BOB HENDRY (ROBERT G. HENDRY)

Sept 24, 1914 – Nov 1, 2008

Joined the Quesnel Volunteer Fire Department July 4, 1936
Retired from active duty and went Associate August 23, 1968

It is with the deepest regret that we announce the passing of Bob Hendry on November 1, 2008 in his 95th year.   Bob joined the Quesnel Volunteer Fire Department in 1936 and was an active member until August 23, 1968, retiring as Assistant Fire Chief, when he became an Associate Member.   He was a Life Member of the Association up until his passing.  

He was by far the longest serving member of the Fire Department and the Association with 72 years of continuous service.

Bob started his career working for Chuck Beath Motors, working with then Fire Chief George McNaughton, as a mechanic. Bob moved on to become an employee for the Town of Quesnel as a mechanic.

On November 9, 1943, Bob was the Captain of the South Area of the village and on the 3 – person Finance committee of the Firemen’s Association. On June 12, 1944 he was appointed the Captain of the North area of the village. On October 9, 1945 Bob was elected to the 3 – person E & M committee (Equipment and Maintenance). He also served on investigating committee in 1947. On October 14, 1947 (after a year’s absence) he was again elected to the E & M committee. On October 11, 1949 he was elected for the first time to the Social committee and was elected Band representative. From the minutes of the monthly meeting on January 13, 1945 it was moved by Bob Hendry seconded by Alf Purmal that the Social committee be empowered to send parcels and cigarettes to our members in the Armed Forces. Carried. Without records between 1951 and 1955 memories recall Bob did some time on the Social committee. In October 1958 Bob was elected to the Social committee and every year thereafter up to including 1969. He was returned to the Social committee in 1972 and 1973.

In 1960, Alfred Vaughan, the Association’s first historian, moved to Vernon. Bob quietly assumed the historian’s function. On October 8, 1968, on his condition that it was permanent, he was officially recognized as the Association’s second Historian. He served as the Association’s Vice President in 1969 and 1970. In 1971 he was the editorial editor of the Fire Hydrant publication. Since 1980 Bob was elected as either Honorary President or Vice President of the Association on 22 occasions including October 2008 as Honorary President.

From an historical point-of-view, we’ve now lost five of the most influential connections to our past. Those being; Charlie Allison, Alfred Vaughan, Charles ‘Chuck” Beath, Jack Allison and Bob Hendry.

Charles Allison arrived in Quesnel in 1910 and was soon asked by the Board of Trade to organize a Fire Fighting Committee.

Alfred Vaughan arrived in Quesnel in 1910. Was in insurance and recognized with worth of fire protection. Was a member of the Board of Trade and active in the Fire Brigade. Was the first historian of the Fire Brigade and Association.

Charles ‘Chuck’ Beath came to the Cariboo in 1920. Joined the Fire Brigade in 1932. Acted as Fire Chief as early as 1941. Officially assumed the position in 1942 succeeding George McNaughton. Served as President of the Association from its beginning and until October 13, 1964.

Jack Allison, son of Charlie Allison was born and raised in Quesnel. Joined the Association in Aug 8, 1944. Served as Secretary from Feb 14, 1961 until Oct 1989.

A Memorial Service was held Friday, November 7 at the Quesnel Seniors Center.  

Our thoughts and prayers are with his wife Yvonne and his family