Robert Bagshaw

Bob and Bobbi, through launching Young Life ministry in Toronto, put us on a life trajectory as followers of Jesus. We will literally be eternally grateful. We fondly remember “baby sitting” the three boys in TO, visits in North Van with our kids, on Bowen and then Surrey…over 60 years of joy being loved and known by them.

Bob’s vision and commitment to founding the APMC changed the course of my life. The passion and genuine sense of caring that he put into the program was reflected in the incredibly close knit community that evolved amongst us Cappers. I will be forever grateful to Bob for giving me the opportunity to build an international career and make so many lifelong friendships.

Thank you Uncle Bob for hospitality and great conversations. I treasure the memories of you and Bobby while visiting Bowen island, North Vancouver and White Rock.

Guil Ryschchinski recommended me for the APMCP which I attended the year Canada first hosted APEC, which was also Canada's Year of Asia Pacific, 1997. (Guil does not remember me from a mole in the garden but I will forever remember this referral :-). The Asia Pacific Foundation had us shepherd delegations from the (then 18) member countries and integrated us into the many APEC events throughout the year. That year Bob and Scott also presented to the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs. When I was nominated to attend the APEC Women Leaders' Network meeting in Ottawa, early into the first semester, Cap said sure, and that became the path before me for a few decades, sealed by a placement with UN Women’s precursor, in Bangkok. (fitting, if unusual, for a business management program)

At the time, Asia was flourishing. Free press, moderate leaders across the region, and economies once struggling, now lifting millions out of poverty. It was a golden age for democracy, diplomacy and for Canada in the world. Canada's presence and reputation, hand in glove with APMCP's ingenuity made it feel like the world was at our doorstep, no red seal letters required. We had ambassadors and future prime ministers stop by to guest lecture. Many of us were placed in missions throughout Asia, or with giants like Tata, and smaller organizations, forging friendships, business partnerships and weaving the tapestry of economic and social integration. And it wasn’t for the short haul. Asia remains deeply woven in the fabric of my life. A childhood friend who did the APMCP has been in Shanghai for 30 years now.

Our currency was the web of trust woven tightly by those who stewarded Canada Asia relations up to that time.

Bob was one of these giants.

It was a good time to make dreams come true and Bob did just that for me, with the professional courage that comes from knowing someone always has your back. I got to give a little back when Cam (program co-genius) and his family came to stay with me in Hanoi and I took him to meet the legendary General Giap. (Who didn’t know me from a mole in the garden until his briefing ten minutes before the second meeting, after Cam cancelled the first!) When things fell apart for me health wise, I hauled myself over to Bowen to drink from the beauty and stillness, generously hosted by Bob and Bobbie at their beautiful home. It was the best medicine ever. Having been converted into a double belonger (Christian/Buddhist) while in Asia, we sometimes had challenging epistemological conversations and though I was stubborn at the time, his observations during that visit resonate louder as I grow older.

Still teaching me.

We are your legacy Bob and we should not forget that. I didn’t quite stand on your shoulders, but it’s not over yet. It’s a different world now, and we need to take back diplomacy, global friendship, peace, and our planet. What you did Bob, (and who you are) remains the answer. Could that be part of our gratitude? To see that a similar program in whatever form is required for today, is given life and continues the work?

May you be well, safe, and deeply rest in peace. With so much love and gratitude to you, and to your Bobbie who went before you, and your children, for sharing you with so many of us. To each of them, your extended family, friends and Cappers out there, deep condolences.

