Tribute

Robert (Bob) Ainscough left his family and friends to fend for themselves after 81 well-lived years.  Bob loved the people in his life above all and will be deeply missed by his wife Patricia; his children Brad (Donna) and Scott; his grandchildren Brianne (Clinton) and Kelsey; Pat’s children Corinne and Kelly (Pete); Pat’s grandchildren Kalen (Natalia), Spencer, Cass, Blake (Josh) and Quinn; and numerous nieces, nephews and extended family.

Bob was spirited, generous, principled, sometimes crusty, and always selfless.  He liked to remind us all that life is not a dress rehearsal and he lived this motto fully.  His adventurous spirit had him flying airplanes and gliders; riding his BMW often with Pat behind him across North, Central and South America frequently at high speeds (too frequently according to Pat and his riding buddies); and, most recently quadding. Bob’s love of travel adventure was born during a teaching secondment to Soest, Germany from 1968-1970.  Since retirement, he and Pat have traveled frequently and extensively to Europe, Asia, Mexico, South America, Australia, New Zealand. He took on the role of chauffeur and tour guide for Pat during her year- long teaching exchanges in Australia and Britain.

Passionate does not begin to describe Bob’s vocational and entrepreneurial adventures.  While his “career” was as an educator, teacher and administrator, his pursuits both then and since his retirement in 1989 included farming, importing Pinzgauer cattle, custom combining, trucking and a charter aviation company.  He loved to plan, organize and execute any project that piqued his interest and he did so quickly, efficiently and with great enthusiasm.  This skill was also employed with his family and friends and mostly met with grateful reception.

Bob, born January 31, 1936 in Cardston, Alberta, was the youngest of 4 children and spent his early years in southern Alberta. Following studies at Logan University in Utah (where he arrived in a red sunbeam convertible much to the delight of his sister Ardath’s sons), he commenced his teaching career in Taber, Alberta.  From there he moved to Lethbridge with his then wife Mary, where he taught at Gilbert Patterson Junior High and Lethbridge Collegiate Institute, completing his career there as an administrator.  When not teaching, Bob was a devoted and involved father and loved nothing more than camping and skiing trips with Brad and Scott, cheering on their sporting activities (track and field, hockey and golf) and socializing with family and friends.  Bob and Pat moved to Osoyoos in 2002 where they made many new friends and Bob kept busy gardening, tinkering around their home, riding his BMW and quad, having coffee or playing pool and driving the CASI van. Not only did he promise Pat a rose garden, he built her one.

The family is grateful for the love and support from received from extended family and friends as well as the care Bob received from the wonderful doctors and medical staff at the Penticton and Oliver Hospitals, particularly Dr. DeVries these last few weeks.

Please join the family to celebrate Bob’s life at the Osoyoos Seniors’ Centre on Friday, July 7, 2017 from 3:30 – 5:30 pm.

Donations gratefully accepted in memory of Bob for charities of the donor’s choice.

Condolences and tributes may be directed to the family by visiting www.nunes-pottinger.com