Tobbi Gjelsvik

October 11, 1951 - January 22, 2022
In Loving Memory ~ It is with profound sadness that the family of Tobbi Gjelsvik announce his sudden passing on January 22, 2022 at St Paul's Hospital in Vancouver, with his wife at his side.
Born in Bergen, Norway on Oct 11, 1951, Tobbi immigrated to Canada with his family in 1956. The family settled in Prince Rupert where his father went to work at Columbia Cellulose.
After graduation from Prince Rupert Senior Secondary School in 1969 he went to work for Prince Rupert Boatyard and Wahl Boatyard. In 1976 he went to work for Royal Fisheries Ltd., although the company changed owners several times Tobbi remained steadfast until 2014 when he went to work for Coast Tsimshian Fish Plant until 2018 when he retired.
He loved working with fishermen and even after retirement he continued to help where he could. He was an integral member of the Prince Rupert Vessel Owner's Association and could put on a party that most will never forget. Those parties were a yearly event that many vessel owners and others in the fishing industry looked forward to.
Tobbi was a Lifetime Member of the Royal Canadian Legion Br. 27 and was proud to support the Legion in any way he could. He loved to play Snooker and was instrumental in having World Champion Snooker Players come to Prince Rupert for Exhibition at the Legion.
These events were well attended. With his love for sports fishing he was a natural choice to help with the Annual Legion Fish Derby which he thoroughly enjoyed.
His love of animals drew him to the Prince Rupert Wildlife Rehab Shelter where he played a crucial part in raising funds to support the Shelter in ongoing expenses.
Tobbi had an amazing sense of humour and always had a joke to tell or a prank to pull that many will never forget. On his last birthday when he turned 70, his sons got several Pro Snooker players to send him short videos congratulating him on his 70th Birthday but he was absolutely thrilled with the video he received from The Trailer Park Boys - he was constantly showing that video off to any who would watch. Thank you, Chris and Tim for giving him the most wonderful Birthday ever!!
Tobbi is survived by his wife of 45 years, Pat, sons Christopher (Crystal) and Timothy (Jody) as well as 5 granddaughters, Sophia, Grace, Ava, Kaydence and Mia.
He was predeceased by his parents, Odd and Clara Gjelsvik, as well as his sister, Sylvia Breeden.
Many thanks to friends and family for their love and support during this difficult time.
A Celebration of Life will be held Saturday, July 23, 2022 at The Highliner Inn. Doors open at 1:30 Service at 2:00. Please bring your stories and join us in celebrating Tobbi.
Like a shadow in the moonlight
Like the whisper of the seas
Like the echoes of a melody
Just beyond our reach
In the shadow of our sorrow
Past the whisper of goodbye
Love shines through eternity
A heartbeat from our eye