Robert W. Kisby
Chief Petty Officer 1st Class (CPO1), CD2 (Ret’d) Boatswain (Bosn 181) - Coxswain (Cox’n) June 8, 1934 - May 29, 2020
It is with deep and profound heartache and sadness, yet with our hearts filled with happy memories to announce the passing of Chief Petty Officer 1st Class (CPO1), Robert W. Kisby, peacefully in his sleep with his wife Lorraine by his side on Friday, May 29, 2020 at the age of 85. Bob passed ten days short of his 86th birthdayafter a long and difficult struggle with Lewy Body Dementia (LBD) at St. Patrick’s Home in Ottawa, Ontario.
Robert was born in Calgary on the 8th of June, 1934 and raised on a farm eight miles west of Airdrie, AB. He will be dearly missed by the love of his life, Lorraine (Prud’homme), his wife and best friend of 45 years. Robert is survived by his two sons Steve Kisby (Bev Canuel) of Vancouver, BC and Dale Kisby (Elaine Zimmerlee) of Lone Butte, BC. Grand-daughter Amber Kisby (Christopher Wilson) and Great Grand-daughter Brynn Wilson of Kamloops, BC.
Predeceased by his father Frank Hill Kisby and mother Winnifred Larratt-Kisby. Brothers Bill Kisby and Don Kisby of Calgary. Brother-in-law, Marcel Prud’homme, Mother-in-law, Marie Prud’homme-Lefrançois and Step-Father-in-law Bertrand Lefrançois.
Also, survived by brothers-in-law Maurice Prud’homme (Nicole Jacques), Claude Prud’homme (Rollande Rouleau) and Michel Prud’homme. Sisters-in-law Carmen Savage-Prud’homme (d. Marcel) (Paul Bisson), Barb Kisby (d. Bill) and Gail Kisby (d. Don). As well, as many cousins, nephews and nieces across Canada.
Robert joined the Royal Canadian Navy in 1953 and served for 37.5 years as a Boatswain - Bosn 181 and Coxswain (Cox’n). Bob was also known to his fellow shipmates, aka “Big Foot”. Upon retiring from the RCN, Bob immediately took up an Administrative Services (AS) position within the Department of National Defence, working for the Navy and served an additional 11 years for a total career spanning 48 years. A letter of congratulation and commendation from Prime Minister Jean Chretien was sent to Robert upon his retirement in 2001. A Medal of Appreciation and Recognition signed and engraved by DND Minister Art Eggleton was also presented to Robert for his years of service within DND and the Canadian Forces. Also, a letter of appreciation from the Lieutenant-Governor at Government House, Victoria, B.C. Robert retired in Ottawa with his wife Lorraine in September 2001.
Bob also served for nine years (3 Semesters) as President and Vice-President on the Board of Directors of the CCC 350 at the Riviera I Condominium Complex in Ottawa. He also served as the Board’s Representative of the Riviera I Workshop Facilities.
Robert also served as and was also a Director and Member of the Royal Canadian Naval Benevolent Fund (RCNBF) for many years in which he was proud to serve.
Robert, enjoyed golfing and organizing golf tournaments within DND, playing squash, cross-word puzzles, woodworking and wood carving projects and with great pleasure to assist and help friends within the Riviera Community Complex. Bob, was indeed, very artistically talented in woodworking as well as wood carving.
And, least and not to forget, enjoyed skiing, fishing and camping, boating and canoeing in Beautiful BC, as well as, travelling, dining-out and entertaining dinner parties at home with his wife Lorraine.
Thank you to St. Patrick’s Home - 3rd Floor, Dublin House RN’s, RPN’s and PSW’s and to all Staff involved for their attentive care, dedication and compassion provided to Robert during his stay at St. Pat’s. Robert was also known as the “Handsome Man” at St. Pat’s. Words alone cannot express the gratitude to the staff at this great facility. As there are too many names to mention, thank you to each area personnel for your compassion and care provided to Robert prior to his passing. Under the current circumstances of the pandemic Covid-19, you are true heroes to your residents. And a very heartfelt thank you to Veterans Affairs Canada.
Due to current health crisis and pandemic circumstances, a Celebration of Life in Robert’s honor will be announced and held at a later date.
Cremation has taken place at Beechwood Funeral, Cemetery and Cremation Services. As per Robert’s wishes, his ashes will be sent to the CFB Esquimalt Naden Chapel Columbarium until arrangements can be made for the actual committal of ashes ceremony at sea.
A short biography of Robert’s naval career and accomplishments is available on-line at www.beechwoodottawa.ca. Please take a moment to share your thoughts, condolences and memories with Bob’s family through our website. In these times of isolation, it’s comforting to know we are not alone in our grief.
