Obituary of Bob Belcher

1923 - 2009

It is with great sorrow that the family of Robert Stanley Belcher announce his passing on Friday, September 4, 2009 in Cranbrook, British Columbia at 86 years of age.

Bob was born in Melfort, Saskatchewan on May 18, 1923 and moved to Columbia Lake from Legal, Alberta in 1946 with his new wife, Rita. They built Belmont Motel and Cafe where they lived, worked and raised their family of 7 children. Bob and his brother, Lorne, and brothers-in-law, Charlie and Eugene Julien also owned and operated a tie mill for several years, and later, Bob became an electrical contractor and worked throughout the Columbia Valley. During this time, Bob was an active member of the Lions Club, School Board, and member of the Columbia Valley Chamber of Commerce. He enjoyed hunting with his sons, dancing and traveling with his wife and fishing with friends and family.In 1981, Bob moved to Marysville with his wife Rita and son Walter, where he worked for the Kimberley School District in the Electrical Maintenance Department until retirement. In 1992, Bob moved to Cranbrook where he resided with his wife Rita and son Walter, until March 2007 when he became a resident of Joseph Creek Care Village and resided there for the remainder of his life. Bob loved his dogs, computers, playing the stock market, and good political banter, but most of all he loved his family with all his heart.

Bob is survived by Rita, the love of his life and loving wife of 64 years; his children: Susie (Marvin) Bond, Jim (Faye) Belcher, Eva (Steve) Bayley, John (Rita) Belcher, Patty (Glen) Bell, George (Anita) Belcher; his sister Ev Hollingsworth of Airdrie, Alberta; his brother Lorne Belcher of Cranbrook, British Columbia; 18 grandchildren and 12 great-grandchildren.

He was predeceased by his son, Walter on August 21, 2009; his sister Billie Nelson and brother Bert Sharpe.

A memorial tea in honour of Bob's life will be held on Saturday, September 12, 2009 at 2:00 pm in the McPherson Funeral Home Reception Room in Cranbrook.

Those wishing to make a memorial contribution in honour of Bob may do so to the: Alzheimer Society of B.C., #300 - 828 West 8th Avenue, Vancouver, B.C., V5Z 1E2 or the: East Kootenay S.P.C.A., Box 2, Cranbrook, British Columbia, V1C 4H6.

Arrangements entrusted to McPherson Funeral Service.Condolences for the family can be offered at:www.mcphersonfh.com