Robert Stirling Mcinnes

Bob was a devout minimalist, environmentalist, and social justice advocate. He preferred cycling around town (daily until about age 90) to driving; made and mended his own sandals; rotated sets of identical clothes so as not to waste time or money on fashion; and famously wore a fanny pack containing a small pen, Post-It notes, date book, watch, and even a miniature harmonica, should a need for musical accompaniment arise. Years ago, he got teased for his bright, tailor-made yellow cycling jacket and for soldering a dentist’s mirror to his glasses to see behind him on the bike. Such items are now seen on safety (and style)-conscious cyclists everywhere.

Bob’s ultra-modest, efficient lifestyle was just one visible practice of a man who lived by a thoughtfully formed set of values in a way that few do.

He was an only child who was raised mostly in Florida and came of age in San Francisco, evolving from US Navy Cadet to pacifist. Bob was so committed to non-violence that he went to jail for having publicly refused to register for the peacetime draft, even when he would not have had to serve. Bob and his wife Betty became Quakers and moved to Victoria in 1968 with their four kids, including two almost-draft-age sons. Bob became Provincial Mental Health Manager, Betty a public health nurse. They loved swimming, canoeing, camping, family gatherings, and the company of friends. Bob especially enjoyed cycling, railroad history, and Victoria Folk Music nights. In long retirement, Bob fixed anything that needed fixing around the house. He was always a two-wheel guy, riding motorcycles and pulling grandkids around on a bike trailer. Bob loved Betty with his every breath for 74 years of marriage.

He leaves four children: Nancy, Craig (Vivian), Micki (Dick) and Alan: also 10 grandchildren and 10 great-grandchildren. He lived his last year in the good care of the Kiwanis Pavilion after Betty died in September of 2021. Bob’s passing at 94 was sudden, after he had eaten supper but before dessert arrived. We think this may have been a rare miscalculation. He loved dessert.

An in-person/Zoom celebration of life will be held at 1 pm November 26 at the Victoria Friends Meeting House on Fern Street.  Please consider a donation to Canadian Friends’ Services Committee at https://quakerservice.ca.