Obituary of Robert Gordon Whittaker

The family of Robert "Bob" Gordon Whittaker is deeply saddened to announce his passing at the Saint John Regional Hospital on September 14, 2018. Bob was the son of the late Walter and Helen (Smith) Whittaker, born July 10, 1935 in Saint John. He began his career with the Royal Canadian Navy (RCN) servicing the HMCS Magnificent (Maggie) air craft carrier. He worked on the Ocean Hawke II, the Labrador & other tug boats throughout his life. Bob also worked for over 35 years at Saint John Shipbuilding & then went on to work over 20 years with NB-PEI Corps of Commissionaires. Bob was a very special person, who was instrumental in forming the 268 Sea Cadets & stayed on for many years as a civilian instructor. Bob was an honourary dad of the Queens Gurkha ('68, '69, '70) FD SQN Engineers. He was instrumental in building the first marine jetty at Meenans Cove Beach. Bob was a proud lifelong member of the Royal Canadian Legion Branch 58, & he was a member of the Saint John Power Boat. He received a special plaque from the W.O.'S & SGTS, Women's Association for his volunteer work as their main cook. Bob leaves behind his loving wife of 56 years, Margaret E. (Best); his sons: Bobby (Fely) of Nauwigewauk, Doug (Christine) of Saint John, David (Natasha) of Lorneville; daughters: Margaret "Maggie" of Saint John; & Catherine (Les) of Caledonia, ON; sister, Diane (Don) Childs of Saint John; grandchildren: Michael, Stephen, Nick, Alexandra, Jessica & Tyler; three great grandchildren. He also leaves behind special nephews: Peter Milberry, Billy & John Dickie, Wayne, Terry & King; as well as special nieces Diane, Beth, Patty Ann, Ginny, Karen, Judy & Kathy. Besides his parents, he was predeceased by his mother-in-law Elva Burnett Best (Chapman); sister, Helen; brother, Bill; brothers-in-law, Terry, Billy, Ernest, & Arnold Dickie; sisters-in-law, Cora, Shirley & Muriel (Best); son-in-law, Gerry Power; nephew, Michael Best; nieces Shirley, Donna Marie Milberry; and his best friend, Vince Walton. Special thanks to Dr. Dolan (Dr. D), his Dr. Sarah Caines (Sarah Baby), & Dr. Love (Boss #1), 4B South Staff and Palliative Care. Arrangements are under the care of Kennebecasis Community Funeral Home, 152 Pettingill Road, Quispamsis (849-2119) where a memorial service will be held on Sunday, September 23, 2018 at 12:00 PM. For those who wish, remembrances can be made to Saint John Regional Palliative Care or the charity of the donor’s choice.