Robert passed away peacefully at Langley Memorial Hospital on November 3, 2021. He is predeceased by his wife Ray of almost 50 years, his daughter-in-law Tricia Petrie and his sister Margaret Currie. He is survived by son David (Elizabeth), daughter Alison, son Drew (Angela) and grandchildren Jamie, April, Julia and Hannah.
Robert was born in Glasgow, Scotland on August 14, 1938, to James and Barbara Petrie. Robert was an avid soccer fan and was a member of the Hearts of Midlothian Football Fan Club. Beginning at the age of 14 he organized charter buses for fans that lived in his village to take them to the game. The family emigrated to Canada in January 1967 and shortly thereafter took up residence in Cloverdale. Once in Canada Robert was a founding member of Surrey United Soccer Club and eventually became president for a number of years. He introduced mini-soccer for the younger players in Surrey. He brought the first soccer league to the communities on the south side of the Fraser River and became the league's first president. Robert worked as a Controller at Commonwealth Construction for 18 years before starting a new career at Investors Group as a Financial Planner. Helping people with their finances was his passion.
He reluctantly retired at the age of 78 after 30 years of service. Those who knew him couldn't help but love his keen sense of humour. He will be missed. The family would like to thank the staff at Langley Memorial Hospital and Magnolia Gardens which was his home for the last three years. In lieu of flowers the family would appreciate donations to the Canadian Lung Association or the charity of your choice.
A private family service will be held with plans for a Celebration of Life to be held at a later date. Condolences maybe offered to the family at www.kearneyfs.com.
Kearney Funeral Services