Robert John O'Brien
November 13, 1941 to December 15, 2019
Obituary
It is with great sorrow that we share the sudden passing of Robert (Bob) O’Brien at the age of 78 years. He was the cherished partner of Suzanne Brake (his Susie). He leaves with many wonderful memories his children, Rick (Debbie) Stanley; Rob O’Brien, Erin (Jason) Smith, Sean (Adrienne) O’Brien, and their mother Agnes O’Brien; and Caitlin Woelfle – O’Brien and her mother Elizabeth Woelfle; step-children Nick (Jess) Crosbie, and Tom (Jill) Crosbie; grandchildren, Jillian, Holly, Madeline, Royden and Bridget; step grandchildren Rae, Calvin and George and great grandchildren Eli and Mya; as well as his sisters Jeannette (Stu) Vokey and Maureen (Barry) Fisher. Bob also leaves behind many family and friends who will miss him terribly. Bob left Newfoundland as a young man to seek out a new life in Ontario. He was a man of many talents…too many to list. He started Display Arts of Toronto which grew to be a very successful Toronto based business with showrooms in New York City; he was well known in the arts community for his passion and support for writers, visual artists and musicians such as Figgy Duff, WGB and Buddy Wasisname and the Other Fellers who he brought to perform at the Caravan in Toronto. Bob taught himself to play the recorder, accordion and bodhran. He wrote meaningful poems. He had a black belt in karate. He loved gardening and renovating heritage houses. He loved sailing and one of his proudest accomplishments was bringing the Newfoundland Flotilla of 100 boats from Toronto to Bonavista to meet the Matthew in 1997 and further creating a lasting scholarship for students at the Marine Institute. Bob started OceanNet, a non profit group to clean beaches and ghost nets and for 11 years worked tirelessly as a volunteer. He started the Doryhouse Gift Shop in St. John’s and became a regular sight on Water Street where everyone loved Bob. Bob was most content in his adopted home of Cupids. Most importantly, Bob was kind, generous and compassionate and saw the good in everyone. At his request Bob was cremated. Family will receive visitors at Carnell’s Funeral Home, 329 Freshwater Road on Thursday, December 19 from 2-4 and 7-9; a celebration of his life will be held on Friday, December 20th at 1:30 pm at the Carnell Memorial Chapel, followed with interment at the Anglican Cemetery, Forest Road. No flowers by request; in the spirit of Bob, take time this year to clean a beach and remember this extraordinary loving man. To send a message of condolence, please visit www.carnells.com.
As often quoted by Bob “Newfoundland…she is the maiden of the sea and home sweet home to me; I long to sit on her rocky shores and leave there no more”.
Schedule
Visitations
2-4 p.m. on December 19, 2019
7-9 p.m. on December 19, 2019
Carnell’s Funeral Home
329 Freshwater Road
View on Map
funeral
1:30pm, Friday December 20th
The Carnell Memorial Chapel
329 Freshwater Road
View on Map
Dear Suzanne,
You will not know me , but I became a good friend of Bob when I emigrated to Canada from Belfast in 1972 to escape the “Troubles” there. We met when Display Arts did some work for me for Metroplan a big civic programme and we became great friends. Bob even managed to have me “Screeched in’ when the Lady Mayor of St John’s came to visit Caravan. I had
designed some sets and also the Newfoundland Caravan Logo, which I still wear on my baseball cap. We also sailed his boat “The Wet Dream”…once across Lake Ontario to New York in the moonlight. He was a delight to know and could be as mad as an Irishman on ocassion but always great company. I felt a deep, deep sadness at hearing of his passing. Look after yourself.
It’s late sending my condolences to you and your family, as I just found out that he passed away. I met Bob on many occasions at the Rocket Bakery having a coffee in the morning. He was a gentleman indeed and had some very nice chats over a couple of years. But last year I started to miss him there and wondered what happened to him. The next time I’m there for a coffee, I will surely toast a coffee and remember him.
Dear Suzanne,
My condolences to you on Bob’s passing.. I knew Bob years ago when he lived in Toronto and I knew you through Gert but sadly I never met you both when you were together. Thinking of you and sending a big hug.
Sally
Hello Suzanne:
My sincere condolences to you.
