Bob Gee

July 4, 1924—August 28, 2008
Rotarian May 19, 1966—August 28, 2008

Our Friend and Interesting Member since 1966 Bob Gee passed away last week at the age of 84 years.  Our condolences go out to Jeanne and family.

Bob was born in Winnipeg in 1924.  Shortly after completing his high school in 1943 Bob enlisted in the Canadian Navy where he served for over two years as an Able Seaman on convoy duty.

Following his discharge from the Navy in 1946 he attended the University of Manitoba, earning his B.A. and subsequently his Law degree in 1953.  After practicing Law in Regina for two years Bob joined with Howard Mallabone (member and Past President of our Rotary Club) to practice Law in partnership in Calgary for several years.  Bob established his own Law Practice initially in Chinook Center, later a block or two away on 58th Ave. and McLeod Trail and finally on 10th Avenue West in a building owned by a former member.

Bob’s 10th Avenue office was in the same building, on the same floor as the Rotary Office of the day.  Bob left his door open and was quick to join Secretary Merne Hale and any Rotarian who dropped in to the office—for a casual smoke or two.  He always had a new deadpan story to share with fellow Rotarians.  Merne and Bob were two of the last smokers in the Downtown Core—presenting a more than friendly greeting to visitors to their floor.

Bob was actively involved in the local Lions Club for six years, and other community organizations including the South Calgary Business Association when he was proposed for membership in the Calgary South Rotary Club in 1966.  He participated enthusiastically in most Club activities for the next thirty-five years.

Bob loved being the Club Jester delivering his Ogden Nash style poetry in person or through the Bulletin.  Here’s a memorable example of Bob’s verse:

And now I ask a few words more                 

Before another takes the floor

To congratulate on being alive

Last week’s Birthday group of five.

To Wally Smith of the I.R.A.

Here’s hoping you're around to stay.

To Don Magee and Gardie Shaw

Here's wishing you a hundred more

(This land could boast that none could hurt her

Were more like you born in Alberta)

To Lorne Carr and Jimmy Sands

We offer our extended hands

‘Neath broad Saskatchewan's open sky

This pair was born on the second of July

Congratulations done, let's take

A bite of Barberie’s noxious cake

Though he assures us it's the best
I doubt it will pass the four-way test.  

Rest in Peace Bob—your words and memory will live on in Our Club.

George Adam and Peter Penner