We are saddened to announce that Robert (Bob) Shirley, resident of Grande Prairie, AB, formerly of Chetwynd, BC, passed away on Saturday, October 24, 2026, in Grande Prairie at the age of 91.

Bob was born on July 12, 1935, in Winnipeg, Manitoba. He moved to Duncan on Vancouver Island, where he met and married Marian Inglebright. Marian taught him to drive, being a ‘farm girl’.

After moving to Vancouver, Youbou, Maple Ridge, and Mackenzie, Bob, Marian, and brood (Jim, Lynn, Tim, and Ellen) relocated to Chetwynd in 1968. There, Bob continued his career as an accountant with Canfor. He was in his nirvana, surrounded by mountains, forests, and rivers. He loved to hunt and fish… anything to be in the outdoors—walking on crisp autumn leaves with a pungent smell. Many times, the smoky smells from the Little Chief signaled a fresh catch of trout or the initial signs of his famous jerky.

Bob had an early interest in politics, joining the Jaycees, the Canadian Junior Chamber. The Jaycees empowered young people to create positive change in their communities, in businesses, and in the world. Bob was also a part of the Cadets. He continued to be involved in his community by becoming a school trustee, a counselor, and President of the Legion for many years. We, his children, spent many hours putting up campaign signs… then taking them down immediately after the election was over! He reminded us of involvement in the power of the vote, to not sit idly by.

He also reminded us that we are all created equal, without exception—that is where we start. Dad helped many veterans’ widows with wills and estates, sometimes receiving trinkets. We cleaned out 18 whipper snippers while moving his last house! He had an extraordinary mind, likely photographic. He loved chess. He also had a sense of humour that was… a stretch to call funny (these days known as ‘dad jokes’), but he kept it up to the end… always with a big smile, one of his strong traits. He was loyal and very close to his brother, Tom, his sister, Patricia, and his brother-in-law, Ralph (two peas in a pod).

In 1980, Dad married Barbara. They were together for over 50 years and enjoyed hunting, fishing, gardening, and canning. In 2023, they moved from Chetwynd to Grande Prairie, scaling down to a senior’s complex, with Mona, their beloved doggie. Dad wasn’t really a pet person, but when he got Mona, the switch flipped and he was forever won over. Her picture was beside his bed when he passed away.

Dad left behind people who loved him, sons and daughters who could fondly say… “Oh, remember when…” And in the end, that is what everyone hopes for.

Bob will be dearly missed by his wife, Barbara; his children, Jim, Tim, Lynn, and Ellen; his grandchildren, Lawrence, Katrina, and Peder; Chanelle and Brandon; Amanda, Tanner, and Trisha; and Sebastian; his great-grandchildren, Harper and Hayes, and Blake and Hugo; his sons-in-law, Matt and Dwan; and his daughters-in-law, Mia and Leanne; along with his extended family and friends.

With respect to Bob’s wishes, no formal service will be held.

Goodbye, Dad… safe travels.

As Dad would say, LOL (Lots of Love).