GAIR, Robert (Bob) Gemmell
February 17, 1937 - March 10, 2014
It is with heavy hearts that we announce Bob's sudden passing. He died doing something that he loved; he was just down the fairway on the 15th hole at Northview Golf Course ready to putt for par. Bob touched the lives of many people and will be sorely missed by all who knew him. Everywhere he went, he made new friends; whether it was on the golf course, at Esquires, working out at the YMCA, or walking down the street. He is survived by his wife and partner in crime, Carole May Gair; his children Tracy (Don) Wright and Troy (Corinne) Gair; his adoring grandchildren, Nick Wright and Kailey-Rae Gair; his sister Joyce Gair and brother Jack (Shannon) Gair; Carole's siblings Bill (Muriel) Macrae, Barb Beatty (Kevin O'Brien) and Judy Sowinski; his first wife Carole F. Gair; and many nieces, nephews, cousins and great nieces and nephews. Born and raised in Vancouver, Bob became an accomplished Canadian record swimmer, representing Canada at the 1954 Commonwealth and 1955 Pan American Games. He attended Ohio State University on a swimming scholarship, and graduated in 1959 with a Bachelor of Science in Education and earned his Master's in Education in 1960. Bob taught at New Westminster Secondary School from 1960 until he retired in 1995. He was admired by colleagues, students and the many athletes that he taught, coached and inspired. Bob coached basketball at NWSS and Earl Marriott Secondary, and swimming with the New West YKings, Crescent Beach Swimming Club and North Delta Sunfish. He received the BC High School Sports Coaching Award of Excellence and is an Honorary Member of BC Girls Basketball Association. In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to the Bob Gair Memorial Scholarship through the Royal City Education Foundation. A Celebration of Life will be held in April. Please email [email protected] to receive Celebration details.
