April 8 — The CBWC was deeply saddened by the passing of Rob Des Cotes on Wednesday, April 6 after a long journey with cancer.
Rob was a spiritual director, retreat leader and pastor of Imago Dei, an ecumenical network of Christian faith communities based in Vancouver, BC with sister groups across Canada, the US, UK and Asia. He had also been the pastor of Fairview Baptist in Vancouver until moving to the A Rocha Brooksdale environmental farm in South Surrey, BC. He was the author of three books of meditations for spiritual direction, Fan the Flame, Higher Than I and Ultreia! (Go Higher). He had taught Contemplative Traditions at Trinity Western University as well as courses on spirituality and the arts at Carey Theological College and Columbia Bible College. He was an active member of Baptist Peacemakers International and directed Imago Dei’s Vancouver Arts Network, a community of writers, musicians, actors, dancers and visual artists who are in creative dialogue with spiritual issues in the arts, especially as they relate to postmodern culture. He was well known as a flautist and liturgist.
Rob will be much missed for his gentle commitment to encouraging others to deepen their practice of prayer and life of faith that recognizes and welcome God’s transforming work.
Rob leaves his wife Ruth, three adult children and several grandchildren, as well as many other family and friends who deeply mourn his passing.
A memorial service will be held on Saturday, April 16 at Fairview Baptist Church in Vancouver (corner of Pine and 16th Ave) at 11 am.
Please remember Rob’s family and friends in your prayers during this difficult time. He will be much missed but we also rejoice that Rob is now with his beloved Jesus, forever.