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
Adolfo
Tamara Chan
Uncle Bob, It's hard to believe that you're gone. I still remember our last visit like it was just the other day. You were a thoughtful, gentle and kind-hearted soul.
Ever since I was little, whenever we would visit for family reunions, you would make time to spend with me. Whether it was watching a baseball game, trying to teach me badminton (sorry I'm awful at racket sports), playing tour guide as I explored the prominent sites in Ottawa, you were always generous with your time and knowledge. I feel fortunate to have you a part of my family.
Auntie Paula and Alexander, Babak and I are thinking of you during this difficult time. I hope you two can find comfort in knowing how many lives Uncle Bob left an imprint on.
Emily & Michael
Bob will always be remembered as a man with a big heart. His kindness, sincerity, and readiness to lend a helping hand had made him well liked by everyone who knew him. Bob was smart and was good in everything he touched, and he always shared his skills with others humbly. Bob, you will be missed dearly, but memories we shared with you will remain.
Emily & Michael
Bob will always be remembered as a man with a big heart. His kindness, sincerity, and readiness to lend a helping hand had made him well liked by everyone who knew him. Bob was smart and was good in everything he touched, and he always shared his skills with others humbly. Bob, you will be missed dearly, but memories we shared with you will remain.
Timothy Bryans
We are so sorry for your loss and offer our condolences.
Frank Chan
I met Bob & Paula in 1975 and attended their wedding in Kingston, Ontario. Through all these years, I remember Bob as a very soft spoken, kind, gentle, generous, and always ready to help soul with a sense of humor. He treated everyone the same: with respect. It was my honor to be his brother-in-law. May he rest in peace and his memory be a blessing.
Lan Ton
My sincere condolences to Paula and the whole family. May meaningful remembrances remain with you always.
Jiabin Wang & Zhexin Mi
Bob and Paula became our extended family when Alex and Qing Hua got married. We have shared the same title of grandparents of Henry and Conrad, but Bob had the special title of “grandpa.” During Henry's first year, we took turns taking care of him, and were glad to share tips with Bob and Paula when we switched. We have kept up sharing photos and stories of our grandsons, and we are pleased that Bob was able to meet Conrad when he was born. Bob, you were so kind, friendly, and generous, and you will be always in our memories.
Beatrice and Peter Yau
we don't even remember how many years we had known Bob,all those trips that we went together in the past years will not be forgotten,miss you a lot.
Paul Leung
I first knew of Bob in around 1978 through Mona and her family that I would have a “gweilo” brother-in-law as Mona and I were planning to get married after we finished our university years and returned to Hong Kong from Winnipeg!
There and then we met and became family members ever since. And I was amazed to find that Dr. Bob Green not only was truly a gentleman and obviously a very generous person indeed because we seldom find such good quality specimen among ourselves! According to Mona and our kids, Louise and Joseph, uncle Bob was always helpful and resourceful towards them, especially when they first landed and stayed in Ottawa in 1990. All the wonderful help and offers he’d shown them have been well appreciated and recognised!
Dear Bob, it was a great honour for us to have you as our family member. We thanked God for introducing You to us! May your rest in heaven be so peaceful and calm and you will always be remembered in our hearts forever and ever….
I really miss you. You were my best friend on Cheverny Cresent and the best whistler I have ever known. R.I. P. Bobby.