We regret to advise of the death of Firefighter Robert Gerald “Bob” Clay, peacefully on 5 May 2023 at the Chinook Regional Hospital in his hometown of Lethbridge AB.
Bob was born in Swift Current SK, the youngest of five children. He spent his early childhood years in Swift Current before the family moved to Lethbridge when Bob was 6 years old. A natural athlete, he participated in football and soccer as a young man, golf as an adult, and loved watching sports, especially hockey, throughout his life.
As a young man, Bob worked in Waterton for several summers and then joined the Royal Canadian Air Force where he served as a Firefighter. Among his postings were Comox BC and Senneterre QC. After his retirement from the Canadian Forces, Bob moved back to Lethbridge where he served with the Lethbridge Fire Department.
A talent for bowling led Bob to a career in managing bowling alleys in Lethbridge and then Red Deer. Later, he earned a steamfitter/pipefitter ticket and began his plumbing business, Bob’s Boiler Service. During his time in Squamish and Vancouver, he worked on large construction projects, including two Fairmont Hotels in Vancouver and Whistler.
Bob enjoyed carpentry and woodworking. He could fix almost anything and made many toys and other items for his children and grandchildren. Bob often donated the colorful bird houses/condos he built in the woodworking shop at the Lethbridge Senior Citizens Organization as raffle prizes and for displays.
A Memorial Service to celebrate Bob’s life will be held at Southminster United Church {1011 – 4 Avenue South, Lethbridge} on Thursday, 18 May 2023 at 11:00 am. The service will be live-streamed HERE.
Online condolences can be sent to the funeral home. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the Canadian Red Cross, or the Salvation Army, in Bob’s memory.
