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Robert Frank Wiggans

October 20, 2012

1932 - 2012

Passed away peacefully surrounded by his loving family in Sidney, BC on October 20, 2012. Born in Swan River, Manitoba on March 21, 1932 to Edward and Annie Wiggans. Bob grew up in Geraldton, Ontario where he learned about machinery from his father. He had many fond memories of his family’s time at Lahti’s lumber camp where Bob learned a lot more helping out at the sawmill where he taught sister Betty to drive tractor, feed the planer mill and load slabs for firewood. Bob started his career in Marine Engineering in Port Arthur, Ontario and spent time in the eastern arctic with private shipping companies. He then joined the Canadian Department of Transport, which became the Canadian Coast Guard and later spent some years ashore with Dominion Bridge Co. in Montreal, Quebec as Service Manager, Boiler Products Division, throughout North America.

Bob met the love of his life, Irene, during the winter of 1949 and they married on August 29, 1952. Bob, Irene and their two daughters, Shelly and Lori, moved to Sidney, BC in 1968 where Bob joined BC Ferries. He worked his way to the top becoming Senior Chief Engineer of the Spirit Class ships and retired in March 1994. Bob and Irene spent many happy and rewarding retirement years boating, motor-homing and travelling with friends and family. Bob was a real gentleman in the classic sense. He worked hard and selflessly to provide a good life for his family, always putting their needs before his own. Bob was there for anyone who needed him, the classic ‘go to’ guy always providing a solution or a suggestion to make things better. If the measure of a man’s success is the love of family and friends, Bob was successful beyond all measure. You will be greatly missed and lovingly remembered Bob by all whose lives you nurtured and touched. Predeceased by his father Edward, mother Annie and brother Ed Junior. Bob leaves behind his beloved wife of 60 years Irene, daughters Shelly (Dan) and Lori (Doug), seven grandchildren, ten great grandchildren and his sisters Betty and Darlene.

The family wishes to thank Dr. Kathie Koziol and the caregivers at Hospice and Saanich Peninsula Hospital. No service by request. Donations gratefully accepted to First Open Heart Society of BC, 2205 Shakespeare St., Victoria, BC V8R 4G2 or Greater Victoria Eldercare Foundation, 1454 Hillside Ave, Victoria, BC V8T 2B7.