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
Gabriel Lai
Nicholas Ma
I'll miss you Bob. You were one of the first to introduce me to the world of badminton. It was a lot of fun and I learned a lot from you. I'll never forget those summer camps and training classes where you were one of my coaches. You were always so kind to me. Rest in peace Bob.
Violet Lai
Bob is gone but not forgotten. You will always be in our hearts.
Bob is a wonderful, caring person who always shows concern for the well-being of others.
32 years ago when we relocated from Hong Kong to Ottawa, we did not have a car and so transportation was difficult in the initial days of settling down in the new place. Bob was friendly and compassionate of our critical issue in transportation. We were grateful that Bob took the time after work driving us to different places shopping for the appropriate clothing and accessories for the winter.
Myrtle
Bob, you were a sweet, humorous, helpful, generous and good natured person. Kids loved to be around you. You will always be in our hearts! RIP Bob!
Wendy Liu
I still remember visiting Ottawa for the first time when I was in Grade 4, Uncle Bob took me and the cousins to Montreal for a live baseball game and we caught a game ball! It was very memorable!
We miss you Uncle Bob. R.I.P.
Alan Fok
I would like to express my heartfelt gratitude to Bob for his exceptional guidance and mentorship in the world of badminton. His unwavering kindness and positivity left a lasting impact on me, and I cherished every moment spent with him. It was under Bob's tutelage that my journey in badminton officiating began, and without that pivotal moment, I would have missed out on badminton at the highest level in Ontario.
Thanks to Bob, I not only honed my skills but also forged valuable friendships within the badminton community. His dedication and inspiration extended to countless young athletes like myself, and I aspire to carry forward his legacy, even if it's just a small fraction of his immense impact.
Rest in peace, Coach Bob, your legacy will forever live on.
Mona Lai
You are gone but never forgotten . You will be sorely missed.
Edwin Ma
I have very fond memories of Bob: coaching at the badminton summer camps, playing at the RA Centre, and the early morning summer drives to badminton.
Although I lost contact with him over the past few years, I will always remember Bob as the kind, caring person that he was. You will be greatly missed.
Rosita Chan
Bob, you were such a kind, caring, generous and thoughtful person throughout your life. Death may have taken you away, but you will always be with us in our hearts and minds. Paula and Alexander, please stay as strong as you can and remember all those who can support you during this tough time. All my love and sympathy to you and your family.
Dominique Guertin
I only have good memories of this honest and caring man and a real asset to the badminton community. My sincere condolences to his family and friends. RIP
It’s Bob who taught me what baseball was and let me really enjoy the games. I still remember the good time we threw and caught baseball. We’ll deeply miss you and you will always be in my mind. R.I.P., Bob !