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Husband, father, grandfather, great grandfather and outdoorsman.
It is with sadness we announce the passing of our father, Bob, on January 1, 2023 at age 89. Loving husband of Bernace (late) for almost 65 years, left to cherish his memory are his sons Robert (UK), Richard (Wpg) and their families.
Dad was born in Clementsvale, NS and grew up in Whitney Pier, Sydney, NS in beautiful Cape Breton. He continued to be an East Coaster through and through, no mater where he lived. Dad often referred to himself as a “Pier Boy” and was also proud of his United Empire Loyalist roots. As a high school student he enjoyed drama and worked evenings broadcasting with CBC radio. Upon graduating from Sydney Academy, Dad attended Eastern Pentecostal Bible College (EPBC) in Peterborough, ON and worked summers doing general construction in Belleville. He and other students would travel with Rev. Dr. Charles Ratz (principal) to nearby churches gaining speaking and ministry experience. While visiting Pembroke Pentecostal Tabernacle, then on Renfrew St., he spied Bernace Gordon when she and three pals, Shirley Johnson, Grace Mick and Orla Leach sang in their quartet. Pestering his classmate for her name he was finally asked, “Why would you want to know?” “Because I’m going to marry her!” After college, Dad pastored in Marmorah and visited Bernace in Pembroke as often as he could, eventually marrying in 1956 and moving to Niagara Falls.
Dad had a mischievous sense of humour; there was always something going on we could find the funny side of. Jokes, teasing, pranks, stories and laughter. To the end he loved to reminisce – his memories of us as kids growing up, the trouble we got into, camping and fishing and family car journeys to visit relatives were all regular themes.
He had many stories of fishing and hunting camps, particularly with his brother-in-law Vern Gordon and friends Wally Pennock and Basil Cotnam. He loved his hunting dogs, too, including Springer Spaniel “Becky” and later, Black Lab “Jeff.” And there were stories of his childhood with his brothers and sisters (a family of 7 kids) growing up ‘on the docks’ in Nova Scotia and the scrapes they got into. He was a Golden Gloves Champion, an Army Cadet and a prize-winning sharpshooter.
We moved around a bit prior to settling in Winnipeg. Son Robert joined the family in Kirkland Lake and Richard in Thunder Bay. Childhood was magical times filled with fun – skiing, road trips, camping and entertaining at home. In Winnipeg, Dad obtained a BA Honours at U of W and, no matter what, always provided for his family. There were many home improvements along the way, such as finishing basements and building family rooms; here he was able to pass on his father’s carpentry skills. He liked to say ‘I’ll teach you the mistakes so you don’t have to make them.’
Like his father, Dad loved gardening, particularly fruit and vegetables and making sure Mom had plenty of room for flowers and shrubs. An abundance of tomatoes meant he could give many to friends and neighbours. Dad had an exceptional vocabulary and command of the English language. He could recall scripture, songs, poetry and prose at will. He loved books (proved by an immense library), searching the scriptures and old hymns.
Dad gave us all the love he had, cheering us on, always proud of his sons (whether or not we actually deserved it). Precious memories, even to the end. He is now rejoicing in Heaven with Mom, loved ones (and EPBC alumna).
A graveside service and interment for both Mom and Dad will take place in Pembroke, ON this summer.
We would like to thank the amazing staff of Lindenwood Manor for their patience and kindness over the past 7 years.
If so inclined, donations in his memory can be made to Alzheimer Society Manitoba (alzheimer.mb.ca) or Eastern Pentecostal Bible College, now Masters College and Seminary (mcs.edu/church-donor/donate-now).
Sunday January 1st 2023
Death notice for the town of: Oakbank, Province: Manitoba
death notice Robert Jones Sunday January 1st 2023
obituaries notice Robert Jones Sunday January 1st 2023
We offer our deepest sympathies to the family and friends of Robert Jones Sunday January 1st 2023 and hope that their memory may be a source of comfort during this difficult time. Your thoughts and kind words are greatly appreciated.
