George Robert “Bob” Hanley age 85 of Amherst passed away peacefully on Saturday June 11th, 2022 at Cumberland Regional Health Care Centre, Amherst, with his loving family by his side.
Born in Newcastle, N.B. on May 7, 1937, Bob was a son of the late Joseph and Greta (McLaughlin) Hanley.
He spent his growing up years in Campbellton N.B. and completed his education there. Bob started his working career at the Provincial Hospital in Campbellton then to Smith Kline and French Pharmaceutical Co. as a Professional Services Rep, he also worked for Kendall Co. Surgical Supplies, Metropolitan Life Insurance Co. and lastly worked with Correctional Services of Canada for 31 years.
Bob’s passion was playing his piano, guitar, banjo and singing at parties at the fire hall. Bob served as volunteer firefighter with the Amherst Fire Department for 28 years, and retired as Captain. Even though Bob was retired, he still carried his fire pager everywhere. Every time that pager sounded, he still felt part of the department which meant so much to him. His passion was the Fire Department where he worked on several committees being the guy who gave 110% in everything he did.
Bob was on the Rescue Co. which he, Stephen Smith and Phil Sitarshi were instrumental in forming. He was involved with planning of M.D. projects such as the radio blitz that went on for many years, as well as the car washes, floozy ball games and so many other things during his 10 years as Public Relations Committee Chairman. Bob held the title of Fireman of the year for 5 years in his career as a firefighter, of which he was very proud. He was on the Ways and Means Committee and the M.D. Committee which he helped with each year. Bob was past chairman of the Burn Treatment Committee and Director of the NS Burn Treatment Society for 20 years. He was involved with Fire Prevention for a few years and was known to the school children as Fireman Bob. Since retiring from the Fire Department, Bob started an Honorary Member Club as well as initiating the Firefighters Memorial Day held each year during Fire Prevention Week in October. He also worked with other members on the Firefighters Museum Committee.
Bob was a CPR Instructor for 33 years and was involved in many lifesaving situations, one being Diane’s Uncle. He will be sadly missed by all who knew him especially family and close friends of which there are many. He will be remembered for his love of family, his sense of humour, and love of life.
Bob leaves to mourn his loving wife and best friend of 52 years, Diane (Dupuis) Hanley; his loving children, Joseph (Andrea), Nanaimo BC, Todd (Sheila) of Calgary, AB, Rob (Stephanie) of Piercemont NB, Lynn (Robert) of Edmonton AB, Lisa (Scott) of Amherst; his loving grandchildren, Liam, Brianna, Amanda, Jeremy, Dylan, Alex, Zack, Olivia, Nate, Riley, Braden, Chaundelle and Taylor; great grandchildren, Creedance, Colton, Jiya, Macie, Daniel and Weston. He will be dearly missed by his brother, Fred (Marilyn) Hanley of Moncton NB; brother in law, Wayne (Diane); as well as several nieces and nephews and extended family.
Besides his parents, Bob was predeceased by his sister, Marjorie Flann and brother, Bud Hanley and granddaughter, Georgia.
The family would like to give special thanks to the CRHCC Nurses and Staff and the Cumberland VON for their kindness and care for Bob.
Visitation will be held on Friday July 1st, 2022 from 10-11am followed by Bob’s funeral service at 11am with Rev. John Tonks officiating all held in Campbell’s Funeral Home Chapel, 98 Church Street, Amherst, Nova Scotia, 902-667-9906. Following the service, there will be a reception in the funeral home followed by burial in the St. Charles-Nativity Cemetery.
Memorial contributions can be made in Bob’s memory to Muscular Dystrophy Canada, NS Burn Treatment Society, or the Heart and Stroke Foundation of Nova Scotia.
Condolences and sharing of memories may be shared with the family via: www.campbellsamherst.ca or by visiting Campbell’s Facebook page.