Obituary of Robert "Bob" Arthur

ARTHUR, Robert Harold, Lieutenant Commander, CD, RCN (Ret’d), of Herring Cove, NS, 87, passed away peacefully at the QEII Hospital, on August 1, 2013 surrounded by his loving family.  Born in Glace Bay, NS on October 7, 1925, brought up in Sydney, NS, Bob attended St. Francis Xavier University, followed by NS Technical University where he graduated with a Bachelor of Electrical Engineering.  He interrupted his university to serve in WWII.  Bob retired from the Royal Canadian Navy after 23 years of service in 1972.   Bob served with several squadrons in the RCN, including the HMCS Magnificent and Bonaventure out of HMCS Shearwater.  He also served with HMCS Chaudiere.  Relocating every 3 years, his career took him to many wonderful places, including England, where he met and married Elsie.  He also had postings in Ottawa, Pennsylvania, and several in Nova Scotia.  He was a member of the NS Naval Officers Association, Royal Artillery Park and the Canadian Naval Memorial Trust.   Bob started a 2nd career soon after, taking on the role of Physical Plant Manager at the Victoria General Hospital, and retired again in 1987, after 15 years of service.  Bob had many pastimes to keep him busy, usually having to do with his family.  Travelling, hockey related activities with the boys including coaching and mentoring for many years; he continued his love of hockey while watching his grandsons play; gardening, fishing, curling, wood working projects (including building a cottage/home where he and Elsie retired for 9 years), genealogy, with his wife Elsie of 63 years by his side every step of the way.   Bob was predeceased by his Mother and Father, Camilla (Glassey) and Harold Arthur, and sister Joan.  He will be deeply missed by his wife and best friend, Elsie (Carline); 5 children, Michael (Janet), Patricia (Peter), Joanne (Michael), Timothy (Leslie), and Andrew (Debbie).  10 Grandchildren – Jillian, Lauren & Nicholas; Jonathan, Kathryn & Jacklyn; Sarah & Jessica; and Matthew & Brett and 4 Great Grandchildren – Camryn, Carlie, Madison & Kennedy, and several nieces and nephews.  Thank you to the staff of 8.2 at QEII hospital for their care and attention.   A memorial service and reception following will be held on Tuesday, August 6, 11:00 AM at J. Albert Walker Funeral Home, 149 Herring Cove Road. Cremation has taken place, and burial at sea will follow in the Spring.  For those who wish to remember Bob, donations may be made to the HMCS Sackville Memorial Trust, www.canadasnavalmemorial.ca.  On line condolences may be sent via www.walkerfh.com.