Robert (Bob) Arthur Rathwell passed away at the age of 69 at Abbotsford Regional Hospital on October 27, 2014. Bob was born on January 29, 1945 in Dauphin, Manitoba. He moved with his family after the Second World War to Moose Jaw, Saskatchewan where he started elementary school and then moved to Swift Current, Saskatchewan where he finished his education. Bob always liked the ranching lifestyle and entered Washington State University graduating with a degree in animal sciences. He started a long career in the cattle industry in 1970 in Abbotsford, BC working for Coppertone Farms. Bob thoroughly enjoyed helping Spud and Jean Huestis operate a Champion purebred Polled Hereford operation. In 1974 Bob moved to Alberta to start his own purebred operation but returned in 1979 to carry on with cattle and subsequent hog operations.
Bob looked forward to sharing his knowledge and skill with many farms in the area and especially enjoyed assisting 4-H Clubs. He was well liked in the area with many contacts in the Canadian Hereford and Canadian Cattlemen's Associations. The love and support from Patrick and Karen Huestis did much to enable Bob to enjoy a full life. Bob was predeceased by his father Lloyd Rathwell October 13, 1973 and mother Aileen Rathwell on February 13, 2008. He will be remembered by his brother Jim Rathwell (Patti) and nephew Patrick Rathwell all of Calgary and Cameron Rathwell (Julie) of Vancouver. Bob will also be remembered by his sister Patti Blower and niece Jennifer (Jason) Booth of Victoria and niece Kristin (Ryan) Payne of Chicago, Illinois. There will be a celebration of life on Sunday November 2, 2014 at Peardonville Hall, 29450 Huntington Road, Abbotsford, from 1:30 to 4:00 pm. Please bring your stories of the big man with the big heart. No flowers, no cards just bring stories. Donations in Bob's memory can be made to the Canadian Kidney Foundation.