September 13, 1949 - January 25, 2022
Bob passed away peacefully, January 25th, 2022, on a beautiful warm sunny day, with his love Theresa and his children, Danielle, Kevin and Alison by his side. He left this world true to his character, cracking jokes until the end.
He will be deeply missed by his family and by all the people he inspired and got to know over the years. His life was well lived, full of adventure, family, great friendships, and rich experiences.
Born September 13th, 1949 in Ligny, Belgium, Bob immigrated with his family to Montreal, Canada when he was a young teen. At the age of 19, he hitchhiked to the Yukon with his friend Erick in search of adventure.
Before starting Tatshenshini Expediting, with his first wife and mother of his children, Lynn Daffe, Bob worked as a heavy-duty mechanic in many different parts of the Yukon, including the South Canol and Haines Roads.
He was a fantastic father, always there for his children, from coaching soccer and volleyball, building skating rinks and forts, teaching them to put tools away, and reinforcing good table manners, "in case we ever have dinner with the queen". His values of respect, curiosity, adventure, love of life, and hard work have all been instilled in his children.
In 2007 Bob and Theresa Landman were married at Turnback Canyon, on the Alsek River. They paddled whitewater rivers worldwide and explored many new runs in the Yukon. Bob loved the enthusiasm of the packraft community and designed his own packraft.
He claimed he didn't like hiking but with a packraft he would do the most arduous hikes to get to the start of a new river. In winter Bob loved snowmobiling, breaking trail and exploring new territory. He was always well equipped and lead with the persona of "guide" in many of his outdoor pursuits.
Bob loved being outdoors whether it be on rivers or hunting and winter camping expeditions. He loved to travel and was genuinely interested in local culture, and as a result he created long lasting friendships in many countries. He organized river trips worldwide with clientele from around the world, bringing people together on shared adventures.
He was a leader, a mentor, a role model, a guide, a father, a husband, and a friend. His face was expressive, his smile wide and large as life, and he had a twinkle in his eye that will never be forgotten.
Bob positively impacted many peoples' lives through his teaching and leadership, working with various groups from Junior Rangers, outdoor education programs, Canadian Rangers, Yukon Canoe & Kayak Club, and many more. Bob enjoyed giving everyone an opportunity to be outdoors - to learn outdoor and survival skills, and build confidence.
He had a special type of patience and enthusiasm for teaching, and had the ability to communicate with people from all walks of life. He had an infectious laugh and a way of getting people to share his mantra of "life is good".
Bob is survived by his wife Theresa Landman, his children Danielle Daffe (Nathan Mole), Kevin Daffe (Kathleen Froese), Alison Landreth (Quinn), grandchildren Mickey, Issac, Aidan, Luke and Nolan, and his former wife Lynn Daffe; as well as many, many close and wonderful friends who are akin to an extended family.
The family would like to thank everyone for their kind thoughts, stories, and gestures during this difficult time. A celebration of life will be announced at a future date.
The family would like to thank Dr. Gunnar Tirschmann, Dr. Alex Kmet, all the nurses and staff at the Whitehorse General Hospital, and the BC Cancer Society.
A donation to the BC Cancer Society would be a great way to honour Bob Daffe - he would like to help others battling cancer prolong their lives so that they have the opportunity he did - to have extended quality of life, more time with loved ones, and a few last adventures.