Robert Albert "Bob" Wilson

November 8, 1946 - January 17, 2019
Bob Wilson slipped quietly away in the North Okanagan Hospice at the age of 72 years.

Bob was born to Albert McIntyre Wilson and Florence Wilson (nee Krenzer) in Rochester, New York. He is survived by his brother, Thomas Krenzer Wilson (Judith Anne) of Santa Fe, New Mexico, the multitude of people whose lives he touched and the numerous friends who will always love him.

A peace-loving man with a strong sense of integrity, Bob came to Canada during the Vietnam war and fell in love with his adopted country. Although he obtained a degree in Literature from Harpur College, Binghamton University, NY and had a scholarly bent, he nevertheless diversified and with his keen intellect subsequently became an avid reader but also had a great many adventures. He earned a cooking degree from Vancouver Community College and for a while worked as a cook, did beekeeping, participated in construction projects, was co-manager of a swap shop, spent a year as a fisherman (where he had a mystical experience with a whale), endured long hours for a time in the oil industry up North, sold stereos (becoming a stereophile because of his sensitive ear and love of music) and became a well-known local painter.

Bob lived most of his adult years in British Columbia variously on Hornby, Quadra, Gabriola and Vancouver islands, in Vancouver, Fort Mac and Vernon. Ultimately (and for the last seven years) he served as a Minister at the Essentialist Church of Christ here in Vernon. This turned out to be his true calling as he became greatly beloved for his well-researched and inspired sermons and his natural propensity to be a shepherd.

Bob was a great believer not just in the value, but moreover in the necessity of community. This was demonstrated by seven years of dedicated Hospice volunteering, his frequent attendance and support of events hosted by other churches and his participation in local church committees, his service as a director on the boards of the Kebzeh Foundation and Kebzeh US, his quick response to calls for emergency aid in the Vernon area and his constant loving service to all. He was a quintessential servant of humanity who continually sought ways to assist everyone whose life his encountered. And he was deeply in love with Jesus.

Bob also exemplified what it truly means to be a friend. He always made himself available to share this life with others - through listening to our problems large and small, offering sage but down-to-earth advice and a warm hug when needed. For many years he welcomed all the people in the communal multi-unit house in which he lived to morning coffee and greeted numerous guests making everyone feel welcome, heard, included and loved. Bob was highly spiritual because "he walked the walk". Bob made everyone feel like family. He was full of love and he was real.

Bob will be sorely missed. His is a gap that will never be filled. But he leaves us all so very much better for having known him, inspired to be of more service to our fellow man and with memories in our hearts that can never be erased.

Blessings on your continued journey beloved brother. May we one day meet again.

Cremation preceded the Funeral Service which will be held in honour of Bob's life at Bethel Funeral Chapel on Friday, February 1st, 2019 at 2 pm with a Reception following in the Bethel Tea Room. In lieu of flowers, at Bob's request, donations to the North Okanagan Hospice Society, 3506-27th Avenue, Vernon, B.C. V1T 1S4 would be gratefully accepted.

Funeral arrangements have been made with Bethel Funeral Chapel Ltd., 5605-27th Street, Vernon, B.C. V1T 8Z5. 250-542-1187.
Bethel Funeral Chapel Ltd