Bob Biely

Bob Biely passed away peacefully but unexpectedly surrounded by his wife Carol and daughters Alison and Sue following a short illness.

The son of Professor Jacob and Judith Biely, Bob attended Lord Byng High and UBC. After gaining his MBA at the University of Toronto where he met Carol, Bob worked for many years in the property management and development field. His greatest pride was working with his partners to develop Steveston Landing, an innovative development providing a home for small businesses, which has become a favourite destination for many thousands of visitors.

Bob loved BC’s Gulf Islands and being in and on the water. The family enjoyed a rustic cabin on Mayne Island for 20 years. He and Carol later built a home on Salt Spring Island designed to have loved ones visit. Bob’s warmth and positive spirit welcomed many friends, both life-long and new, and family members from all over the globe.

He loved his projects around the property such as building arbours and sheds, and he left his daughters many treasured items of furniture created from wood scraps and branches. And then there were all the fires, indoors and out. He was also a dedicated under-gardener to Carol.

He was a source of unconditional love to his wife and daughters, always very proud and supportive of their work. He was pre-deceased by his sister Louise and will be missed by his brother Gordon (Lynn), sister Barbara and his many nieces and nephews. The Bielys were and are a tight bunch despite the miles between them.

Bob was a kind gentle soul with a sharp wit. He was known for his stories, and was a joker who loved to tease and be teased. As his niece put it, he always had an anecdote full of details, but not always a punch line.

Words people have used to describe Bob include: joyful, welcoming, youthful in spirit, fun, enthusiastic, accepting, easy to please, genuine, devoted, helpful, stubborn (but usually in a nice way!).

At Bob’s request, there will be no service, but please consider sharing a story below.

Special thanks to Dr. Ron Reznick and Jean, the Victoria Jubilee, and to our wonderful Lady Minto staff team.

In Bob’s memory, please join us in making a donation to The Salt Spring Island Foundation or the Lady Minto Hospital Foundation .

We’ll all keep those hummingbirds fed and the woodshed filled for you Bob!