Robert Duncan "Bob" Mussett

Robert Duncan (Bob) Mussett, 91, of Halifax, passed away Wednesday, January 18, 2012. The family is saddened to announce the death of Robert D. Mussett. Bob was born at home in Halifax to Henry and Edna (Balkwell) Mussett, April 11, 1920. He grew up on Cambridge Street and attended, Sir Charles Tupper School, Morris Street School and Halifax County Academy. Bob attended Dalhousie University where he attained a B.Sc. His studies were interrupted by WW2 (1943-45) while he served as a Lieutenant in The Royal Canadian Engineers. He returned to Dalhousie after the war and was a founding member of a new chapter of Phi Delta Theta fraternity. Upon graduation he was recruited by Oland’s Brewery and enrolled at the Schwartz Brewing School in New York City where he spent a year learning the craft of making beer. Bob then returned to Halifax to assume the position of Brew Master at Keith’s Brewery. He was intimately involved in the formulation of the first brewing of the famous Schooner Beer and guided the production of what is now a national brand, Keith’s India Pale Ale. “Those who like it….like it a lot”. It was 1950 on a blind date at Hubbard’s Beach that Bob met the most sought-after Margaret Ball. Things must have gone well as they were married in 1951 and went on to have 4 children and enjoy a marriage that spanned 61 years. Bob spent his 35 year brewing career with Oland’s assuming the position of Vice President Production in 1969. Following the purchase of Oland’s by Labatt, Bob continued working with the company in Halifax and Toronto finally assuming the role of General Manager, Vancouver Island Operations, in Victoria, B.C. Bob retired from the brewery in 1980. While living in Victoria, Bob and Margaret made many lifelong friends. Bob developed his skills as a painter in both water colour and oil. He took many side trips around Vancouver Island in search of scenery. The short, “kind” winters of Victoria allowed Bob to pursue his passion for gardening almost year round. For eleven years Bob and Marg made the annual pilgrimage in their VW Camper to Simeon Cottage in Seabright, St. Margaret’s Bay spending those precious summer months with family. A different route was taken each trip. Bob and Margaret returned to Halifax in 1990. They spent every summer at Simeon Cottage where Bob was in his element. For 50 years, Bob applied his gardening and landscaping skills in Seabright. Simeon Cottage became a treasured place for Bob and his whole family. It is one of his legacies. In 1997 Margaret and Bob played a monumental role in helping their daughter Jane manager her heroic fight with cancer. This year long struggle, leading to her eventual death, profoundly affected Bob for years to come. Bob volunteered on several boards and committees and took part in many civic affairs. He served on the executive of the Community Planning Association, both locally and nationally, was chairman of the Halifax Housing Authority (1963-1969), council member of the Halifax Board of Trade (1968) and President of the Halifax Branch, Canadian Manufacturer’s Association (1974). While in Victoria, Bob served as Campaign Chairman, United Way Greater Victoria (1978), as a director on the Juan deFuca Hospitals Board, Visitor’s Information Centre and the Better Business Bureau. Bob is survived by his wife of 61 years, Margaret, son Ted and his wife Louise, son Bob, Daughter Ann and her husband Mike (Tindal) and his nine grandchildren Michelle, Elliot, Jonathan, Spencer, Kate, Laura, Julia, Jennifer and Sophie. He was pre-deceased by his daughter Jane and sister Margaret Seely. The family would like to extend our most sincere thanks to the staff of Maplestone Enhanced Care, particularly the caregivers of Ringdale. Visitation will be held on Saturday, January 21 from 2-4 p.m. in Cruikshank's Funeral Home, 2666 Windsor St., Halifax. Funeral service will be at 1 p.m. on Sunday, January 22 in St. Paul's Anglican Church, 1749 Argyle St., on Grand Parade. Interment to follow in Camp Hill Cemetery. To view or place an on-line message of condolence please visit: www.cruikshankhalifaxfuneralhome.com