Robert (Bob) Orland Conroy was born April 15, 1950, the oldest of seven children of Elmer Eugene Conroy, and Hazel Marian Keiver.

Bob’s dad, Elmer, used to say he gave him the name Robert or Bob because that is what the ship’s crew called Elmer all the years he served as a sailor in the Canadian Navy during World War II. Bob was also named after his grandfather on his mother Marian’s side, Orland Keiver.

Dad would say his parents having 7 children in 14 years meant all the kids had to learn to make their own bed by age 5, fold laundry, help in the kitchen, and dress themselves for school or church to look “presentable” as his mom would say. Elmer would always tell Marian to leave the kitchen after supper as the kids could wash dishes and clean everything up. These chores were meant to be distributed evenly so that all the kids could take turns washing and drying the dishes, or so Bob thought. His luck at pulling the low card for washing dishes was beyond belief. He used to say he was never meant to be a card shark or a gambler. Having won very few times in more than 3 years to get out of washing the dishes, he just volunteered for the job which only required 2 others to lose at the draw and join him. Bob said it was very embarrassing in high school when he was the only student with dishpan hands!

After graduating from Grade 12 at Mount Baker in Cranbrook, Bob went to the University of British Columbia (UBC) to obtain a degree in Forestry. In the mid 70’s forestry was a big deal in the Kootenay valley and employment almost guaranteed. Along the way however, he worked some summer jobs at the Super Valu, a smaller supermarket, in Invermere on Lake Windermere. He loved the job and the people he worked with. Shortly before graduation from UBC, Bob met a young lady from Victoria named Penelope Dawn Harris (Penny). They were married the day after his convocation ceremonies for UBC, on June 1, 1974.

An opportunity came up in July for them to move to Invermere and they jumped at it. Penny went to work as the secretary and dispatcher for the RCMP, and Bob in the meat department at the Super Valu store. That fall, along with two fellow store employees, Bob purchased the store. By 1979 they had undergone a huge expansion to double the size of the store while adding 4 rental units. By early 1980 Bob sold his interest in the business and took a year and half off to enjoy his 2 young sons and wife with lots of camping and fishing trips. His two sons, Darin James and David Robert, were his pride and joy.

In early 1981, along with his dad Elmer and Uncle Jack, Bob purchased a topsoil business in

Cranbrook, thus ending his residency in Invermere and taking him back to his original roots

in Cranbrook.

In 1987, Bob jointly purchased a bark manufacturing plant in Elko, and subsequently sold the topsoil business in 1989. He sold the bark plant in 1992.

Bob’s working career took an abrupt change when he became a full time teacher in a private church-based school in Cranbrook. He often described this job as “easily the most rewarding of my entire career.” His gifts of organization and administration fit well with his desire to serve the Lord.

Bob and Penny purchased a 5 acre parcel of land in the Gold Creek area of Cranbrook and ran a hobby farm with a flock of 35 sheep, 70 laying hens and some turkeys, all the while working, coaching hockey, camping, and making memories with his two boys. He always believed in the motto of working hardily as unto the Lord, regardless of who might see it.

Bob loved the outdoors with hunting, fishing and camping being among his favorite things to do. Bob leaves behind 6 grandchildren whom he loved deeply and enjoyed spending time with whenever possible. Over the last few decades of his life there was no greater joy for him than to watch them play sports, listen to their stories, visit their schools, take them to the US for groceries and an ice cream cone, or just spend time with them outside.

Bob peacefully passed away Nov 4th at the CRH, and is survived by his wife Penelope (Penny) dawn Conroy, sons Darin and Dave Conroy, his daughter in laws Carol and Stephanie Conroy, 6 grandchildren hunter, Kayven, Hailey, Kirsten, Brayden and Luke Conroy, as well as 6 siblings, their partners and respective families.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Monday November 10, 2025, starting at 1:00pm, at the Cranbrook Alliance Church.

Closed private graveside service for family only following the reception.

We are grateful for all the support we have received from friends, family, church family and community…as Bob was a strong advocate for Christian education, we ask in lieu of flowers an optional donation towards KCA is welcomed thru the following pathways:

KCA website: https://www.kcacademy.ca/donate/

E-transfer – mailto:[email protected]

Cheque – KCA or Kootenay Christian Academy (Memo:donation)

Please note: for donations over $50, kindly include your name and address in order to receive a tax receipt.

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