Robert Dawson Tennant

Robert or Bob as he was known by his family was born on May 30, 1942 in Ottawa, Ontario. He was the first child of Robert Dawson Tennant Sr and Mary Alphore Elizabeth Berthelet.

Robert became a big brother to his sister Ann who was born in 1946. The family moved to Carleton Place, just outside of Ottawa Ontario, just as Bob and Ann began elementary school. Their father got a position with the provincial department of health located in North Bay Ontario and subsequently the family relocated there. Bob stayed in North Bay until he graduated high school. After high school, Bob was accepted into the University of Waterloo, where he received an Honours Bachelor of Arts degree in Philosophy in 1967.

After University Bob accepted a position at Dalhousie University, which was the beginning of his life in Nova Scotia.

He was a train buff, and you could always catch him looking at train schedules wherever he went for a chance to take photos (another of his passions). This love of both trains and photography, led him to write several books on the subject that were published in 1975, 1976 and 1991. Other hobbies included painting, swimming, springboard diving and sailing. He appreciated good beer and was known for his 4 pm daily libation.

Once he retired, he purchased his first home in Bedford Nova Scotia. He loved puttering and making his house a home. He was always working on some kind of project and was meticulous in the details. He had a handyman on speed dial who was always ready to help him with his next big idea.

He was always involved in the Catholic Church, especially Saint Benedict Parish, and was privileged to travel to the Holy Land in 2013. This was a trip of a lifetime that he was very proud to be a part of, and shared pictures and details of his travels with all.

Bob was close to his sister Ann, and would make special trips (by rail of course) back to Ontar-i-air-i-air-io to visit with her and her family.

Bob never married or had children, but he was never lonely. He surrounded himself with many wonderful friends, who lived all over Canada, which was just another opportunity to jump on a train and travel. When he had the opportunity to visit his extended family, the outer, reserved and well-mannered Bob stayed home, and the fun canonballing into the pool Uncle appeared.

Bob is survived by his loving sister Ann Hannah, and his nieces Roanne (Rick) Speedie; Cindy (Tom) Matheson and nephew Clayton (Nancy) Hannah; as well as his great-nieces and great nephews, Ethan and Elisabeth Hannah and Jake and Lauren Matheson.

He is predeceased by his parents and brother-in-law Robert Hannah.

Visitation will be held on Monday July 15th from 2-4pm and 6-8pm at Saint Benedict Parish, 45 Radcliffe Drive Halifax Nova Scotia.

A funeral mass service will be held on Tuesday July 16th at 12:15pm with reception immediately following the service, also at Saint Benedict Parish. Father Simon Lobo officiating. Burial will be in Gate of Heaven cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Saint Benedict.