He always had a smile and warm words.
My Deepest Sympathy to Bobs family.My thoughts and prayers are with you all throught this very sad time.
God bless ,R.I.P. Bob
Dear O’Brien Family,,
I am sorry for the your loss and loss to world over your father/husband.
I fondly remember Bob as the cool Dad who loved people, loved to celebrate life and as an adventurer. I believe he also gave me one of my first jobs as a teenager doing something temporary with a Santa Claus display. He helped raised one of my life long friends too- so just for that he is the best in my eyes.
I hope at this time you find the love you need inside your family but if you need anything, I am just a call away!
Sending a Huge hug to everyone!
Hello Suzanne,
Thinking of you and sending you a big hug. If I lived closer I would bring food but I am far away so my good thoughts are all I can send.
Be sure and unplug. stop and be.
Wendy Williams
Vancouver
Susie, I am sure Bob is looking down on all his family and friends who honor him today and gather to wish him a safe journey with calm seas and fair winds . We are there in spirit and would be in person if we could. Love to you all and know that Bob is in our thoughts and prayers. We will miss his lovely smile and peaceful countenance.
To: Dr. Suzanne Brake
Please accept our deepest sympathies on the loss of your partner. May you be comforted by wonderful memories and the thoughts and prayers of your many friends.
Blessings,
Salmon Cove Pastoral Charge
The United Church of Canada
Rev. T. Wayne Blackwood
Agnes, Sean, Erin, Robert and the O’Brien Families… We are thinking about you all during this difficult time.. Sending you our sincere condolences, prayers. and love.
Thinking of you all
Janell & Mike
Suzanne and family, my thoughts and prayers are with you all at this difficult time. Bob was beyond a doubt, the sweetest person that I have ever met. My co workers and I were always so happy to see his smiling face.love to everyone. Rose Samson
Good Bye ROBERT , Old Friend from long Ago
RIP & Fly with the Angels !! God Bless ⛪️
Suzanne so sorry to hear about Robert’s passing. Our thoughts are with you during this difficult time.
Suzanne
I am thinking of you at this most difficult time. The one thing that I have learned from Bob is that your big dreams can become reality. He lived a full life of adventures that benefited not only family and friends but the broader community-Such as Ocean Net and the Newfoundland flotilla.
On a personal note,I have watched you both patiently work on your Cupid’s home which is always open to family and friends. Bob would welcome me into your home whenever I would choose to come and accept any family or friends that I would have in tow!
Because of him I have sailed across Conception Bay to Brigus and walked the shorelines on a beautiful summer sunny day!
I will remember the Cupid’s outdoor plays and the Canada day flag raising. I have watched Bob build a root cellar and reconstruct an old Cupid’s red barn that was initially relocated by floating it down the bay. He patiently taught my son the basics of accordion playing.
Bob’s legacy has been firmly etched on the Newfoundland shoreline.
Sending you love. Catherine Wight Ballyk.
Suzanne, sincere condolences. My thoughts are with you,
I’m so sorry Suzanne. My deepest sympathy.
Erin, Jason, Royden and Bridget. My heart goes out to you and your loving family during this huge loss of your family patriarch. I have always admired the strong relationship your children have had with their grandparents. As Royden’s teacher for 3 years, I was blessed to hear many stories about Royden’s grandpa. May the many wonderful memories you hold in your hearts of your father and grandfather always be of comfort to you. During these difficult and sad times and also as you move forward in life. His spirit and creativity lives on in you Erin and in your children with Jason. God bless you all.
To Suzanne and Families
We were sadden to learn of Bob’s passing. Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this difficult time. Suzanne, we know that the many great memories of your life with Bob, and the many sailing trips you often talked about, will be cherished for many years.
Leo and Marion Bonnell
I was so sad to hear if Bob’s passing. He was always a wonderful neighbour and so sweet to me growing up. I have such found memories of Bob and Suzan showing me their beautiful home in Cupids. I treasure all the stories I remember attached to many of the objects and photos throughout the house. I still have the Don Quixote book that Bob lent me years ago (sorry I never remembered to return it)…. Bob will always be a warm memory of my childhood in Cupids. I hope all the happy memories will sustain you at this difficult time.
