July 6, 2018
Bob Corley lived a full and rewarding life. He passed away peacefully on Friday, July 6, 2018, surrounded by family. In his final week - and in typical fashion - his focus was on his family and friends, and the memories they had made together over the years.
A teacher in his pre-RCMP life, his last lesson to family was how to accept the inevitable close of the cycle of life and make this final transition with courage, grace and dignity.
The youngest of 5 boys, Bob was raised in Nipawin and Wapella, Saskatchewan. In 1952, after a short time teaching school, he joined the RCMP. Following training in Regina, he was posted to BC where he served in Burnaby, Cloverdale and Prince Rupert. There, he met and fell in love with his wife of the last 63 years, Marie Barbara Corley (nee: Murphy). In 1958, they transferred to Ottawa and in 1967, they took their young family west to Winnipeg and then Brandon, Manitoba. In 1978, they returned to BC, first to Prince George where Bob was the Superintendent responsible for the RCMP. In 1983, he and Barb made their final move to Chilliwack, where Bob was the Officer Commanding, Chilliwack Sub-Division.
Throughout his life, Bob was involved with his community. For several years in the 1970's he served as the RCMP Aide-de-Camp to successive Lieutenant Governors of Manitoba. He also worked tirelessly on many church and community projects, including as a Rotarian. He served as President, Rotary Club of Chilliwack-Fraser and on the Board of Chilliwack Community Services.
His greatest passions were his family, golf and travel. Over the years, he and Barb travelled North America, exploring and making new friends along the way. One trip in 2000 took them to La Manzanilla, Mexico. They fell in love with the area and the people. For the next 14 years, it became their winter home. After a few years hiatus, they returned in 2017 and enjoyed seeing old friends and taking in the area's beauty one last time.
Bob is survived by his loving wife and best friend, Barb; his three children, Cal (Eva), Shane (Dayna) and Kim Riddell (Bill); his six grandchildren, Kristen, Dale, Sarah, Lee, Katherine and Paige; and five great-grandchildren - Claire, Natalie, James, Tyler and Nicholas.
A celebration of Bob's life will be held at the Chilliwack Golf & Country Club on Tuesday, August 28, 2018 between 2 and 5 p.m.
If so inclined, please consider a donation to either the Chilliwack Hospice Society or Chilliwack Community Services, both of which Bob spent countless hours supporting as a volunteer. Online condolences may be offered at www.woodlawn-mtcheam.ca
Woodlawn Mt. Cheam Funeral Home