October 30, 1949 - March 5, 2021
It is with great sadness that I announce the passing of my dear brother, Bud.
Robert John (Bud) Klein was born in Pender Harbour, BC on October 30, 1949 and passed away on March 5, 2021 in Port Hardy, BC. He is survived by his only sister, Elaine Doerksen (Ron) and their children: Alanna Clempson (Coby), Alex Hewitt, Andrea Spedding (Darryl) and Fraser Doerksen (Bev). He is also lovingly remembered as "Uncle Bud" by all their children: Avianna, Madalyn, Jack, Jayde, Ana, Ethan and Everleigh.
As well, Bud is survived by his maternal aunt, Jean Maw (nee Mackay), and two paternal aunts, Corinne Lindsay (nee Klein) and Grace Evich (nee Klein) and their families. Bud will also be sadly missed by his numerous cousins, relatives and dear friends.
Bud was predeceased by his father, Wilfred Lawrence Klein (1953), his mother Betty Higgins (nee Mackay) in 1982, and his stepfather, Lorne Higgins (2003).
Bud was also predeceased by his partner of over forty years, Fiann Darling (2020) and step-son Darren Darling (1985). He will be missed by his step children: Norman Darling, Wendy Nicholson (Bob) and Dale Darling and by his grandchildren Nicklas, Lucas, Andrew, Travis, Allycia, Gaige and Cortney. His great-grandchildren Londyn and Lily held a very special spot in Bud's heart.
Bud graduated from Pender Harbour High School, attended the University of Victoria and was a graduate of B.C.I.T. in 1972, with a diploma in Forest Resource Technology (Fish, Wildlife and Recreation Option). He worked for the Department of Fish and Wildlife for a good portion of his career.
Bud also worked at Port McNeill Shake and Shingle, cut and sold firewood, did gardening and maintenance at the Port Hardy Seniors Rotary Housing from 1994 - 2020 and drove taxi in and around Port Hardy for the last seven years.
Bud will be fondly remembered as a kind and gentle man. He was honest, hard- working, caring and compassionate of others. Bud was so proud of the father he never knew. Our father, Wilfred Lawrence Klein was a member of the Seaforth Highlanders and served with the First Special Forces Unit (the Devil's Brigade) in World War 2.
In his younger days Bud was very interested in scuba diving. He was an avid fisherman and loved to go to the Marble River and fly fish.
He enjoyed the great outdoors and loved to camp, hike, cycle, take photos and work in the garden. He was an avid reader with a great knowledge about birds, Nature and his beloved Vancouver Island coastline.
Due to COVID-19 restrictions, a Celebration of Bud's Life and the placing of his ashes in his father's gravesite at the Seaview Cemetery in Gibson's BC, will take place later this summer. There will be an announcement of the arrangements made closer to that date.
In lieu of flowers, if you so desire, donations can be made to your local Legion to help the War Veterans, or to a charity of your choice.