I only just heard the news last night from Sandra Mackey. Deepest sympathy to Suzanne and his family and friends for your loss … I just saw Bob out shovelling snow this last week and believe I saw him Saturday afternoon while I was being driven to the Legacy Centre. So sad … Take care .
Gail Davis-Mercer and Meghan
On behalf of my wife and family, as well as Buddy Wasisname and the other fellers, I would like to express my deepest sympathy in the passing of a dear old friend. Our thoughts at this time are with his family and friends. May you Rest In Peace Bob.
PS. I will never forget you. You were an inspiration for us all. Ray Johnson
Suzanne, and family-we were so sorry to hear about Bob , as I read through all of these messages I can see what an amazing impact he had with everyone who knew him. He will be missed by his family and friends and all who knew and loved him. I loved having brunch with him in his favourite place. he would even share his Touton with me! Sending our love and prayers to you xx
So sorry Suzanne to hear of Bob’s passing. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all at this time.
Suzanne and family, we are so sad to know that we won’t be seeing that beautiful smile of Bob,’s. We have so many beautiful memories of Bob, from sailing, to partying and dancing with him, to lobster boils, to cleaning up beaches, to many to list. We loved Bob dearly. He did so much for us, thank you,
Debbie & Paul
The light from this kind and gentle soul will live on in our hearts. Condolences to Suzanne and family…gt
Suzanne,
Our deepest condolences to you and your family on Bob’s passing. You are in our thoughts and prayers.
Sharon and Ed Coady
Dear Suzanne I’m still in shock to hear of Bob’s sudden passing he took me under his wing at the Millbrook Gardens when I first arrived here from Toronto we had many great chats he will be greatly missed by all .He had a heart of gold sending condolences to all the famillies during this very difficult time
We were so sad to hear that Bob has passed .we are so going to miss him.
He sure loved coming to our little cafe. All the staff here wish to pass along our condolences. So sorry.
Suzanne, Rick and Families,
Thinking of you at this very difficult time. Bob’s positive attitude and love of Newfoundland was inspirational. We are all better for knowing him.
I am deeply saddened at the passing of my godfather, Bob O’Brien. My heart goes out to his family and loved ones.
I am grateful to Bob for the many unique experiences he presented to me over the years: from being scolded as a young lad along with young Robert after we broke a bowl – a family heirloom; getting to meet young and upcoming Newfoundland musicians such as Dave Nicol and Brian McLeod; Bob co-signing for my first car; sailing from Fox Trap to Cupids in near gale force winds and spending the night on his boat.
Bob was always and generous and kind to me and I am forever grateful to him.
To Agnes, Robert, Erin, Sean and all of the O’Brien Families… Sending our sincere condolences to you all at this very difficult time…. May it give you Peace of Mind and ease your Sorrow to know that our prayers and thoughts are with you all…
R.I.P Bob
Thinking of you in your Loss.
Love to All
Bernice & John ….
I was very saddened to hear the news of Bob’s passing.
He and I met for the first time in Toronto when I was member of the Jimmy Carton Band. Bob was instrumental in touting out Newfoundland every step of the way and he arranged to have us booked at the Nfld Caravan. It was then the bond formed and I realized it was indeed an honour to work with such a dedicated person. He was very bright, on top of things at all times, a true Newfoundlander to the core.. I will miss you my friend. My condolences go out to Bob’s family. Ron (Bruce) Jones.
Our heartfelt condolences Suzanne and family. We were saddened to hear of Bob’s passing. Wishing much love, peace and strength to all at this very difficult time.
We were sorry to hear of Bob’s passing. Whenever we we crossed paths he always had a smile and a good word to say.
He will be missed. Our condolences to Suzanne and all of the family
Fergus & Irene
Suzanne – so sorry for your loss. I did not know Robert, but he certainly has left fond memories for all those who were fortunate enough to have met him. My thoughts are with you and your family.
I just read of Bob’s passing. He was a joy
to talk to and a genuinely good man.
My condolences to Suzanne and family.
So sad to hear of Bob’s passing. We met Bob when we moved to Cupids and my husband worked at the Legacy Center. He always greeted us with a smile and was very kind to everyone. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all at this time.
A wonderful Newfoundlander who gave so much to his community. A kind heart and a gentle soul. “As fine a man as ever broke a cake of the world’s bread.”
