Robert Lawrence “Bob” McKee, a longtime member and former Station Leader of Royal Canadian Marine Search and Rescue Station 12, passed away on October 15, 2026, at the age of 87. His leadership, dedication and friendship left a lasting mark on the station and the people who served alongside him.

Born August 17, 1939, in Edmonton, Bob was adopted at three months by Robert and Lucille McKee. He grew up in communities across Saskatchewan and Alberta, later working in seismic exploration and warehousing. He also served as a Reserve Air Force radar operator.

Bob joined the RCMP on June 16, 1961 (Reg. #22026, Troop 4), serving in Kamloops, Kelowna, Burnaby, Victoria and “E” Division Headquarters in Vancouver. He retired in 1987 as a Staff Sergeant, having devoted 26 years to what he affectionately called his “first love.”

In 1963, while posted in Kelowna, Bob married Elizabeth Carolynne “Carol” McDonald. Together they raised two sons, Lawrence Craig, who predeceased him in April 2026, and Bret Michael.

Following retirement, Bob remained active in the RCMP Veterans’ Association for 32 years, serving as President of the Vancouver Division (2009–2010) and as a Director on the Association’s board. He also worked in private business with Tony Book and as a security officer with the BC Liquor Distribution Branch.

Seeking a quieter rural lifestyle, Bob and Carol moved to the Sunshine Coast, first settling in Halfmoon Bay and later in Sechelt.

A Lasting Legacy at Station 12

Bob joined Canadian Coast Guard Auxiliary Unit 12 in Halfmoon Bay in July 1996 and served until March 2014. During those 18 years, he held several roles, including Station Leader, Supporting Member and PCCC Checker, participating in 43 missions and contributing 762 volunteer hours.

Under his leadership, the station achieved important milestones, including relocating its rescue vessel and operations to Secret Cove, acquiring the Zodiac 753 Ken Moore, and establishing a second rescue vessel, the Lewis-McPhee, in Porpoise Bay.

Known for his firm handshake, determination, humour and generosity, Bob helped shape the station’s capabilities and culture. He was a respected leader, mentor and friend whose influence continues to be felt today.

Remembered by His Fellow Crew Members

Former crew members shared their memories of Bob, reflecting on his leadership, character and the many years they served together.

Seaweed – “Always very fond of our beloved Station Leader with his beartrap handshake that crippled Gene Kiniski.A good and true patriot, fine counsel (he’d been around the block a few times) a tough cowpoke and trustworthy Seadog. Blast, I am so sorry to learn of his departure.”

Tim A. – “I met Bob in 1998 and he encouraged me to join AUX12. After taking me out for an exhilarating tour of the local Halfmoon Bay area I was hooked.
Bob quickly brought me under his wings and taught me the ropes. He helped me get the training and support to get into coxswain training at Bamfield.

Volunteering alongside Bob over the  next 17 years I got to know him and his wife Carol really well. Salt of the earth.

Bob’s career as RCMP officer brought discipline, strength, courage and organization to our unit. To many of us he was a strong father figure.

Through Bob’s guidance, determination and hard work we obtained funding to move our 733 from “Andy Hansen’s log dump”,  where our old boat was exposed to the elements and our gear was kept in a leaky trailer, to Secret Cove.

Through Bob’s leadership we obtained funding to purchase our new vessel, the Zodiac 753, christened the Ken Moore. This was no easy feat because HQ in Victoria was adamant that we purchase a Titan, much like what Unit 61 obtained.

Bob’s vision and scrappy nature, like a dog with a bone also got us set up in Porpoise Bay with our 2nd vessel, the Lewis-McPhee.

Bob used to say “I have a meeting with the captain” (Captain Morgan rum of course!).
Like his handshake, he was strong. Like his nature he was a true friend. They don’t make them like Bob anymore. He will be truly missed.”

Mark Z. – “I offer heartfelt condolences to this gentleman’s family, and fellow friends alike. Bob was station Leader when I signed up, and I always appreciated his strength and candor. We shared some laughs together, and some tough things as well. I will miss him. Good blessings to all.”

Nicol w– “Very sad news indeed.  Lots of good memories of time spent with Bob, and with Carol. When he joined Unit 12 it was obvious by his outgoing good-natured attitude toward training for the service we provided, and toward the people involved, that he would be a bright light amongst us.
His former involvement with the RCMP gave him a jump start in knowledge and practice.  Bob quickly revealed his leadership abilities and rose to that role quite naturally.  He and I and sometimes his wife, Carol, who he playfully called ‘The Dragon Lady’, often visited informally, during which times he told engaging stories of his experiences growing up in a rural setting and his former life and work as a member of the police force, then eventually running his own business.  He loved the outdoors, talking of places that were special in his memory especially in the regions around Williams Lake.
On the water, tasked on an incident by Victoria or French Creek Coast Guard stations, Bob’s active mind and quick perception of the situation was of real benefit to resolving what we were there to do.  He clearly enjoyed the work, serving as a good example to the crew he was working with, and rapidly becoming proficient as a leader and boat operator.
In my position as training officer his interest and readiness was an inspiration to others.  He made working with him fun, as well as a learning experience.  Bob was a big man, physically and personally, firm but (in my experience) never overbearing.  We ceased to have so much to do with one another on my retiring from active involvement in the unit, but he’ll always have a warm place in my memory.  Just a great guy. “

Fair Winds and Following Seas, Bob

In his later years, Bob and Carol moved to Chartwell Langley Gardens following Carol’s dementia diagnosis. Bob passed away at Surrey General Hospital on October 15, 2026. He is survived by Carol, his son Bret and family, and his grandchildren.

Bob’s own words offer a fitting farewell:

“Nothing is forever and it is now time to engage in another adventure. See you on the other side.”

The members of RCMSAR Station 12 remember Bob with deep respect and gratitude for his many years of service, leadership and friendship. His contributions to marine search and rescue on the Sunshine Coast will not be forgotten.