The family of Bob Fair recently announced that with much sadness and a heavy heart they announced the passing of step-father, mentor, employer and buddy, Bob Fair. Robert (Bob) Fair passed away peacefully in his sleep in the early morning of 9 April 2020 after a brief illness. Bob was well known in the Victoria business and golfing communities. After his long career as a Coca Cola bottler and small business consultant in Ontario, Bob and Sylvia relocated to Victoria in 1982 where he began a new venture. He began by selling golf clubs from the trunk of his car, and soon founded Tiger Golf which became the Canadian distributor for Callaway Golf. Together Bob and Sylvia built Tiger Golf into a flourishing business which provided a livelihood for over 40 people in its heyday.
With typical humility and honesty, qualities that guided him through many a storm in the business world, he said he’d been at the right place at the right time. Those involved saw him take the necessary risks to grasp opportunities, and with great skill turn them into success. He always placed a fulfilling work life for his employees before maximization of profit. Another secret to his success was his lifelong study of business psychology and ethical management, which he applied to daily business with great skill. Taking courses at night he earned a B.A. from Wilfrid Laurier University in 1976, and subsequently completed a MSc. Business Management from the California American University in Escondido, CA.
A member of the Scarboro Golf & Country Club, in 1947 at 17 years of age Bob earned the first of four berths into the Canadian Open. He was the Ontario Junior Golf Champion in the same year. An up-and-coming young star in Canada, he gained notice on the US amateur circuit as well, including an impressive showing at the 1949 US Amateur. With marriage and twins, he set aside professional ambitions, but remained an avid golfer and dedicated student of the game throughout his life. At his peak, he played at scratch. He was a popular and valued member of the Victoria Golf Club for over three decades.
A celebration of Bob’s life will be held at a later date in Victoria, BC. Condolences can be offered to the family at http://www.mccallgardens.com
