ROBERT (BOB) DENNIS MILES (BOHDAN MICHALCHUK)

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ROBERT (BOB) DENNIS MILES
(nee BOHDAN MICHALCHUK)
December 1, 1941 - January 14, 2020
"To thine own self be true"

It is with heavy hearts that Bob's family announce that he passed away peacefully in North Vancouver, surrounded by family, at the age of 78, after complications from a stroke. He was fit, witty as ever and fiercely independent to the end. Bob lived life on his own terms and was known and loved for his charisma and larger-than-life, enigmatic persona.
Proud natives of the Ukrainian community of Winnipeg, Manitoba, Bob is a descendant of, and was predeceased by, his father, Leon William Michalchuk (1914 to 1956) and his mother, Mary Lisowecki Michalchuk (1917 to 2009). He is survived by his loving kids: Kimberly Olynyk, Jordan Miles, Robyn Miles and Christopher Miles; his sister, Elizabeth "Lasha" Feder; his best friend and brother-in-law, Karl Feder; his nephews, Michael Feder (wife Dulce Feder, and their son, Aaron Feder) and Gregory Feder.
Bob graduated from the University of Manitoba in 1969 with a degree in economics and history. He married Caroline "Candy" Rachel Rosen in 1968 and raised their young family in the community of River Heights. Bob enjoyed trips with his kids to the Lisowecki homestead and exchanging stories with his relatives about the old country (Poplarfield & District Millenium Album (1900 to 2000)).
An entrepreneur at heart, he started and ran several successful businesses over the years. He married Kathryn "Kathy" Cheryl Jones in the mid 1980s and moved his family to Vancouver. As a commercial realtor and business owner, he lived life to his fullest and enjoyed the beauty of West Coast living. A hippy and free spirit, Bob could often be found rambling down the boulevards in an old Benz, VW Westfalia or vintage Porsche, hunting for the perfect 'hole-in-the-wall' eatery.
Brilliant and gifted, Bob was a self-taught scholar on many topics. He was blessed with a voracious appetite for knowledge and an uncanny ability to recite everything he'd ever read or learned. Many characteristics set Bob apart, including his cunning intellect and wry, matchless sense of humour. He relished exchanging witty banter and keeping his kids on their toes. Often with laughter and a sarcastic finger wag, he turned regular calls and visits with them into loving opportunities to impart his sage advice and life lessons. He was a devoted father and a mentor to all, demonstrating with pride how to do things his way, how to navigate the world with "hutzpah" and the importance of being independent and resourceful.
A photographer and novice bird watcher, Bob lived for the outdoors. His favourite rituals included long walks on Ambleside Beach and in the trails with his beloved pups, Biff, and later, Rocky. He devoured the daily newspapers, devoted countless hours tearing out news articles for his kids and took care to feed all critters that he came across. Those who knew Bob best would describe him as a nature and animal lover; spirited cynic; and a wizened realist. He was a compassionate humanitarian, often offering a hand up to those in need.
A self-professed thrill seeker and a true defiant, throughout his life, Bob sought adventure. His family knows that he is touring all the waterfalls, listening to tunes with his pedal to the medal, and hopes that all the rocks he finds in heaven are perfect spheres. He was the light of our life and is deeply missed by all who love him.
A celebration of Bob's life will be held on Sunday, February 16 at 2:30 p.m., at the Celebration Hall in the Mountain View Cemetery, 5455 Fraser St., Vancouver, BC.
In honour of Bob's love of animals, memorial donations, in lieu of flowers, may be made to the B.C.S.P.C.A.

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Feb 01, 2020