Sep 2, 1935 - Jan 13, 2018
Carl Robert "Bob" Van Kleek was called home to be with the Lord on Saturday, January 13, 2018, at the age of 82 years.
Born in Stettler on Sept. 2, 1935, Bob started school in a tiny one-room school house on the prairies with his mother as his teacher for Grades one and two. He went on to attend Grades three to twelve in Rocky Mountain House where he showed skill and promise in music and woodworking. He then took carpentry at the Southern Alberta Institute of Technology and worked for a bit in the trade, also playing saxophone with a band in his spare time. The two passions would become a big part of his life, however neither would produce a career.
He worked as the Deputy Public Trustee for the province of Alberta for thirty-six years, retiring in 1993 with an exemplary record and the respect of his peers. Over those years as the Public Trustee he became known for his big laugh and the amazing pancake breakfasts he'd host every Stampede week.
Bob was a sergeant in the King's Own Calgary Regiment Band, which is part of the forty-first Canadian Brigade Group in the third Canadian Division. He was proud to wear the uniform.
He was also a proud member of the Royal Canadian Legion Branch 284, Chapelhow.
Bob shared his talent on the saxophone with thousands over the years, playing lead sax for the Burgermeisters and the Four Aces at countless concerts and marching with the King's Own Calgary Regiment Band regularly.
When he wasn't working, playing music or crafting something in his woodshop, Bob enjoyed motor-homing with his lovely wife Faye and visiting Riley Creek, Idaho every year, where he'd take friends and family out on his boat and teach them to waterski.
Bob will be missed by his wife Faye Van Kleek; daughters and sons-in-law Christine Wood (Rob), Cathy Yeomans (Dean), Betty Segstro (Allan) and Jean Van Kleek; grandchildren Kaitlyn and Ryder Wood; and brother and sister-in-law Don Van Kleek (Jean), as well as many other family members and friends who loved him dearly.
He is predeceased by his parents Carl and Edith Van Kleek; sister Thelma Joe Dobson; and his first wife Mary Gurtler.
For those who wish to honor Bob, there will be a celebration of life held at McINNIS & HOLLOWAY (Chapel of the Bells, 2720 Centre Street North, Calgary, AB) on Monday, January 29, 2018 2:00 p.m. A reception will follow the service. All who knew Bob are welcome to attend.
Condolences may be forwarded through www.mcinnisandholloway.com.
In living memory of Bob Van Kleek, a tree will be planted at Fish Creek Provincial Park by McINNIS & HOLLOWAY FUNERAL HOMES, Chapel of the Bells, 2720 Centre Street North, Telephone: 403-276-2296.