Robert Thomas Summers
March 1st, 2021
Bob, the youngest of 9 siblings, was born in Vancouver in 1924. He lived most of his life in Vancouver, Richmond, and Tsawwassen, with a brief period in Calgary during WW2, where he met his wife of 68 years, Mary Eleanor Wyckoff. They married in Vancouver in 1946. He trained as a wireless operator before going to Britain. The war ended before his first assignment. On returning home he worked with Van. General Hospital's purchasing department. Most of his career was as a purchasing agent or office manager for scientific supply companies. For his final job he started a hospital group-purchasing program for the BC Hospital Assoc.
During the early years he and Eleanor lived on Sea Island where they raised their family. They loved outdoor activities like hiking, canoeing and family camping trips, and Bob was heavily involved in Scouting, finally becoming a Richmond Dist. Commissioner. In later years they enjoyed travelling; their many trips included 3 memorable trips to Australia to visit Eleanor’s distant cousins, and 2 to the UK tracing his family roots. Two years after Eleanor's death in 2014, Bob moved into independent living in Tsawwassen. A street accident on his scooter in late 2019 began a slow decline, and he ultimately passed as a direct result of isolation policies to address the Covid-19 pandemic.
Bob is survived by sons Ken (Gail) and Steve, Grandchildren Cara-lyn (Garrett) Field and Jered (Robyn), great grandchildren Kaileen and Bryn Field, and brother-in-law Ron (Toni) Wyckoff. He was predeceased by his sister Florence, brothers Ernie, Dick, John, and Ted and half siblings Evelyn, Philip, and William.
A memorial will be planned at a future post pandemic date. In lieu of flowers, donations can be sent to the Delta Hospital Auxiliary, or the Union Gospel Mission.
You are invited to leave a personal message of condolence for the family.
Messages:
My thoughts and prayers are with you. I have such wonderful memories of Uncle Bob, he was so gentle and kind. I love to hear about your parents adventures and love for the outdoors.
I was sorry to hear of Mr. Summers passing. He was one of my scout masters. He was always a calm and thoughtful person. I didn't realize it at the time, but he was a roll model for young people to follow. A very fond memory is of a hike from Indian Arm to Squamish that he organized and guided us. Go in peace.
My sincerest condolences to Bob's family and especially to his two sons whom he referenced on occasion in our conversations. I knew Bob while he attended the gym at Winskill Aquatic Centre and we developed a warm regard for each other. He always inspired me with his congenial and open friendly manner. He possessed an easy sense of humor which I will always remember with fondness and admiration. I lost touch with him soon after he moved into Waterford Retirement Centre, as I was unable to visit him. Although each time I passed by the Centre I quietly sent him warm wishes. Blessings!
My condolences to Ken and his family, to Steve and to Ron and his family. I will treasure the many wonderful family gatherings with my Aunt Eleanor and Uncle Bob, and appreciate their dedicated research into our family history. I enjoyed visiting their home and their garden was always so beautiful. Blessings, comfort and peace.
The body gets older, parts fail, some abandon the duty but memories persist. As I raise my dram of memorial Scotch I can best recall those terrific times led by, and had with, Scouter Bob Summers. In my youth those were such enjoyable times. My deepest condolences to Bob’s extended family. (Ken, as a favour, please let me know of the time/date and place of any future memorial affair so I can attend and see off a WWII veteran, an esteemed Cora Brown resident and one of my dedicated Scout leaders.
I will always remember him as the kindest of men, and dutiful husband to his wife Eleanor. I appreciated his good wit when I had the chance to chat with him when he visited his wife. I am very sorry to just hear of his passing and my condolences to the family.