Hingley, Robert “Bob” Gerald – Age 86, of Salmon River. The family are saddened to report, but grateful for a life well lived, that Bob passed away peacefully on March 21, 2024, at home, after a courageous yearlong battle with cancer. He was the second youngest of a proud family of sixteen siblings, the eighth son of the late William and Susan (McCabe) Hingley, born in Kemptown and moved to Miller Road, Salmon River when he was one year old.

He is survived by his loving wife of 56 years, Patricia (Fisher); his sons, Shawn (Micha), Rothesay, N.B. Jeffrey (Kathy), Onslow Mountain and Daniel, Salmon River. Bob’s pride and joy were his boys and his six granddaughters, Olivia, Emma and Tara of Onslow Mountain, Madeleine, Sophia and Jaqueline of Rothesay, N.B. The “girls” loved their grandfather dearly and will miss the playful spirit of a man who cherished the simple joys in life with them.

Bob is also survived by his sister, Maxine; brother, Laurie (Carol); sisters-in-law, Wilma, Sylvia and Grace Hingley, June Marengere and Beverley Fisher and many beloved nieces and nephews.

Predeceased by his sisters, Annie, Bertha, Muriel, Aileen, Norma, and Marjorie; brothers, Parker, Ernest, Earl, Preston, Russell, Ronald, and Fleming; brother-in-law, Earle Fisher.

Dad loved everything related to the sky and aviation. He could always relay an accurate weather report and enjoyed aviation books, documentaries, chasing sunsets with Mum, spending dark nights stargazing and satellite watching with his children and grandchildren. Dad especially enjoyed owning and flying the “Little Stinker,” his Cessna 140A Special airplane and for many years loved taking exploratory flights and participating with his family in the annual sport fly-ins at the airport in Stanley, NS.

He had a long and successful career with the Federal Government. He first worked as a meteorologist and remote Radio Operator on a Coast Guard icebreaker in Northern Canada, where he adventured and navigated across the North Pole at a young age. Following this, he kept the skies safe working as an Air Traffic Controller in the tower at Stephenville, NL (YJT), Yarmouth, NS (YQI) and finally, at Halifax International Airport (YHZ) until his retirement in 1993. He then continued to work alongside his brother, Preston, in carpentry, showcasing his versatility and dedication to hard work.

Dad loved music: Country and Western, Bluegrass and Gospel and enjoyed dancing to old time music. He played the fiddle, but especially loved playing his Martin Guitar and enjoyed the many jams that were held while camping with friends and family. Bob and Pat enjoyed singing and playing music together, they shared many adventures with their camping friends traveling to music festivals in Rogersville, NB, Rolo Bay, PEI, Digby, Ardoise and Bridgewater, NS., to name a few.

Dad was always up for a game of cards with anyone, but especially his granddaughters and they loved to beat him at it! The many days at the camp, playing cards, board games and washer toss with the guys was always cherished time spent with friends and family. Dad was an avid and skilled outdoorsman, a passion he shared with his brothers and boys. He enjoyed hunting, fishing, four wheeling, snowmobiling, picking cranberries and blueberries, curling with friends and so much more. Dad loved tinkering and the challenge of fixing things; it was while helping their father in the garage or around the yard where the boys first learned a colorful array of four-letter-words.

Bob was a Master Mason and an active member of Fellowship Lodge No. 112 Ancient Free and Accepted Masons for 42 years. He was Past Master of the Lodge and in 2004 was appointed District Deputy Grand Master for the Colchester District. In recognition of his many charitable deeds and contributions to the lodge and community, his brethren awarded Bob the prestigious Meritorious Service Award. He found joy in the fellowship and activities of the Lodge, forming many lasting friendships with his fellow Masons over the years.

Everyone would describe Bob as hard working. He had grit, integrity, and a love for adventure and life – his character, the way he lived his life and how he loved those close to him is his legacy. Bob’s memory will live on in the hearts of his children and grandchildren and all those who had the privilege of knowing him.

The family would like to thank Dr. Rowe and the Oncology Unit of Angels that provided so much encouragement and exceptional care over this past year. You are amazing at what you do. A special thank you to our niece, Bonnie Ross, for always being there during trying and sensitive times, we could not have endured the difficulties without your help. Our sincere gratitude also extends to family and friends who reached out with phone calls, provided nourishing food, and offered comforting visits. These gestures, whether big or small, played a significant role in providing the strength needed to persevere through challenging times. It was all very much appreciated, thank you.

Donations may be made to the Kemptown Cemetery Association.

Care has been entrusted to Colchester Community Funeral Home, where cremation has taken place. A visitation will be held on Tuesday, April 2nd from 6-8pm with a Masonic Memorial Service on Wednesday, April 3rd at 2pm followed by a Funeral service, all in Colchester Community Funeral Home, 512 Willow St., Truro, NS. A Springtime burial will be held in Kemptown United Church Cemetery. Webcasting will begin at 1:58pm (AST) and is available along with online condolences at www.ColchesterCommunity.com.