Dear Communicators,
It is with great sadness and a heavy heart that I inform you of the passing of my wonderful CPRS Hamilton Co-President, Bob Deans. Bob passed away peacefully on Tuesday, January 27, 2015 after a six and a half year battle with Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis.
Bob was a man of extraordinary kindness and decency. He was a wonderful person to work with as co-president, and continues to be an inspiration on how to act in both life and business. Bob's battle with Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis never held him back or slowed him down. In 2014 Bob became the co-president of CPRS Hamilton; he was a very devoted board member and a regular attendee at Society events. Bob's signature charismatic sense of joy and kindness elevated and humanized every meeting and event he participated in, ensuring that everybody always felt they belonged. Bob always had kind and encouraging words and sage advice for everyone he met - especially junior practitioners and students.
Bob was a generous mentor to many, myself included. He gave a great deal to our community, as well as the entire community of Canadian of public relations and communication professionals. I think everyone who met Bob knew the amount of happiness and fulfillment CPRS Hamilton brought to him, and the solace he took in giving back. Bob had a lifelong commitment to professional development and education, earning his APR designation and actively participating on the CPRS Hamilton Board while living with Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis. We are very grateful for the fact that he gave so much of the short time he had left to the profession he loved and believed in so strongly.
Truly, with Bob's passing, a great light has been left our community; however, that light has not been extinguished. The light of Bob's example will shine on in our hearts and memories.
Please find the details for his celebration of life below.
Alex Sévigny, PhD, APR
Co-President (with Bob Deans),
CPRS Hamilton
A
Celebration of Life, "Bob Style" will be held on Sunday, February 15, 2015, from 1-4 p.m., at the Grand Olympia, 660 Barton St., Stoney Creek, ON. In lieu of flowers, we know Bob would appreciate donations to Emily's university education so she can continue to make him proud. Please email
emilyeducation2015@gmail.com for details OR to Shalom Village where the most kind and compassionate people provide care for our parents and loved ones.