Robert (Bob) passed away December 31, 2019 at age 70 following a lengthy battle with cancer.
He is survived by his wife of 47 years, Joan, sons Chad (Sirikorn) and Joshua (Karen) and his grandchildren Caleb, Ada and Nathan.
He was predeceased by his father Frank. He is also survived by his mother Ethel May, age 95, and sister Joy (Howard), brothers Murray (Jetta) and Malcolm (Donna) and many nieces & nephews.
Bob was born in Pierson, Manitoba. Later the family moved to northern Manitoba. After graduating from Bowsman High School, he attended Royal Roads Military College in Victoria & Royal Military College in Kingston, graduating in 1971. He served as an Aerospace Engineering Officer (AERE) until age 40 (1989). He also attended the U.S. Naval Postgraduate School in Monterey, California, graduating the end of 1985 with a Master’s Degree in Underwater Acoustics.
After leaving the military, he worked for Transport Canada and then for NavCanada on the Canadian Automated Air Traffic system (CAATS). After he retired he worked as a consultant, forming his own company: Robert Fletcher System Safety, Inc. He loved taking courses, & teaching them.
Bob was known for his passion in every aspect of his life. He loved his family & spent much time with them.
Bob and Joan were married on June 9, 1972, on his 23rd birthday. After 7 years, Chad was born, & 2 years later, Joshua. Chad & Sirikorn were married in Thailand in February 2017. Joshua & Karen were married in Orleans in 2011 & have 3 children. He was very proud of his family. The grandchildren loved doing activities with him - he always had to bring his ‘grandpa bag’ (for crafts) when he visited.
Bob loved to travel with the whole family - to various Space Centers in the US, to Disney, and to the UK to see castles and explore family heritage.
He & Joan travelled extensively, enjoying trips to Europe, going on cruises, and going to places like Thailand, Serbia & Montenegro, Costa Rica and many more.
He also enjoyed business travel including China, Bahrain, Saudi Arabia & across Canada, the U.S. and Europe.
Bob was also passionate about his Christian faith, accepting Christ at age 20. He devoted countless hours to Bible study, evangelism and discipleship, promoting healing, Military Christian Fellowship, leading ALPHA courses at church, church growth, serving in leadership capacities and travelling on International School Project (ISP) trips.
Bob was very dedicated to his work, participating in projects like CP-140 (Aurora) procurement, CAATS and many others.
He became involved in the International System Safety Society (ISSS) and served in many capacities including organizing conferences in this volunteer professional association. This past June he received the honour of becoming a Fellow in the ISSS. He also continued to be involved in community issues until just a few weeks ago.
Bob loved people - anytime he saw a person, it was an opportunity for a conversation.
Special thanks to Dr. Jonker (oncologist) & the staff at the Ottawa General Cancer Center, the nurses at the Carefor Clinic, Drs. Vincent, Rioux & Plantive of the Orleans Palliative Care Team & the visiting palliative care nurses from Carefor, particularly Barb Merriman, Lynn Menard & Jackie Hunt.
Family and friends are invited to visit at Beechwood, Funeral, Cemetery & Cremation Services, 280 Beechwood Avenue on Monday, January 6th from 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. and from 7:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. A Funeral Service will be held at Redeemer Alliance Church, 4825 Innes Road, Orleans, on Tuesday, January 7th at 11:00 a.m.
Burial with Military Honours will take place in the National Military Cemetery of Beechwood, on Saturday, January 18, 2020 at 11:00 a.m.
In lieu of flowers, donations to the Canadian Cancer Society, Redeemer Alliance Church or to Carefor Ottawa would be appreciated.
Livre de visiteurs
Colleen and Jake Bruneau
Pedro Flores
I'M WITH YOU ALWAYS...
MATTHEWS:28.20
Brian Lonsdale
My sincere and deepest, heartfelt sympathies, go out to Joan, the boys and the entire family.
I have known Bob for over 20 years and have so many fond memories of him.
He is by far one of the kindest, most genuine people I have ever met. He loved his family SO much and always shared proudly, stories of them and their accomplishments.
He was a true Gentleman in every sense of the word.
Bob may be gone here, but is with God now and everyone who was touched by him will continue to carry the memories in their hearts forever.
Rest in peace my friend.
Brian
Chris Cudahy
As is often the case with these types of messages, words are inadequate. I have known Bob since the late 80's. Bob has always encouraged me greatly. In fact, I remember one particular instance where he took me to the Officer's Club in Ottawa and encouraged me to go back to school after having some initial academic difficulties. Well, I did go back to school and eventually earned a Ph.D. I consider Bob instrumental to this process and I'm glad that I had the opportunity to share that with him recently. Over the years, Bob and I have kept in touch and he has continued to enrich my life through his caring and grateful heart, his faith and through offering sound, practical advice when needed. He will be missed. I will be praying for his family and am comforted by the fact that he is now resting in peace and joy with his Lord. My sincerest of condolences.
Nahia Haddad
I’m sorry for your loss, Bob was a passionate man. He loved God and his family. He was a hard worker and desired to help people. He will be missed. May Holy Spirit bring peace and comfort to the family in Jesus name!
Tanya Hewitt
I knew Bob through the System Safety Society. He also was active in the INCOSE organization. He organized many local events, but was also responsible for international conferences. He was on volunteer executive committees, and was a giant in making sure that events were held, that knowledge was disseminated, and that people interacted. Bob is leaving giant shoes to fill - we are so much better for his involvement in the safety communities.
Rest in Peace, Bob. You will be missed.
Rev. Fred and Janet Butterfield
My wife Janet and I are deeply saddenned to hear of our friend Bob's passing. We feel immensely privileged to have gotten to know him and Joan and their their two sons at the Naval Postgraduate School in Monterey, CA from 1983-1985 — and we will also always treasure our trip that we and our two boys made to visit them in Ottawa in 1986 when I was stationed witht he U.S. Navy at the Philadelphia Naval Shipyard.
We pray that, in these present days and coming weeks and months, Almighty God may provide His inestimable comfort and lift the heart and spirits of Joan, Chad & Joshua, their respective wives, and their three beautiful grandchildren — especially knowing that Bob is now more alive than he has ever been, and in the presence of the Lord he loved and served. 1 Thessalonians 4:13.
Mike Fletcher
So sad to hear about Robert and so sad that we never managed to meet. We send our heartfelt condolences and prayers to the Fletcher family at this sad time.
Mike and Sheena Fletcher
Arbroath Scotland UK
May he rest in peace.