Robert William Middlemass

Middlemass, Robert (Bob) William

June 26, 1924 – November 14, 2022

It is with great sadness that we announce Bob’s passing at the age of 98 at Wexford Creek Seniors Home. Bob was “the last man standing” among his friends and WWII flight crews. He was a wonderful father to Laurie and Janice (Dave). Bob will be remembered always with love as a special Papa to Rob, Will (Katie), Cindy, Jennifer (Sean), Catherine and Andrea (Rich) as well as Great Grandpa to Lois, Andrew, Ella, and Lily.

Predeceased by his high school sweetheart and loving wife of 68 years Ruth, sister Dorothy and nephew Scott. Bob is remembered by his sister Gladys, nephew Gary (Donna) and niece Gail (Ron).

After growing up in Edmonton, Bob joined the RCAF in WW2 and was stationed in Wickenby, England with the 12th Squadron. He flew 18 missions as a mid-upper gunner with his first crew and then developed pneumonia. While recuperating in Edinburgh, Scotland, his crew was shot down with the only survivor, the pilot becoming a POW. After recovering, Bob joined a second crew and did 22 missions with them. He stayed in touch with the crew particularly on Remembrance Day every year.

After the War, Bob and Ruth moved to Vancouver and then to Nanaimo in 1949. They lived for 50 years beside the river in Cedar. As well as renovating the house, Bob loved swimming in the Nanaimo River and fishing from his boat anywhere on the Island. Ruth and Bob bought a RV and really enjoyed travelling across Canada four times visiting friends and relatives. For ten years, they spent winters in Yuma, Arizona.

Bob was a salesman for Marshall Wells Hardware, the manager of Townsite Hardware and later travelled the Island as an independent salesman. As well as being able to fix anything, Bob coached hockey, curled, belonged to the Owls Club, Legion 256, 808 Wing Thunderbirds, ACT, and helped form Cedar Waterworks and Tillicum Haus.

Special thanks to close friends Colin Fraser and Dave Towns, Mia and Chris of Nexgen Hearing, Maria at Pharmasave, Dr C. Collins, Dr M. Ferg and staff.

At his request, no service will be held. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Vancouver Island Military Museum, 100 Cameron Rd, Nanaimo, V9R 0C8 in Bob’s name.