field, so he flourisheth.

For the wind passeth over it and it is gone;

and the place thereof shall know it no more.

Bob and Fran are eternally grateful to the multitudes of health care providers since this journey began in 1969, including the Dr. Gerald Zetter Care Centre since 2013.

Very special thanks go to the devoted friends, old and new; and family who offered unconditional support, friendship and assistance through this difficult, long journey. We will never be able truly express the extent of our gratitude. Flowers are gratefully declined. Memorial donations may be made in Robert’s honour to charities which he and Fran regularly supported: Edmonton Humane Society, 13620 163 Street, Edmonton T5V 0B2), STARS (1441 Aviation Park NE, PO Box 570, Calgary T2E 8M7), Valour Place Society (11608-145 Street, Edmonton T5M 1V8), and the War Amps (1 Maybrook Drive, Scarborough, Ontario M1V 5K9).

Condolences: www.serenity.ca

Serenity Funeral Service, South Edmonton (780) 450-0101