Obituary of Robert Franklin "Bob" Leer

Robert (Bob) Leer, a long-time resident of Dawson Creek, B.C., passed away on Saturday February 13, 2016 in Dawson Creek at the age of 77 years. Robert Franklin Leer was born on September 21, 1938 to parents Frank and Winona Leer in Lloydminister, Saskatchewan. He had five siblings: Art, Dorothy, Earl, Lester, and Shirley. Bob was the oldest child and was responsible for farm chores and helping with his younger siblings. He attended Albion Elementry and graduated in 1957 from Lloydminster High School where he played many sports such as AA baseball and football. Bob moved to Chetwynd in 1958 and worked with several uncles including Gene and Joe Embree and Bud Campbell, after which he started working on oil rigs with his good friend Sid Berghammer. Bob also played ball in Chetwynd and made many friends. In the early 1960's, Bob took a position with Traders Finance where he met his wife Joy (Smith). They were married on April 14, 1962 in Dawson Creek and they honeymooned at the Worlds Fair in Seattle. They have three children; Brant, Duane, and Sandra. They were a happy family and enjoyed many good times with their family and friends. Bob and Joy always took wonderful long summer vacations with their children. Bob enjoyed his involvement with his kids spending many hours at the arena and ball diamonds. They also took may fishing, hunting, and camping trips together as a family and with friends. The boys went on to Junior and Senior hockey and Bob was always involved with organization or executive roles. He was a coach and president with Dawson Creek Minor Hockey Association, Kodiaks Junior A Team, Prince George Spruce Kings, and was the president of the Peace Caribou Junior Hockey League for a number of years. He eventually left the finance business and bought land to subdivide creating Leer Subdivision and South Dawson Subdivision. This was the start of Bob Leer Contracting. He did many civil and residential jobs. Bob enjoyed working hard, physically clearing roadways and laying pipe. The boys got their work ethic helping Bob in the summers and on weekends. As economic times changed in the 1980's, Bob ventured back into the investment business obtaining all of his licenses and client base. Their business lead to Joy working closely with Bob as they were always inseparable in life. They worked with Andy Falkenberg Agencies for a number of years in Dawson Creek. Later, they were offered a new business opportunity and moved to Prince George having clients all over BC and Alberta. Finally grandchildren came into the picture; Reid, Deon, Mitch, Trevor, and Autumn. They loved the visits and travelling to be with them for holidays and events. Bob and Joy ventured back to the North in the 1990's with a new office in Fort St. John. Bob was diagnosed with prostate cancer when he was 60 years old. He did not change much, but really started to cherish his time with Joy and their family. He put priority on taking care of Joy's health as she was struggling with Arthritis. With Joy passing in 2011, Bob was lost without his life partner. Finding support from his children and grandchildren, he got on with new ventures. Bob's health eventually became a concern. Up until his last days, Bob was visiting with smiles and jokes. Bob was predeceased by his wife Joy (Smith) Leer, and his sister Shirley (Leer) Galbraith-Scheck. Bob will be missed by his children: Brant (Dawn), Duane (Glenda), and Sandra (Tim), his grandchildren Mitchell (Robin), Trevor, Reid, Deon, and Autumn, friend Carol Peterson, his siblings: Art, Earl (Diana), Dorothy (Emil), and Lester (Bev), along with numerous nieces, nephews, and friends. A Funeral Service was held on Saturday, February 20, 2016 at 1:00 PM at the Dawson Creek Alliance Church. Dr. Cath Thorlakson officiated. Interment will be at a later date. For friends so wishing, donations may be made in memory of Bob to Hope Air, Suite 102, 211 Columbia Street, Vancouver, B.C. V6A 2R5. Very Respectfully Reynars Funeral Home & Crematorium Funeral Service 1:00 pm Saturday, February 20, 2016 Dawson Creek Alliance Church 9009-10 Street Dawson Creek, British Columbia, Canada V1G 4T1