OGSTON, Robert Davidson (Bob)
Passed away peacefully and surrounded by his family on May 29, 2013 at the age of 77 following a brief battle with cancer. Bob is forever lovingly remembered by daughter Arlene; son David (Debbie), granddaughter Hailey; daughter Rhona (Patrick), grandchildren Duncan, Maya, and Joshua; former wife Moira; sister Mary, nieces, nephew and cousins in Scotland; and by many friends and former colleagues in Canada, Scotland, and Australia. Bob was born in Aberdeen, Scotland, on May 8, 1936.
Following education in Aberdeenshire and Perthshire, Bob went on to complete studies in marine engineering in Aberdeen, which was followed by six years with Clan Line as an engineer.
Following marriage in 1962, Bob returned to school where he completed his chief engineer certification and sailed in that capacity with Burns and Laird, plying the waters between Scotland and Ireland for three years.
In 1967, BC Ferry Corporation beckoned, and Bob, Moira and their young family set out for the West Coast of Canada. In 1969, Bob became chief engineer, serving on the many vessels in the fleet for 18 years. The position of superintendent engineer at Horseshoe Bay followed. In the latter years of his career, Bob served as assistant vice- president (engineering) with the BC Ferry Corporation in Victoria.
A motorcycle enthusiast all his life, riding and restoring vintage motorcycles became his full-time hobby in retirement, and he was a founding member of "The Mount Benson Motor Cycle Enthusiasts," where he was known and appreciated for his knowledge and legendary willingness to lend a hand. In lieu of flowers, donations in Bob's name may be made to The Palliative Care Unit, Nanaimo Regional General Hospital.
Bob's family wishes to thank the Nursing Staff of The Palliative Care Unit for their high standard of nursing care, and for their respectful compassion, along with the volunteers, shown to our entire family.
A Celebration of Bob's life will take place in mid- summer. Information in that respect will follow. Condolences for the family may be offered online at First Memorial, Nanaimo: -