So sad to lose such a wonderful contributor to the quality of life here in Newfoundland and around the world.
His efforts will be missed but the impact of his vision will last forever.
We will remember Bob’s great amount of energy and initiative. Whenever we met he always had time to engage kindly and with compassion regarding our beautiful Newfoundland environment. He worked tirelessly sharing these feelings and engendering ocean care action in others at the community level and within our government. Hopefully we will not fall short of his healthy ocean vision, but drawing upon what he shared we will continue to work for a healthy earth.
Your family will miss Rob Sr. I am glad I had the opportunity to know him. He did so much for his community and family. He was beloved. Love to the
O’Briens at this sad time. Thoughts and prayers,
Suzanne clark
Suzanne and Family,
I was so saddened to hear of Bob’s death. Thinking of you especially at this difficult time Suzanne. His obituary is a beautiful tribute to a life well lived!
Take good care.
It was with a contrite heart we extend our deepest sympathy to you and your family at this difficult time .May you find comfort in the loving memories of a shared life . Our thoughts and prayers are with you .
So sad to hear, our condolences. He certainly was a good man. He definitely has a special place in our hearts. God bless, Jim and Lillian Fidler
Deepest sympathy to you and your family on the death of your spouse. Our prayers and thoughts go with you at this difficult time.
Derm Coady, President , National Association Federal Retirees, Central NL.
Bob was always very kind to us and for one memorable night put us up in one of his apartments that got attacked by the roof jumpers at 2:00 am. He did warn us about the roof jumpers but we thought he was joking, until 2:00 am. He will be missed.
Suzanne, Rob, Erin, Sean, Rick and Agnes. My most sincere condolences. My heart is heavy this evening with this loss that we all feel.. Bob had a most profound effect on my life over the years that I am still coming to terms with. He was such a bright light in this world that is now a little dimer for the loss.
Suzanne, my deepest condolences to you and your family on this sad loss.
Susanne ,please accept our deepest sympathy. Bob was a wonderful man who I met through his good friend and mine, Gene Stone. You opened your harts and home to us on our visit to Newfoundland, . It was a vacation I will never forget . Love Fred and Florence Cambers.
Suzanne & family
sorry to hear about Bob
Susanne,; so sorry to hear of Bob’s passing , thoughts and prayers are with you
My sincere condolences to all Bob’s loved ones. Bob was an inspiration to many and will be missed. I am grateful to have known Bob as I walked away with many experiences I would have never known had I not known him. I am sure Bob can’t wait to get a new adventure started in heaven. R.I.P. Bob until we meet again.
Our sincere condolences to all of Bob’s family.
The years we spent together planning and sailing the ’97 Newfoundland Flotilla remained etched in our minds. His caring & enthusiasm for his home province, displayed in so many ways were infectious and created a true lasting legacy.
From all of your friends at The National in Toronto – Rest well my friend.
To all of Bob’s family and dear friends,
I am so sorry for your loss. Bob was always a kind, welcoming and generous soul with a true zest for life. He will me missed by so many.
Sincere condolences,
Michelle Marren
Suzanne, thinking of you and your family.
Sincerely,
Doreen Chaulk
To Suzanne and Rick, and the rest of Bob’s family, my deepest condolences.
Bob was an amazing supporter of making Newfoundland and Labrador a rich tourism destination. Having worked with him on many events in Toronto, I saw his vision and creativity.
He has left his legacy on many fronts and will always be a part of the land and sea he loved.
Juanita
Mr. O’ Brien was sure loving and kind man. He always was so happy, always had a smile for everyone and story to share. I had lots of great chat with Bob downtown and became one of reason why I love the people and city so much! Thank-you rest easy!
Sending my condolences to all family and friends xox
Suzanne and Family,
My sincere condolences.
Alanna O’Brien
For all those in Bob’s family….
You were blessed to have Bob in your family as were we who knew and loved him from outside the family. His constant and gentle smiles, his contribution to any community in which he found himself, his quiet perseverance …. he leaves a legacy. He will be missed.
Dianne Leggatt, Toronto
Suzanne
My sincere condolences to you and your family
What a man! I involved many students with Ocean net and we all listen So much.
