Stiles – Robert (Bob) Stiles of Bassano, beloved husband of Effie Stiles, passed away in Bassano on October 30th, 2005 at the age of 80 years. Born on September 20th, 1925 approximately 12 minutes after his twin brother, Bill, at the Bassano Hospital to Joe and May Stiles. Bob was raised in Bassano and received his schooling there. In January of 1944, he enlisted in the Royal Canadian Navy and after training, served aboard the cruiser HMCS Ontario, in WWII. While serving in the Navy he circumnavigated the world. Bob was discharged from the Navy in January of 1946 and returned to Bassano. Bob married Effie Cowan in 1947 in Calgary and lived in Edmonton for two years before returning to Bassano. He took over the management of Friendly Stores and also purchased and managed Bud’s Coffee Shop. Bob was elected to town council twice. He served with many committees on the Presbyterian Church Board and Session, filling the Treasurer’s position for 30 years. Bob also joined the Bassano Kinsman Club, the Elks Lodge, the Royal Canadian Legion, the Bassano Chamber of Commerce and the Masons, the Big Country Shrine and was the first president of the Bassano Historical Society. He had a life long love of photography, stamp collecting and reading. Bob was predeceased by both his parents and all his brothers and sisters. He is survived by his loving wife, Effie; his two daughters, Brenda and Bud Maynard, and Barb and Ralph Hein; six grandchildren: Melissa and T.J. Maynard and Cathy, Christy, and Tom Hein and Tracey (Jeremy) LaBrie; a sister-in-law, Winnie Stiles and several nieces and nephews. Funeral services will be held on Thursday, November 3rd at 2:00 PM from Knox Presbyterian Church, Bassano. Rev. Peter Baek officiating. Honorary Pallbearers are Bob’s grandchildren. In memory of Bob, if friends desire, memorial tributes may be made to either the Bassano and District Health Foundation, Box 120, Bassano T0J 0B0 or Bassano Cemetery Fund, Box 299, Bassano T0J 0B0. Arrangements in care of SMITH FUNERAL HOME. Telephone 362-4636 or Toll Free (866) 362-4652.
