born January 31, 1918 in Broxburn, Scotland passed away peacefully June 10, 2004 at the Pines Care Home at the age of 86. Predeceased by his loving wife Margaret in 1989 and his beloved son Malcolm in 1992. Robert leaves to cherish his memory son Scotty (Adrianne) of Burns Lake and daughter Sheena (Doug) of White Rock; grandchildren Bryan, Douglas, Kamla, Angela, Kyle, Melissa and Christopher as well as great-grandchildren Kristin, Ashleigh, Alexander and Caitlyn. Robert, Margaret and young son Bobby immigrated to Canada in 1948 travelling by boat from Southampton, England to Halifax, Nova Scotia then taking the train across Canada to Prince Rupert, B. C. Robert was employed as a butcher for Sheardowns in Prince Rupert for three years before moving to Burns Lake in 1952 where he was manager of Sheardowns. It wasn‚t long before Robert & Margaret opened their own grocery store B & M Market, a small store opposite the Omineca Cafe. In 1959 Robert & Margaret opened a much bigger store, B & M Shop Easy, a division of Kelly Douglas. Robert was a talented and honest businessman and his grocery business flourished until he retired in 1974. Robert and Margaret then moved south to enjoy the warmer temperatures of White Rock, B.C.
Robert was a member of the Freemasons for over 50 years, in fact he was one of the original founding members of the Burns Lake chapter. Robert enjoyed his retirement years, traveling to South Africa, Great Britain, Hawaii and many locations in the United States. A massive stroke in 1981 left him paralyzed and dependent on a wheelchair. In 1992 when The Pines Care Home opened Robert returned to Burns Lake. As "President" at The Pines Robert was very active in community outings, making sure every new resident felt welcome and acted as spokesperson when special guests were in attendance. Robert spent endless hours listening to music. He so enjoyed the many performances of the Old Time Fiddler‚s, Margaret Long‚s Sing-a-Long Group or any other group that should share their gift of music with the residents of The Pines.
Robert was an inspiration to all, always thankful for each and every day. Robert will always be known for his generosity, kindness, honesty, strength and his strong Christian faith. "I had a good life, weep not that I have died, but rejoice that I have lived"