We Remember
KURELUK, Robert “Bob”
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It is with great sadness that I announce the passing of my loving father Robert “Bob” Kureluk on June 11, 2023.
Bob will be lovingly remembered by his daughter Melanie (Stephen); son Dallas; granddaughter Jennifer; sister Margaret (Bob); brother John (Gail); and loyal companion Jean Turner.
Bob was born in Toronto in 1942 and was raised in Edmonton by loving parents Mike and Frances. He went to Art School in Nelson, BC after graduating from St. Mary’s High School, turning down a chance to play with the Edmonton Eskimos football team. Bob married his high school sweetheart Tiera Tannous and had two children Melanie and Dallas.
Bob loved working with people and took his skill in art and graphic design to his job in sales for Jasper Printing in Edmonton where he raised his family. He very much enjoyed skiing and camping and fishing with his family and good friends. Bob also loved sailing and was so proud to have won a sailboat race from Florida to Isla Mujeres, Mexico with brother John and friends.
Bob and Tiera retired to Kelowna and he pursued once again his passion of art, through his painting and sculpture. He was also able to enjoy the outdoors lake fishing and fly fishing, golfing, and gardening were favourites, and spending time with his granddaughter Jennifer.
Later in life, Bob battled bravely with cancer along with Parkinson’s disease.
Through it all he fought hard to live his life to the fullest, going to H20 with his girlfriend Jean, attending Jennifer’s ballet performances, and of course, painting. “Team Bob” consisted of his devoted family members Melanie and Stephen, Margaret and Bob, brother John, and Jennifer, and of course, Jean, all helping Dad in his battle and long recovery from throat cancer.
In the end, my Dad chose no longer to treat his cancer which had moved to his lungs. He died peacefully at home with Melanie and Stephen and Jean at his bedside. Exactly what he wanted. We are all so thankful Bob no longer has to suffer.
I know my Dad would like to give his thanks to Dr. Whiting and Angela, Maxine and the many community health nurses and the wonderful nurses at the Doyle Avenue community clinic and the Palliative nurses, Deanna and Kayla.
Bob saw beauty in everything, as a true artist does. The world was better with my Dad in it and he will be greatly missed.
He was one of the good guys.
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My heart goes out to you Melanie and your family and friends. I had the pleasure on knowing your dad during our innocent years as junior and senior high school kids. I remember your dad’s glorious laugh, his gentle and kind spirit and is willingness to hang with us in the couch and what Star Wars and Indiana Jones. When we wanted to take the car it was always our strategy to get your dad’s buy in first. I was happy to hear that he returned to art in his later years as I remember looking at his art work in his portfolio and thinking what an amazing artist. I wish I could have made the trip to see his sweet smile and hear him chuckle. May your hearts be comforted by the many special times you shared together.
Melanie, Jean and John and Family,
I was heartbroken to say the least, to read that Bob, my best friend in years gone by, had passed. He was a remarkable guy and we had many laughs together, usually at John’s expense (ask him), and enjoyed getting in trouble together, icluding skipping school and drinking his Father’s liquor (and then topping up the bottle with water).
We lost touch over the years because I moved around Canada and then to Toronto 40 years ago but i will always remember him and still have two of his original silk-screen art works (Quo Vadim) hanging in my family room.
My prayers will always be with you.
Brian Mann