Socialized with him in Cuba and had many chats and Coffee breaks at Rocket.
What a guy!
Condolences to his other friends and family
Brian
Suzanne
My sincere condolences to you and your family xox.
Debbie Humphries
We sailed in the 97 flotilla and also the 2000 flotilla with Bob and many others. He will always be remembered for his sense of fun and reporting we were sunk outside Kingston Ont. We wer’nt. Sally and Noel S/V Kalinka1
Suzanne, I am so sorry to hear of Bob’s passing. I remember how you would smile when you would recount stories about some of Bob’s adventures. I hope those wonderful memories bring you comfort.
Go well, Bob.
Sincere condolences to Suzanne & family.
My deepest condolences to Suzanne,Rob,Erin,Rick,Agnus and all of Robs family and many many friends.He was a true gentleman and a true Newfoundlander—we were all better off from knowing him—to me he was more than a friend from the days when we first leaned to walk.
Condolences from Fred and Ian who he welcomed with open arms on their holiday in Nfld.—but that was Bob—all were welcome in his world.
May God bless him and may he rest in peace.
Eugene Stone
Suzanne and all Bob’s Family,
I was saddened to learn from Tom back home this morning of Bob’s sudden passing. Dear sweet Bob, who made such a huge impact on every person and his communities wherever he went, will be missed by Tom and I at every event in Cupids. He was, as you know, a presence and he lived many lives – glad we got to know him during his one in Cupids! Sadly I am away with family so cannot visit and Tom joins me on the day of visitation so please know we are thinking of you all and will toast Bob and his wonderful life at Christmas.
Thinking of you and sending warm hugs,
Dale & Tom
To Jeanette and Family
Gordon and I are so sorry to hear from Stuie of the passing of your brother Bob! It came as a great shock!
Thinking of you at this time of sadness.
Barbie and Gordon ❤️❤️
Suzanne, We will remember Bob and his significant legacy. We will hold you and the family in our thoughts..
It was a pleasure working with Bob when I was with the Department of Environment. He was always full of energy and ideas. OceanNet really made a difference in how we treat our coastal and marine environment. Well done, rest in peace.
Suzanne, and all the other family members and people who loved Bob…. I was so sorry to hear about Bob’s sudden passing. He touched so many lives. .I knew he lived a full and rich life. I learned even more about what a legacy he has left reading his tribute. Wow!. Long May Your Big Jib Draw Bob.. Suzanne your in my thoughts.
Warmly Bonnie Lundrigan
Suzanne, Rick and family of Bob.
My sincere condolences. I’m just glad I had the pleasure of knowing this wonderful man. I loved his charm, wit, but most importantly, his dedication to our province and ocean. He will be sadly missed.
Fly free fly free.
Suzanne, I have just heard from dear friends at home of your loss. While I didn’t know Bob, personally, his goodness shines through in your beautifully written tribute to him. I will be thinking about you in the days ahead. My deepest condolence.. Elizabeth
Oh, Suzanne, what a loss!!
I’ll be thinking of you
Ulrike
to all of us who knew & loved this wonderful human being! bob was a sweetheart of a man! to all you who were close to him my heartfelt condolences & may your shared memories help ease your pain & sorrow. i. sometimes feel the need to say “s.i.s.” indeed soar in spirit bob! with loving thots
terry
My condolences to Suzanne and all the Family. A very distinguished gentleman he was- who always had a smile.
To dear Agnes and family
Our deepest sympathies on the loss of Bob. I remember hearing all about the Nfld flotilla when I worked at Sunnyview with Agnes.
Fondly,
Shirley and Terry Placey
My heartfelt condolences Suzanne. I was saddened to hear of Bob’s passing. I first met Bob many years ago through Ocean Net. I will remember a kind, warm, optimistic man. Godspeed.
I am sorry to learn of Bob’s passing. I had the pleasure of meeting meet Bob several years ago through Ocean Net when my cadet corps in Placentia became involved in the organization through beach clean up projects and attending the annual conference. His passion for the environment was inspirational and provided the encouragement to continue beach clean ups in our community each year to the present. I send my condolences to his family and hope his loved ones find comfort in the memories of his life and in knowing the great impact that his contributions had on society. Peace and prayers.
