Whitehorse Daily Star

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Robert “Bob” Daffe

September 13th, 1949 - January 25th, 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 led 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.

Comments (17)

Barry Horosko on Feb 13, 2022 at 11:23 am

Bob:
You are not supposed to pass away.
You are our hero. You are my hero forever.

And thank you Bob! For all of your gifts of encouragement and leadership.

In 1977 you gave me a taste of real white water. We had to make our own kayaks from a mould made a local who specialized in fibreglassing holding tanks. Boats were new to him, but we made do. Our paddles broke on the river. Our life jackets were sometimes full of air cells and not flotation. Duct tape was our good friend.

And we ran with it and typically followed: you continually challenged and teased us and me: “....you used too many knots when you tie 8 boats to the roof of my green old bell Canada van to go down the Skagway Road”… “why do you need worry about swimming if you can roll - I cannot. Not yet.”….. “get into your boat and do the drop - don’t worry if you receive a special christening - and yes, you can name it "the Nozzle" on the Tutshi…”

Bob, you have given so much. All your friends and family have lost so much; but thank you for giving us even more from your life and our appreciation for life. Your enthusiasm and sense of humour is Forever!

You are loved! You live on! Barry

Michelle Huisman on Feb 9, 2022 at 6:32 pm

I was lucky enough to spend a summer on the Tat with Bob and a lot of other amazing Yukon people! I got to work with Bob’s family for the summer and still have very, very fond memories of that summer. Danielle, we went up to Dawson City together for the music festival with Sheila Daunt! Plus the many, many rivers that we ran after work. I am so sorry to hear of your lost. I wish you all well and please know that I am thinking of all of you! xo Lots of Love Michelle Huisman

Jeff Teasdale on Feb 8, 2022 at 6:49 pm

I was lucky enough to work with Bob for many years teaching outdoor ed at Vanier. Bob was my mentor and friend. The students loved Bob and learned from Bob. When he spoke people listened. He had everyone's respect because he was so authentic.
I was so lucky to work with Bob. Every time I say life is good I think of him.
It should be said that no kid on the planet had more fun in school then the end of the year gr 8,9 and 10 outdoor ed Tat trip!
That was all Bob!

Jill Pangman on Feb 7, 2022 at 11:25 pm

It still seems unbelievable that Bob is no longer in the community, although stories about and memories of him will inspire many for years to come. He was such a stalwart member of the paddling community and his deep love for the rivers and his incredible skill at navigating white water are legendary. And he shared his passions and skills so freely. He will be deeply missed.

Russ Tait on Feb 7, 2022 at 5:21 pm

I was lucky enough to teach and travel with Bob for the past 35 years. What an amazing friend, teacher and mentor.
Sometimes he was like a father figure teaching us and saving our butt in the river, sometimes like a brother and sometimes like a hyperactive kid we were trying to rein in….
but always without fail he was positive, happy and willing to conquer a challenge even in the toughest conditions.
We will all miss Bob in so many ways.
I will especially miss the
“COO EEE” call to get our attention, the “Come on let’s go” or “When I was your age Mr Tait.” and last but not least his mantra…. “Life is goooood!”

Love ya Mr Daffe.

Oya on Feb 7, 2022 at 2:36 pm

Nansi is right. We are all enriched from having Bob touch our lives. So very happy to have known him. Heartfelt condolences to his family.

Jeanine Daffe on Feb 7, 2022 at 1:40 pm

Mes condoléances à toute la famille
Repose en paix mon frère

Nansi Cunningham on Feb 7, 2022 at 10:09 am

Bob never said “no” when asked to share his passion for teaching others to learn skills that instilled confidence in being in the outdoors. For over ten years he taught paddling skills to the youth at the YFGA Outdoor Ed Camp. He would tell them that 75% of paddling is IN the water and, with that sparkle in his eye, he would joyfully tip over the canoes of those who didn’t believe him.

When asked to teach at Vista Outdoor Learning Centre over the past many years, his answer was always an enthusiastic “yes!”. Be it for the YFGA Yukon Outdoor Woman Program or evening learning events to pass the long winter months.

Remember “12 Things to do with a Throw Rope”? Who needs a lot of safety gear when you have a throw rope?

Bob’s dedication to a life that inspired others to live with more passion was an extraordinary life. We are all enriched from having Bob touch our lives.

I hold his family and extended family in my heart as they navigate the emotional wilderness of this loss.

Never more than a thought away. Loved in memory every day....

Cris Siegel on Feb 7, 2022 at 6:49 am

Our heartfelt support to the family and many blessed souls who are fortunate to have been graced by the joy and wonder of this amazing human! May we all be guided through our lives hearing the faint whistle behind us and when the rivers of life throw us seemingly unnavigable rapids just remember the calm voice saying, "Paddle forward!"

Alain Dallaire on Feb 6, 2022 at 9:20 pm

Bob has always been an icon of the outdoors for me. He was often helping on Wood Street school trips, and many other school, and was a great teacher. When he talked people listened . His genuine personality and knowledge he had to share, will be miss by many people including myself. Thanks for giving so much to people around you, I will miss you.

Danielle N. Daffe on Feb 4, 2022 at 8:34 pm

Thank you everyone for all the great stories and kind thoughts. Leo I remember that and it made me laugh, great to hear from you.
It is an honour to have a father who touched so many lives.
Danielle

Ryan on Feb 4, 2022 at 11:20 am

What a great tribute! Thank you to the author. How lucky I was to spend three short weeks in South America with him as my "guide" in 2005. The time I shared with Bob is full of some of my life's best memories, he was such a great spirit leading us on an adventurous journey always with a smile, always with a drive to get more river time. For that I will be forever grateful. I am envious of the life Bob lived. Life is for the living and he lived it all! How lucky we all were to share some of that with him.

My condolences to all of his survivors, may you carry on his bright light and live life to the fullest as he did. As I grieve for the loss of a friend I haven't seen in nearly 20 years I will forever hold dear the memories we shared. Life is good Bob, thank you for reminding us all.

Leo Boon on Feb 4, 2022 at 8:43 am

What a lost for the community. Bob was the most charismatic, down-to-earth person who could talk you into almost any adventure. Working and teaching with Bob was always an exciting, entertaining and adventurous undertaking. Bob, referred to me as his younger uglier brother, and I called him my uglier older brother even though we weren't related. We all will cherish the memories Bob made with us lucky ones that got to play on the rivers of the world.

Pat McKenna on Feb 3, 2022 at 3:01 pm

A true Yukon icon, Bob taught many of us how to read the water and find the fastest. What a skilled river man he was and with a big smile and love of a good laugh. Sincere condolences to his family and huge network of friends.

Dallas O'Neill on Feb 3, 2022 at 9:48 am

Very sorry to hear about Bob, my condolences to his family and paddling community.

Nina on Feb 3, 2022 at 8:54 am

Bob has been so much in my thoughts since I heard of his death. I was lucky enough to drive with him to the Grand Canyon to raft the Colorado and he taught me to row a raft while paddling backwards in a kayak ahead of me. He was pure poetry in the water. His energy and passion for life were infectious. I feel honoured to have known him and can only imagine the loss felt by his family and friends.

Lisa on Feb 2, 2022 at 7:44 pm

Thank you for this kind tribute- Bob changed the course of so many people's lives, mine included. I am grateful for all the adventures, and now more than ever, all the video footage- what a gift. My deepest condolences to Danielle, Kevin, Alison and families, and Theresa. My heart is heavy, and at the same time filled with incredible memories. Rock and Roll, Bob.

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