WANGLER, F. R. "Bob" passed away on Friday, May 31, 2019, in his home in Enderby, BC, at the age of 81. Bob was born in Spruce Grove, AB in 1938 and was 1 of 12 children. He was raised in Borden, SK by his mother Lula and his step- father Ranel Bourk. Bob ventured out on his own at age 13. Up until his early 20's he worked on oil rigs, then he and Ken Bergum started Wangler Trucking hauling crude oil. In the 1970's Bob created All-Rite Drilling Ltd. which drilled water wells for the oil patch. This business was very successful throughout Alberta during the 70-80's. Bob then chose to move to BC and created Wangler Drilling Ltd. which drilled domestic water wells in the interior of BC. He enjoyed this area as his home for his remaining years. His experience and expertise in the drilling industry provided several opportunities to work overseas as a Drilling Consultant. His footprint was left in Saudi, Brazil, Yemen, Sudan, and Greenland. This fit right in with Bob's love for travel and he took the opportunity to visit many other countries on days off.
Bob loved life, lived his life to the fullest, and lived the way he wanted to live. He was very outgoing, very adventurous, enjoyed his Harley, had a pilot license, his own planes, and lived more lives than the notorious "cat with 9 lives." He was very generous (ie. donating a water well to the Ranchero School), very charming, and enjoyed getting to know the local people everywhere he visited. He especially loved and enjoyed all his ever-growing family.
Bob is survived by his five children: Brenda, Shelly (Kim) Aris, Darrell (Amy), Angie and Bobby. Siblings: Phyllis, John, Margret, Maudie, Mary Lou and Donna. Plus nine grandchildren and three great grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews. Plus four ex-wives: Gloria, Shirley, Gwen, Carmen.
Bob is predeceased by parents Lula (Myer) Bourk, Chris Wangler, Ranel Bourk. Siblings: Ken, Larry, Christian and Mabel.
A Celebration of Bob's life was held in the Seymour Room of The Prestige Harbourfront Resort & Convention Centre, 251 Harborfront Drive NE, Salmon Arm, BC on Friday, June 7, 2019 at 2 pm. No flowers please. If inclined, please forward any donation to BC SPCA Shuswap Branch, Salmon Arm.
Online condolences may be sent to Bob's family through his obituary at www.bowersfuneralservice.com
Bowers Funeral Home and Crematorium