Paul Rouse
1926-2020
It is with great sadness and heavy hearts that the family of
Paul Eric Rouse announces his passing at the Doctor Everett Chalmers
Hospital on May 7, 2020 at the age of 94.
Born on March 19, 1926 in Fredericton, NB, he was the son of
the late Irvine and Brenda (Woodworth) Rouse. He was predeceased by
the love of his life, Marjorie L. (Mitton) Rouse, his wife of 62
years, who passed away a few weeks ago on April 3,
2020. He is survived by his children
Michael (Kirsten) of St. Andrews, David (Deborah) of
Fredericton, Carol of Grand Cayman, Nancy of Fredericton,
and grandchildren Christopher (Susan), Jason, Jeffrey and Jane; as
well as several nieces and nephews, and sisters- in-law Gladys Kennedy
and Charline Smith. In addition to his parents, he was
predeceased by his brother Doug Rouse (Alice-Lou) and sisters Betty
Coughey (Jamie) and Kaye Minor.
After graduating from Fredericton High School in 1943, Dad
went “Up the Hill” to UNB where he graduated with a
BSc. in Civil Engineering. He then joined the NB Department
of Public Works (later Transportation) as a highway engineer (P.Eng.)
where he met his future wife, our mother Marjorie, who was a secretary
in the Saint John office. They were married on September 28,
1957 and together raised the four of us: Michael, David, Carol and
Nancy.
Dad enjoyed growing up on Charlotte St. in Fredericton with
many great childhood memories of family and friends. Also memorable
were the annual summer visits to Cornhill to spend time with the Rouse
relatives and stay at the family farm. In his
youth, Dad enjoyed bowling, skating on the St. John River, rugby,
pool, and as an adult he enjoyed curling and from time to time was
known to play a game of cribbage or poker. He refereed high
school and university basketball and once had the honour of refereeing
the Harlem Globetrotters when they came to Fredericton. His
love of sports inspired his sons’ enjoyment in basketball
and other sports. Dad was a proud grandfather and
really enjoyed following his grandchildren’s sporting
activities.
Dad enjoyed his 38-year career at Transportation (DOT), where
he worked to help modernize NB’s highway system.
His work took him around NB, where he enjoyed being onsite, and his
roles included Director of Traffic Engineering, followed by many years
as the Director of Planning.
Dad was a lifelong member of Brunswick Street Baptist Church,
where he served on the Board of Management Committee from 1978-2003,
serving as Chairman at various times. While he retired from
the committee in his late seventies, he was still called upon from
time to time to fill in any missing history on the church.
His volunteering also included the United Way where he served in
senior roles including Chairman.
Dad’s skills as a chairman carried over to home
life where he was a master delegator, but, more importantly, could and
would explain the art of managing people in a logical and respectful
way. During the warm Fredericton summers, he took
charge when it was time to barbeque, which happened often when friends
or family visited 831 Smythe. Dad was a great co-host and
enjoyed the many friends that he and Mum had come to know.
Dad enjoyed the family summer vacations to Skowhegan ME, trips to
Florida with Mum and friends, visits to many far away places to visit
their daughters, and trips to visit their sons and their families on
McLeod Hill and St. Andrews.
We wish to thank Dr. Jeff Barton for his care and support
over the last several years, as well as the staff at Shannex and Dr.
Everett Chalmers Hospital for their care over these difficult last few
weeks. We also wish to express our appreciation for the care
provided by the support staff who assisted Dad at home over these last
few years.
A Celebration of Life will be held at Brunswick St. Baptist
Church in the future with Reverend Greg Geldart officiating. For those
who wish, donations in Paul’s memory can be made to
Parkinson’s Society, Canadian Cancer Society, Brunswick
Street Baptist Church, Multiple Sclerosis Society or a charity of your
choice.
www.mcadamsfh.com.
Our most sincere sympathies to the family and friends of Paul Rouse 19262020..
Death notice for the town of: Fredericton, Province: Nouveau-Brunswick