Bob was born in Welland, Ontario 13 Dec 1942 and enrolled in the Royal Canadian Corps of Signals in 1960 as a signalman. On completion of basic training with the Regiment of the Canadian Guards in Petawawa, he was posted to the Royal Canadian School of Signals in Kingston, where he completed his training as a Radio Equipment Technician. He served between 1961 and 1976 in Canadian Army units in Petawawa, Germany, Cyprus, London (On) and Fort Greely Alaska.
In 1976, while serving at the Canadian Forces School of Communications and Electronics in Kingston as a Warrant Officer, he was commissioned in the rank of Lieutenant and posted as Regimental Signal Officer to the Lord Strathcona’s Horse (Royal Canadian) in Calgary. Bob was posted to the Canadian Forces Officer School in Chilliwack in June 1979, where he served as an instructor and as Adjutant. He was appointed as second-in-command of 2 (Electronic Warfare) Squadron with the 1rst Canadian Signal Regiment in Kingston, in April 1982.
Bob was promoted to the rank of Major in June 1983 while attending the Canadian Land Forces Staff Course. Upon completion he was posted to National Defence Headquarters in the Directorate of Communications Security. During this posting he served as Commanding Officer of Canadian Forces Station Alert in 1984. He was the posted to the Project Management Office of the Secure Voice and Teletype Projects in July 1986 where he served until his posting as Commanding Officer of 771 Communications Research Squadron.
Bob retired from The Canadian Forces in August 1988 joined the Communications Security Branch working in many varied communication security intelligence roles for 16 years travelling extensively.
On retirement he remained in the Ottawa area enjoying many travel adventures with his wife Carol, especially time in France and St Martin/Maarten. Their lives together were full with their love of dogs, reading, nature adventures, family visits and so much more.
After a few medically challenging weeks Bob was diagnosed with metastatic cancer on a Monday and passed peacefully 3 days later, Thursday am. His wife Carol, son Bob Junior and his wife Kim were at his bedside. Daughter Brigitte was present on her visit from B.C.
He was preceded in death by his former wife. People well known to Bob, knew him to be a man of dignity, integrity, grace, and honour.
To Bob, his life was good, his life was full, and his life was meaningful.
If one wishes to donate to a charity in Bob’s name, please choose a charity that has a meaning in your lives.
Digital Guestbook
Bill and Karen Zadina
Konstantin Huytan
I had the privilege and good fortune to work with Bob in various capacities from the time he arrived at CSE. For a time I was one his direct reports as a supervisor when he managed INFOSEC Client Services. I valued his competence, integrity and straight-forward way of doing business. You always knew where you stood with him whether as subordinate or as a colleague. Firm and fair could be another way of describing him. A great sense of humour and his recreational passions completed the man. We are diminished without the likes of him. My sympathies to his family on the loss of a very fine man.
Major (Retd) Robert (Bob) Weisman PhD
My deepest condolences to Carol, Bob and Kim. I met Bob in 1983 at the Land Forces Command and Staff College and our paths crossed on numerous occasions in the C4ISR world. I had the deepest respect for him and he was a fine man who defended Canada in cyber space. Rest in peace Bob.
Hajer Nour Aziz Youssef fakhri
We knew Bob & Carol few years ago as good neighbors with their friendly smiles and kindness.
We're very sorry for the loss of Bob the respectful, kind and gentle man.
Our sincere condolences to the nice human being Carol and the family.
May Bob rest in peace. ???
Carol, stay strong as we knew you and we’re always here for you ❤️ Big hugs ?
Guilda ad Joe Tranfaglia
We are sadden to hear this news Carol, we will always remember our times in SXM at Lavista with you both, memories are precious hold on to them dear friend ❤️We feel blessed to have shared all those years with you both
Karen Bailey
To my sister Carol and everyone that loved Bob, my deepest sympathy and love. Bob was a class act, with integrity, honestly and honor.
rene florian sabo
So sorry for your loss Carol. Bob was an older cousin that I knew in my youth
Shelly Maiuk
I am so very sorry for the passing of Bob Stevens. To the family goes out my deepest sympathy. May you R.I.P. cousin.
Robert Stevens Jr.
My father was a good man. He touched many lives and all who met him over the years were enriched by knowing him. On his last Father's Day, I wrote him a card that said that the best things we leave in our life are our memories. I will remember snowmobiling and getting off the back of the sled on Mattawa Plains and getting left behind when dad didn't notice. I'll remember cottage summers, glow globs, my first fish (21 inch long pike), learning to ski with him, salmon fishing on the Fraser, and so much more. Dad knew how to have fun, especially with his kids. As a soldier, he knew his time with me and my sister was always precious so when he was home he made the most of our together times. His sense of fun and humour were two of his greatest gifts.
Dad will be missed by so many. His wife, Carol and their dog Shiloh. He was a loving, nurturing and teaching father to his children and their loved ones, me, Robert Stevens Jr. and my wife Kimberley Stevens; and his daughter, Brigitte Canfield and her husband, Steven Canfield, rest in peace Steve.
His siblings, even though estranged for many years, Delores Beauparlant, Ralph, and Mark, loved him until the end. He was Godfather to Ralph's son, Scott Stevens. He was predeceased by my mother, Elizabeth Sailer (nee Schulting) and dad will be fondly remembered by mom’s family in Germany with whom he had stayed in contact over the years. Dad will be remembered by his nieces and nephews here in Canada, Ronald Beauparlant, Suzanne Danyliw, Scott Stevens, and Michelle Snedden.
Over the years, it was often hard to reach across the distances at which we found ourselves, but he loved and will always be remembered by his grandchildren, Donald Canfield, Amanda Canfield, Suzanne Stevens, Ashley Stevens, Kiersten (Kyle) Potts, James Stevens, and Rose Dicks. Dad also had 4 great-grandchildren, Hayley, Alayna, Myah, and Ellie.
Dad leaves a legacy of service to our country. He served 28 years in the Canadian Army and Canadian Armed Forces, and even when he took off the uniform, he never forgot his oath and commission and continued to serve our nation. He will be remembered by all for his honesty and integrity.
Rest in peace soldier. We have the watch.
Andrew Nicola Cynthia David Tysowski
Our sympathy and sincere condolences to both Carol and all family members for your loss. We have known Bob for some 35 years as a great neighbor and a fine respected gentleman who was always willing and able to assist without having to be asked. Bob served his country and his community well and will be remembered as such by all that knew him.
We’ve known Bob for nearly 40 years and Carol even longer. When we think of Bob, “tour guide” comes to mind. We have fond memories of our trip to Paris. Bob was a great guide and speaking French was a bonus. He will be greatly missed. Thinking of you, Carol, my longtime friend.