ROBERT (BOB) EDWARD GOATCHER

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ROBERT (BOB) EDWARD GOATCHER Flight Lieutenant RCAF 420 Squadron Bomber Command (Retd) D.F.C., C.D. Robert (Bob) Edward, born August 11, 1923, passed away suddenly in Nanaimo, BC, on December 23, 2001. He was the only son of the late Daisy Ellen Birch and Percy George Goatcher; brother to Irene (Jack) Mitchell of Edmonton, AB, and the late Margaret (Thomas) White. He was a graduate of B.Com U. of M. Class of 1949. After leaving G.M.A.C. Winnipeg, MB, in 1955, he re-joined the RCAF in 1955 and served as a Fighter Controller, Weapons Director, later as a Systems Analyst. The Goatchers spent their summers at their Victoria Beach cottage every summer from 1962 to 1988. Retiring from active service in Ottawa in 1968, Bobs continuing interest in computers was furthered as a Systems Analyst instructor at Red River Community College, retiring once more in 1988. Bob was a life member of the Winnipeg Air Crew Association, as well as an active member of the Victoria Air Crew Association, 808 Squadron, Nanaimo, where he served as treasurer and a serving member of Legion 257, Lantzville, volunteer member of the Nanaimo Military Museum and the Nanaimo Stamp Club. Bob was a gentle, loving, caring and dependable friend to all persons whose paths he crossed during his earthly tour of operations. Bob is survived by his loving wife Shirley (Lee) Claire (nee Bailey) whom he married May 14, 1948, in Winnipeg; daughters, Melody Lee and son-in-law Arne Andersson, Shirley Carole Goatcher who predeceased him February 18, 1962, Lori Lynne Strickland-Ross and son-in-law Gary Strickland. He loved his six grandchildren, Cody, Sheena and Shane Andersson and Kory, Kris and Kerilyn Strickland. He is also survived by nieces, nephews and cousins in Canada, the United Kingdom, the United States, and numerous caring relatives, friends and associates in Canada, the United Kingdom, Australia, and the United States. A celebration of this gentle mans life will be held at a later date. SANDS OF VICTORIA "A Tradition of Trust" 250-388-5155

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Dec 29, 2001