1 March 1970 to 18 September 2024;
Beloved husband of 24 years to Karen, and brother to Michael (Mike) and twin Richard (Rick), Rob passed away on 18 September in the presence of his closest family.
Rob and Karen loved travelling together and made every trip into an adventure, though they rarely recollected the same events, and often questioned if they had even been on the same trips together.
A keen promoter of young citizens, Rob was active in the Royal Canadian Army Cadets, first as an Army Cadet with The Halifax Rifles (2841 RCACC). In 1987 he joined the Army Reserve 33 Service Battalion, and then he returned to the Cadet Program in 2005 -- most recently serving as Commanding Officer of the Scots Highland Company (848 RCACC), until the spring of 2023. In total he spent 37 years as a Cadet Instructor.
For more than seventeen years Rob held appointment as an Honorary Aide-de-Camp to the Lieutenant Governor of Nova Scotia, being one of the longest serving AdeCs in the Province since the Second World War. His collegial and warm approach, ability to criticize with humour, and kindness were endearing traits that will be long remembered. Undertaking more than 500 engagements over the course of his AdeC service, Rob navigated more than a few difficult, lengthy and complicated events of every description. From solemn occasions such as Remembrance Day 2023, where he accompanied Lieutenant Governor A.J. LeBlanc, and serving as one of the lead AdeCs during the Queen Elizabeth II Provincial Commemorative Service, to numerous New Years Levees, Garden Parties, community visits and investitures, Rob carried out his ceremonial duties with professionalism, dignity and an exceedingly dry wit. He delighted in helping to acclimatize new Lieutenant Governors in adapting to the vice-regal public role at ceremonies and events, and like the late Queen Elizabeth II, was always highly amused when the best laid plans came completely unglued, despite meticulous preparations. His sense of humour was infectious and could cause even the most stoic figure to crack a smile -- or worse burst into laughter at the most inopportune moment. For a period of time, he convinced three separate Lieutenant Governors that he had an imaginary "evil twin" who was to their surprise, not a figment of his imagination but rather his actual twin brother Rick. The annual pantomime of Rick and Rob debating the merits of the other’s "evil twin characteristics" became a hallmark of the Government House New Years Levee and Garden Party. His sterling volunteer service to the Crown was recognized by multiple honours and awards; the Queen's Diamond and Platinum Jubilee Medals, the Vice-Regal Commendation, and most recently he was awarded the King Charles III Coronation Medal on the recommendation of his MP Lena Metlege Diab.
Taken too soon, his loyalty, friendship and dedication will remain always with those who had the privilege of knowing him.
Donations may be made to The Canadian Cancer Society, or to The Army Cadet League of Canada.
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