March 19, 1943 - January 19, 2022
In loving memory ~
It is with great solace that we announce the sudden passing of Robert (Bob) Gordon Milburn. He passed away with his family at his side on January 19, 2022, at the age of 78. Bob was born in New Westminster on March 19, 1943. He spent much of his youth with the Gatehouse family in Chinook Cove, and spent a 5 year period in Arizona from ages 11-16. Bob made the permanent move to Barriere at the age of 16. He graduated from Barriere Secondary in 1964, where he met the love of his life, Jane Proulx. After graduation he went into the workforce taking jobs as a logger, a sawmill worker and as a farmhand.
Eventually, he began a 35-year career as a custodian at both Barriere Elementary and Secondary schools. Moving his job, he was able to make many strong relationships with staff and students; always eager to laugh, tease and have fun with anyone that was willing to engage.
Family was his greatest treasure, especially his seven grandkids. Always their biggest supporters at Hockey, Basketball, Soccer, Volleyball, Piano recitals, Christmas concerts or Martial Arts. At the cabin on East Barriere Lake he could be found playing crib, taking naps on the deck, or enjoying a beverage.
Bob had a passion for sport. He had the pleasure to coach all three of his children in fastball through Barriere Minor Ball. He was involved in the Barriere Horseshoe club, played slow pitch, was an active member of the Barriere Curling Club and Seniors Carpet Bowling.
He was an original member of Chinook Cove Golf Course. It was a place where he was able to have fun with his friends and family. His love for sport was witnessed when he watched his grandson's play hockey. He always enjoyed watching the game, but the tailgate gatherings in between the periods is where he was able to enjoy conversations with the parent group and talk strategy for the upcoming period.
Bob enjoyed traveling with Jane on cruises to Alaska, Scotland and the Panama Canal as well as the Grand Ole Opry in Nashville. He flew to Hockey tournaments in the east and with friends to the sunny golf courses in the south. One of his most memorable trips was taking all his children and grandchildren to Disneyland and Mexico in 2018.
Bob was involved in the community of Barriere as an active member of Chinook Cove Golf Club, Barriere Curling Club, Barriere Senior Society, North Thompson Fall Fair and Royal Canadian Legion Branch 242.
Bob was predeceased by his parents, Robert (Autumn) Milburn and Marie Catherine Kamemerle, as well as John, Bella, Jesse, and Danny Proulx. He is survived by his wife of 56 years, Jane. His children Kathy {Kevin), Owen (Charlene) and Andy (Pam). His Grandchildren Matthew, Brendan, Connor, Reagan, Brady, Jocelyn, and Bethann. His siblings and sibling- in-laws, Janefte, Elizabeth, Aicide, Sandy (Rita), Johnny, Heather, Christine, and Marlene (Ron) plus his many nieces and nephews.
Donations in Bob's memory can be made out to Cancer Research, at BC Cancer Foundation 15-686 W. Broadway, Vancouver BC, VSZ 1G1 or Royal Canadian Legion Branch 242, Box 122 Barriere BCVOE 1E0.