Obituary of Bob Mabey

It is with heavy hearts, the family of Robert “Bob” Mabey, announces his passing which occurred Sunday, May 14, 2023, at Kings Way Care Centre, surrounded by his loving family. Bob was born January 5, 1938 in Saint John NB and he was the son of Reginald “Ted” and Marjorie (Moore) Mabey.

Bob had a steadfast love for Jesus and accepted Christ as his saviour at a young age and truly lived his faith. He was a devoted husband, a loving father and was dedicated to his family. Bob and Heather celebrated 47 wonderful years of marriage. Heather came into Bob’s life with three small children and he filled in all the cracks and made our broken little family whole.     

Bob was the eldest of four children. They grew up in Indiantown and attended Victoria Street Baptist church and then Main Street Baptist when the two churches amalgamated. The siblings enjoyed many years in Boy Scouts with their parents Marg and Ted as their troop leaders. Their parents instilled the value of giving back to the community through acts of service, and so Bob developed the heart of a servant at a young age. He spent many years volunteering with the Salvation Army and their Christmas Kettles, Romero House, Y’s Men’s Club, United Way, Big Brothers and Big Sisters, KV Minor Basketball Association, the lunch time Noodle Club and was always available for any job at King’s Church. He loved King’s Church and all the wonderful church family.

Bob’s early years were spent playing street hockey, baseball, soccer, volleyball, and basketball with the neighbourhood kids. His athletic ability and love of sports carried into his scholastic years through university, but his first love was basketball, which he enjoyed playing, refereeing and coaching into his mid-50’s. He encouraged everyone to learn and grow and play with heart.  His abilities extended to golf as well and he spent many a round making new friends on each new course. Bob loved to watch the Celtics, Raptors, Blue Jays and Maple Leafs, and was steadfast in his loyalty to each team, no matter what.

After Bob had finished high school he worked for a number of years and then decided as a mature fella he should go to university. He was in the first graduating class from UNBSJ in 1974 and was known as “Old Man” on and off the court. After graduation he was hired as the Director of Administration for the Department of Social Services in Moncton where he met Heather and fell head over heels in love with her and her children. The majority of his career was spent as Director of Income Assistance in Saint John and then Director of Administration at NBCCSJ, where he worked until he retired and started his most favorite job of all, being a PAPA.

Early in their marriage Bob and Heather travelled all over eastern and upper Canada and the United States with their kids and a hard top pop-up trailer, and eventually summers were spent in luxury in a travel trailer parked at Pine Cone and life was great! Heather and Bob loved to travel and together they enjoyed many trips with their family to Washington DC, the Poconos, Florida and of course Disney numerous times. Over the years they were fortunate to travel to China, Thailand, Hong Kong, Hawaii, Europe and numerous cruises. Eventually they found their first little piece of heaven in a single wide lovingly named “Heritage” in Lakeland Florida, where many a friend found a spot to rest their head and share a delicious meal. They were blessed to find another gorgeous place to call home in Grand Barachois, vacation living 24/7.

Bob is survived by his loving wife, Heather, his daughter Coral (Chris) Roy; sons, David and Ross (Denise) Mabey; daughter-in-law Silva Green; grandchildren: Jessica, Alivia, Shaila, Nicholas, Kara, Katelyn; great-grandchildren Anthony, Ariel and Reign; step grandchildren: Ben (Kiersten) Myles, and Sydney (Josh) Myles, as well as several nieces, nephews, and many other family members. He is also survived by his church family at Kings Church. Bob was predeceased by his parents and was the last living member of his family being predeceased by his siblings: David Mabey, Valerie Grant, and Gerald Mabey; as well as his daughter-in-law Angela Mabey.

Bob’s family would like to express their appreciation and thank the staff at St Joseph’s Hospital on the 5th and 7th floors for their incredible kindness, compassion, support and friendship shown to Bob. They would also like to thank staff and volunteers at Kings Way Care Centre for the kind and gentle care, and compassion shown to Bob and family during his short stay.

Arrangements are under the care of Kennebecasis Funeral Home, 152 Pettingill Rd. Quispamsis, (506- 849-2119) with visiting on Wednesday, May 17, 2023, from 6:00-8:00PM and on Thursday May 18, 2023, from 1:00-3:00PM; with a Celebration of Life service to follow in the chapel at 3:00PM. There will be a Livestream available for anyone unable to attend. To access the Livestream please click the link on the left of Bob’s obituary page and register with your email. For those who wish, donations may be given to St Joseph’s Hospital Foundation, Outflow Ministries Saint John or Celebrate Recovery at Kings Church.