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In memory of those who have Crossed the Bar
RUSSELL, Robert William (Bob) - It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of our beloved Robert (Bob) William Russell on December 14, 2025, in Victoria, British Columbia. Bob was a loving husband, father, grandfather and friend. He is survived by his wife Marion, son Tim, daughters Jennifer and Janice, grandchildren Ryan, Scott and Erin, nieces and nephews. His brother Donald passed away just a few days after Bob.
Bob was born on February 28, 1935, in Calgary and raised in Lethbridge, Alberta. After he moved to Victoria in early adulthood, he met and married Marion in 1959. Bob fulfilled 22 years of tenured service with the Canadian Forces from 1956 to 1978, taking his family across Canada and to London, England, before returning to Victoria and making it their permanent home. Bob was a surviving member of the October 23, 1969, HMCS Kootenay accident, in which an explosion on the ship resulted in several deaths and many more injuries. Bob and other surviving members were honoured at the Esquimalt Memorial Park Cenotaph in 2022 for their tremendous actions that day. An accomplished Chartered Professional Accountant and Certified General Accountant, Bob worked for the Government of British Columbia until his retirement.
Those who knew and loved Bob were fortunate to witness his kind and warm-hearted nature, witty sense of humour, and unwavering resilience to all that life handed him. Loved ones cherish the stories he shared about his early life, tales from work and many other adventures.
Family and friends were incredibly fortunate to attend a 90th birthday party to celebrate Bob in early 2025. True to Bob's humble nature, a private celebration of life will be held in the family home with those closest to him in attendance. He will always be deeply loved and forever missed. (The Victoria Times Colonist 17 Jan 2026)
Ships served in: HMCS KOOTENAY - Bob was serving in KOOTENAY as a Petty Officer 2nd Class Pay Writer at the time of the explosion.
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