Robert (Bob) William Smedley, of Langley, B.C., passed away on January 16, 2022, aged 89 years. One of six children, he was born at home in Burnaby, on May 6th, 1932. His thirst for knowledge drove him to a deep understanding of all things mechanical and electrical. His ingenuity and knowledge served him well, and he passed these traits on to his own children.
After graduating from Burnaby North High School, he enrolled as an engineering student at UBC. When his younger brother Albert lost the use of his legs in a logging accident, Bob decided to quit university to take extra courses with his brother at Van Tech in order to help him navigate stairs and carry books. He also adapted Albert’s sports car with hand controls so that he could drive on his own.
Bob loved to sing in choirs and had a lot of fun in his barbershop quartet with friends Tony, Al, and Gerry. He joined the Burnaby Barbershop Chorus, which performed locally and in international competitions. He was also a member of the Amabilis Singers for many years. He learned to play classical and Spanish guitar. He also enjoyed dancing, and always credited his sister Miriam with teaching him how to dance as a teenager.
1957 Bob married Joanna Watson. They had four children, and outgrowing their home in Burnaby, moved to Tsawwassen. There he expanded his technical skills by crafting a guitar, and making a serious attempt to build an amphibious airplane.
In the late 60’s Bob and a few friends, including Ted Imre and Fred Myers, built a cabin on Ruby Lake. With limited access and experience, few tools, but a lot of gumption, the results of that project are enjoyed by the family to this day.
In 1982 Bob met a kindred spirit in Gwen Murphy and they began their journey together, not just in their lives but also in their actual travels. Their many road trips and vacations together were the stuff of dreams. Add to that their feline companions Lulu and Lump, and it became a recipe for great adventures. Bob and Gwen enjoyed their home together on the acreage in Aldergrove where there was never a lack of projects and always time for visiting with their many friends and loved ones for almost thirty years.
Share your thoughts and memories below.
9 Responses to “Memories”
I’ve been trying to choose what to write here for a while now. So many things to choose from. But I guess it makes sense to start near the beginning: from as far back as I can remember, Dad would take some time most evenings to play the guitar. Usually around bedtime, he’d sit on the side of his bed and practice, often the same song over and over, going back to the tricky spots, trying to smooth them out. At the time, it never occurred to me the focus and dedication he was putting into it, nor did I consider that he might have been timing it to make sure I fell asleep quickly. I just liked hearing him play as I fell asleep in the other room.
I too have many fond memories of Uncle Bob around his guitar. But I also really enjoyed the times he took to explain things when I was curious about what he was doing or making. Loved the times at Ruby Lake and so many dinners in Tsawwassen. He was smart, funny and enjoyable to be around. Many of his projects were awesome and some were less successful but what a mind to take on these tasks! I remember riding with him in the VW van between Edmonton and Red Deer when the motor blew. He knew what it was right away. I’m sorry he didn’t become an engineer as he sure had the smarts but what a wonderful thing he did to help Uncle Albert. I sure will miss his advice and knowledge. A call to him meant at least an hour on the phone catching up. Love you Uncle Bob
It was a pleasure to sing with Bob during our shared time with the Amabilis Singers. Many of us remember him fondly.
Best Ruby Neighbour we could ever ask for! Mitch and I enjoyed our breakfasts with “Mr Smedley”. Love and hugs. ❤️
I have my Grandpa Bob to thank for so much that I appreciate and love in life. From our family cabin on Ruby Lake to my mechanical aptitude, Grandpa taught me more than I can list here. I first learned to change spark plugs at 7 years old with his guidance. He would let me ask 10,000 questions about engines while he was doing repairs on mom’s car. He was always happy to share his knowledge of anything and everything he could. I miss him every day, but know that he’s with me. I know he’s smiling down on me every time I lift a wrench to work on my own vehicles now.
Thanks for everything Grandpa, I love you dearly.
Sincere condolences to you and your family, Craig.
The Hamiltons
So many thoughts and feelings.
Every moment throughout my life.
I am most thankful for the last year I was able to spend with my dad. We shared amazing moments together while preparing for the move from Aldergrove.
He had all the memories surrounding the many projects in his shop.
He passed his knowledge of all the tools that I held up with a questionable look, like it was a game of “what is this for or what does it do”
Lately he struggled with thoughts that his life and remembrances were slipping away.
Though he may not have known me in his last days, he knew he could speak openly with me and I was someone he could share his memories with.
Those thoughts are so dear, I will hold them forever.
I first met Bob when I joined the Thunderbird chapter of SPEBSQSA ( the Society for the Preservation and Encouragement of Barber Shop Quartet Singing in America) in the mid 1950’s. Quite a mouthful but was a great group to belong to. There I met Tony Merry and the following year my friend Gerry Fuller joined and being the only four “young” guys we immediately formed a quartet and enjoyed singing together for a few years until life took us in different ways. Bob, Tony and myself all ended living in Tsawwassen and were members of the Tsawwassen Unied Church and knew each other’s families. We kept in touch over the years and sang the last time at Tony’s 85th birthday. Will miss Bob’s rich deep voice and hope we can keep in touch with Gwen. RIP Bob you will be missed!
Al
A completely different side of Bob…I knew him from (very) early morning exercise classes in Burnaby. He was one of a group who met three times a week. There was a fair social component to this group! I remember mostly his incredible smile and good humour. Once went to his place in Aldergrove where we toured around the grounds and marvelled at the man- (that is, Bob-) made pond! He was obviously a very self-effacing guy, as I knew nothing of his mechanical prowess, his singing or dancing, although I surely remember his stories of Ruby Lake (a Christmas tree farm?). He will surely be missed.