Obituary of Robert Richard Park

Robert Richard Park September 13, 1937 – April 27, 2026 It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Robert Richard Park (88), affectionately known as Bob, to all who knew and loved him. After several days surrounded by family and friends as his journey drew to a close. Bob passed away peacefully in the early morning hours of Monday, April 27, 2026, at Strait Richmond Hospital in Evanston. Born in Peterborough, Ontario, Bob began his working life with General Electric. He later proudly served his country through a five-year enlistment in the Royal Canadian Navy, sailing around the world and gathering stories he would share for years to come. It was during these years that he met the love of his life, Betty, and together they built a life grounded in family, love, faith, and music. Following his military service, Bob built a long and dedicated career with General Motors in Oshawa, Ontario, retiring after 31 years of service. Upon retiring from “The Motors,” as he fondly called it, Bob and Betty, along with their daughter Melissa, moved to River Bourgeois, returning to Betty’s home community. Years later they settled in Evanston, where he was surrounded by many wonderful friends and neighbors who provided great support during the final years of his life. Music and faith were the pillars of Bob’s life, and family was always at the forefront of everything he did. His heart was in Cape Breton, where the fiddle tunes flowed like the clear Margaree. That was where he felt most at home, surrounded by loved ones, and great music. A man of great kindness and many talents, Bob had an uncanny ability to craft a pun in almost any conversation. He was well loved and will be deeply missed by all who had the privilege of knowing him. Bob is survived by his loving wife of over 50 years, Elizabeth “Betty” Park. Children, Christopher Park (Toronto, ON); Terry (Chris) Tremblay (Peterborough, ON); and Melissa (Damian) Welsh (Antigonish, NS) He is lovingly remembered by his grandchildren: Ollie, James, Shaundra, Kaylea, Janessa, Khelsea, Kheiran, Brayden, Dan, Chyanne, and Chris; and his great-grandchildren: Freya, Ronin, Daniel, Laylah, Payton, Kerri-Anne, and Kaitlyn. He is also survived by his nieces and nephews, Don, Dave, Debbie, Jim, Janet. Bob was predeceased by his parents, Richard Park and Janet Park (née Blair); his stepfather, John Hobson; Sisters Joan Hobson, and Pat Davidson, his son, Pete. He is also fondly remembered by Pete’s wife, Donna. The family would like to extend heartfelt thanks to the care team and support staff at the Strait Richmond Hospital, as well as his continuing care nurses for their compassionate and caring support. A very special thank you to Aura, David, and Dr. DeRoche for their exceptional kindness. An extra special thanks to his “Bobbysitter” Margaret. Cremation has taken place. Arrangements are entrusted to C.H. Boudreau Funeral Home, Arichat, Nova Scotia. Visitation and memorial service will be held at Holy Trinity Anglican Church, Port Hawkesbury, officiated by Reverend Darlene Jewers. Visitation will take place on Wednesday, May 6th, from 3:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. The funeral service will be held on Thursday, May 7, at 11:00 a.m., followed by a reception downstairs. A burial ceremony will take place at a later date at St. John the Baptist Church Cemetery, Church Point, River Bourgeois. Donations in Bob’s memory may be made to the Alzheimer Society of Canada. ~ “Music is God’s gift to man, the only art of Heaven given to earth, the only art of earth we take to Heaven.” Walter Savage Landor