Passed peacefully away Monday, Oct. 24, 2016, Robert Wilson Innes, aged 95. Left with loving memories are son Bruce Innes, daughter Gail Innes (Tim Avis), their mother Frances, beloved granddaughter Emily Innes, sister Dorothy Pope and sister-in-law, Ida Baird. Also leaving to mourn nieces Robin de Verteuil (Michael) Jean Hayes (Gerard), nephew David Baird (Jeannie) and grand nieces and nephews.
Bob was well known in the community for his active involvement in business as founding president of the St. John’s Board of Trade, a Past President of the Rotary Club of St. John’s, first Chairman of the Port Authority of St. John’s, a Director of Canada Ports Corporation and Canadian Director of International Ports and Harbour’s Association.
Bob was equally well known as a talented musician. He collaborated with many musicians and was never too tired or too old to share his love of music. A veteran of World War Two, he was in charge of the Royal Canadian Army Service Corps Railhead Depot in Botwood, Newfoundland. He was an honorary member of the Crow’s Nest and the Royal Newfoundland Yacht Club as well as a member of the St. Andrew’s Society and the Royal Commonwealth Society.
Bob’s enthusiasm and warmth for life and people will be missed by all who knew him.
Special thanks to the staff of Kenny’s Pond Retirement Community for their compassion and care over the last 18 months.
Cremation has taken place. Relatives and friends may visit the family at Carnell’s Funeral Home, 329 Freshwater Road on Monday, October 31, 7-9 pm. and Tuesday, November 1, 2-4 and 7-9 p.m. The funeral service will be held at St. Andrew’s Presbyterian Church on Wednesday, Nov.2 at 2 p.m. Donations in his memory may be made to a charity of one’s choice.
Carnell’s Funeral Home
329 Freshwater Road
View on Map
St. Andrews Presbyterian Church
To Mrs. Innis, Bruce and Gail and families.
I was saddened to hear of the passing of Mr. Innes, and as I read the messages of condolences; so many from former Yacht Club friends, I realized there was very little I could add to what has already been said.
He was a warm, kind, caring gentleman, and as kids at the Yacht Club, we all knew we were welcomed at the Innis home at any time. I have kept in touch with many of the old “gang” at the Yacht Club over the years; Johnny Parsons; Edwina Harris, Margot (Peters) Evans; to name just a few, but as I read so many condolences from this group, it not only brought to life the memory of those wonderful days, but because so many took the time to send their expressions of sympathy, it shows the high regard in which Mr. Innis and the entire family were held.
Although many miles away, I hope it helps to know that the burden of your loss is shared by somebody from your past, who has not only wonderful memories of Mr. Innis, but of the entire family.
My sincere and deepest condolences to you all.
Dean Cousens
Brandon, MB
P.S. I am the primary caregiver for Mom here in Brandon, who will celebrate her 101st birthday on January 2nd . I know she will feel this loss greatly as well. She always felt you were a wonderful family.
To the Ennis family , So sorry for your loss Mr. Ennis was a wonderful man my career was changed by his help .God bless him and RIP Dave Williams
Gail and Bruce
Just found out about the passing of your Dad and wanted to send our deepest sympathies. Although our memories are from such a long time ago, I will always remember his vibrant personality and his warm generosity. I sure your own loving memories of him are many and will sustain you both during this difficult time. Andrew and Rita Baird
I have many fond musical memories from the Crow’s Nest in recent years and personal memories decades back. I’ll miss Bob. Condolences to all friends and family for our collective loss.
Gail, Bruce & family
I hope through this difficult time you will remember how blessed you are to have shared your lives with such a loving, talented and supportive father. We have wonderful shared memories of our summers spent in Long Pond and at the Yacht Club. Your dad had a natural warmth that made you feel special when in his company. I so enjoyed our chats about German Shepherds and then went on to breed them for 10 years.
We feel such sorrow for your loss.
Margie Harris & family
May the great memories provide comfort at this sad time.
Most Sincere Condolences.
