Bob & Jo; our neighbours for the last fifteen years in Regina. Wonderful people.

Robert & Josephine Williams have been our neighbours ever since we moved to Regina. They are an elderly couple who have strong values and beliefs of independence and taking pride and care in their property and home. They are both 88 years old and more active than I would have thought possible or practical. They are amazing.

Bob just passed away 2 weeks ago. He turned ill a few weeks back but never let the illness slow him down. His illness took a turn and he went into the Hospital by ambulance on the 21st of July. He passed away four days later with Josephine and Scott (son) by his side. I am glad his son made it home in time to spend some time with his dad and be there for Josephine. She must feel tremendously lost right now; she and Bob had been together for many years. My heart breaks when I think of how poignant her loss must be during these past few weeks. I am welling up right now just thinking about it. I am glad we could help and comfort Jo during a rough period when Bob went into the hospital. This was before Scott came home and she really just needed someone to help her contact the hospital and get some information on Bob. Make a few calls, get in touch with her son and spend a bit of time with her in a dark hour. It was so alarming for her.

I am writing about this today because I find that everyday I am thinking about the dear old couple next door. A couple who would not accept help as they felt a certain sense of independence in carrying out their tasks. Their lawn and yard was kept in immaculate condition, you could always see the bare cement of their driveway in winter, and never a peep or complaint about anything. They would not even accept help sawing down a large tree in their front yard. They had a two-person bucksaw and figured they would remove the tree on their terms. I have so much respect for their approach to life. I want this blog post to be a celebration of their life together, a remembrance of Bob, and a reminder to check in on Josephine to offer her comfort and support as she makes sense of a world without Bob.

The world is full of wonderful people when you take the time to notice them. Goodbye Bob, you will be missed and remembered.