Condolences to you Suzanne and all Bob’s family and friends. Bob’s zest for life is what brought us together about 20 years ago, when I became involved in one of his passions, Ocean Net. He brought so many people together to share in one of his ventures. Helping to educate young and old about the dangers to marine life from ghost nets and other debris in our NL waters. Bob will surely be missed. But never forgotten. RIP Bob.
Suzanne, I am very sorry for your loss. My thoughts are with you and your family. Sincerely, Sandra Nightingale.
To Erin, Sean, Rob, their entire family, and Suzanne – my heart aches for you all. I have been running through countless memories in my mind since hearing of Bob’s passing. He was always so generous with his time, taking us to movies, the yacht club to hang out on his boat, DA to make our own art, Sunnybrook Park to climb hills or play frisbee with us…and when we got older, making us dinner, playing music for us while sharing a glass of wine (or 3+), or sharing time with Royden, Bridget, and my son – once again enjoying the company of children. Although our visits grew fewer over recent years, my love for him never diminished. Sending love and condolences to all who loved him, and wishing you all peace in your hearts during the Christmas season.
So sorry for your loss .Suzanne. Thoughts and prayers to you and your family .
Love you,
Rob, Kristy and Lauren
So sorry to hear of Bob’s passing. I remember the first time I met Bob, it was in 1971, myself, Billy & Bob danced to the creedence Clearwater song Suzie Q. in the dining room on Power Street , he sure loved music and I remember him telling my kids everyone should learn to play an instrument. RIP Rita
Anyone who met and worked with Bob was better off. Whether a story, a tune or just being bound to a cause like the ‘97 Nfld flotilla. He made you believe. What would start out as a dream became reality with many smiles along the way. He remained young. Condolences to Suzanne and family.
My sincere condolences for your great loss, Suzanne.
I am thinking of you.
~Sheila
Rick Debbie and family, I’m so very very sorry for your Loss, my thoughts and prayers are with you at this sad time. Sincere condolences. Jan Hendry
Suzanne we are sorry for your loss Aubrey & Barb Boyd
Heartfelt condolences to Suzanne and the rest of the family. Bob’s sense of mischief and fun was as contagious and charming as his smile. We’ll miss him , we were lucky to know him.
Marcy Clark and Jay Brannon
Dear Aunt Suzanne,
Our love and prayers are with you.
Anytime we visited you, Bob welcomed us with open arms and a lively spirit. We fondly remember Bob showing us proudly around Newfoundland, introducing Scott to “Tootins” (Toutons) at the Madrock Cafe , taking us on his sailboat, performing a spur of the moment “play” with all of us at dusk at the Cupids outdoor theatre and teaching Hannah how to jig on the back deck of your Cupids home during a house party. We cherish these memories and will fondly remember Bob in many a yarn in the years to come.
Susanne and family,
My heart felt condolences.
Each time I would run into Bob , mostly in Cupids, without exception I was met with a great smile, an engaging twinkle in his eyes., followed by a friendly and warm chat.
That is how I will remember Bob. O’Brien
Bob will be sadly missed.
Ron Edmunds
We are so, so sorry to hear of Bobs passing. Our hearts go out to you Suzanne at this very difficult time. Bob will be missed by all who knew him and especially you Suzanne. We are thinking about you and sending our love and prayers. Lots of love Joan and Bob.
Rick, Debbie, Suzanne and all Bob’s family
So sorry to hear about Bob’s sudden passing. Sending you condolences at this difficult time. At least there is some peace in knowing he passed away in the province he loved so much!
A beautiful, remarkable man.. Lifted my spirits always, without fail. Always so supportive of me and what I do. The world would be a much much better place if we all took a page out of Bob’s book. So sad to hear of his passing. My condolences to the family..
So sorry to hear of Bob’s passing.. Will remember him for his simplicity of sharing what caring, positive spirit and commitment could do for our community. A patient visionary who understood the energy and power of common purpose. Worked on his dream to conceptualize a clean ocean! Ahead of his time!
He was a joy to spend time with!
Leslie O’Reilly
Suzanne, Tom, and family,
I’m so sorry to hear about Bob’s passing. Thinking of you all at this difficult time.
