Robert William Volkmann
November 3, 2011
In his seventy-second year, we say goodbye to the kind, patient and caring man whom most of us knew as Bob. Robert William Volkmann passed as he lived, with peace and dignity, at Parkwood Hospital on November 3, 2011. Predeceased by his parents Kathleen and Fred Volkmann, he is survived by his loving wife Rene, devoted sons Nathan (Natalie) and Aaron, and his grandchildren Ben and Leah. He will be sorely missed by his siblings, Helen (Bill) Friesen, Carolyn Secret and Sharon Volkmann. Born in Calgary, Alberta, Bob grew up in British Columbia where he graduated from UBC with a BESc. in Mechanical Engineering. Shortly thereafter, Bob decided to pursue his love of travel by living and working in different countries around the globe. Bob’s love of skydiving allowed him to participate in over 300 recorded jumps, judge international competitions and experience the world in ways that many of us can only imagine. Bob and Rene met in Switzerland in 1969 and married in 1971. A job opportunity prompted a move to London where Bob began his career at 3M; one which lasted 31 years. As a husband and father, Bob’s life centered around family, work, friends and squash. His fondest memories were of trips taken with Rene (& family), supporting his sons in their endeavors and creating lasting friendships both at work and on the squash court. Family will receive friends from 5:00-8:00 p.m. on Tuesday, November 8th at the WESTVIEW FUNERAL CHAPEL, 709 Wonderland Road North, London, where a Celebration of Life will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Wednesday, November 9th. Those wishing to make a donation in memory of Bob are asked to consider the Brain Tumour Foundation of Canada or the Palliative Care Unit at Parkwood Hospital.
Leave a tribute for Robert William Volkmann
Leave a tribute
Rene and family, Judy and Greg, Dick, Oralee and Josh, Richard and family, and Toni and family. Our thoughts and prayers are will all of you on this very sad time in all of our lives. When you are born, you cry, and the world rejoices. When you die, you rejoice, and the world cries. Love to all of you xoxo Brenda and Kate Silver and Warren Jensen
Our deepest sympathy to you and yours at this sad time. Remembering and sharing wonderful memories will keep Bob alive in the hearts all around you. Share his wonderful sense of humour and smile through your tears. Time does heal.
My deepest sympathy to all of the family of Bob Volkmann. When I started with 3M in 1980, fresh out of school, Bob was instrumental in developing me into a "real" Programmer / Analyst. He was a mentor and a friend and his ongoing examples of kindness and willingness to help really demonstrated what was special about 3M. Bob will always be remembered by many of us at 3M.
Rene Nathan and Aaron The Casaubon Family send their sincere condolences to you all . Bob was a great neighbour . Always helpful and concerned about our family activities and circumstances over these past many years . He was a true gentleman and a softspoken , humble person. A man of few words but gave wise advice and was an attentive listener . He always made you feel that what you had to say really mattered . He was one of our dear friends and will be sadly missed . Our thoughts and prayers are with you all at this difficult time Sincerely Marilyn
Aaron and family, please accept my family's sincere condolences during this difficult time.
Rene I'm so sorry to hear about your loss. My thoughts are with you... Take care
It was quite by chance that I saw Bob's obituary. It filled me with grief. I knew Bob in the Sydney days when we both lived in Bondi. I stood in a field and watched him jump out of aeroplanes. He was a special person and I will never forget him. He was a person of quality. My sympathy to his family in their loss.
(Donated to Brain Tumour Foundation of Canada)
(Donated to Brain Tumour Foundation of Canada)
(Donated to Brain Tumour Foundation of Canada)
Make a donation
If you wish to make a donation, please consider one of the charities listed below. You will be taken to the charity's website to process your payment.
Rene, So sorry for your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you. Evelyn (Book Club)
~ Evelyn Patchett