In memory of Robert’s passing, donations are appreciated to the: Royal Canadian Naval Benevolent Fund (RCNBF) 6 Beechwood Ave, Suite 9 Ottawa, ON, K1L 8B4 (www.rcnbf.ca)
HMCS - Ships served in by CPO1st Class Robert W. Kisby Days At Sea
- HMCS SIOUX - HMCS Sioux: 4 Jan 54 to 25 May 54 - 68 days.
- HMCS ATHABASKAN - HMCS Athabaskan: 29 Nov 54 to 8 Jan 57 - 281 days.
- HMCS ONTARIO - HMCS Ontario: 2 Dec 57 to 14 Oct 58 - 118 days.
- HMCS ORIOLE - HMCS Oriole: 23 Jan 59 to 4 Jan 62 - 249 days.
- HMCS ASSINIBOINE - HMCS Assiniboine: 28 Jun 63 to 9 Feb 64 - 73 days.
- HMCS QU’APPELLE - HMCS Qu’Appelle: 10 Feb 64 to 13 Dec 64 - 118 days.
- HMCS OTTAWA - HMCS Ottawa: 14 Dec 64 to 26 Jan 65 - 28 days.
- HMCS YUKON - HMCS Yukon: 27 Jan 65 to 18 Jul 65 - 7 days.
- HMCS SASKATCHEWAN - HMCS Saskatchewan: 5 Jun 67 - 1 Mar 70 - 338 days.
- HMCS CHIGNECTO - HMCS Chignecto: 2 Mar 70 to 25 May 70 - 40 days.
- HMCS COWICHAN - HMCS Cowichan: 7 Sep 70 to 7 Jan 71 - 10 days.
- HMCS COLUMBIA - HMCS Columbia: 15 May 72 to 14 Feb 74 - 212 days.
- HMCS QU’APPELLE - HMCS Qu’Appelle: 15 Feb 74 to 1 Mar 74 - 7 days.
- HMCS QU’APPELLE - Coxswain - HMCS Qu’Appelle: 12 Oct 77 to 19 Jun 80 - 295 days.
- HMCS PROVIDER - Coxswain - HMCS Provider: 30 Jul 83 to 6 Aug 84 - 133 days.
Total Number of Days at Sea: 1,977
Ships and Establishments by CPO1st Class Robert W. Kisby
HMCS Tecumseh Royal Road Military College
HMCS Cornwallis HMCS Saskastchewan
HMCS Naden HMCS Stadacona
HMCS Kootenay HMCS Chignecto
HMCS Sioux CFB Esquimalt
HMCS Athabaskan HMCS Cowichan
HMCS Jonquiere MARPAC HQ
HMCS New Glascow HMCS Cape Breton
HMCS Ontario HMCS Columbia
HMCS Venture HMCS Bytown
HMCS Oriole NDHQ - CPCSA
HMCS Assiniboine HMCS Provider
HMCCS Qu’Appelle NDHQ - DMPP
HMCS Ottawa HMCS Gatineau
HMCS Yukon HMCS Quadra - CFB Comox,
Marine Section Superintendent
Navy Veteran
When I was young, many years ago
I joined the Navy, why, I don’t know
I served my time, with honor and pride
For the young boy, it was quite a ride
I went to places I’d never dreamed
Time went fast, so it seemed
I met people I’ll never forget
And some, I wish I’d never met
But as I think back on those days gone by,
My Ship, My Shipmates.
Brings a tear to my eye
I didn’t know it then, never gave it a thought
But my time in the Navy
Could not have been bought
I guess we all feel the same, after we’re out
The pride we feel, that’s what it’s about
Having served our Nation, keeping it free
Protecting our way of life and our liberty
And the friends I made along the way
Would I do it again? Any Day!
And to all my shipmates. Anchors Aweigh…
Digital Guestbook
David Primeau
Maurice and Claire Wood
Sad to hear of Bob's passing. Our thoughts are with you Lorraine.
He was a great Sailor
Kathy and Wayne Tomko
Very sorry to hear of Bob's death. May he rest in peace.
Our deepest sympathy to Lorraine and family.
Sheila and I send our deepest condolences on Bob's passing. Over two decades, I had the privilege of serving with Bob on the RCN Benevolent Fund Board of Directors and his common sense, sense of humour and sense of duty and dedication to the well-being of sailors and their families was always evident. He was a great shipmate to all of us in the Fund and touched the lives of many who would not have been aware of his role in addressing their difficulties. It was appropriate that Bob was named an Emeritus Member of the Fund on the weekend of his passing. Our thoughts are with you, Lorraine and the rest of your family.
Dave and Sheila