Robert Francis Lovell

   It is with incredible sadness that we announce the passing of Robert Lovell at the Crowsnest Pass Continuing Care Centre on February 5, 2016 at the age of 86 years.

   Bob was born in Lamont, AB on February 12, 1929 to proud parents, Louise and Hubert Lovell.  He received his education in Tofield, AB and then, upon graduating from Tofield High School, attended the University of Alberta for a year before moving on to pursue a career in Warehouse Management.  Bob began his apprenticeship at International Harvester in Calgary in 1950, and received his diploma in 1955. 

   While on a flying trip to Edmonton with school chum, Dick Warner, Bob met Helen Hreniuk who roomed with Dick’s girlfriend.  It was love at first sight, and after an eight-month romance via Greyhound Bus, Bob won Helen’s heart.  The happy couple married on May 29, 1954 and began their life together.  In 1956, Bob accepted the position of Parts Manager at B.C. Equipment in Prince George, B.C. and moved his young family there.  In September 1958 they relocated to Edmonton, AB where Bob was General Parts Manager with Industrial and Road Equipment, and in 1962 they moved to Cassiar, B.C. so he could work as Warehouse Manager for Cassiar Asbestos Corporation.  There, he was promoted to Superintendant of Warehousing in 1966.  In 1968, Bob transferred to Clinton Creek Asbestos Mine ninety miles north of Dawson City, YT.  The growing family moved to Ashcroft, B.C. in 1971 to have access to better schooling, and Bob was hired by the O.K. Syndicate copper, silver and gold mine.  The family made Coleman their home from 1973 until 1976 while Bob was the Manager of Purchasing and warehousing for Coleman Collieries.  At this time, the position of Purchasing Superintendant at Afton Mines near Kamloops, B.C. caused the family to relocate again.  He remained with Afton until his retirement in 1992, when he and Helen settled in Summerland, B.C.  A highlight of their retirement was a cross-Canada trip in their holiday trailer that began on May 1, 1992.

   Throughout his life, Bob enjoyed woodcarving, camping, fly-fishing, curling and, in his later years, golfing.  He was also a prolific writer and dabbled in the stock market for fun.  Beginning in 1937 as a Cub Scout, Bob was very active in the Boy Scouts.  Over he years, he held various positions within the organization from Scoutmaster to District Scoutmaster.  His dedication to community was also evident by his longtime involvement with Lions Clubs International and the United Church.  Above all else, Bob treasured his family, and he instilled in them the value of a proper education and taught them to never take each other for granted.  He was a hardworking, patient and compassionate man whose mischievous sense of humour and positive outlook on life will be greatly missed and forever remembered.

   Left to mourn his passing and celebrate his life are his children, Robert Randolph Lovell (Bev Down) of Calgary, AB, June (Tony) Vastenhout of Blairmore, AB, Judy (Gord) Hamilton of Chetwynd, BC and Susan Lovell (Shawn Land) of Dawson Creek, BC; his son-in-law, Regan Petty of Calgary, AB; his grandchildren, Bradley (Erin) Lovell, Jesse Lovell, Jody (Ryan) Peebles, Adam (Kelly) Vastenhout, Jeff (Lisa) Vastenhout, Samantha (Stefan) Hamilton, Kelly Hamilton, Ryan Petty, Mitchell Petty and Hope Land; his great grandchildren, Ella, Tegan and Mason; numerous nieces, nephews and extended family; as well as the many friends he made throughout his life.

   He was predeceased by his wife, Helen; his parents, Louise and Hubert; his daughter, Janet Petty; his brother, Alfred Lovell; and his sister, Jeanne Cousins.

   With respect for Bob’s wishes, no funeral service will be held.  In lieu of flowers, memorial donations will be gratefully accepted by the Alzheimer’s Society of Alberta & NWT (#402, 740 – 4 Ave. S., Lethbridge, AB T1J 0N9).  Condolences may be registered at www.fantinsfuneralchapel.ca. 

Fantin’s Funeral Chapel entrusted with the arrangements.  (403) 562-8555

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