Bob Jansch Sr. was about as close to a native son as you’re going to get.
Jansch came to Chemainus at three months old and lived in town the rest of life before he died on Jan. 9.
“His dad came to work in the mill,” said wife Carol.
She was glad they made their 60th anniversary last year. They were married on his birthday in 1957, July 6.
Bob Sr. and Carol lived in the same house on Seaview Street for 48 years.
Jansch was an avid golfer and the last surviving founding member of the Mount Brenton Golf Club.
“He just loved it,” Carol said of his time on the golf course.
Jansch’s birthday even held a special significance with his golf. His first of eight career holes-in-one came on his birthday in 1959.
He was also a veteran of the Second World War, having seen action as a tail gunner in a Lancaster bomber.
Jansch retired after working 38 years in the Chemainus sawmill.
He was also very involved in other sports while son Bob Jr. was growing up, including soccer and managing his hockey team.
Bob Sr. and Carol also have a daughter, Lori.
Donations can be made in Jansch’s memory to the Chemainus Health Care Centre.
Carol said there will be a gathering at a later date, probably in April, for people to remember Bob and meet with the family.