Obituary of Robert G. Reeves

It is with great sadness that his family announces the death of Robert Garth Reeves of Saint John and formerly of Kennebecasis Park in Rothesay. He died peacefully, after a period of failing health, at the Saint John Regional Hospital on Tuesday, October 20, 2015. Born on April 21, 1927, Bob was the son of the late George and Mildred (Mackley) Reeves, and beloved husband of the late Barbara (Hunter) Reeves. Bob was born and raised in Sydney, Nova Scotia. After graduating from high school, he moved to Sudbury, Ontario, where he became a fitness instructor for the local YMCA. Bob then joined the RCMP and was stationed in a number of New Brunswick locations, including Fredericton, Sussex, Moncton, Newcastle, Perth-Andover, and Minto. Upon leaving the RCMP, Bob then embarked on a long and rewarding career in business. He worked with Firestone Tire in both Moncton and Saint John and eventually became the company Manager in Halifax, Nova Scotia. He subsequently worked for several years as the General Manager of La Have Equipment in Fredericton. In 1964, Bob and his family moved to Saint John, where he became General Manager of Irving Equipment. He retained a number of senior positions with Irving companies, including General Manager of J. D. Irving Ltd., until his retirement. Bob was very active in sports throughout his life as a player, coach, and volunteer. In hockey, he was a defenseman to be reckoned with as many opposing players learned the hard way. As a dedicated golfer and curler, he was a member of the "Hole in One" club and an "eight ender" skip. Bob also loved sailing, swimming, skiing, and salmon fishing. He and Barbara fished the Restigouche, the Miramichi, and in British Columbia, and, to Bob’s chagrin, Barbara held the family record for the longest and heaviest fish. He coached and volunteered with many of his children’s sports teams and was the first President of the New Brunswick Minor Football Association. After retiring from business, he decided to take up photography. Bob became a passionate and talented photographer. He studied with Freeman Patterson, and some of his pictures won local, provincial, and international competitions. Many are now proudly displayed in his children’s homes which he always felt was the best place for them. Bob had a vibrant bass voice and was a welcome addition to many church choirs throughout the Maritimes for over 60 years. He also loved to travel. He and Barbara spent many winters in Florida and they visited a number of European locations. Bob had a surprising sense of humour, and a sharp wit that his family and friends loved. Both were even more remarkable because, for those who didn’t know him, Bob was always the quintessential "man in charge". And yet, his compassion for those less fortunate, his love of family, and his pride in all their accomplishments were the foundations of his life. Predeceased by his wife of 49 years Barbara, his son Jamie, and his brother Bill, Bob is survived by his sons, Paul of Saint John, and John (Dr. Kathryn Wilkins) of Barrie, Ontario, and by daughters, Lynn Grant (Bill), of Rothesay, and Janet Watt (Patrick) of Saint John. Bob was "Mop Mop" to his six grandsons of whom he was extremely proud, Robert Grant; Reeves, Monty, and Hunter Watt; Steven and Dean Reeves-Wilkins. He is also survived by his brother George Reeves (Beth, deceased), sister-in-law Mona Reeves, brothers-in-law Bill Hunter (Marion) and Keith Hall (Joan, deceased), as well as several nieces and nephews. The family would like to invite friends to attend a reception to celebrate Bob’s life at Shadow Lawn Inn, 3180 Rothesay Road, Rothesay, NB, on Saturday, November 7, 2015 from 1:00 – 3:00 pm. Bob’s family would like to thank Joan’s Home Care and all staff members of both the Saint John Regional Hospital and St. Joseph’s Hospital for their compassion and support over the years. In lieu of flowers, for those who wish to do so, remembrances to the Saint John Regional Hospital Foundation or the St. Joseph’s Hospital Foundation would be appreciated. Arrangements are under the care of Brenan’s Funeral Home, 111 Paradise Row, Saint John (634-7424).