DOBSON, William Robert

 

DOBSON, Brigadier General William Robert, OMM, CD (retired)

Bob (Dobber), from Moose Jaw Saskatchewan, slipped the surly bounds of earth and kissed the face of God on January 27, 2010 in his 76th year with family by his side.? He was predeceased by his parents Elsie (Barr) and Cyril, brother Clark, sister Wilma and first wife Betty (nee Burns).? He is survived by his wife Pearl (nee Davis),? brother Blair (Pat), sister in-law Arlene, brother in-law Dick,? children David (Judy), Danna (Chris Eggink), Dalyce (John Degraag), Douglas (Gail Clarkson), and Deirdre (Craig Coburn), his grand children Delaney, Duncan and Devon and numerous nieces and nephews. He actually leaves behind an extended family, including the friends of Bill W., as Bob touched the hearts and lives of many throughout his life and those of his family, within both the military and civilian communities he lived.

His creativity and sense of humour charmed many, calmed crises, was a welcome distraction at many events and resulted in lasting friendships across the world.? In addition to a joke or story, Bob was capable of knocking off a poem or a limerick on many occasions. Growing up, Bob was a resourceful youth, always having a job or two to put money in his pocket.? His eclectic work experiences created a very unique man with a vision for his future.?

Bob joined the R.C.A.F in 1956 and completed his pilot training in Moose Jaw Sask. in 1957.? He was a pilot, keen to fly, with a natural talent to lead, inspire, mentor and teach.? He instructed on Harvards and Expeditors at the R.C.A.F Station, Moose Jaw until 1963; spending 1961 flying with the Golden Hawks and the next two years flying with the Harvard Aerobatic Team. Bob?s skills and leadership talents were recognized early as he was posted to Ottawa as the Tutor Project Officer working on the construction of the CT114 Jet Trainer (Snow Bird airplane).? In 1966, Bob was promoted to Sqn Leader and attended Cdn Forces Staff School in Toronto as a member of the first integrated (army air force and navy) College Course.? Bob was posted to Cold Lake in 1968 to complete 104 pilot training before being posted to Baden Germany to fly the jets fulltime with 422 and 441 Sqns.? When Bob was promoted to Lieutenant Colonel, he and his family were posted back to Cold Lake Alberta for a three year term as Base Operations Officer, before being posted to Petawawa as Commander 427 Tactical Helicopter Squadron. Bob had a tour in Borden and 10 TAG (St Hubert, PQ) and a wonderful three year term as Base Commander CFB Comox, BC before heading to NDHQ in Ottawa to fly a ?mahogany bomber? fulltime until retirement as Director General of Force Development (1984-1991).?

During this final posting, Bob had the privilege of representing Canada and the Canadian Forces on several significant international committees, within Canada and abroad. For example the Strategic Arms Limitation Talks (SALT). As busy as Bob was with school or work, he always found time for fun, family and friends throughout his life.? He had a knack for theatre, including time with the Regina Little Theatre, before he joined the military.? Bob rarely turned down an opportunity to participate in skits or plays.? Hobbies?? Where to start; hunting, fishing, golfing, cooking, crossword puzzles, reading, taking the stage to tell a joke or three whenever he could, and sports with his children, for starters. His children were proud to brag on his behalf about his time with the Saskatchewan Roughriders!? In addition to sports, he was very supportive of his family getting engaged in the community and the church where they lived.

After retiring from the military, Bob?s consulting company B.I.S.I facilitated his continued connections with military projects (e.g., Project 2010) as well as work within the academic community, with robotics experts, future-focused projects, Club of Rome and the transportation industry.? Even in this role he continued to lead, inspire, mentor, entertain with his contagious sense of humour and encourage his friends, colleagues and family to work towards the perfect work-life balance. We have lost an inspiring man, a dedicated mentor, a loving father and husband, a loyal friend and a creative soul. A memorial service will take place at Divine Infant Catholic Church, 6658 Bilberry Street, Orleans on Friday February 4th at 1 p.m.? The family will receive guests in the church hall following the service to share stories and memories. In memoriam, donations to the Ottawa General Hospital or the Champlain Community Care Access Centre are appreciated. An e-condolences guest book has been set up online with the Ottawa Citizen and other personal emails can be sent to the family using Dobberdidit@gmail.com.

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