BARWISE, Robert
October 6, 1929 - July 17, 2016
It is with overwhelming sadness we announce the sudden but peaceful passing of our Dad, Robert Barwise. Bob was born in North Vancouver and lived his childhood years in the family home on Cassiar Street in Vancouver. He loved to fish BC lakes and Fraser River bars, hunt ducks with his faithful dog Tip, and tinker with motorcycles at Trev Deeley's. Dad had a passion for motorcycles, especially his BSA. He was a member of "The 21 Rebels" motorcycle club; he and the boys spent years riding and racing and getting into mischief! From 1951-54, Dad served with NATO's 79th Field Regiment, Royal Canadian Artillery at Bergen-Belsen, Germany. Sergeant Barwise left the Army after an artillery accident shattered his ear drum, causing irreparable damage. But that didn't stop Dad from having a long, successful career as parts manager for Vulcan Automotive, and coaching little league baseball in south Vancouver. After retirement, Bob and his companion Pat spent much time at Loon Lake and together explored other corners of our province. It was also during this time Dad took up model building and wood carving, producing many award-winning decoy ducks and soapstone bears. Predeceased by his parents Charles and Phyllis, and his sister Carnie, Bob will be forever remembered by his long-term, loving partner Pat Church, his children, who were his pride and joy: Don, Curt (Sharie), Robbie (Randy) and Cam (Randi), as well as their mother Barbara (Jim), plus grand-children Donnie, Mary, C.J., Jacquelyn, Jesse, and Taylor, and nieces Barb and Erin.
Special thanks to the caring and compassionate staff at Bradley Centre, who cared for Robert the past two years.
A Celebration of Dad's life will be held on Sunday, August 28, at 1 pm at Henderson's Funeral Home in Chilliwack.
We love you, Dad. Rest in peace and keep your rod tip up.