August 13, 1936 - October 1, 2020
In Loving Memory Robert Grant Whipps.
Bob joined the Canadian Armed Forces in April of 1952 and served in Korea until March 1953 when he was found underage and was returned to Canada. He re-enlisted in the Canadian Army again in May of 1956 and served a tour with International Commission of Control and Supervision Service (Vietnam) and a United Nations Mission with United Nations Forces in Cypress.
When he was stationed in Germany he met and married, Ericka (Ann) in October 1959. They then sailed across the Atlantic Ocean from Germany to Canada on the SS Rijndam with their firstborn son Mike.
They were stationed at CFB Petawawa, CFB Cobourg and CFB Trenton Ontario from 1969-1977 inclusive. Bob was last stationed to CFS Baldy Hughes, Prince George BC from 1977 until his retirement in 1981.
Bob and Ann where married for 44 years until Ann's passing October 7th, 2004. They have three children, Mike, Dena & Peter.
He was with the Canadian Guards 2nd Battalion from 1957-1981. Bob was also a UN Peacekeeper. Liaison Officer UN Command Seoul Korea 1974- 1975.
He was also a Scout Leader with the Boy Scouts of Canada 1977- 1988. Member of the (IPRA) Interior Pony Racing Association in Prince George. He was their official Whipper Inner. He was also involved with the cadets in Prince George. Bob was a CIC Officer with #158 RCSCC Grizzly.
He loved to go camping, fishing & hunting. His biggest hobby was carpentry. He loved to tinker with and build things. He was a jack of all trades. He was also well known for his groaner jokes, which he used frequently as chairman of many meetings.
He was a proud life member (50+ years) with the Royal Canadian Legion, being President of both the Prince George and Burns Lake Branch. He also served several terms as Zone Commander for Central BC Zone and also served as their chairman.
In 2007 Bob met Marie Darter and was instantly smitten. After a whirlwind romance they married on August 1, 2009 at The Blue Grass Grounds, Francois Lake, BC.
Bob & Marie travelled together to music festivals, Legion conventions and to visit family and friends. They were joined at the hip and inseparable until Bob was admitted to the Pines and then Marie's passing on July 1, 2020.
Bob was a mentor and has touched the lives of so many people. His legacy will live on. He will be deeply missed by all, especially by his children: Mike Whipps (Sylvia), Dena Whipps & Peter Whipps (Susan).
Grandchildren: Rob, James (Andrea), Kyle (Brianna) & Devin. Great Grandchildren: Gavyn, Serena, Dante, Leia & Ryley.
Extended family - the Darters: Frank, Chantel, Jessica, Danielle, Brandon & Lauren.
Due to COVID, a small service was held at the Burns Lake Cemetery where Bob was laid to rest with Marie and his first wife Ann.