Selby; Robert Newton
With heavy hearts we announce the passing of Robert Newton Selby on August 16, 2015. He died peacefully at Chilliwack General Hospital, surrounded by the warmth of family and friends.
Robert was born July 20, 1927 in Regina, Saskatchewan, son of George and Marian Selby. He was raised and schooled in the Grand Coulee area. His varied work history says much about how curious he was, and how willing to explore and change. He worked on neighbouring farms until he enlisted in the Canadian Army in 1944, where he completed his basic and advanced training. In 1945 he joined the paratroopers but VJ day ended his military career. He attended Veteran’s Training School in Moose Jaw in 1946 where he took motor mechanics, welding and blacksmithing. With these accumulated skills Bob worked for the CNR and the Prince George Railway for 20 years. He then turned his efforts to contracting and gold mining, followed by a stint as pitchman for show and fairs across the USA. He was a public speaker, self-educated in many areas of life and learning. He retired in 1983, and lived latterly at Cascade Manor in Chilliwack. Bob regaled everyone with his jokes, and he was always able to see the humour in any situation. He had a ready wit and an equally ready laugh, bringing joy to many lives. He will be sadly missed by wife Alice, daughter Cathy (Tom), sons Bill and Frank, and grandchildren Alison, Marie, Grant, Jeremy and Hannah.