Robert Edward Ennis

Robert (Bob) Edward Ennis passed away on May 30, 2015 at the age of 66. He was predeceased by his father, Hal, and is now lovingly remembered by his wife, Sue, mother Bernice, children Tim (Leah), Robyn (Darren), grandchildren Zoe, Kai, London and baby boy Johnson, expected in September. Bob is also survived by his sister Sherrie (Dave) Haines, niece and nephews Peter, Anita and Brian, great-nephews Cameron and Brett, and numerous extended family members.
Bob was born in Victoria and spent many happy childhood years in James Bay exploring the neighbourhood. He had many an adventure in the Dallas Road and Ogden Point area. He attended South Park Elementary, Central Junior High and Vic High. He then went on to UVic and registered in the Education Department. He often told of how he enjoyed his first year at UVic so much, he did it a second time.
During his first year at UVic, Bob joined the Outdoors Club. With three other members, he secured a summer job in 1968 clearing and re-establishing a section of the West Coast Trail. His previous experience in the Boy Scouts, where he achieved a Queen's Scout standing, prepared him for this gruelling work.
The following year he applied to, and was accepted by, Crossroads Africa. He set off hitch-hiking across Canada, enroute for Syracuse University in New York where he met up with the rest of the group. Their objective was to build a dormitory in Uganda for rural girls who wished to complete their high school education.
Prior to leaving for Africa he met his wife to be, Sue. They married in 1971 in England. Upon their return to Victoria, Bob completed his Bachelor of Education and in 1972 started his first teaching job in Prince George.
On a cold -40 F night in 1975, Bob and Sue welcomed their first child, Tim. The family then relocated to Victoria where Bob designed and aided, alongside his father, in the construction of what is still the family's home. In September 1975 Bob embarked on his lengthy Sooke School District career. His first job was at Langford Elementary (later re-named Ruth King Elementary). It was in May of 1978 that their second child, Robyn, completed the family.
Bob went on to teach at eight different schools as teacher, curriculum co-ordinator, vice-principal and principal. He went on to complete his Masters of Education in 1991. Bob retired from Lakewood Elementary School in 2006, after a 31-year career in education.
Bob was affectionately called "Coach" by many of his colleagues. He coached many school teams and more often than not would wear a dress shirt, tie, blazer, grey slacks, his whistle around his neck, and running shoes. It was imperative to him that every student on the team be given an opportunity to play, winning being of secondary importance.
Bob is remembered for his sense of humour, quick, sharp wit, a huge capacity for hard work, his generosity, organizational skills, construction know-how, wood chopping, woodworking and his most recent stained glass projects. Bob enjoyed stamp collecting, rock hounding, jewellery making and design. He developed a great appreciation of fine wine and whiskey. He researched and collected many of his favourite vintages, which he generously shared with family and friends.
Bob and Sue were fortunate enough to have many opportunities to travel. While working, they took many a family holiday in England and Hawaii. In 2001, they embarked on a round-the-world back-packing trip that lasted nearly five months. Upon retiring they continued their travels visiting places such as Central and South America, India and Bhutan, Tanzania and Ethiopia. Over the course of his lifetime Bob visited over 30 countries.
Starting in his teenage years, Bob became a skilled hockey player. In fact, he was offered a spot with the Victoria Cougars, which he declined in favour of attending UVic. In his middle, "old timer" years Bob played for the Sooke Blunderbirds, the Traditionals and more recently, the Sidney Retreads.
For most of his retirement Bob was the epitome of fitness and health. A devastating blow was dealt when he learned, in August 2014, that he had an aggressive form of cancer. He responded well to chemo during the fall and winter, but the cancer quickly returned with a vengeance by March. He accepted his fate with a truly remarkable sense of calmness and gracefulness. He died at home having his family around him until the very last. He will be truly missed by family and friends alike.
A Celebration of Life will be held at Lakewood Elementary School on Sunday, June 21st at 2pm. The family is asking attendees to the Celebration to consider bringing a new or gently used children's book which will be donated in Bob's honour to local children's charities. The Celebration of Life will include an open mic where attendees will be welcomed to share a story or anecdote about Bob. Written submissions can also be contributed through this web site on the Tribute Wall, and can be read aloud if so indicated. The family would like to thank the BC Cancer Agency, the Canadian Red Cross and Victoria Hospice for their care and support.
In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the BC Cancer Foundation, Canadian Red Cross, Victoria Hospice or a local children's charity of your choice.

Celebration of Life