Fondly known as “Bob” by family and friends, passed away peacefully in Ottawa on November 3, 2023. Predeceased by his parents Melville Green and Ruth Green, and his mother-in-law Sim Ying Leung Lai. Survived by his wife of 48 years, Paula, son Alexander, daughter-in-law Qing Hua, and grandchildren Henry and Conrad; sister Nancy (Doug) and brother Bruce (Manon) and their families. Dearly missed by his father-in-law Sau Nam Lai; sisters-in-law Rosita (Frank), Myrtle (Liu), Violet (Mansion), and Mona (Paul); brothers-in-law Michael (predeceased) (Karreen) and Gabriel; and his many nieces and nephews.
Bob left home in Montreal at the age of 16 to pursue his university studies, achieving a BSc (UNB), MSc & PhD (Queen’s) in Biochemistry, as well as a DPA (Carleton) & MBA (Ottawa) through part-time study. Building on his success in scientific and clinical research, combined with his superb analytical skills, Bob worked as a reviewer of drug and medication submissions at Health Canada for over 20 years. For a significant period, he acted as Section Chief, earning tremendous support and respect from his peers and colleagues.
Bob always had a keen interest in sports and music. He was a cross country runner, cross-lake swimmer, and a seasoned badminton player. He played the recorder beautifully and was a bass singer with a local community choir for years.
Bob volunteered as coach, score keeper, manager, and umpire for both baseball and badminton when his son was competing in these sports. He continued volunteering and coaching kids to teach them new skills. In retirement, he enjoyed travelling, going on cruises worldwide, live theatre, reading, and playing with his grandchildren.
Always socially and environmentally conscious, Bob was a local area coordinator, canvasser, or donor for many charities, notably: the Ontario Kidney Foundation, the Canadian Centre for Policy Alternatives, Ecojustice, the Canadian Wildlife Federation, the Canadian Red Cross, and the Canadian Cancer Society. He was a regular blood donor with over 100 donations.
Bob’s signature beard, friendly and gentle disposition drew him close to a lot of people, especially children who often mistook him for Santa and were always happy to receive a knowing smile in return. Bob will always be remembered by those who have known him as a smart, kind, helpful, generous and humble individual.
You are invited to share your fond memories of Bob and expressions of sympathy at www.beechwoodottawa.ca. In lieu of flowers, please support and contribute to dementia research or donate to a charity of your choice. A private gathering to celebrate his life is planned for the summer of 2024.
Digital Guestbook
Jeffrey and Vivi Chan
Louise Leung
I was just a young toddler when I first met Uncle Bob during his visit with Aunt Paula to Hong Kong in the early 80s. He was very recognizable with his signature beard and extremely friendly (as I don't recall being scared of or having cried in front of him!).
I got to know Uncle Bob much better when we moved to Canada in the early 90s. Uncle Bob, Aunt Paula and Alexander, among others, played an integral part of our growing up (ie my brother Joseph and I) in Canada - helping us settle in, embrace and appreciate the Canadian culture! They took us along to most (if not everything) they did. Weekends and holidays in Ottawa were never dull as they would typically be filled with many unforgettable happy memories of learning, playing and watching sports and supporting the local teams (baseball, hockey, football, badminton, etc.), in addition to other trips to Montreal, Toronto and the US.
Uncle Bob was knowledgeable, overly humble, generous, easy-going and well-liked by everyone. He was also very active, and passionate and committed to the game of badminton. I had fond memories with Uncle Bob at our badminton lessons, games at local clubs and watching badminton tourneys, including the All England in Birmingham when Uncle Bob and Aunt Paula visited me in the UK and the Hong Kong ones whenever they visited us in HK.
Uncle Bob was an amazing person and had certainly made a difference in my life - for which I am forever grateful! He may be gone, but will always live on in our hearts! Miss you much, Uncle Bob!
Flora and Mario Ma
We have forgotten when we first met Bob but we always remember he is a gentleman on and off the badminton court! RIP.
Paula and Alexander, our deepest condolences.
Beth (Trueman) Stockwell
Bob was my cousin. I remember him best from his family visits to Moncton, NB and our visits to Montreal. As I read the messages here, I cannot help but believe he remained the same quiet, nice and empathetic person that I remember. On behalf of our part of the Trueman family, I send my sincere condolences to Paula and the family.
Kenny Li
Bob was a caring, humorous and intellectual person. The happy moments that you brought me to play badminton at RA Centre during my stay in Ottawa between 1999-2003 have been vivid in my mind until now. Thank you and you will be missed. May you rest in peace!
Wilson W
Like many others, Uncle Bob had introduced badminton to me. I still remember those early morning drives to summer camp and evening rides to the RA center. Thanks to his generosity to make the sport readily accessible, it was one of the sports that I grew up playing regularly, all the way to university. It’s also evident that he became a prominent figure in the local community, touching the lives of so many individuals through his contributions as a player, coach, and volunteer.
I would also remember him as a very intelligent person, capable of sharing his vast knowledge through a unique blend of humour and insight. I think there were few topics in which he exhibited little familiarity, which explains how he was able to consistently unravel the daily crosswords with ease. He was always a humble individual, offering his time to explain concepts to anyone who was keen to learn more.
I had the pleasure of spending time with Uncle Bob for most of the first two decades of my life. Although time flies…. it’s still hard to believe that this day has arrived already – Uncle Bob, you will be missed!
Uncle Bob, I am at a loss of words but feel overwhelmed with a sense of sadness but also gratitude. In the bustle of our extended family gatherings, you always were the kind hearted, calm uncle with the unique sense of humor that could light up any room. Your were an incredibly selfless person, always making sure we were having fun including taking us to the park or rec center, watching an Ottawa Lynx game or even just volunteering to be our chauffeur.
While I know the last years were difficult and you may not have been exactly yourself, your warmth and laughter will remain etched in our memories forever.
Rest in peace Uncle Bob.