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A note to his home congregation:
It is with no small measure of sadness that we send to you the news of the recent and sudden death of a beloved long-time member and Minister Emeritus at Highlands (Pacific Mountain) Rev. Bob Shank. Bob suffered a stroke on Tuesday March 30th and was taken to hospital where he died on Saturday April 3rd.
Our hearts go out to Bob's wife Pearl, and their wonderful family, both nearby and far away, and we hold them all tightly in our prayers.
Bob was a fine minister, devoted husband, father and grandfather, and a really great friend. He was a mentor to so many people in life and in ministry and was one of the most supportive people in the Highlands community.
Through this pandemic, he has written regular messages to ministry staff and lay leaders with a constant flow of appreciation and supportive feedback on everything that is happening at Highlands. Bob has been there in times of joy and times of grief for many of us throughout the years, always with kindness and compassion.
Bob’s faith was strong and unwavering. He believed in God’s power of love to overcome anything, and trusted that love explicitly. His words were down to earth, honest, and inspirational. When he preached or spoke from the pulpit, there was a directness that made you want to listen, sensing that he was talking to you directly. Bob was a wonderful gift to this congregation and will be deeply missed.
This message will impact many of us personally as Bob was connected to us so deeply. We are grateful to God for sending Highlands such a beautiful human as Bob, such a capable minister, and such a committed friend. And I believe God’s message to Bob as he moves on to the next step on the journey is, “Well done, good and faithful servant.”
Bob Shank was ordained in 1959 and settled in Porcupine Plain, SK before moving on to Birch Hills. He then spent time in Calgary, Alberta before returning to Wascana United Church in Regina. In 1971, he moved to British Columbia and then to Quebec before returning to BC. His brother Bill, formerly of Saskatoon, also ministered in Saskatchewan and British Columbia.
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