Robert Leese
June 28, 2024
June 28, 2024
June 28, 2024
Our hearts are filled with sorrow as we mourn the loss of Robert, ‘Bob’ Leese (affectionately known as ‘Moose’) who passed away peacefully on Friday, June 28, 2024 at the age of 88.
Only son of Alfred and Kathleen Leese, Bob leaves behind his wife of 40 years, Nadya Leese, sister Bev Cullen (Ron), his children Grant (Kristi). Lindsay (Lee) and Jeff (Blaire),his adopted son Nolan (Fernanda), step daughter (Danene), grandchildren Amber, Zoe, Emma, and Mason, step-grandchildren Chanelle, Hudson and Brooke and great step-grandchild Gigi. Bob was predeceased by his stepson Colin, and the mother of his children Marilyn Edwards Leese.
Bob was born on February 17, 1936 in Vancouver B.C. and grew up in Hastings East where he formed lasting friendships with his pals, collectively known as the 'Beavers’ who continued to meet regularly throughout his life. He will be deeply missed by Bill, his closest friend of 75 years, with whom he shared countless fishing and wilderness adventures..
Bob graduated from Vancouver Technical School and began his lifelong career in the electrical industry. Starting as a motor winder, then an inside wireman, Bob worked at Wismer & Rawlings for 25 years. In 1980 Bob established his own company Vancouver Industrial Electric (VIE), and joined the Electrical Contractors Association. For 2 years before he retired in 2004, Bob served as the ECA President, and was later inducted into the ECA ‘Hall of Fame’. Bob will be remembered by the industry for his significant contributions to the Electrical Joint Training Committee and being integral to the launch of the Entry Level Training Program.
Bob loved shared adventures with friends and family. He was a passionate explorer and outdoor sportsman, excelling as an expert fisherman, seasoned boater, and holding a pilot’s license.
In the 60’s and 70’s he and his family traveled around the world twice, including a three-year stay in India where Bob honed his skills as a self-taught photographer. His photographs and name will live on within the University of Chicago Archives.
Bob will be remembered for his friendly, fun, can-do spirit and sense of humour, even as he faced Parkinson’s disease in recent years. Thank you to the kind caregivers and staff at Langley Lodge, who delighted in his company and called him ‘Bob the Builder’.
Bob was indeed a builder of cherished memories for all who treasured his companionship.
You are invited to leave a personal message for the family.
Bob,
life hasn’t been the same since you left us 11 days ago! I miss our visits. Now I wave to the heavens! I hope the fishing is good! Miss you tons!
love,
Kristi
xxoo
~ Kristi Searle
Bob (Uncle Moose) was seriously 'one of a kind'. He had an amazing wit about him, even last November on my last visit he was cracking jokes and laughing along like old times.
Uncle Moose was like a second father to me in many ways. He'd frequently ask me about my education and career choices, which was always followed up with encouragement and valuable advice. When I graduated from college in Washington State, Bob was there. He gave me one of the most meaningful gifts a young man could receive. It was a big, galvanised nail punched through the congrats card. In the card he wrote, 'now you have the materials for success.' At the time, I'm not sure it sunk in like he intended. A few years later, my folks supported me to go back to school. When I finished that program, Uncle Moose was there again, having made the 600km drive to help us celebrate. This time, the gift was a high quality hammer, with a thoughtful message ground into both sides. In the card, he wrote, 'Now you have the tools.' This is when the it all sunk in.
Uncle Bob wasn't an ordinary guy. He was brilliant, amazingly knowledgeable, friendly, and most of all, patient, especially when untangling a knot in his fishing gear or when trying to teach a Cooke how to tie a bowline.
Uncle Moose was a true gentleman who was always game to hit the road, ski Whistler, Cypress, Seymour, or Mt Baker, or fish the 'salt chuck', the river, or an interior lake. He caught heaps of fish over the years and was my dear Dad's (Bill's) very closest and best friends. There's few examples of a more lasting and enduring friendship, that would be the envy of most men.
Uncle Moose lead an amazing life and was a model to the rest of us. He'll be missed dearly by all who knew him.
Rest in peace ol' friend.
~ Peter Cooke
I'll remember Bob for his positive attitude and his infectious smile. He was definitely one of a kind...rest well Bob.
~ Steve