Robert Clayton Nightingale
April 5, 1940 to June 4, 2025
Obituary
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Robert Clayton Nightingale
April 5, 1940 – June 4, 2025
With love and fond memories, we announce the passing of Robert (Bob) Nightingale who passed peacefully away in the Palliative Care Unit of The Miller Centre at the age of 85. Bob’s last hours were spent surrounded by his family.
Predeceased by his Parents Edgar and Una (nee Harris); Brother David; Granddaughter Holly Swinimer; Parents-in-law Arthur and Minnie Rowsell; Brothers-in-law Cecil Warford (Shirley – deceased) and Maxwell Rowsell (Elizabeth – living); Sister-in-law Ruth Payne (John – living).
Leaving with many warm memories his wife of 38 years, Bessie (nee Rowsell); Sons Scott (Carolann) and Steve (Lorrie); Daughter Susie (Stephen); Stepson Kent Wells (Kim); Stepdaughters Kelly Collins (Dean) and Krista Wells; Sister-in-law Sandra Nightingale, Violet Monk (Gordon; Brother-in-law Smith Rowsell (Florence); Grandchildren Mike (Megan), Michael Price, Matt (Jennifer), Ryan (Katrina), Rylie, William Swinimer, Emily Mitton (Isaac), Cicero Hope, Stephen Swinimer, Heather Swinimer, Candace Collins (Jamie), Cara Collins (David), Danielle Scarff; Great-Grandchildren Elena, Ryder, Joseph, Grayson, Preston, Kaitlyn, Mia and Gage. Many Nieces and Nephews.
Bob shared a one-of-a-kind loving relationship with his wife, best friend, cards & bowling partner Bessie. They enjoyed gardening, yard sales, flea markets, and entertaining their group of friends and family in their spare time. Bob and Bessie had a very special bond and were inseparable. Their deep love and admiration for each other could easily been seen by all around them.
Bob was proud of his successful career with Revenue Canada as a CRA with the senior management team. Outside of his wife, Bessie, Bob’s other passions were hunting and fishing. He was an award-winning trap-shooter and member of the of the St. John’s Rod n’ Gun club well into his senior years. Bob was an avid hockey player until the age of 72 when he retired his stick because he was having trouble keeping up with the 30-something age teammates. He was heavily involved with the Canadian Boy Scouts from a young age, eventually became a Scout Leader for many years. Bob followed his father and brother into the Freemason’s Brotherhood as part of the Masonic Park, Avalon Lodge No. 2, GLN&L.
A special thank you to Westbury Estate staff and care team; as well as the staff of the Palliative Care Unit at The Miller Centre for the care and kindness they showed Bob.
Cremation has taken place at Bob’s request.
Visitation to take place at Carnell’s Funeral Home, 329 Freshwater Road from 7-9 p.m. on Thursday, June 12th.
Funeral service to take place on Friday, June 13, 2025 at 2:00 p.m. at the S. A. Citadel, Adams Ave. Inurnment to follow at the S. A. Cemetery Columbarium, Blackmarsh Rd.
Flowers gratefully accepted or donations in his memory can be made to the Food Sharing Association.
Schedule
Visitations
7-9 p.m. on June 13, 2025
Carnell’s Funeral Home
329 Freshwater Road
View on Map
funeral
2:00pm, Friday June 13th
S. A. Citadel, Adams Ave
Inurnment at the S. A. Cemetery, Blackmarsh Rd.
My late husband Ed. Parsons spoke often & fondly of your husband, Bob. Especially regarding Monday night hockey which they all enjoyed so much. Please accept my heart felt condolences on your loss.. sincerely yours, NancyParsons
My late husband Ed. Parsons spoke often & fondly of your husband, Bob. Especially regarding Monday night hockey which they all enjoyed so much. Please accept my heart felt condolences on your loss.. sincerely yours, NancyParsons
Sandra , our deepest condolences on the passing of Robert.
Hugs & prayers,
Florence & Dave
The Nightingale Family,
Although I don’t know the Nightingale Family personally I do know Kent. If Kent has any of Mr Nightgales traits, and personalities then it says a lot about Mr. Nightgales ways. Many a good story has been told of times spent together having a great laugh and of being an awesome step-father.Please accept my sincere condolences for the family.Remembering you in my thoughts and prayers.
Jocelyn Cobb
Scott and family,
So sorry to hear of Bob’s passing. He was a true gentleman. I have wonderful memories of our shenanigans at the Gould’s Rod and Gun club and we later met up again in the workplace. Thoughts are with you at this time.
Scott and all Bobs family sorry to hear of Bobs passing. Worked with him at CRA as well. Always a gentleman. Condolences to you all
Brenda Temple
Scott, Steve and Susan sorry to hear about the passing of your father. Sorry for your loss, my thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time.
Scott, Warren and I are sorry to hear of the passing of your father. We hope fond memories will help you at this sad time.
My deepest condolences on Bob’s passing. I have many fond memories of working with him over the years at CRA. RIP old friend.
Sending my heartfelt condolences to Bessie and Bob’s family during this difficult time. He was a charming gentleman with such a kind heart. It has been a privilege being involved in his care. Over the past few years. Thinking of you all.
Aunt Bessie, and Family,
Sorry to hear of Bob’s passing.. Thinking of you, and sending condolences and hugs to you all.
Scott and Nightingale family, so very sorry for the loss of your dad. I remember your dad from work and the stories you would tell me about the hunting trips you had with him. Cherish all those memories Scott. RIP Bob
Bessie ,Scott ,Steve and Susan ,I am heartbroken to hear of Bobs passing..Myself and Bob always seemed to have a special bond.Working together was always fun ,he let me away with a lot ,always with that little smirk on his face.
