October 1, 1940 - May 31, 2018
Bob was born in Victoria, B.C to Catherine Louisa Goodman and Jack Henson. Bob married Barbara Anne Clapham on June 6, 1959. They raised three beautiful daughters. Lori (Monty, Wendy (Andre), and Gina Grandchildren: Kirsten (Sean), Coleman (Kate), Danaya (Bryce),Corey, Breanne, Mat (Alexis) Quinten, Tevis, Ethan, Ayme-Jo. They all loved their Grandad very much and will miss all his stories and his teasing and joking back and forth. He will also be remembered for teaching and helping them out at many times in their lives.
Bob's love of horses was always a big part of his life. As a young teenager he rode in many horse shows and won many trophy's and ribbons with his devoted palomino horse 'Beauty'. He was part of the Colwood Trail Riders Club and that's where he met Barb.
At the 21 years old, Bob purchased an old TD-9 bulldozer and an old gravel truck from his father. He gradually built the equipment up piece by piece until it became a large and productive business, hiring many employee's. He was an active member of the B.C Equipment Association. When the Union stepped in, Bob stepped out. He decided to put most of the equipment in the Ritchie Bros Auction.
He wanted to find a different style of life and he did!
In 1973 Bob and Barb purchased the Soda Creek Ranch on the West Fraser Road in Williams Lake and moved his family there in 1974. It was quite a change for the whole family, but adjusted to it quickly.
Both Bob & Barb had been farm kid's and weren't totally naive. We had wonderful neighbors that helped us out immensely when when it was branding time, shipping time or anytime we needed extra help. There was a shortage of water for irrigating and there wasn't anything we could do to fix the problem. The cattle market prices declined. Bob had to supplement by going back to road construction to keep the ranch a float. In 1979 we sold the ranch to a German Company.
Bob & Barb and kids moved to Chimney Valley Estates, closer to Williams Lake. Living there for 6 years. Bob purchased 188 acres of Dog Creek Road. Pushed in a road and subdivided part of it. The other portion he kept to build our family home, barns, shop and sheds. A little later he constructed a riding arena complex looking down on the property, where many people and their horses have come to ride and enjoy the facility.
Bob's wishes were to be close to his beloved horses Big Time Joker (George) and Whiz Rocket Bar (Whizzie) with just his family in attendance.
Friends and Family, please join us in celebrating the life of Bob Henson. Saturday, October the 6th at Eagleview Equestrian Centre, Eagleview Road, Williams Lake.
At 2 pm there will be a dedication of the Mountain Trail Park in Bob's memory. Following will be photos, slide show, story telling from family and friends at the Riding Arena. Refreshments will be served. For more info please call LORI RANKIN at 250-392-2584 or email; lorirankinl4@hotmail.com,
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Service Details
12:00 PM