Deepest sympathy to the Innes family. Thinking of you.,
Milldred Steinhauer and family.
Bruce,Gail & Family,
So sorry to hear of your Dad’s passing.I have so many wonderful memories of him in Long Pond in the summers and also at my Momand Dad’s annual Boxing Day parties!!My Mom would wait for him to get there so he could play her favourite song for her.
Your Dad had a larger than life personality…so out going and friendly and could lead the best sing alongs !He will surely be missed by all that knew him.
Hope all your wonderful memories help you over this difficult time.
My deepest sympathy ,
Gail (Parsons) Vavasour
An old friend that I shall miss
Please accept my deepest sympathy. Bob was such a great support when I ran for election in 1984. I have many times enjoyed his music. And I echo Bill Abraham’s words re Bob’s support for the SCM in the 1950’s.
Our deepest sympathy to Gail and family. Bob touched the lives of an amazing number of people in Newfoundland who enjoyed his ‘talent to amuse’, his ready smile, generous spirit and long list of accomplishments over his 95 years. We who have been friends for over 50 years will always feel blessed for being able to share part of life’s journey with Bob Innes. Rock on, Bob!
John and Magda Moyes and family
Bruce, Gail and Family, I am so sorry to hear of your Dad’s passing. I have so many wonderful memories of growing up with you as neighbors your father was always a friend to our entire family he will be sadly missed. I am so sorry we are out of the province and will not be there to visit with you but you are certainly in our thoughts and prayers at this very sad time.
Gail and Bruce, I am very sorry to hear of your Dad’s death. I remember meeting him many years ago and instantly liking him. Our mutual friend Patricia sent me a note today telling me. My deepest sympathy.
Gail Bruce and all,- Just wanted to say what great memories I have of “Uncle Bob “.Our summer vacations were always fun in St Johns when we came to visit you guys. Uncle Bob was always showing us a good time, from Long pond ,cod jigging in his old converted lifeboat cabin cruiser to in town with his beautiful piano playing,.Let’s not forget the St Johns Regatta (I still have a moose tray that I won on a ” game of chance with Uncle Bob”).
He was always a gentleman , interesting and intelligent.
Our deepest sympathy- his fond memories will live on.
Love Dave Baird,Jeannie,Lindsey and Ian.
Gail, Bruce and family. I just learned of your father’s passing. I have so many memories of us growing up together, starting in kindergarten right through to PWC. Our parents were life-long friends and I am glad you had your Dad for so long. He was in wonderful form when I last saw him. Deepest sympathy.
Heather Jamieson, Ottawa
Gail, Tim, and family,
Please accept my deepest sympathy for your loss.
Bob Innes touched many people in many different ways and it was always a positive thing. Bob truly cared and he was always trying to make things better for the community in which he lived. He was a true Rotarian and lived his life with the Rotarian moto Service Above Self always in mind. The world has lost a good man but it has been enriched by having had him with us for so long.. On behalf of both myself and the St. John’s Rotary Club, I would like to express our sincere sympathy to Bob’s family and friends.
My sincere condolences to Bob’s family. He was such a dynamic personality and I remember him fondly from my years growing up in The Kirk, as a friend of my parents, George and May Ash and of course at The Crow’s Nest. St. John’s won’t be the same without him. His loss will especially be felt on Remembrance Day at The Crow’s Nest. Rest well Bob, you’ve earned it.
Rosemary Ash
To the Innes Family: Life long friends of generations of both our families, town or at the Yacht Club, we shared many pleasant hours with Bob.. He will be missed. Please accept our sincere sympathy.
Cap & Ray Tooton.
Gail, Bruce, and family
We extend our sincere condolences on your dad’s passing. As long time members of the RNYC we saw a lot of him throughout the years and greatly admired his many interests and capabilities. We were, quite possibly, the Club’s oldest members. It is our hope that your happy memories will comfort you at this time.
