Vancouver entrepreneur Bob Annable has died at the age of 90. He is survived by his timeless wife, Jan, four children, ten grandchildren, and even one great grandchild.
There were almost 60 years between us, but that didn’t stop Bob and I from becoming friends as I was learning golf as a teenager, and Bob was enjoying retirement after a long and productive career.
He was instrumental in Intrawest’s acquisition of Blackcomb Mountain, worked with Peter Munk to develop real estate and hotels in Fiji, traded timber, freighters and more. The first Prime Minister Trudeau appointed him to the Economic Council of Canada. He was even President of Capilano Golf Club, and would walk the long course late into his 80s.
Bob was a constant source of encouragement during my early career. We’d trade books on Canadian business (Bob's copy of Making of a Modern Tycoon, inspired this 2013 CEO.CA story, for example). He’d share old Vancouver business stories, including a few not fit for print. Once Bob, beaming with pride, drove me on a tour of the Vancouver operations of Stormtech, a leading promotional apparel company founded by his son, Blake, while discussing business lessons. I will never forget the day.
"He never met a person he didn't like and if he did he'd never tell you," said Jack Rogers, a friend from Capilano. "Always had a smile on his face and interested in everything. Good role model for everyone."
Bob Annable lived an incredible and long life. Now he's gone and I already miss him.
OBITUARY
Robert Graham ANNABLE
Robert Graham ANNABLE March10, 1927-June 14, 2017 Bob passed away in West Vancouver surrounded by the love of his family. Survived by his wife of 65 years, Janice, and sons Blake (Linda), Peter (Barb) and Mark (Janet), all of West Vancouver and daughter, Tanyss Baldwin (Gordon) of North Vancouver. Bob is also survived by 10 grandchildren - Kelly (Ben Lumb), Kristen, Kyle (Nelly), Sean, Daina, Erin, Andrew, Lauren, Rachel and Tommy as well as one great granddaughter, Isla Lumb. Bob was born in Moose Jaw, Saskatchewan and moved to Vancouver when he was 8. He attended Prince of Wales and Saint George's where he developed his life long loves of football, golf, skiing and rugby. In 1943 he founded the Vancouver & District Football League. Later he went to UBC where he played football for the Thunderbirds. He was active in the Phi Delta Theta fraternity and fell in love with Jan after choosing her to be his Committee Secretary while he co-chaired the "Mardi Gras Charity Ball'. Bob was a steadfast fan of the BC Lions and served many years on their Board of Directors. He also served on the Advisory Council of UBC's Faculty of Commerce as well as on the board of Brentwood College. As the BC Director of the Federal Business Development Bank he was instrumental in Intrawest's acquisition of Blackcomb Mountain. His working life began at the East Asiatic Company where he learned about the lumber industry, eventually establishing Oceanic Trading Co., Ancore International, Indian Head Trading, Oceanic Insurance Underwriters, Pacific International Freightliners and others. He was a true entrepreneur! He served as the Chief Fundraiser in BC for the Liberal Party of Canada and was appointed to the Economic Council of Canada by PM Pierre Trudeau. A lifelong athlete, he played tennis at Hollyburn CC and skied at Whistler, but his great sporting passion was for golf which he learned from his mother, Muriel McVicar (Hoig) Annable at an early age. He joined Capilano Golf Club in 1954 which became his "second home" and his "second family". Central to his life was his family - camping, bike rides in Stanley Park, golf and ski holidays but above all was family time at Buccaneer Bay and Capilano Golf Club. Bob's unshakeable positive attitude and sense of humour, even in adverse situations, was a life lesson for all of us. He will be greatly missed by all whose lives he touched. A private family gathering will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers donations to Athletics 4 Kids would be greatly appreciated - www.A4K.ca. A memorial page is available for viewing at www.McKenzieFuneralServices.com.
