1920 – 2015
Bob was born Sep. 6, 1920 in Victoria, BC third child to Frank and Minnie Lea. He died peacefully in Campbell River Nov. 12, 2015. Bub was predeceased by his wife Bunty, daughter Linda, son Bill, sister Thelma, brother Dan and grandson in-law Darren. Lovingly remembered by his daughter Barb (Gary) and his grandchildren Eric (Linda), Kris, Teresa (Colin), Keith, Adam, Chad (Alida), Pam (Stefan), Tricia, Rachel (Chris), Beth and numerous great grandchildren which meant the world to him.
Bob grew up in Jordan River. Bob was always eager to keep up with his older brother Dan, thus he started working at a very young age in logging camps. At seventeen he finally got his first “real job” working as a deckhand and mate on “The Solander” from 1938 – 1941 towing out of Nitinat Lake and Port Renfrew.
Bunty and Bob met and were married at a very young age starting their married life in Victoria and then moving to Vancouver in 1954. It was during this time that Bob served as a petty officer in the RCNR Royal Canadian Navy Reserve from 1942 – 1944 on various ships engaged in BC Coastal Patrols.
In 1944 Bob with his brother Dan bought the tug “The Solander”. The Lea brothers operated her as a fish packer running out of Klemtu and Sooke harbor until 1952 when it was refitted for towing and worked the coast for Bute towing and Vancouver tug until sold in 1967.
Bob and Dan moved their families from Vancouver to Gold River where they operated Seaspan Nootka Sound Division until retirement in 1985.
Bob and Bunty enjoyed many years living in their home on the Chemainus River which they bought in 1977. The grandchildren have wonderful memories of summers there. After Mom passed away in 1984 Dad stayed in their home for many years and then moved to Ladysmith. In 2005 Dad made his final move to Campbell River where he enjoyed his coveted ocean view.
Bob was one of the founding members of the Ancient Mariners, in Ladysmith. He was interviewed and featured in the Western Mariner sharing his memories of working the West Coast.
Bob loved his life, his family and friends. He got so much joy out of sharing his funny and entertaining stories of his many adventures. We could never get enough of his stories. Always begging for more.
He will be sadly missed and never forgotten.
A Celebration of Bob’s life will be held in the summer of 2016. For information please email gberube53@hotmail.com