Obituary of Robert William Colbourne
The family is very saddened to announce the sudden passing of Bob, on October 8th, 2020 in the St. John’s Health Sciences Centre, at the age of 64.
Born in Corner Brook, Newfoundland on November 28th, 1955, Bob was the son of Bernice (Inkpen) Colbourne and the late Robert Colbourne.
Bob grew up in Corner Brook and went to Herdman Collegiate. He was working as a pipe fitter helper when he met his wife, Jean. This ‘meeting’ was instigated by Jean’s Uncle Carl, unbeknownst to Bob, who he loved to torment. He did his pipe fitting trade in Baie Verte, NL in 1975 to 1976. They then moved to Goose Bay in 1976 just before their daughter was born, where he took a job with Public Works Government Services Canada. He was transferred to Halifax, NS in 1988 where Bob continued to work for PWGSC, raised their family, and spent many happy years making close friends, and friends that were like family.
He retired from 36 years with PWGSC in 2012 and spent his time with family and friends between Newfoundland winters and Nova Scotia summers.
A true Canadian, and of course, pure Newfie, Bob was an avid hockey player, and a devoted fan of the Montreal Canadiens. He also played softball, soccer, a bit of golf and various other sports. He really loved anything where he could get all the gear on and give ‘er a try!
Most of all, Bob loved anything outdoors – ski-dooing, ATV-ing, boating, hunting, fishing (he always caught the biggest fish!), cutting wood, snaring rabbits, anything that brought him outside all suited up in his camo suits, waders, all the gear he could get into was definitely his cup of tea! He was especially good at all-day adventures that included ‘deer-viewing’ & ‘fishing-hikes’! Some might say he was just enjoying an afternoon nap in his happy place. Going into the woods for Bob was like going home, and was his second love next to his family.
In the last few months of his life he spent hours on his Ranger headin’ down the road every morning to check on ‘the old folks’ and havin’ a yarn. A favourite for Bob was visiting ‘Bobby’s Cove tavern’ (aka Compton’s cabin). What a time they had Wednesday nights playing games of 120’s with the boys. On Saturday nights Jean was allowed to tag along!
Many summers were spent at Maitland Family Campground sitting around the campfire telling jokes, playing darts, chattin’ up a storm. He always was there to offer a helping hand to anyone who needed it. Most of all, Bob LOVED to torment people, especially if he loved ya! He touched so many lives and if you were one of the lucky ones to be around him for any length of time you’d end up having no choice but to say, “SHUT UP BOB”!
Bob is survived by his devoted wife of 45 years, Jean (Vineham); his daughter, Deanna (Dave); sons, Robbie (Ashley) and Chad (Nicole).
He is also survived by his sister Susan, brothers Jeff (Belinda) and Steve (Melvie), his in-laws, Annie and Gilbert Vineham, Karen (Jod) Burry, Cindy (Sanjay) Massey, Brad Vineham, Fred Vineham, as well as extended family. He was predeceased by his sister, Ann, brother, Gerry and sister-in-laws, Viv and Ruby.
He was a proud Pappy to Brandi (Randy), Braya, Lauryn, Becky (Josh), Jarrett, Shawna (Evan), and Haley (Richy). And a great-grand Pappy to Abel, Brooklyn, Charlie and Kinley.
Bob was a member of Maitland Volunteer Fire Dept, NS and Point Leamington Volunteer Fire Dept, NL. He was always happy to lend a helping hand, whether there was a fundraiser, or just to support his fellow members and friends.
The family, along with what Bob would have wished for, would appreciate any donations be made to the Point Leamington Fire Dept.
His family would like to express their very special thanks to the Cardiac Care Team at the St. John’s Health Sciences Centre for their kind and compassionate care.
A celebration of life will take place Friday, October 16th at 3pm, 103 Western Arm Road. Bob would have liked it if everyone comes wearing a jersey, wood shirt, bush jacket, camo or hunter’s orange!
BYOB…….BYO Mask……BYO Chair…….. and as Bob would say, shut up, sit yer arse down & enjoy the view!
Our most sincere sympathies to the family and friends of Robert
William
Colbourne 1955 2020..
Death notice for the town of: Grand-Falls-Windsor, Province: T-N