May 22, 1943 - May 29, 2021
On May 29, 2021, after a long battle with dementia, Bobbie Itcush died peacefully at 78 yrs of age with family at her side. She leaves to mourn husband Larry, daughter Dr. Laurie Itcush, son Rob, daughter-in-law Gayle Wigen, grandchildren Graham and Alexandra, as well as sisters Carol Mould and Patricia Wray.
Bobbie was born 'Isobel Roberta Henry' to Harley and Willa Henry in Melfort, Saskatchewan, May 22, 1943. Her father had just left for training in the Canadian Navy, and didn't meet Bobbie until she was almost 2 years old. She was apparently extremely displeased when this 'strange' man appeared at the end of the war and moved in! She was raised with her 3 sisters in small-town Saskatchewan.
Bobbie's parents made a living selling women's apparel in their Tisdale store. Thus, her fashion flair began early. Bobbie had a genius ability to 'mix and match' and a knack for looking fabulous on a budget.
If you wanted to shop with Bobbie, she would be delighted to help you, but you HAD to keep up! She flicked through the racks at a dizzying speed. Family trips to Spokane, Washington always started in the Nordstrom's bargain basement, where Bobbie was on a first name basis with the staff.
In 1960 Bobbie's family moved from Tisdale to Regina. Heart-broken to leave her high school friends in Tisdale, Bobbie returned to work there at a cafe in the summer. While whizzing around the tables, she caught the eye of a young SaskPower worker from Regina, Larry Itcush.
Sparks flew!!! (for the next 60 yrs!!) In 1963, Bobbie and Larry were married. Daughter Laurie and son Rob soon arrived.
In 1970 closure of the Cominco plant in Regina necessitated that the family relocate for Larry's work. He was transferred to Trail, BC and found a new home for the family in nearby Castlegar, on the banks of the Columbia River, in the idyllic Woodland Park neighbourhood. Originally a 4 year placement, the magnificent West Kootenays became the family's permanent home.
Bobbie found her calling as a teaching assistant in the special needs classroom at Kinnaird Middle School. She is known and loved in Castlegar as a passionate advocate for kids, and condolences continue to pour in from former students: 'Your Mom taught me how to stand up for myself against bullies', 'Mrs. Itcush was the kindest teacher at KJSS', etc.
She strived to make classroom #114 the 'cool' classroom, with lunch time cooking classes, popcorn and movies the envy of the student body at large.
After retiring in 2000, Bobbie's second great life calling began when she became a grandmother. Being 'Nanny' to G'ham and Alex was the greatest joy of her life. She was a superlative grandma. She made herself a Vancouver Canucks jersey with the name 'Nanny Naslund' on it so she could 'join the team' and shoot balls outside with the kids.
She and Larry would drop everything at a moment's notice to drive to Port Moody and help out with the beloved grand kids.
Bobbie's decline from dementia was a painful struggle for her and her family. She spent the last year of her life in Castleview Centre under the loving care of the staff there. We can never thank them, or Dr. Keith Merritt, enough for their fantastic care of Bobbie at the end of her life.
Bobbie's sparkling energy, beautiful smile, and loving care to all she met will be missed dearly by family and friends forever. A celebration of life will follow, once all covid restrictions are lifted. In lieu of flowers, consider a donation to the charity of your choice. Bobbie's favourites were those supporting youth such as Vancouver's Covenant House, Plan Canada, etc.
Those wanting to send a personal message of condolence, please go to www.castlegarfuneral.com
Castlegar Funeral Chapel