June 9, 1926 - June 26, 2021
Robert William Read (known as Bob to many and Rob to some) took his final bow and curtain call on June 26, 2021, with his beloved wife Louise, cousin Alison and good theatre buddy James by his side. A man of enormous theatre accomplishments, ranging from productions in the Vancouver Elementary and High Schools where he taught, through his Langara College days (teaching English and Theatre History), ACT amateur theatre days (with good friend John Parker), Delta Television, Royal City Musical Theatre, 3 theatrical productions with good friend Dean Beattie (A Time to Remember, Front Page News, and Song of the Sicamous in Penticton) and finally a short "gig" with the Summerland Singers and Players ("Mesa", anyone?).
An amazing mentor to many and steadfast friend to many more . . . definitely a guy to fondly remember.
Bob is predeceased by his parents, Bill and Bea, cousins Deidre and Dorothy, and most recently his sister-in-law, Heather. He is survived by his loving wife of 42 years, Louise, brother Brian (Barbara), brother-in-law lan (Eunice), nephew Bruce (Jamie), niece Carolyn (Rob), great nephews Graham and Riley, great nieces Amanda and Paige, goddaughter Bobbi, numerous cousins "near and far", faithful companion Scooter, and of course a multitude of friends. So many treasured happy memories of precious family gatherings, travel adventures (mainly cruises and Maui holidays), and happily hosting visitors to their Summerland home.
The family would like to extend their VERY special thanks to Drs. Venkataraman and Hoekstra, the Home Support team that enabled Bob to stay so long in his beloved Summerland home, the Rehab staff at Penticton Region who tried their best to get Bob strong enough for a safe return home, and finally the staff of Dr. Andrew Pavilion (Summerland) where although his stay was short, he was cared for with loving attention.
And so, rest in peace, Bob (and maybe "shuffle off to Buffalo"??) and hear his final words to you as he says "l did it my way" (Frank Sinatra) and "So long. . farewell. . Robertgoodbye. . auf Wiedersehen". . (Sound of Music).
No service by request (and flowers graciously declined), but Bob would wish you to buy tickets for a favourite musical and enjoy it on his behalf, and of course, wholeheartedly support live theatre wherever you live.