Robert (“Bob”) Salkeld
SALKELD - Robert (“Bob”) George Salkeld, a beloved father, grandfather, great-grandfather, uncle, friend, and neighbour, passed away on July 26, 2021, in Ladysmith, BC, at the age of 96. Bob joined his beloved wife Jessie just two months after her passing on May 22, 2021.
Bob was born in Brock, Saskatchewan, to Joseph and Laura Salkeld on January 25, 1925.
He was predeceased by his wife Jessie, his son Devery, and his brother Hudson.
Bob will be lovingly remembered by his sister Evelyn Kowitch, daughters Kay (Mike) Ramsey, Linda (Ron) Tucker, and daughter-in-law Lorie Salkeld, his grandchildren Aaron (Hifumi) Ramsey, Shona Creighton, Devin (Darcie) Ramsey, Matt (Heather) Salkeld, Drayton (Leila) Salkeld, and Jessa (Ian) Peers and 11 great-grandchildren.
Bob enlisted in the Canadian Navy on April 3, 1943. After his training, he joined the crew on the HMS Puncher (aircraft carrier) as a helmsman and sailed out from Esquimalt BC on June 9, 1943. The HMS Puncher ferried warplanes to North Africa and England. Bob served in 6 convoys to Soviet Union Ports and took part in raids on German-occupied Norway. Bob and his crewmates got a tattoo in every port. Bob took compassionate leave from the Navy after his father passed away in order to run the family farm. He was on his way home on the HCMS Halifax when they encountered a U-boat on the surface and picked up the first German Submarine to surrender.
After Bob returned from the Navy, he married Jessie, and they farmed at Brock for over 70 years. Bob was also a school bus driver for 27 years. Bob and Jessie retired to Vancouver Island in 2015.
Bob and Jessie travelled to many places both on the continent and overseas and spent many years as snowbirds wintering in Yuma, Arizona and Osoyoos, B.C.
Bob was a Mason and belonged to the Kindersley Masonic Lodge No. 86.
Bob enjoyed watching sports on T.V., especially hockey, baseball and curling. He liked fishing, building and flying model airplanes, reading, listening to music, shooting a game of pool and enjoying a glass of scotch.
Those who knew Bob admired him for his strength, his work ethic and his generosity. He made a difference in so many people’s lives. Memories of Bob will live on in the hearts of all who knew him.
Interment of Bob & Jessie will be held at a later date in Brock.
Memories, stories, and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.firstmemorialduncan.com for the family.