Bob has been set free, to fly like a butterfly. He lived for his beautiful girls, Micala and Ashley, who were both by his side on April 30th when he peacefully passed on. For over twenty years Bob battled Parkinson’s. Bob took this life challenge head on with courage to fight the unknown, determination to see another day, and toughness like no other. The disease taught our family so much, love of life and love of family is worth the fight. Life isn’t about the number of breaths you take but it’s about the moments that take your breath away. Bob became known as Poppy to his granddaughters Jacqueline, Julia, Jessica, and his only grandson Weston. These grandchildren became the centre of Bob’s life. The special times with Poppy will always be remembered. Bob has taught us that obstacles are only just that, they happen so you can persevere.
Bob Nauss is a household name within recreation circles in Nova Scotia. From his early years playing basketball in North End Halifax, he developed a lifelong passion for all sports. Bob was a member of the 1969 Nova Scotia Canada games Lacrosse team and a long-time member of the Bedford Lions Club.
This led to his vocation as a recreation professional and he truly gave his time to the field at the local, provincial and national levels. Among his many accomplishments, Bob is past President of the Recreation Association of Nova Scotia and a past member of the Board of the Canadian Parks & Recreation Association. He was the former Town of Bedford’s first Recreation Director and, following amalgamation, he became a member of HRM’s Community Development senior management team. Bob received the Chairman Award from Sport Nova Scotia and in 2007 Bob received Nova Scotia’s highest recreation distinction, the Honorary Life Membership Award.
Bob began his professional career at the Halifax YMCA in the mid 70s. He was immediately recognized as an individual who made things happen. He was instrumental in ensuring that inner city youth had access to basketball and other recreation opportunities. Through this position he was able to ensure that resources, coaches, and locations were available to play. His passion for basketball inspired him to coach the province’s first mini basketball team, and what would eventually become Bedford Minor Basketball - the largest minor basketball association in Eastern Canada.
During his years with HRM, he initiated the HRM kids program ‘Healthy Recreation Motivates Kids’, which is a financial subsidy program that extends beyond municipal recreation services. Bob was the driving force behind the North Preston Recreation Centre, which opened in 2004.
Whether it be on the playing field, in a social setting, at home, or just during the course of daily life, Bob’s human interaction has been like a gift which far exceeds that of just putting a basketball in the hoop. Bob’s perseverance, commitment and love of his family and community have been instrumental in enhancing the people, friends and former colleagues of HRM. Bob’s vision was to enhance facilities, programs and services and make HRM a better place in which to live, work and play.
Bob was the son of Ralph and Jacqueline Nauss. He is survived by his daughters Micala (Ted) and Ashley (Michael), granddaughters Jacqueline, Julia, Jessica and grandson Weston. Bob is also survived by his sister Linda and his three nieces Shari, Millie and Jolene. He loved his special time with all of them in New Brunswick.
Special thanks to his best friend Percy Paris who always continued to be there for Bob through all the years. His commitment and special bond with the family has always been greatly appreciated.
The family would like to recognize the tremendous efforts and care that Bob received from the special care workers at Shannex Parkland in Halifax. The staff members truly loved Bob and deserve a huge amount of gratitude for their continued efforts over the last number of years.
The family is planning to hold a Celebration of Life at a later date. We don’t want to miss anyone who wishes to attend, so given the circumstances we ask for those who wish to join us or to share a story to please email the family at Bobnaussmemories@outlook.com
To view the live stream service please follow the link: https://funeraweb.tv/en/diffusions/16528/wait
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