He never called me Rhonda ,it was always “ Gypsy”(as he told me ,I always dressed like one..)I was honoured to be asked to his and Bessie’s wedding and met him as well at his beloved Middle Gull pond.
I will always remember you Bob
Rhonda and Herb Gibbons 😘
My Deepest Condolence to Scott and all the Nightingale Family on Bob’s Passing. May He Rest in Peace.
Sincere condolences to all Bob’s family. I worked with him at the Taxation Centre. RIP
Scott and the Nightingale family,
So sorry to hear of Bob’s passing. Worked with him at the Tax Center in the early years.. Lots of memories and a true gentleman. RIP
Judy Moores
We have pleasant memories of working with Bob at the Taxation Centre.
Bessie and family. so sorry to hear of Bob’s passing.. I worked with Bob for many years and there are many memories. I always recall the days when smoking was still allowed in offices. Bob, when contemplating a decision, would always lean back in his chair and light up his pipe as he thought about it.
My fondest memories are from the many hunting trips we took together. I certainly enjoyed these days and learned much from him . I sure wish he could have passed on a little of his marksmanship skills to me.
God Bless.
Nightingale Family
Had the pleasure of playing Monday night hockey with Bob for almost 30 years. Bob was the reason for me to start wearing a cage. One night he got me in the eye with his stick (I am almost sure it was accidental) ended up destroying my contact lens and a trip to Health Science. So sorry for your loss, my thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time. God Bless.
Scott and family,
So sorry to hear of your father’s passing. Take care.
BESSIE, VIOLET AND GORDON.
OUR SINCERE SYMPATHY TO YOU ALL ON BOBS PASSING. OUR THOUGHT AND LOVING PRAYERS ARE WITH YOU. .HUGS
GERALDINE AND LLOYD MASTERS
My sincere condolences to all Bob’s family at this sad time. I worked with him for years at CRA. A true gentleman. May he rest in peace🙏
Sorry for your loss of a family member rip you are with God now
Bessie, Kelly, Kent, Krista & family
Just want you all to know that we are thinking of you all as you mourn Bob’s passing. Sending you much love.
Robin & Jeff
St. John’s
To: Bessie & Family
I am so shocked & saddened today to learn of Bob’s passing. Bessie you and Bob were wonderful friends of Doug & I. I remember how we played bowling together, what fun we enjoyed. I also know how very much you meant to each other! You treated Bob with special care. May God be your strength and peace as you face challenging days ahead.
Phoebe Osmond
Mt. Pearl, NL.
June 7, 2025
My sincere condolences to all of Bob’s family. Worked many years with Bob at CRA. RI P my Friend
Wayne Hancock
Scott and family, my deepest condolences on your father’s passing. Heaven has gained another angel!
Scott and family please accept my deepest condolences on the passing of your dear father.
I have very fond memories of him working at CRA.
Keep your memories of him in your hearts and he will always be with you.
Aunt Bessie and Family – Sending sincere condolences to you all on Bob’s passing. He was a lovely man, and I know he will be missed by many. Sending hugs and keeping you all in my prayers.
Bessie and families.
Our sincere condolences on the passing of Bob. He was a dear friend to me at CRA. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all at this difficult time.
Scott and family, my deepest condolences on the passing of your dad. Godspeed Bob …..take care.
Violet and Gordon, sending my sincere condolences on the passing of Bob. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family during this very difficult time. Rest in Peace Bob 🙏
To Scott and Bob’s family, please accept my sincere condolences. Bob and I worked together at CRA and I always enjoyed his enthusiastic conversations about his hunting and fishing adventures. May he rest in peace. Regina
Scott, my condolences on the loss of your dad. I remember him well from CRA.
To: Bessie & Family
So saddened to learn of Bob’s passing.
Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this time.
He was a man of faith with a wonderful spirit.
Lo & Shirley Hindy
Mt Pearl, AIN 3K6
Aunt Bessie, our deepest condolences to you and your family. Thinking of you during this difficult time.
Scott, Steve, Susie and families,
John and I are so sorry to hear of your dad’s passing. Sending our condolences to you and Mr. Nightengale’s family. Take care. We are here if you need anything.
John and Donna Parsons
To: Bessie & family: We were shocked and saddened today to hear of Bobs passing. He was such a great friend of ours and how well we remember the games of cards we played, the cruise we took together, the many tea buns I made and took to Bob.. We will certainly miss him. You are in our thoughts and prayers Bessie. We know how much he meant to you. Love and God Bless you now and in the days ahead.. Your friends,
I’m sorry to be reading this
Bob was a gentle soul.💙
He & Bessie were very kind & a friend to my dear Dad before he passed, Luke Gaulton
Condolences to all
You were a pleasure to know 💙
To Bessie and the entire Nightingale Family,
We were so sorry to learn of Robert’s passing.. We extend our deepest sympathy and condolences at this most difficult time. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
My sincere condolences to Bob’s family and friends,. God bless you all. RIP Bob.
Deepest condolences for the loss of your Father.
Scott, thinking of you as you mourn the passing of your Dad. I fondly remember when the three of us worked together at the Taxation Centre. May Bob’s soul rest in peace.
I worked with Bob many years ago and would run into him from time to time and realized his cabin was near ours years later.
Bob was a gentleman… passing along thoughts and prayers to Bessie and extended family.
Gods Speed Robert!
Rest in peace, dear Robert.