The Reverend Robert David (Bob) Chisholm died in Salmon Arm, BC on January 8, 2008 after a lengthy but courageous struggle with cancer in which he demonstrated a truly amazing degree of resignation and acceptance. Fr. Chisholm was born in Vancouver, BC, the son of Duncan and Genevieve Cosgriff Chisholm on October 26, 1934.
After graduating from Vancouver College, Fr. Bob enrolled at the University of British Columbia. He completed his undergraduate degree at Assumption University in Windsor, ON after joining the Basilian Fathers, a community of priests based in Toronto. After being ordained December 18, 1965 in Holy Rosary Church in Vancouver, he began his lifetime ministry in parishes in several provinces in Canada. He served in St. John the Baptist Parish, Amherstburg, ON and Holy Rosary Toronto, as an assistant pastor. He was then pastor of Our Lady of the Assumption, Lethbridge, AB; St. Augustine, Saskatoon, SK; St. Charles Garnier, Kelowna, BC; and St. Pius X, Calgary, AB. For the last 11 years, Bob has served in the churches that make up St. Joseph’s Church in Salmon Arm, BC.
There was no pretense about the man. He lived very simply, spoke both by his words and example and had a special gift of ministering to children. His droll humour, sharp wit and empathy for those less fortunate will long be cherished.
Special thanks to Larry Dicks, Dr. Brian Ayotte and the outstanding medical staff at Shuswap Lake General Hospital. The Mass of Christian Burial was celebrated by His Excellency, Bishop David Monroe and Homilist, Father Ron Griffin, CSB, at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church, Salmon Arm, BC on Saturday, January 12, 2008 at 11 a.m. Another Mass at Sacred Heart Cathedral, Kamloops was celebrated on Monday at 11 a.m., with burial in Hillside Cemetery, Kamloops. Pallbearers were Larry Dicks, Brian Ayotte, Tom Clark, Neil Reynolds, Pat Gau and Richard Davidson.
He is survived by his sister Anita (Alfred) Clark, brother Don and his twin brother Tom (Bernie) plus numerous nieces, nephews, grandnieces and grandnephews.
Email condolences may be sent to
sympathy@bowersfuneralservice.com
Arrangements were in the care of Bowers Funeral Home, Salmon Arm, BC.