Tribute

STEWART, Robert Carlile, aged 84 years, passed away in Powell River on November 15, 2021. He is survived by his wife Michael; daughter Meghan (William); son Cameron; and grandchildren Osa, Raven, Kyra, Cedar, James and Devon, who knew him as Bampa.

Bob was born in Vancouver and attended University Hill School. During his teenage years he worked as a Deckhand and Shipwright’s Helper at Vancouver Tug and Vancouver Shipyards Co, where he accumulated 18 months of sea time. Rob attended the University of British Columbia where he was in the Alpha Delta Pi Fraternity. He spent a term in Amsterdam, Holland working in the Marine Division of the Export Research Department of Stork-Werkspoor. Inheriting his forefathers’ love for boats, he left UBC to become a Marine Superintendent/Barge Loader for Ideal Cement on Texada Island. He worked as an Apprentice Shipbroker/Chartering Clerk for Tatham Bromage in England. He came away from this overseas experience with lifelong friends, scars from the rugby field (some of which cannot be discussed publicly), and many stories that captivated entire dinner tables. Returning to Canada, he began his work at Westward Shipping in Vancouver as a Ship’s Agent, Charting Agent and a Ship’s Husband and then in Montreal he worked as a Manager of Marine Sales for Stork-Werkspoor. Back in Vancouver, Rob worked his way through the ranks of Vancouver Tug and Seaspan International, ending his career as Vice President of Marine Operations of Seaspan. Rob played rugby for UBC, The Rowing Club and London Scottish. He continued to support rugby in Vancouver in retirement, and was proud to see two of his grandsons playing for the Capilano Rugby Football Club. Rob was a longtime member at the RVYC, where he raced boats big and small. Whether it was sailing Bung, taking trips with the Imperial Coal Harbour Yacht Squadron (ICHYS) or boating with his family on the John Antle, Burst or Sonsy, Rob was in his element on the water.

Rob valued his friends and family, near and far. He loved to discuss life and tugboats. He was always ready to pour a dram for company or with his good friends at Boys’ Club. He kept in touch with distant friends and colleagues by phone, sharing his humour and life’s philosophies. He took pride in his grandchildren as they grew and found their own passions in sailing, music, art, writing, rugby, woodworking, and metal art.

Rob retired to Lang Bay in 2001. He became active in the community, volunteering with the PR Economic Development Society, PR Community Futures, and Powell River Community Forest. With many celebrations, Rob was infamous for wearing his kilt and Scottish regalia. We know many of you will raise a glass to this memory.