Robert Nicholas Derbouka, 77 years old, died peacefully in his home on October 4, 2024. Bob wrote, “My parents Nick and Sophie were loving, humble and hardworking. Many a morning I was aroused by the sound of my father sawing firewood with the swede saw. The planet welcomed me with many voices and languages, its elements caressed and nurtured me. As a child my mother would sometimes sit me in the corner of a wild strawberry patch while she picked. One year she jarred 32 pints.
Eventually I had to grow up. I earned a BA from Lakehead University. After that I had to grow up even more. I wound up working 33 years at Bombardier - 25 as a welding supervisor in charge of bi-level under frames; trucks for Toronto, Ankara and New York rail systems. Much was achieved through cooperation of all departments - management and union. Thanks to those who worked under my supervision.
I also enjoyed pulp contracting, cutting and skidding with my brother Mel. My wife Donna Phoenix and I decided to build an earth sheltered house on Oliver Creek in Neebing. We started by clearing the land. We did a floor plan. I did the structural design and had brother Tom, a gifted builder construct it, with me and brother Mel helping. Many close friends contributed to its development. My friend Bernie donated many of his large spruce which we sawed into 22 foot long, 5 x 10 beams, for the roof. That was 35 years ago and it has been so far successful.
I also enjoyed wood carving, painting and welded sculpture. Fishing canoeing, Yang Style T’ai Chi and gardening were other loved pursuits.
I am thankful to the farmers in the Slate River Valley, not only for the food but also for manure and 19 years of firewood from windrows that were going to be burned anyway.
Our huskies Kate and Bianca joined wolves to serenade us on crisp winter evenings. Bears and deer enjoyed our apples in the fall. Partridges adorned the trees in winter. The only animal that didn’t walk on the roof was a moose. Sometimes I would pick up a guitar to make some noise.
Closest friends, Brenda and Oliver, Ted and Donna, Lexi and Dave and Vivian, Peter and Donna, Susan and Bernie were solid as mountains in their support of me. My wife Donna devoted her love to me through compassion, patience, understanding and support not only for me but also other family members.
However there are regrets. I should have given more to this earth which gave me life, so there would be a future for our children. Lastly I wish they wouldn’t have cut down my Saskatoon bushes along the side roads.
I wish to thank doctors Mozzon, Varty, Faghih, Green, Holland, Ramon, Prowse, Zezos, Gallinger, Hagerty, Simpson and Ward. I also thank all the nurses, especially those in Cancer Care, for their compassion, knowledge and skill. Also Janzen’s Westfort. I would almost hope that this list were not so long. It puts into perspective the amount of care given me by the Regional Hospital.”
Bob Derbouka is survived by his wife, Donna Phoenix, his brothers Tom and Melvin Derbouka and many cousins.
No service is planned. In lieu of flowers donations in Bob’s memory to the Regional Cancer Clinic or the David Suzuki Foundation would be appreciated.
Online condolences may be made through www.nwfainc.com
