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Obituary
It is with great sadness, yet gratitude for a life well lived, the family of Bob Henry (Gilbert Robert Henry) announces his peaceful passing which occurred on Thursday, September 21st, 2023, at the Saint John Regional Hospital. Born in Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island on September 29th, 1942, he was the son of the late Gilbert (Gil) and Pauline Henry.
Raised on an Island farm, Bob joined the Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF) in 1959. In 1963, while serving at Station Armstrong in Ontario and over the station KOLD, Bob got his first taste of what would become a very long and illustrious career as a country music broadcaster and radio personality.
His very first ‘on air’ appearance came in 1964 when he returned home to the Island and began working as a broadcaster for CFCY in Charlottetown. From there he moved to work at stations in both Amherst NS (CKDH) and Truro NS (CKCL). It was here in Truro where he started his very first ‘Weekend Jamboree’ in 1967. Truro is also where he met a beautiful young woman named Hester who captured his heart and would later become his wife. Bob and Hester married in 1968 and began to build their life together. Bob’s career in radio took the family to Newcastle NB (CFAN), Sydney NS (CHER), back to Charlottetown PEI (CHTN), and again to Sydney NS (CKPE).
In 1980, Bob took a chance on a new opportunity for his family and moved to Saint John, NB where he began to work for CHSJ. This would be where Bob, Hester, and their young son Rob would settle and call home. In 1984 Bob re-introduced his original program, ‘Weekend Jamboree’, which quickly became popular. With his rich, resonant voice and ability as a masterful storyteller, Bob was welcomed into the homes and hearts of his loyal listeners each and every Saturday evening until the show ended in 1995.
Eventually, Bob began a new career with Canadian Blood Services where he was proud to be a donor of 333 units of blood. During this period of time, he was also a National Board Member and Fundraising Director for the Muscular Dystrophy Association of Canada.
In 2002, Bob returned to his radio and country music roots when he was asked to reprise his role as host of the ‘Weekend Jamboree’, which was now airing Sunday evenings on Country 94.1 FM. Though Bob enjoyed his retirement years following his time at Country 94, much to the delight of many former listeners and fans, he returned to radio with Oldies 96.1 where he hosted his new show ‘Jukebox Country’. ‘Jukebox Country’ aired Sunday evenings, starting in 2021 and continuing until September 3rd, 2023, when he wished his listeners well and signed off for the final time.
Bob was a member of the Canadian Association of Broadcasters (CAB) 25 Year Club. In 2005, Bob was honoured to be inducted into the New Brunswick Country Music Hall of Fame (NBCMHF).
Besides being a country music aficionado, Bob loved trains and was an avid model railroader. He was a proud member of the Saint John Society of Model Railroaders and enjoyed many hours spent in the company of good friends creating, building, and enjoying a deep sense of camaraderie. Through his community of model railroaders, he made many life long friendships and the support of these special friends over the last several months will never be forgotten.
Bob was a true gentleman in every sense of the word…..but a ruthless Monopoly player. He was a gifted storyteller with sharp wit and a keen sense of humour. Bob had a deep appreciation for a good home cooked meal. At family gatherings he could often be found hovering near the stove or oven, eagerly awaiting a sneak taste of Rob’s latest culinary creation with a twinkle in his eye and his fingers wiggling in anticipation.
Though Bob’s professional life led to many wonderful stories about adventures he had, places he had been and people he had met, his greatest source of pride and happiness in life was his family. He was a wonderful husband, father, and grandfather who loved and was extremely proud of his family, particularly his grandson William. He was a lifelong baseball fan of both the LA Dodgers and the Toronto Blue Jays but by far his best loved games were that of his favouriteplayer Will with the KV Red Sox. During the warmer months Bob could often be found behind home plate, scorebook in hand as official scorekeeper (and sometimes last minute umpire) at Will’s ball games. His presence around the field will be greatly missed.
Bob is survived by his loving wife of 55 years, Hester (nee Bushie), his son Rob Henry (Michelle) and his grandson William Henry. Along with his parents he was predeceased by his brother Rick and his sister Barbara.
Arrangements have been entrusted to the care and direction of Fundy Funeral Home, 230 Westmorland Road, Saint John, NB (506-646-2424). In keeping with Bob’s wishes, no formal visitation or funeral services will be held. For those who wish, donations may be made to the Canadian Cancer Society.
Thank you, Bob, for the many wonderful years of memories. Your spirit and memory will live on through the airwaves and in the hearts of all who knew and loved you. Though it won’t be next week, we know we will see you again “ Good Lord Willin’ and the Creek Don’t Rise.”
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September 29 1942 September 21 2023 80 Years Old
Death notice for the town of: Saint-John, Province: Nouveau-Brunswick
death notice Bob Henry September 29 1942 September 21 2023 80 Years Old
obituaries notice Bob Henry September 29 1942 September 21 2023 80 Years Old
We offer our deepest sympathies to the family and friends of Bob Henry September 29 1942 September 21 2023 80 Years Old and hope that their memory may be a source of comfort during this difficult time. Your thoughts and kind words are greatly appreciated.