Ramsden, Robert (Bob) Bruce
March 31, 1940 ~ August 7, 2009
Bob Ramsden passed away peacefully, with his family by his side, in the Palliative Care Unit at Nanaimo Regional General Hospital at 1:00 pm on August 7, 2009. Bob was born to Cec and Bess Ramsden in Nelson, BC, who predeceased him in 1999 and 2002, respectively. Bob grew up in Nelson and married his wife Brenda in 1963. Together, they relocated to Nanaimo in 1966 where they have happily lived ever since.
Bob was an offset printing pressman, by trade, working at the Nelson Daily News (Nelson), the Queen’s Printer (Victoria), and Gateway Printing (Nanaimo). Starting in 1967, he owned and operated BeeJay’s Cards and Gifts in Nanaimo, Victoria and Courtenay. He also briefly became a railroad brakeman in the mid-1980’s. Bob was in the lottery business, at first as part of his card shop, and later in the standalone lottery booth, which he ran until his retirement in January 2008. Bob will be remembered for being “Mr. Lotto” at Harbour Park (Port Place) Mall, where he was able to socialize with all of his good friends and regular customers.
Bob’s greatest love was railroading. He spent many countless hours chasing trains, taking pictures, and working on his models and indoor and outdoor model layouts. He made many great friends through this hobby. In recent years, Bob also loved going to Canucks games in Vancouver and cheering on the team with his son at his side. Bob also enjoyed decorating his house in Cilaire at Christmas time. The neighbours always knew the holidays were getting close when Bob was outside decorating. His displays brought great joy and wonderment to many people.
Bob is survived by his wife, Brenda; his son, Leigh and daughter-in-law, Leslie (Vancouver); his sister, Diane and brother-in-law, Joey Smith (Victoria); his uncle, Bert and family (Victoria); his aunt, Eleanor and family (Toronto); his cousin, Bill and wife, Rowena (Nelson); and two large Alberta families, the Laidlaws and the Scotts. He is also survived by his surrogate son, Ed Carpenter, and grandchildren, Hayden and Holly. Bob leaves behind Brenda’s relatives in Nelson and Cranbrook, BC and Newport, Nova Scotia.
Bob loved all animals, and dogs in particular. Bob has had many pet dachshunds, and was a generous supporter of the SPCA. Bob leaves behind his two dogs, Kirk and Rudy.
Bob touched many lives and was loved by those he knew. He was a very kind and giving man, especially towards his family, and always loved and supported them in any way he could.
A Celebration of his life will be held at 1:00 pm, August 15, 2009 at Sands Funeral Chapel, 1 Newcastle Avenue, Nanaimo, BC. In lieu of flowers, please donate to the Canadian Cancer Society, the Palliative Care Unit at NRGH, or the SPCA.