Obituary of Robert Helmuth Setzke

Bob always said that if he could live his life over again , he wouldn’t change a thing. And why would he! His life overflowed with the love of his family, the camaraderie of life-long friends, madcap adventures and tremendous business success. He was handsome, possessed a keen intellect, a gregarious personality, and a curious mind. He was a leader, an entrepreneur, a fearless risk taker, an avid outdoorsman, an adventurer, and a raconteur extraordinaire. But most importantly, he was a loving husband, father and grandfather. Born on January 16, 1921 in Kiel, Germany he was the beloved son of Helmuth and Helena Setzke and adored brother of Anne Marie. The economic impact of the Great Depression in Germany forced his father to immigrate to Canada in 1927 where he worked at menial jobs until he could afford to bring his family to Canada. Three years later, in 1930, Bob, his mother and sister arrived at Pier 21 aboard the SS St Louis where he was happily reunited with his father. Later that day, the family boarded a train to Saint John NB to begin their new life in Canada. Unable to speak a word of English and dressed in traditional German attire, it took time for Bob to adjust to his new surroundings but eventually he picked up the language, and with his insatiable sense of curiosity he quickly assimilated into life in his new country. While he was a graduate of Saint John Vocational School and the Dale Carnegie Course, his true calling was as a business entrepreneur. He formed Robert Setzke Enterprises Ltd Home Builders and constructed over 150 homes in Glen Falls, Lakewood Heights and the west side of Saint John. He was also the president of Stirling Investments, Rainbow Color Lab and Brunswick Building Co. Ltd. Bob also possessed a canny ability to see the potential in an undeveloped tract of land and as a result, successfully developed vacation property on the Washademoak Lake and a residential subdivision on Darling’s Island. It was at one of his business ventures, ‘The Midway Café’ in Hampton that he met a beautiful local resident, Shirley Price, who was home for a summer break from college. And while Bob always said running the Cafe wasn’t his favorite business venture, it provided him with the opportunity to meet the love of his life. Shirley would come to the café under the pretence of enjoying his chicken burgers but once she came under his spell, she didn’t stand a chance. Despite the fact that Shirley had to return to the States to finish her nursing degree, they wrote and saw each other during the summer months. This went on for several years and once Shirley finished her degree, she opted to stay in the States to work much to Bob’s frustration. Always a shrewd negotiator, Bob decided to force her hand and purchased the largest engagement ring he could afford. Shirley was an intelligent woman and once she laid eyes on the ring and was given the option to spend the rest of her life with this incredible man, she quickly packed her bags and moved back to Saint John. While Bob enjoyed tremendous business success, it was his family that he regarded as his greatest accomplishment. Together, Bob and Shirley raised two children, Pamela and Helmuth Robert who were the light of their lives. He stoked their intellect and passions, exposed them to new and exciting adventures and supported their dreams. His family eventually grew to include his favorite daughter-in-law, Lorie, and after many years of patiently waiting, he was blessed with his only grandchild, Esmee Anna Marie. Bob was an ardent outdoorsman and loved to fish, hunt, canoe and snowmobile the lakes and rivers of New Brunswick. He was the president of the Saint John Fish and Game Association and holds an honorary life membership. He was also a founding member of the Fundy Trail Committee. He also loved to spend weekends at his summer camps. Each time he completed one, he wanted to build another. This went on for many years until Shirley finally put her foot down and told him that at the age of 80 he could only build one more camp so he better get it right. On Saturday, November 26, 2016 at the Saint John Regional Hospital and surrounded by the love of his family til the end, Bob’s life peacefully ended. And while his two children, grand-daughter and daughter-in-law are thankful for his 95 years that were well lived and fulfilled, his loss leaves their hearts crushed and deeply saddened. Bob was the last surviving member of his immediate family and was predeceased by his wife Shirley, his parents, his sister and nephews Eric & Peter Murray and Stephen Price. The family would like to extend a sincere thank you to Dr. Robert Fisher and the nurses of KV Extra Mural who helped make it possible for Bob to live in this own home right til the end. Resting at Kennebecasis Community Funeral Home, 152 Pettingill Road, Quispamsis (849-2119) with visiting on Friday from 2-4 and 6-8 PM. Funeral Service will be held at Kennebecasis Funeral Home on Saturday, December 3, 2016 at 9:00 AM. Interment to take place at Fernhill Cemetery. For those who wish, remembrances may be made to the KV Extra Mural or to the Red Cross - Seniors Support Services.