bout de papier, Vol. 29, No. 3 (2016), p. 33
Although Robert (Bob) was born in Truro, Nova Scotia, he grew up on Midmar Ranch at the foot of Middleton Mountain in British Columbia. There he learned to raise cattle and developed a lifelong love of horses. But his future career choice may have been influenced more by his father’s prewar appointment to Canada House, London, promoting Canadian exports, when he learned about life in the Foreign Service. After graduating with a BA Honours degree in economics from the University of British Columbia, he joined the Department of External Affairs in 1955.
Bob had a variety of early postings: Indonesia, Brazil (where he had a period as Chargé) and Washington. He was then appointed High Commissioner to Ghana, with accreditation to Benin, Liberia and Togo. A posting followed as Ambassador to South Africa, with accreditation to Swaziland, Botswana and Lesotho. Ottawa assignments included Head of Division dealing with human rights and Director General for Africa. Unusually, he took a year’s leave of absence to study the evaluation of antiques at Christie’s in London. His final posting was as Ambassador to Cuba.
Bob initially retired to London, where he filled his elegant flat with antiques and enjoyed the rich cultural life the city offers. He was a frequent host to many visitors,
Unusually he took a year’s leave of
absence to study the evaluation of antiques at Christie’s in London.
Bob initially retired to London where he filled his elegant flat with
antiques and enjoyed the rich cultural life the city offers.
often taking them to his club, the Travellers. As his health became uncertain, however, he returned to B.C, settling in Kelowna, where he was the patriarch of an extended Middleton clan, including a niece, if possible three nephews and their families. He became a regular attender at the Anglican cathedral and a generous contributor to several local cultural organizations and the Okanagan campus of UBC.
My wife Ardath and I developed a close friendship with Bob from his first days in the Department. Although we were never posted together, we spent many evenings with him whenever we were both back in Ottawa. On retirement we stayed with him on several occasions in London, and in turn we were pleased to be his hosts on his visits to Ottawa. He was proud of his roots in the Okanagan Valley and could look back with satisfaction at a successful career. He will be missed by his many friends and extended family.
Ross Francis is a retired Foreign Service Officer who served as High Commissioner to Malaysia and Ambassador to Finland.
Originally published in bout de papier, Vol. 29, No. 3 (2016), p. 33. Read the rest of this issue →
