It is with broken hearts that we announce the passing of
Robert “Bob” Melong, 86, of Havre Boucher Antigonish County,
who passed away surrounded by his loving family on Thursday, August 4,
2022. Born on April 3, 1936, Bob was the son of the late Stella Agnes
Melong.
Bob will be forever missed by his wife of 63
years, Lydia (Babineau) Melong, along with his children, Carol (Troy)
Melong-Brow, Brenda (Wayne) Melong-Thorpe, Richard (Tammy) Melong,
Karen Lambert, Brad (Roxann) Melong and grandchildren, Daulton, Brian,
Hailey, Logan, Melanie and Terry. Survived by his brother Nelson
(Joanne) Spenser, cousins, brothers-in-Law, sisters-in-Law, nieces and
nephews.
Dad was a truly humble and kind person, totally
devoted to his family and friends. He was simply one of those people
who made the world a better place. He always had time for anyone who
just wanted to have a chat. Loved telling old stories, having a few
laughs and reliving his adventures of the last 86
years.
Dad grew up in Havre Boucher where he spent the
majority of his life. Growing up in a small community instilled the
values that Dad lived by; work hard, value family and friends, help
those who need it and never forget where you came from. Prior to the
age of 16, he worked various jobs in the area, but the work that he
loved the most was fishing with the local fisherman. He was
“hooked”, but work was
scarce so at the age of 16
Dad left for Toronto and found steady work as a Binder for a Printing
Company. Dad lived about 10 “adventurous” years in Toronto
making life long friends along the way. Always travelling back and
forth to Havre Boucher to check on his Mom. It was in Toronto where he
met Mom and started a family but always the lure of the Maritimes kept
calling. Toronto was never home but a means to get back
home.
Prior to Carol’s birth they moved back
to Havre Boucher where he bought his first Fishing outfit and as they
say “The rest is history”. 60 plus years of doing what he
absolutely loved, making a living on the water and raising his family.
Dad always said Fishing was never a job, he loved everything about it,
even the tough years.
Dad’s love of the ocean and his
hometown were so deep rooted in him, there was no other place in the
world he wanted to be… but “Home”.
Dad, loved anything and everything outdoors,
fishing year-round, hunting, working in the woods, carpentry,
gardening and just sitting on the deck in the evenings with family and
friends. Earlier years were spent with long time family friends up at
his camp having a feast, fishing, snowmobiling, 4-wheeling or working
in the woods. In later years, Dad spent many evenings meeting up with
friends at Tims.
After “retiring” from fishing, which
never really fully happened as he was quite the
“consultant”, his Saw Mill and Garage were his haven.
Especially when he was able to work with the boys or his friends would
stop in for a chat. Dad loved to keep busy, he simply had no time to
be idle.
Dad loved building things and loved growing
things. He was very proud of his garden even though every year he
would say “I am not planting next year”. Well, his last
garden is thriving. He would be very pleased. It’s a
privilege to take care of it for him as he took care of all of us for
so many years, planting those seeds in all of us to hopefully become
caring people.
While raising and supporting his family, Dad was
involved in the community as a member of the Havre Boucher
Men’s Club for many years. He was very active in the Fishing
community throughout his life. He was a Leader of the Havre
Boucher Fisherman’s Association, a founding member of the
Harbour Authority, Member of the Scallop Advisory Board and a
Leading voice to advocate for the new
Wharf Development.
Simply, Dad was a remarkable person who touched the lives of
everyone who had the privilege of knowing him and we were so
privileged to have him as our Dad all these years. Until we see each
other again Dad, rest easy and know that you will be forever
missed.
Special thanks to the amazing and compassionate Nurses and
Doctors at St Martha’s Hospital, specifically the Stoke and
Palliative Care Units who lovingly assisted Dad and us on his journey.
Dr. Chiasson and Dr. Hendricks for the care they have provided
throughout the years.
Visitation will be held Tuesday, August 9, 2022 from 6-8p.m.
and Wednesday prior to the Funeral from 9:30 – 11a.m. in the
St Paul’s Center, Havre Boucher.
Funeral mass
will be Wednesday August 10, 2022 at 11:00am at St. Paul’s
Church with Father Allan MacPhie presiding. Burial to follow in the St
Paul’s Cemetery.
Memorial Donations may be made
to the St Paul’s Cemetery Fund or the Havre Boucher
Luncheon. Stories, pictures and words of comfort may be forwarded to
the family at: www.haverstocks.com
Our most sincere sympathies to the family and friends of Robert Joseph ‘Bob’ Melong 1936 2022..
Dennis Haverstocks funeral homes
Death notice for the town of: Port-Hawkesbury, Province: Nova Scotia