The Bagshaws were some of the first people I met after crossing an ocean to interview for the role of pastoral elder at Cates Hill Chapel on Bowen Island. In the years following, their living room became a sacred space of rich and meaningful conversation, with Bob and Bobbi sharing their wisdom and experience in a manner they did to all who entered their home. Bob, with his insatiable curiosity and a wealth of knowledge in all things especially spiritual matters, was not lacking in assertive persuasion. A formidable man. As iron sharpens iron, the men’s group he initiated and led became one of the most vibrant and energetic features in our weekly Chapel calendar. For myself, those hours amidst the lucid grey-haired, were unforgettable. Bob’s knowledge of geopolitics, economics, technology and so forth was vast and impressive, and a catalyst to ‘pick up and read,’ yet always with a view towards the most important subject, Jesus Christ. An avid reader of Jacques Ellul and NT Wright, he influenced my own thinking, as no doubt was his intention. This purpose-led life was underscored by his strong mentorship over a vast array of significant people across the globe; ‘influencers’ in the original sense of the word. Such will be his legacy. It has been a personal encouragement to stay in touch with Bob all these years, often through a regular international phone call he initiated. I count it a great honour and blessing to have been someone he kept a watch over. You are greatly missed Bob.

As a dear friend of Glen Bagshaw, through him I was fortunate to know Bob (and Bobbie) when they lived on Bowen Island. Often on walks we'd pop by to say hello and Bob was always happy to show us around his beloved garden. He radiated warmth and kindness and it was just an honour to know such beautiful soul. The world is lesser without him, but may his memory be treasured and his story shared...xx

Our great times with Bob and Bobbi and Glen living on Bowen Island were so special. Dan and I will always cherish them.
Thank you Bob for caring so much for all.
Love Cheryl and Dan

Bob was always there when you needed help. He helped my brother and I with references to help us start with our careers. And he always helped with that kind smile of his. Up to a few years ago he used to call us to check on us every year , as I think he did for many others. We will miss him.
Lots of love to the Bagshaw family.

I had the privilege of assisting Bob in his role of Rugby Coach at the then Cap College. He was an amazing contributor to the program and the life and future directions of his players. He was always positive, despite the circumstances on or off the field, which was reflected in the success of his team, who went on to win the Summer Games. He also organized and led a victorious team tour to Ontario and Quebec, creating great memories for the entire group. He will be sorely missed by all, my condolences to the Bagshaw clan.

Bob - you introduced us to Thormanby for which we are ever grateful for and will remember you fondly for doing so. Good/ Great memories of the kids in French Immersion- pioneers!
RIP

I, Jim, first met Bob when we both joined the Young Life of Canada staff in the Greater Vancouver area. We were part of the original group of 7 Canadians to join the organization. Bob went to Toronto and later married Bobbie, while Linda, my newly-wed wife, and I went to Victoria in my 3rd year. Over the following years Linda and I would meet Bob walking in Vancouver, against all odds, 2 or 3 times, and we began reminiscing about our shared history in Young Life and of owning cabins on the Sunshine Coast and so later became friends by phone. In his last months we continued that relationship and I will miss the friendship and his warmth and humour.

Bob’s commitment, energy and kindness was unique. He played a roll in shaping the future of many students at Cap. His program (APCMP) was visionary and I believe a model for the post secondary system - what a terrific experience.

Rest in peace.

I first met Bob in 1989 during the interview process for the APCMP. From the moment you met him, you intuitively knew you were in conversation with a genuinely good soul. He was measured in his speech, calm in his delivery, and thoughtful in his questions.

Throughout my time in the program, I saw how Bob remained steadfast in his conviction to establish the APCMP as an educational approach ahead of its time. As a result of this program, I gained not only a rewarding career but also a group of lifelong friends.

Thank you, Bob.

My wife Elizabeth and I met Bob and Bobbie when we moved to Bowen Island. They were the most generous of neighbours and friends. I enjoyed Bob’s company very much, always filled with lively conversation, reflections on life, politics and sports. A gracious man, with compassion, humility and an ever ready word of advice. He is missed.

Taking the journey to Asia with Bob was a gift that will not be forgotten. Forever grateful to Bob for his kindness and generosity and for the wonderful family, friends and life experiences that have come from this journey.

I was not in contact with Bob for long, but the time I knew him was extremely important. I was a student at Magee High School when he and Bobbie started a campaigner group. Some older girls in the school befriended us grade 10-ers and brought us to the meetings at their apartment. It was at this small group that I committed my life to Christ. I will forever be grateful for the service of Bob and Bobbie to the Lord. I am so sorry to hear of his passing but grateful that he lived a long and fruitful life.

