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Robert "Bob" Bos

December 6, 2018

Robert "Bob" Bos

Bos, Robert (Bob) was born in 1944 in Lacombe Alberta to Jake and Annie Bos.  Bob was the oldest of 9 children. As a little boy he always had a keen interest in machinery and how things worked.  At the age of three his inquisitiveness resulted in the loss of his pinky on his right hand as he played with the gears in his dad’s shop.  This did not deter him from playing with machines though as by the age of 12 he had already taken apart a car motor and put it back together in working order. This began a lifelong love for mechanics. As a teen Bob worked for Abe Konrad at Modern Building Supplies driving delivery truck which began a friendship with Abe that was lasting.

In 1965 Bob met his sweetheart Diane at Fraser Way Drive In.  She said she thought he was either very interested in her or really thirsty for orange pop. He came back 3 times the same day and each time with a different brother to get their approval! Thus, began their loving relationship. They were married on April 25 of 1967 and had three children, Renee, Steven and Kevin.

Bob also worked as a mechanic at Hub Motors for Jake and Marilyn Siemens for 15 years and loved it! Then, went on into construction for the last 36 years with a focus mainly in commercial and built many Esso gas stations.  Very appropriate for him, considering his passion for mechanics and cars.

He was very happy to be involved with Bob King and being a part of organizing the Abbotsford Car Show and looked forward to it every year!

He was the President of Abbotsford Downtown Business Association for 18 years. He was awarded the Order of Abbotsford, for his involvement in and passion for revitalizing the downtown. He inspired many as he began the revitalization when Abbotsford downtown was at its lowest and by others was told it was hopeless. Together with his son Steven and his wife Karen they designed and built beautiful buildings on Montrose Avenue that have even been featured in Hallmark Christmas movies.

Bob has been a dedicated and faithful member of Bakerview church for 52 years. He served with his whole heart on the Board of Maintenance, the Board of Finance and was an usher for the 52 years he attended.  Whenever things needed repair at the church, he was more than happy to make arrangements to take care of it

Bob had a heart for serving and was a gifted helper, whether in church or his community. He always had time for people and was never in a hurry. He would do anything for you and had a special place in his heart for the underdog.

He enjoyed the simple things in life. Whether it was just tinkering on his car or enjoying a warm day on the deck with a newspaper or a good book. Or even better a trip with the trailer to Osoyoos with who he called his (little wifey). He always loved road trips.

He absolutely adored his children and grandchildren and would do anything for them. From repairing-or building small things to helping rebuild his grandson’s Jeep he was always available and there with a helping hand. One of his favorite sayings mostly heard by the family was ‘it’s got to be done’ He never thought anything was too difficult or impossible and you would never hear him complain.

He was a devoted man of strong faith who believed in the power and strength of Jesus Christ’s love and had hope in the joy that awaited him after his passing.

Hubby, Dad and Grandpa, you are adored and precious to us. You are loved and will be so dearly missed and there is a hole that won’t be filled until we meet again.  See you in Heaven.

You are invited to leave a personal message of condolence for the family.

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Messages of Condolence

I have had the pleasure of working with Bob as a Plumbing contractor for 20yrs or more and formed a personal friendship. He was a wonderful, personalable approachable person. He will be missed, my condolences ~ Phil Cruickshanks

The first time I met Bob was in the back lane between West Railway and Montrose in downtown Abbotsford. This was in the mid 90's. I was working at a local music store at the time. He approached me, started up a conversation and we got onto talking about tearing down a bunch of old buildings he had acquired on Montrose. His passion about building shone through right away. We went on to share stories about kids and family. My first impression was what an absolute warm person and a gentleman he was. As years went by we ended up serving on the board of directors of the ADBA together. He always had time to get together for coffee and a conversation. Without Bob around, Downtown Abbotsford would be a much different place. We are going to miss Bob dearly. Asger Hansen, director, ADBA and owner of A&D Music ~ Asger Hansen

I was a server back in the day and met Bob in the restaurant that he and his group met for business meetings. He was the nicest and easiest person to please. Always had a huge smile. Remember him well........great tipper too haha!!!! Your with the angels now and probably smiling down on us all ~ Marylin Cull

Sorry to hear about the passing of Bob. Condolences to family and friends. It was a pleasure to have known Bob over the years. ~ Milt Pearson

Our deepest condolences on your loss. His legacy is evident through the many people he and your family have impacted. As I (Darren) think back I remember meeting your father in my early years of business. I admit I was a bit nervous meeting a successful business man and someone that had a future vision but he always treated me fairly and had open conversations with me despite the fact I was a young upstart in business. I remember going through high school with Renee and believe your dad was a positive influence in your life. I saw this shine in your day to day life and believe God blessed you with a wonderful father and this allowed you to bless others. Its been years since high school but know you impacted me in a positive way. Steve we met several years later but you had the same attributes as your father. You were open, understanding and truly wanted to have a positive influence in business. There is not much I can say in a time of loss other than I admired and appreciated your father. I see his positive attributes in your family. As I type and tears flow it is because I feel blessed to have had the chance to meet your father. Sad that he has passed but so glad he impacted me and he impacted all of your lives. Condolences Darren & Rhonda. ~ Darren & Rhonda Siemens

Diane and family. I was so sorry to hear the news about Bob. I remember as a young girl when you and Bob would come and visit mom and dad (Jean and Bob Clark) at our house on Mill Lake Road. I remember being in awe of both of you... so beautiful... so handsome. I have thought about you both many times and hope that the happy and loving memories you have will help carry you through this sad time. Hugs from an old friend. ~ Debbie Kowbel (Clark)

Bob and I got a ride to the church and had to leave before the lunch. So we did not get a chance to convey our respects to you , Diane and your families. Please know that you are held in our hearts and in our thoughts. So many great memories. ~ Bob and Bev King

Bob gave leadership to the Abbotsford downtown business community and I gave leadership to Abbotsford Community Services. We challenged each other, but always with respect. I learned a lot from him and looked forward to our contacts. ~ Walter Paetkau

Please accept my sincere condolences. I have many great memories of working with Bob at our family business, Hub Motors, and through the ADBA. Growing up I was always taught to call people Mr. or Mrs. which led me to call Bob and Diane, Mr. and Mrs. Bos. This naturally led me to believe that my dad worked for Bob. It wasn't until I was 9 or 10 that I realized it wasn't actually the case. Bob was an important and significant person in our business and remained a loyal family friend. Bob's commitment and leadership in the Historic Downtown is legendary. He took a calculated risk and led the way that has inspired others to dream and invest. Young entrepreneurs have picked up on that vision and are running with it. I sincerely believe that we are much further ahead in revitalizing our Historic Downtown because of Bob's determination. Some people say that Bob, being Dutch, was stubborn. I always viewed Bob as determined. There is a difference and Bob used that stubborn determination to make a difference. He will be missed but his legacy will last. May God comfort you with many wonderful memories of a life well lived and a life that made a difference. ~ Ross Siemens