Bob Pelly

Robert Lyle Pelly       April 12, 1926 – August 6, 2020

Our hearts are heavy as we announce the passing of Robert Lyle Pelly on August 6, 2020, at Ridgewood Lodge, following a short illness.

Bob was born in Chilliwack on April 12, 1926 to Raymond and Norma Pelly, the second of four children. Bob spent his formative years in Chilliwack, prior to joining the Navy in 1944.  Following his discharge in 1946, he held a number of jobs before purchasing land in the Five Mile Valley to pursue his dream of ranching.  He married Betty Clarke in May 1948 and together they journeyed to Jellicoe and began their ranching career.  While ranching was Bob’s dream, it was often difficult to support a family on only ranch income, so he entered the logging industry, initially working for George Mowry as a loader operator, later adding a logging truck to his endeavors.  His eldest son, Cliff, was hired to drive the truck in 1971.  Cliff later purchased his own truck and in 1977 they joined forces and formed Pelly Contracting Ltd.  Bob retired from logging in 1988 and from ranching a few years later.  Throughout their long ranching career they hired a number of interesting and colorful individuals, people we will always remember with either fondness, awe or disbelief!  The ranch was a lovely setting for many family gatherings. Bob and Betty were always open to new adventures and developed a keen interest in holistic medicine and alternative healing methods.  In their later years they led a quieter life, enjoying visits with friends and family.  Bob was still able to can 100 quarts of peaches last summer!  He was a devoted caregiver to his wife, Betty, for many years.  Bob’s greatest joy was spending time with his grandchildren and great- grandchildren.  He was so proud of all their accomplishments and, in turn, they loved their “Bump” dearly. In his eyes, they could do no wrong!

Bob was predeceased by his son Clarke in 2015 and his brothers Wilf and Jack in 2019.  He is survived by his wife of 72 years, Betty; his son Cliff (Lynn); grandchildren Wade (Krista), Tanya (Derrick), Jason (Monica), Jeffrey (Heide), Jillian (David), Justine (Sean); great- grandchildren Bethany, Bree-Lynn, Ty, Amy, Mari, AJ, Jaelum, Quest, Liberty, Wolfgang, Justice, Autumn, Jadon, Chase and great- great grandchildren Jack and Lindy.  He is also survived by his sister, Mildred Keith, his sister-in-law Pat Pelly and Jack’s partner Marge Haig, as well as many nieces and nephews.

Bob’s life was long and eventful and our memories of times shared will bring smiles to our faces and keep him with us forever.

The family would like to express their deep appreciation for the extraordinary concern and care shown Bob by the staff of Community Services, Vermilion Court, Princeton General Hospital and Ridgewood Lodge.