In loving memory of our long-lived patriarch, Robert Joseph Maher, 93, who passed away on Monday, March 11, 2024, - track star, master gardener, rink builder, clan gatherer, papermaker, and the positive and calming light at the center of a very active family.
Few have ever met “Bob” and not been charmed. He put people at ease with a welcoming smile, a rare ability to listen and interests across a wide variety of subjects. Kids and pets seemed to particularly appreciate his gentleness and generosity.
Dad had a remarkable talent for delivering perfectly timed one-liners that could light up any room. The Montreal Canadians were a favourite target but more often his humour was self-deprecating and it, along with his unique expressions and intuitive insights, provided many evenings of priceless entertainment.
A humble man with athletic triumphs, he notably held New Brunswick's 100-yard dash record for years. Yet, his heart held dear other activities such as hosting the largest bonfires in Youghall, corralling gaggles of grandchildren for xc ski outings and organizing spirited hockey games on frozen ponds.
Beyond sports, he took great pride in growing large and delicious vegetable gardens and felt he won the "blue-collar lottery" after a 38 year career as a papermaker was followed by 36 years of a wonderful, pension-funded retirement.
A family man to the core, he found his greatest joy in gatherings with family and friends and leaves behind a legacy of love, resiliency and cherished memories.
Bob is survived by his wife of 68 years and forever sweetheart, Patricia (Taylor) Maher; his children: Blake (Sabine Bittner), Ann (Steven Weary), Kelly, John (Sally Driscoll) and Kerry (Ben Rivard), his nine beloved grandchildren and many nieces and nephews.
Bob is predeceased by his parents Peter & Hannah (Regan) Maher, and his siblings Mildred (Richard) Kane, Helen (Earle) Thompson, Peter Maher, Orval (Betty Landry) Maher and Wesley (Jean Doucet) Maher.
A celebration of Bob’s life will take place on Friday, March 15th, at 6pm in the Chapel at Elhatton’s Funeral Home. Friends and family are invited to join in commemorating a life well-lived and sharing stories of our irreplaceable husband, dad, grandfather and friend.
Arrangements are in the care of Elhatton’s Funeral Home, Bathurst (www.elhatton.com).
