- ppcli
- Person
- 1953-
Robert F. “Bob” Zubkowski was born in Vermilion, Alberta in 1953. He enlisted with the Canadian Armed Forces in November 1974 and was a member of the 1st Battalion, Princess Patricia’s Canadian Light Infantry (1PPCLI) from February 1975 until the end of his military career. He attended the PPCLI Battle School and was named Top Recruit. While with 1PPCLI he completed his secondary school education and acquired an occupational health and safety certificate and a museum studies certificate. He was placed in an accelerated non-commissioned officer program and received the Brigade Commander’s letter of commendation. He served with UN peacekeeping tours of Cyprus in 1978 and 1984. He was curator and archivist of the PPCLI Museum and Archives from 1989 to 1991, and was drum major of the 1st Battalion Corps of Drums. He retired from the Armed Forces in 1993 with the rank of sergeant, but remained active in the PPCLI family as a volunteer. He served as president of the Calgary Chapter of the PPCLI Association and Vice-President (West) of the Association. He is the compiler of As Long as Faith and Freedom Lasts, a compilation of reminiscences of World War I veterans; and is co-compiler (with Stephen K. Newman) of Patricia’s Buried in Flanders & Belgium. He leads a civilian drum corps, Black Thunder Inc.; operates a small business, Collector Motor Oil Ltd.; and works as an occupational health and safety consultant. He was married to Helena Zubkowski, and they had three sons, Christopher Peter, Daniel Robert, and Jason Paul.