Roland and Beulah Inkpen
I knew Bob Innes as a member of the Crows Nest Club . He had a Full , Long , & Accomplished Life in many Careers – Including Playing our Piano . He will be Missed . Jim Flynn .
I remember with great gratitude and warmth the support that Bob and Fran Innis gave, as Senior Friends, to the Student Christian Movement at Memorial University in the 1950’sCondolences to the family.
Bruce, Gail and Family,
Your Dad was quite a man. As a kid growing up around Long Pond in the summers and living next door to you I always enjoyed the times spent with your Dad, especially out in the life boat on Conception Bay. As a young landscape architect working on projects for the Post Authority it was always a delight to interact with him. He had a vision of what his beloved St. John’s could be. We will miss him.
Gail and Family,
Sincere condolences on the loss of your father.
Deepest sympathy on your Dads passing.He was a valued member of Probus Canada and was always quick to entertain us with his wonderful musical gifts.He will be missed.
It was always a pleasure to be in Bob’s company. Our deepest sympathy to the Innis family. May your wonderful memories comfort you at this sad time. ,
Bruce, Gail and Tim.
Please accept our condolences on your sad loss.
Bob was a warm and engaging dynamo… a go-getter with lots of heart. The obituary says he was the founding president of the St. John’s Board of Trade and a president of the Rotary Club of St. John’s. It doesn’t say he performed both of those high-profile roles simultaneously. It seemed he never stopped offering his many talents for the benefit of others. While Rotarians relaxed and chatted before the weekly luncheons, Bob was at the piano providing the background mood music.
He was always approachable; had wonderful anecdotes for any situation; and gave advice based on his solid experience.
We will miss him.
Dear Gail. Tim and Family.
Sending you all our deepest sympathy at this time of loss and sadness. May your memories bring you comfort.
Sue Roberts and Derek Pelley
On behalf of myself and family we we give condolences
to the Innes family in Robert passing.He was ulitimate
Gentlemen and a pleasure to work with.
I would also like to extend my personal condolences to Bob’s family and friends. Like so many, I met Bob through his affiliation with the Royal Newfoundland Yacht Club. I was fortunate to have several conversations with Bob about the club’s operations, protocols, and evolution over the years over a light lunch. Bob was a wonderful, kind, and gentle man who gave willingly of his time and talent. Rest in peace, Bob. You have earned your rest.
Well I did not encounter this gentleman, or maybe… anyway I post my condolences, for his family and all his fiends.
Bon voyage Captain I wish uou an excellent journey after the horizon, to reach the Eden ( paradise ) Ocean:: to live eternely
Pierre m de ruelle
War Eagle Captain
On behalf of the members of the Royal Newfoundland Yacht Club, I extend our sincere condolences to the family of Bob Innes. We were graced with Bob’s dignity and charm, not to mention his delightful piano playing at many RNYC special events. Bob ascended from being a boating member for many years to a Life Membership which he held in high regard and enthusiastically attended as many functions as he could over the years. All of us who had the pleasure of his company felt the warmth of his personality. Bob will be sadly missed by all his old friends at the RNYC.
A wonderful man, a great Rotarian and an inspiration to all. My deepest sympathy is extended to the entire family
To Gail and family:
My sincere condolences for the loss of your father, he was a lovely man, and very supportive during our dancing days! I remember his wonderful piano playing! May your happy memories bring you peace.
Gail, Bruce and family,
Thinking of all of you during this difficult time. I met your Dad several times and he always left a good impression, such a warm down to earth man. I am sure he will be missed.. Take care
Bruce and Gail
I have very fond memories of your father as he and my father were good friends and often together at Long Pond. Bob was also a strong arm of support for me with funeral arrangements when my own father died. Over the years since I have had opportunities to meet him and enjoyed his company.. Truly his was a life well lived.
Ralph Matthews, Vancouver
To Gail, Bruce and family
Thinking of you all, so sorry to hear of your Dad’s passing… will always remember his amazing zest for life!!
You will be missed greatly. Thank you for being such a joyful spirit over the years Uncle Bob. May you rest in peace.