Obituary

Robert was born in Penticton, to Betty and Norman Ashe on March 15, 1948.  Along with his 6 brothers and sisters, Robert grew up in a busy Christian household committed to church and community.

Robert met the love of his life, Joanne Roegele in 1969 and on Valentine’s day 1970 they began their married adventure.  They started their life together in Penticton but shortly after moved to Fraser Lake, BC where they welcomed their first child, Ken.  They returned to Penticton, and then Okanagan Falls, where their daughter Sherry joined the family.  Eventually, they settled in the beautiful community of Kaleden where they would raise their family and grow strong roots amidst family and friends.

No matter where they were, Rob always had a heart for his church, his neighbors, his family and the youth.  Whether in his capacity as an elder at Okanagan Falls Community Church or in his role as the neighborhood Dad, Rob could always be found building, fixing or creating something that would benefit those around him.  From his contributions building the Church in OK Falls to flooding the horse pasture in the winter for the local children to come skate, Rob never hesitated to facilitate community connection.

Rob worked as a Heavy Equipment Operator for many years.  It was almost an art form for him, the way he maneuvered a Loader, Back-hoe or Excavator.  You can drive through areas all over the Southern Okanagan and witness his creations.  Rock walls were his specialty, fitting gigantic pieces of boulders on top of each other like puzzle pieces, studying each piece, and turning it until it fit like it was made to do so.

After retirement, Rob and Joanne moved into a small neighborhood in Penticton where he quickly became the “go-to” guy.  Looking out for so many that live in that community through snow-removal, small repairs and coffee dates with his guy-gang.  He continued to love the property in Kaleden, supporting his sister Francis with her goals for the land and growing way more potatoes than any human could possibly eat in a year!

Rob and Joanne were blessed in these last few years with many trips all over the province including Nelson, Revelstoke, Nakusp, Harrison Hot Springs, Vancouver Island and their favorite destination at their niece’s property in Mission. Nothing would please Rob more than sitting on the riding lawn mower for a full day wrangling the grass into shape and petting the dogs.

On November 24th, 2024 Rob left to join his Lord and Saviour, survived by his wife of 54 years, Joanne, his children Ken and Sherry (Nelson), his grandchildren Kaitlynn, Drew, Tai and Lily, as well as numerous family and friends.  Rob is predeceased by his parents, sister Marilyn, brothers-in-law Ron and Wes and grandson, Jordan.

The family would like to extend sincere appreciation to the incredible team on SP3 at Penticton Regional Hospital.  With a special mention to Rob’s Day Nurse, Adrianna, and Night Nurse Kaylan, who provided the most compassionate, gentle and dignified care.