A Life-Time of Memories
I met Rob Rande in 1995. In 1996, Rob would become my husband and father to my daughters, after my failed marriage. Rob’s first mission was to get us into Lake O’Hara when Rob took us to meet his Mom, in Golden, BC. Hiking boots were purchased, and seats on the bus were booked, and we were off to hike in Yoho National Park, BC. This was Rob’s home country where he had been many times, having grown up in Field, till he was five, and then stayed every summer with his Nana and Poppa, after. He was eager to show us the beauty of this wonderful place.
We have walked into Lake O’Hara, when there was no seat on the bus. In 2003, we camped there as a family, to remember Rob’s Mom; Vesta Rande. Vesta worked for Parks Canada in Yoho National Park till her retirement. She shared Rob’s love of hiking and beauty.
Rob and I were given a space of time for another trip, after Rob’s year of chemotherapy, while the the Dr’s decided what to do next. We drove to Field and stayed in an Air BnB. We were graciously given seats on the bus, into Lake O’Hara, in August of 2015, when the photo over the fireplace was taken. Rob died of terminal cancer the following January. It was a profound gift to be there together, one more time.