Bob passed away at Heritage Village, Chilliwack, September 10, 2008.
He is survived by his partner, Betty Young; and sons: Ken (Blanche) and Jack (Jas); and daughters: Margery (Bob) and Eleanor (Jon).
He leaves behind grandchildren: Pam (Igor), Alex (Holly), Jessie (Paul), Jake, Marisa, David, Carrie, Christina, Kaley, Kelsey, Michael, Rhian; and great-grandchildren: Isaac, Marguerite and Dexter.
He was predeceased by Joyce, his wife of 50 years, in 1999.
Bob was born April 20, 1923, in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, to George Arthur Cruise, K.C., and Marion Bruce Cruise (nee Pettit).
He was predeceased by sisters Kathleen, Margery and Eleanor, and brothers Harold, George and William.
He attended Nutana Collegiate. During the war years he served in the RCAF, later attending the University of Saskatchewan, and UBC, and attained his Bachelor of Arts in 1950, later his Bachelor of Education.
His first years of teaching were in Elstow, Saskatchewan, and Arrow Park, B.C. He taught English at Chilliwack Senior Secondary from 1956 - 1964, and at Prince Rupert Secondary 1964 - 1966, later at Tweed-Hungerford District High School and Centre Hastings Secondary School. He loved his subject, and was known for his ability to quote passages from Shakespeare and many poems. He was active in the CCF, later in the NDP, acting as Campaign Manager for CCF candidate Mac Tetlock in Chilliwack in 1960.
Bob was an avid bridge player, winning the Pacific Northwest Bridge Championship with Frank Thompson in 1964, qualifying as a Junior Master.
Bob inspired his children to careers involving post-secondary education and professional careers, but above all he is remembered for his love of song, poetry and literature. He was a prolific reader most of his life, an interest he shared with his wife Joyce. Both were openly accepting of others regardless of religious, ethnic or cultural background, and in their support of humanitarian causes.
Bob will also be remembered by many of his students through the years.
As he wished, there is to be no funeral. A small memorial will be held at the Royal Canadian Legion Sept.r 27, 2008, 11:00 - 12:00 noon.
In lieu of flowers donations may be made to United Way charities.