In Loving Memory of
John Robert (Bob) McEwen
June 19, 1926 – Jan. 12, 2007
A few months after his birth in Dauphin, Manitoba, Bob, his mother and two older sisters, Donna and Thelda, rejoined his father at the Duthie Mine outside of Smithers. Bob spent his pre-school years at the mine. The McEwen family moved into town where he lived the rest of his life, except for his time in the army during WWII. Instead of encouraging his academics, Bob’s teachers sent him to the shops.
Here his creative and artistic talents grew. Before long he left school and went to work for Hoskins’ garage. He married Nora Ryan December 30, 1946. They became business partners when they opened McEwen’s Autobody in 1960. He volunteered in many organizations including Kinsmen, Rotary, Legion, Figure Skating club, Volunteer Fire Department, United Church, and Hospice Society.
He willingly used his talents, experience, and equipment to help the community, a friend, or a stranger. Bob represented Northern BC as an Automotive Retailers’ Association director. Family was a priority. He worked hard, for long hours, to provide for them, but still found time to spend with his children. He was proud of them and his grandchildren. And Bob knew how to have fun. He golfed, curled, and figure skated. He enjoyed music, dancing, nice clothes, quality cars, and his fleet of bright orange tow trucks.
Bob liked travelling, especially driving, for bonspiels, ARA, and Rust Check. He always returned with stories to tell. After closing “Autobody” he established McEwen’s Car Care. In his 70’s he retired and became a devoted, full time care giver to Nora until her passing in June 2001. He liked people and lately visits with friends at the coffee shop, post office, or grocery store were highlights of his day.
He was generous, compassionate, respectful, and respected. Bob is survived by his son, Andy McEwen (Sylvia); daughters, Rosemary Maitland (Ken) and Susan Evans (David); grandchildren, Shawn and Lindsey McEwen, Dugan, Caroline and Florence Maitland; step-grandson, Rob Evans; sister, Thelda Galbincea; and numerous cousins, nieces, and nephews.
A Memorial Service will be held at 2:00 pm, Saturday, February 3, 2007 in the Smithers United Church. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in his memory to The Arthritis Society, BC and Yukon Division, Suite 200, 1645 West 7th Ave, Vancouver, BC V6J 1S4. www.arthritis.ca/bc; or to CNIB British Columbia, 1929 Bayview Ave, Toronto,ON, M4G 3E8. www.cnib.ca.