From Shoe Shine Boy to Battalion Chief
Let me tell you the story of Bob Dahl – a local boy whose contributions have made him “hero material.”
Bob was born in
The residents of Whalley, a very family oriented community, really felt they had made in on to the map when they got their first Movie Theatre; but soon even that was topped with a real Post Office – wow they were cooking now.
Bob did not have to wait long in his life to find the woman who would one day be his wife – he met her when he was just 10 years old. Sonja grew up in nearby Anneville and attended the same elementary school and even high school for a while. Once they connected they seem to always reconnect; and were destined to get together- but I will get back to this later.
It would appear that Bob was a hard worker from an early age. At the age of 12 he got his first job as a shoeshine boy. He set up shop at the BC Electrical Station and, armed with his outgoing personality, enjoyed meeting lots of different of people.
As a teenager the best gathering spot during summer was White Rock beach: the party place. The summers were filled with bonfires, parties and hanging out with the boys.
Upon Graduation, Bob was offered a scholarship at Greys Harbor Jr. College in
He had good reason to stay in the area because just as his business career was doing well, so was his home life. Bob proposed to his wonderful Sonja on her family boat, which was moored in Anneville Slough, and Sonja fortunately said “yes.” Wise lady. They got married while in their early 20’s in the
Bob built the family home: a four-bedroom home on five acres located in Cloverdale. The five acres allowed for a hobby farm with pigs, horses, goats and dogs. Let me tell you about “Eeyore,” the demented goat who, when he got into the garage, could not figure out how to turn around to get out despite the fact that the garage door was still open; or when he decided to visit the neighbor lady – she was not impressed and phoned to inquire “Was your goat supposed to be in my yard?”
Bob built many houses but that one was his favorite. He even installed a salvaged fire pole that he picked up after a local fire hall burnt down. Wow, a real “fire pole” to slide down … who needs stairs.
The Dahl family enjoyed many family holidays camping at
Bob really embraced Sonja’s Norwegian family heritage and traditions. One of the things they used to do is called “ulebookin”; when you go out and visit all your family and friends over the holidays. They still enjoy Norwegian foods such as “leftsa”, which is cinnamon pastry, and “ludfes” which is a tasty processed fish.
To finance all these great efforts, Bob joined the Vancouver Fire Department. Again, we see the work ethic and determination that must have been in this man: to start from the bottom rung on the ladder and after 31 years, left the department in the role of “Battalion Chief.” He was in charge of 142 firefighters, it was a huge responsibility but well worth it. One of his favorite memories as a firefighter was when they would go to Children’s Hospital and let all the kids play on the truck.
The firefighters have a very special bond and are a wonderful group of people. During their off time these men helped each other sharing expertise and skills which again would help build a strong team. When I asked about stories from fire fighting it was suggested that perhaps due to the language we had better not go there. So I asked Sonja “Any stories about his life as a firefighter?”
She thought about it for a few minutes and then said “ when he got home (after battling the blazes), his first action would be to gather his children to him with a big hug.” I think that speaks volumes
Bob and Sonja have three beautiful grandchildren: Michelle, Jeffery and Jaquelin. At the time this was written Michelle was training to be a hostess, Jeffery was in High School and Jaquelin was married and studying at
Do you know that the first brand new vehicle Bob bought was when he was Battalion Chief? It was a 1990 Mazda pickup. Bob and Sonja put the truck to good use on its very first day in the family by driving it down to
As the years went on and the children grew up to have families of their own, Bob and Sonja began to take cruises together. They have been to
In 2000, the millennium year, Bob and Sonja renewed their vows and love for each other. They love each other so much that they got married twice!!!
Their son Jeffery married the daughter of one of the owners of Northview Golf and Country Club. Bob and Sonja enjoy top-notch service and excellent food whenever they go to the club. One of Bob’s favorite events is “Breakfast with Santa”. The look on the children’s faces when they see Santa and their joy is something he really looks forward to each year. They were also on hand for the official grand opening of the golf club and the gourmet luncheon that followed.
These days Bob is still busy with White Rock Come Share on Wednesdays, swimming on Fridays and lots of life in between. Life: like attending the Annual retired Firefighters Dinner, where he gets a chance to reconnect with his old friends and enjoy a wonderful meal and drinks. The local Fire Hall often calls to check in with him.
When asked what do you feel the best things ever invented are? Bob would tell you – “Jet planes and Automobiles”
When asked what he values: “
Before I wrap up this story I have tell you one thing – Bob had a nick name at the Fire Hall – guess what it was? - ‘Baby doll’. I didn’t ask where that came from – there are some things perhaps we don’t need to know.