So many memories. Met Bob at the Newfoundland Caravan and was so delighted when he moved home bringing his dreams and dedicated work for the improving of our province.
Jill
Sorry to hear of the passing of your grandfather
I’ll be thinking of you
Suzanne ,
Thinking of you .
Tom
Debbie and all the family,
So sorry to hear about Bob, our sincere condolences for your loss. He is in a good place now with Nan and Pop and his brothers.
Tony, Craig and Jody.
Rick, Debbie and all of Bob’s family ;
We were sorry to hear of Bob’s sudden passing . May your precious memories bring you some peace . I ‘allows there’s a kitchen party in his honour up above . l Giver’
Bob !
Suzanne and family,
Gerald and I are so sad to hear of Bob’s sudden passing. He was a wonderful, kind, thoughtful and talented man. We are better for having known him.
Maria and Gerald
I blow kisses across the salt sea, while the winds of warm memories fill my sail. Away with you, you rogue and pirate- new horizons await you now. Sincerest sympathy to your legions of loved ones- all of us so much richer for having shipped to you.
I knew Bob in passing when we lived in Toronto. I would often see him at my local pub. When we moved to Newfoumdland 12 years ago, I ran into Bob on the street. We recognized each other. We immediately connected and began the relationship anew. Bob was instrumental in my feeling of welcome in Newfoundland, a place he loved so dearly. He taught me much of the ways of here, some through story and much through.personal anecdote. . Always much laughter.. Always positive. Always wise. The tremendous arc of his life is so very admirable. I am so very grateful that he was part of mine.. I will think of his wise words and his lovely face often. Janet and I were deeply saddened to hear of Bob’s passing. Wishing much love, peace and strength to all of his beloved at this very difficult time. Pax.
When I had Coffee & Company we all loved serving Bob! He was a true gentleman. St. John’s has lost a great man.
To dear Suzanne and family—we send sincere condolences. Doug and I were shocked and saddened to learn that Bob has left us so suddenly. He touched so many lives through all his ventures, and for the better. We will miss Bob’s smile and his joyful appreciation of the beauty around us in Cupids, and remember with fondness our times together. Our thoughts are with you.
I am so very sorry for the sudden passing of ‘Papa Bob’. I knew him especially to be a loving grandfather to Madeline. My thoughts and prayers go out to his family.
Suzanne and Family – I am stunned and saddened by this unexpected news. There was never a better neighbour. I will miss his sweet and gentle nature and his generosity of spirit. I hope the many years of happy memories will comfort you at this terrible time.
Chad & I were shocked to learn of dear Bob’s sudden death from Agnes. We will always & forever remember the joyous and good times we had at the National Yacht Club together here in Toronto. With sympathy, caring and loving memories.
Chad & Pat Humphrey xxx
To all of Bob’s family and loved ones, (too many to list 🙂
I have so many great memories of times with Bob and the O’Brien family from the days on Bessborough Dr. in Toronto, visits to Display Arts, to the several trips I was able to experience and enjoy in Newfoundland and I cannot forget the trip to the BVI’s. Bob was a kind, generous and giving soul. He will forever have a place in your hearts as well as all of the people he touched over his lifetime.
Please know our thoughts and prayers are with you all at this difficult time. RIP Captain Bob !
I’m sure wherever you are now you are in the middle of a kitchen party playing the recorder or spoons and a pot of mussels are on the stove. XO
Deb (Feeney) Marron
Thinking of you Suzanne. Bren and I always enjoyed Bob’s company. He was always friendly and with a smile. Enjoy your memories.
Our deepest condolences to the loss of a wonderful man with a Soft voice and great wealth of knowledge about Newfoundland. And Labrador. He always had that sparkle in his eyes for his best friend and love of his life Suzanne, who was always there for him in what ever direction he wanted to go. We will miss you dearly.
Bob, “ Fair winds and following seas and long may your big jib draw”
Suzanne and family Our heart filled condolences are being sent to you in this very difficult time . Bob was a very kind and loving person !We will surely miss him . Hugs to all!Love Derrick Betty and family
So sorry for your loss Suzanne, and for that of Bob’s family whom I didn’t know. Bob was a wonderful interesting person who always made your guests feel welcome. I’m sure he will be sorely missed.