Obituary
The family of Robert John J.A. Lacelle is heartbroken to announce his passing which occurred at the Saint John Regional Hospital on Thursday, June 2, 2022. Robert John J. A. Lacelle was born in Montreal, QC, Nov 30, 1948, to Andre Osgood Lacelle and Jean Dorothy (Yorke) Lacelle. He was the oldest in a family of 10 siblings moving to North Sydney in his younger years and finally settling in Saint John, NB during his teens. It was in Saint John that he met his wife Evangeline, known as Angie, only daughter of Edgar and Bertha LeBlanc.
Bob and Angie married in February 1971 and quickly began building their family, filled with love and strength. Their first child Jason was born in 1972, followed by Emily in 1973, Traviss in 1974, and his ‘boo’ Cheyenne in 1986.
Robert’s passions included hunting and fishing, but he always made certain his family came first. He was heavily involved in the minor hockey scene during the 1980’s, coaching both his boys; however, he never missed a music concert/play for Emily and beamed with pride watching Cheyenne ride horses. He was a certified Industrial Mechanic/Welder, but most would remember him as being a ‘jack of all trades’ and the great ‘Uncle Bob’ to the neighbourhood kids on Stockfarm Road fixing everyone’s bike and pulling loose teeth. Later in life, he took an interest in woodworking, leaving his grandchildren keepsakes made especially for each of them.
Robert was not immune to some tough times during his life, experiencing the unexpected loss of his best friend Billy in 1984 followed by the tragic loss of his youngest son Traviss in 1985. In 1998 he was forced to overcome a near fatal workplace accident which was both a shock to his body and his brain. Once he accepted his limitations, he continued his life doing what he could until further ill health put him on the side lines. His last few years were spent at a cottage in Aldouane, where he and Angie could look out on the water and see something new during all four seasons. It was a family environment that he called ‘his little piece of Heaven.’
Robert is survived by his wife of 51 years, Evangeline (Angie), son Jason (Beth), daughters Emily (Yvon Richard) and Cheyenne (Josh Delaney). He was an adored ‘Drackie’ to his grandchildren Jasmine Richard, Kristen Lacelle (Anthony Bott), Erika Lacelle and Traviss Richard (Breanna Harper). In December 2021, he was blessed and thrilled to add his first great-grandson to his brood, Greyson Robert Jay Bott.
Robert also leaves behind to mourn, siblings Gail Lacelle-Savoie (former Steve Savoie), Mike Lacelle, Joanne McGillicuddy and his baby brother and Godson Sean Lacelle (Nancy). Also, near and dear to his heart were special aunt Betty Hillier and uncle Roddie Yorke, in addition to several sister and brothers-in-law, beloved nieces, nephews, cousins and adored ‘fur-babies.’
In addition to his parents Andre and Jean, and in-laws Edgar and Bertha, Robert was also predeceased by his son of 10 years, Traviss John Lacelle, his stepfather Joseph McGillicuddy, brothers Ricky, Paul, Lindsay, Stephen, and sister Mary.
Because Robert spent the last year in hospital, it would be impossible for the family to thank those that cared for him in both the Dr. Georges L.- Dumont Hospital and the Saint John Regional Hospital as well as Extra Mural – Kent County and the many doctors he met along his journey. Special thanks to family physician Dr. Pierre LeBlanc.
Arrangements are under the care of Fundy Funeral Home, 230 Westmorland Road (646-2424) where visitation will be held on Tuesday, June 7, 2022, from 6:00 – 8:00 p.m. Visitation will continue on Wednesday, June 8, 2022, between 12:00 – 2:00 p.m. The Funeral Liturgy will be celebrated from the Fundy Funeral Home Chapel at 2:00 p.m.
Donations to the Canadian Diabetes Society or donor’s choice would be appreciated by the family.
To send flowers
to the family, please visit our floral store.
Our most sincere sympathies to the family and friends of Robert Lacelle November 30 1948 June 2 2022 (age 73)..
Death notice for the town of: Saint-John, Province: Nouveau-Brunswick