THE ADVOCATE 915
VOL. 79 PART 6 NOVEMBER 2021
spent the next two months doing all that was needed to close the sale. The
newly purchased company became the foundation of the firm’s insurance
practice.
Bob was a traditional solicitor. He was the trusted advisor to scores of
individual clients who looked to him for guidance. His clients cherished his
counsel and strategic vision. They knew Bob would give them the straight
goods. He would never sugarcoat his advice, and sometimes his advice
would not be what the client wanted to hear. That never bothered Bob. He
believed his role was to give the client the best advice possible, and that is
what he always strived to do.
Bob was the managing partner at Watson Goepel for more than 20 years.
He was pivotal in the firm’s growth, looking after the firm’s needs while
building and maintaining his own successful corporate commercial practice.
He knew the firm’s survival depended on the greater good, and always
strove for that end even if it might not be in his own immediate interest. He
patiently mentored young lawyers and staff, always stressing the need to
exceed the client’s expectation.
Bob was enticed away from Watson Goepel and became in-house counsel
for Sam Belzberg. He guided Mr. Belzberg’s vast and far-flung operations for
some time. As he was crossing 65 years of age, Bob decided to retire and
indulge in travel, continued sports and grandchildren.
Bob loved tennis. In fact, Bob met Karen on a tennis court. Karen and Bob
travelled to Roland-Garros for the French Open and to Flushing Meadows
for the U.S. Open. There were other European adventures.
Bob was the consummate good host. Almost every weekend, it seemed
that Karen and Bob were entertaining friends and family. He was a charming
host who poured exotic Scotches and vintage wines to accompany his
exquisitely barbecued filet mignons.
Retirement begat a second home in Palm Springs. Golf became a passion.
In fact, Bob’s grandson, Ben, came under his golf tutelage around age eight
and is now quite a golfer.
Regrettably, cancer caught Bob. After gruelling operations, radiation and
chemotherapy, it seemed that Bob had beaten cancer. The golf scores
improved. New clubs and a new car were purchased. He shot 86 on Saturday,
March 6, 2021, his last round. Then, cancer returned. Almost three
months from the day of his last round of golf, cancer felled him.
Bob is survived by his loving wife, Karen; his children, Andrea, Hayley,
Sam and Lauren; and his four grandchildren, Ben, Lily, Mila and Ivy. This
was a life well lived, and he is greatly missed.
The Honourable Justice Richard Goepel and Ravi R. Hira, Q.C.