A Remarkable Man
1930-2014
It is with heartfelt sadness, that we announce the passing of Dr. Robert "Bobby" Douglas Hennessy peacefully at home on June 19th, 2014 surrounded by the love of his family after a heroic journey with cancer.
He was the beloved husband for 59 years of Therese (nee Comeau) and exceptional father and hero to Barbara, Colleen (Mike), Shawn (Gail), Carol, Timothy and Michael (Jennifer) and proud Papa to grandchildren Kailen, Shane, Michala, Nicholas, Daniel, Samuel and Katherine and great grand daughter Maiah. He is survived by one sister Lucy Catherine Jaratt (late Sydney) as well as nieces and nephews in Bathurst and other parts of Canada and USA.
Born in West Bathurst, he was the son of the late Patrick Joseph and Bridget Beatrice Theresa (Moran) Hennessy. Predeceased by daughters Kathryn Elaine and Maureen Patricia; brothers Manus John, Roger Francis, Bernard William Varrily, Bruno Aloysius and James Alexander and sisters Dorothy Angela and Patricia Anne.
After graduating from Bathurst High School, he attended St Francis Xavier University earning his Bachelor of Science degree in 1953 and then his medical degree at Dalhousie University in 1959. He received his additional certification from the College of Family Physicians in 1973 and was awarded Fellowship in 1978. He continued his professional growth and learning and specialized in allergies for many years before the area was formally recognized as a specialty.
A compassionate and well respected physician for his community for over thirty five years, he also served the medical community locally, provincially and nationally in a variety of positions: President of the Medical Staff at the Chaleur Regional Hospital (1965-1966), President of the New Brunswick College of Family Physicians (1977-1978), and Chief of Staff at the Chaleur Regional Hospital (1977-1978). During his tenure as a member of the New Brunswick Medical Society's Board of Directors (1981-1984), he became the first Bathurst doctor to become the President of the New Brunswick Medical Society (1982-1983) and President of the New Brunswick Society of Clinical Allergy (1994-1996). In 2014, he received a Life Membership with the College of Family Physicians of Canada.
Foremost he was a family man. He was a wonderful husband and father and loving papa, always being there when he was needed. He loved to travel with Therese and together they trekked through the Scandinavian countries, hung upside down to kiss the Blarney Stone in Ireland, swam in the Caribbean Islands and climbed the great wall of China. He was an avid and active woodsman, enjoying his visits to "The Camp" in the fall. During the summer months, his favourite place was the cottage where family gatherings and celebrations were held with optional water fights as well as quiet times collecting rocks, sea shells and driftwood. An avid reader, he enjoyed checking out the best seller list and reading his favourite authors. A member of the Knights of Columbus, he was also a strong supporter for the Doucet Hennessy House Association. At the end of his battle his figure was diminished but he was always the gentleman who never lost his quick wit or his sense of humour. We will miss him very much.
We would like to extend our thanks to Dr. A. Wade, Suzanne Godin, Extramural NB and all who cared for him during this journey.
Visitation will be on Saturday, June 21, 2014 from 7 to 9 and Sunday from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 at Elhatton Funeral Home (www.elhatton.com) Bathurst.
Funeral Mass will be celebrated on Monday, June 23rd at 2 p.m. from Holy Family Church, St. Peter Avenue, Bathurst, NB. Donations in memory of Dr. Robert Hennessy can be made using the Holy Family Church Memorial, to the Canadian Cancer Society or a charity of the donor's choice.
