It is with overwhelming sadness that we announce the sudden passing of Robert Bruce Lovell on January 14, 2007. Bob was born August 11, 1956 to Clarence and Bernice Lovell, the youngest of six children. Bob grew up in the Moose Heights area where he enjoyed a happy and carefree childhood. He started school at Moose Heights and then finished at Pinecrest Elementary. He later attended QSS and Correlieu high schools.
Bob started working at the age of 15 with his father at the old Beaver Sawmill. After Bob left school he worked in the bush as an equipment operator for Merle Thomas and Ed Cullum Logging, as well as other logging outfits. He also worked for a short time for Cariboo Pulp and Paper. For the past 28 years Bob had been employed at West Fraser Mills where he held various jobs and recently spent most workdays unloading logging trucks.
Bob spent six years as an ambulance attendant and continued working as a first aid attendant for West Fraser Mills for almost 25 years.
Bob loved most sports and spent many years coaching. He started coaching minor ball and then continued with his children’s sports; minor hockey, girls softball, volleyball, basketball, bowling and soccer. Bob played rep hockey from the time he was a little boy. Hockey was definitely one of his passions and he learned to skate about the same time he learned to walk. He played hockey until his late teens and even tried out for the Millionaires, but had to quit due to family commitments. He played fun league up until a few years ago. He was loyal to the Vancouver Canucks and in 1999 when Curtis earned a berth at the youth bowling provincials in Vancouver, he finally was able to see a Vancouver home game. For over twenty years he loved playing third base on his slow pitch team and thoroughly enjoyed his Monday night bowling with Deanie and her family.
Bob married the love of his life Deleenia (Deanie) on February 14, 1987 with their four children Natasha, Corrina, Brandy and Darren at their side. Then in 1989 Curtis was born, and their family was complete. Together Bob and Deanie raised a beautiful family, and they were both actively involved in all aspects of the kids’ lives whether it was coaching and supporting their sports, helping with their school, or just teaching by example. Bob was born to be a husband and father and his family was the most important part of his life. Anyone who was around Bob could see that he was constantly the life of the party, and whether you were 5 or 75, if you were having a conversation with him he gave you his undivided attention, like whatever you had to say was the most important thing in the world, and it was to him. He was always in a good mood and loved to joke around with family, friends and co-workers. Bob was an avid hunter and he inherited this enthusiasm from his Dad. He looked forward to every fall and faithfully sent away his limited entry, even though he rarely got a draw. Bob also loved to fish and spent many wonderful summers camping with his family and friends. His one and only big holiday was in 1997 when Deanie and him took all the kids to Disneyland. He was a big kid himself and loved the rides and attractions and vowed to get back there one day. Bob was a compassionate, hard working, loyal and honest man.
Bob is survived by his wife Deleenia (Deanie), daughters Natasha, Corrina and Brandy, sons Darren and Curtis. He is also survived by brothers Larry (Janette), Gary (Darlene) Lovell, sisters Donna (Jack Mayer), Betty (Don McKenzie) and Gail (Glen Mighton), Deanie’s parents Gerald and Marion Gordon, brother-in-law Darrell Gordon (Brandi), sisters-in-law Sherry (Ray Blackmore) and Debbie Gordon, as well numerous aunts and uncles, nieces, nephews, cousins and long-time friend Don Schroder.
Bob was predeceased by his mother Bernice in September 2005 and his father recently passed away on February 8, 2007. A largely attended memorial service was held at North Star Baptist Church on January 20 with Pastor Norm Botterill officiating. Don Schroder gave a touching eulogy in honor of his friend, which was followed by the poem “The Dash” read by Bev Faulkner and a special tribute was given by Michael Prystai. Brandy Lovell and Brandi Kimberley lovingly presented a poignant power point presentation. The tea was held at the Kersley Hall. Thank you to everyone that contributed to Curtis’s trust fund - we were so touched.
You were my best friend and though it breaks my heart I must let you go. You are behind a thin veil that I cannot see through, but one day I will lift that veil and we will soar together again,as one. Till we meet again.