April 9, 1936 - September 13, 2018
Rob was born April 9, 1936 in Garfield, Washington, to Idaho ranchers Ethel and Harvey Kammerzell. His early years on the ranch left him with an abiding love of the land. As a young man, he experienced four culturally and socially rich years in the Navy and was active in the Christian fellowship on board the aircraft carrier USS Midway.
His spiritual path led him to his beloved Shirley, companion of almost 60 years. They married in 1959 in the Alameda, CA Navel Chapel. The young couple's move to Canada in 1969 was inspired by their wish to home school their girls close to the land he loved so dearly. This homesteading life is where his passions for learning, teaching, designing, building and gardening were fully cultivated. His skills as a gardener and designer were further developed and expressed during several years as the caretaker and head gardener of the Blaylock Estate. In later years Rob also worked at Bee Building Supply and Safeway.
After two decades in Upper Bonnington, Robert and Shirley retired to Procter. His retirement project was restoring an elderly house and its grounds as a lovely homage to the English cottages and gardens he and Shirley delighted in. His of love of England and her history was a source of constant pleasure and galvanized numerous trips and much happy research. In Procter they also had many enjoyable years with family and friends.
He is survived by his wife Shirley, daughters Susan, Sara, Annie (Steve), Lori (Mike), grandson Morgan, granddaughter Hayden, sister Dorry (Chuck) of Clarkston, WA, and nieces and nephews Cheri (Jerry), Larry (Lael) Tom (Diane) and Shelley (Keith).
The family is grateful to Drs. Sonnichsen, McBride and Merritt and the nursing staff for their kindly care of Rob.
He embraced life, whatever it brought. His generous, brave, creative spirit left an indelible imprint that we will always remember and miss. He died at Kootenay Lake Hospital September 13, 2018, surrounded by family.
A Celebration of Life will be held 3 pm - 5 pm on Sunday, October 28th at the Hume Hotel.
Service Details
3:00 PM