I am blessed to have spent time with Bob on several occasions through Glen, and I always came away appreciating his humour, his love of jazz, and his passion for sports — especially rugby and swimming. Mutual friends who have known Bob and Bobbie for many years have always spoken so highly of them. My heartfelt condolences and prayers to Glen and the Bagshaw family. Bob’s presence and warmth will be truly missed.

Bob Bagshaw didn’t just organize APMCP — he held us together. To me and so many others in Year 5, he was family.

Bob was a source of hope and determination for many of us. The ultimate networker, always encouraging, always thinking ahead. He leaves a very positive legacy. Rest in peace Bob!

I'm a friend of Glen and through him I met Bob in a few occasions. Talking with Bob, he showed me that he was a man with human values, principles and integrity. That's all I needed to know to see the type of person he was. May is memory be a blessing.

My life with Bob and the Bagshaw family began in 1940. That summer they invited my family to visit Buccaneer Bay.
As we lived in the same block in Vancouver, his family was a very important part of my life growing up. Bob, Ralph and I were inseparable. Over the years we fed off each other’s strengths of which Bob had many. He was an inspiration to me and for that I am eternally grateful. We shared many experiences all of which created a strong bond. He was indeed a lifelong friend and I will truly miss him.

Bob was my 'boss' mentor and grest friend both on Vancouver and Toronto.
Bob and Bobbie were an amazing roll model couple to teens through Young Life back in the '60s. To the boys , friends, and family he is and will be a big loss. Bless you 'bouncing Bobby bagshaw'.

I met Bob, Bobbie and Glen through my husband and we spent many wonderful moments at their home on Bowen Island. Bob was always gracious, kind and conversations were always interesting because of his many experiences.

Bob was a key mentor in my husband’s life, for the Asia Pacific Management program. So I credit him for the opportunities that opened up for our family. You will be missed.

I first met Bob through our church as a teenager and later reconnected when he heard that I was in Japan after graduating from SFU. He introduced me to the APMCP program, which changed the direction of my professional and personal life. Bob was kind, gentle, funny, smart, and a true visionary. He treated many of us like his own family and was a great role model. My sincere condolences to Jeff and the entire Bagshaw family, and thank you for sharing your dad with us. He was one of a kind.

Thank you Bob ... there's not much more to be said!!

Your son, Glen Bagshaw, is my good friend. We’ve kept in close touch for decades, and we share so many wonderful memories together in Beijing.

Though I never had the chance to meet Robert Bagshaw in person, I can easily tell what a kind, gentle and noble man he was. May Robert Bagshaw rest in peace.

愿 Robert Bagshaw 安然安息。

Bob and his family have been part of shaping my life for more than 40 years. From Capilano College to Asia, and finally to our quieter, simpler life on beautiful Bowen Island, Bob was woven into so many of my happiest memories. Every time I saw him, he brought a smile to my face, and his kindness and spirit touched so many lives. He will be deeply missed. We loved you, Bob.

I had the great privilege and honour of being coached by Bob while attending Capilano College. We had a great team and achieved many on field successes, but more importantly this experience shaped us as young men through Bob's mentorship and leadership. He had high standards and expectations for us. He modelled the kind of behaviour and commitment every day that he wanted to see from this team. Since that time we have gone onto different careers, families and lives - but we are all bonded by these experiences, and by our beloved coach Bob Bagshaw. Bob you will be missed, but certainly never forgotten by your teams. Thank you for everything that you did for us!
RIP. Tim Murdy

Where to start.. From a very early age, Bob and his family were a big part of my life. So much so that I referred to him as Uncle Bob. I grew up with his family and spent many summers creating life long memories at the bay.
Bob was instrumental in my career direction and through APCMP I spent many years in Hong Kong where I met my wife and raised my kids. I have so much to thank him for. He will be missed but never forgotten as Uncle, coach, mentor and friend.