POWER, ROBERT JAMES - February 25, 1965 - February 9, 2012 - It is with great sadness that the family announces the sudden and unexpected passing of Robert James Power of Riverview, N.B. on Thursday, February 9, 2012 at the age of 46. Rob was born in Carberry, Manitoba, the son of Roberta and Gerard Power. Rob will be missed more than words can convey by his wife of 18 years, Lori (O'Toole) and his furry buddy, Nick. Being a member of a close family, Rob will also be missed by his parents and brother Steve both of Caissie Cape, N.B., sisters Barbara (Michael Sharpe) of Victoria, B.C. and Susan (Gord Lippert) of Summerside, PE, mother-in-law Ursula O'Toole and brother-in-law Peter O'Toole both of Riverview, N.B. and several aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, grand-nephew, grand-niece and cousins. As the son of a military man, Rob had the opportunity to live in Shilo, Manitoba, Oakville, Ontario and Saint John, N.B. before moving to Moncton in 1981. Rob was a member of the Class of '83 from Moncton High School and a graduate of the Accommodation, Food & Beverage Services program from the New Brunswick Community College, St. Andrew's Campus.He then spent 3 years in Ottawa, On getting life started with Lori. His career path took him from the Hospitality Industry to Real Estate Appraising, where he worked at Mari-Tech Real Estate Appraisal Services until he decided that mortgages would be more fun. Through his work at Home Loans Canada (2000-2010) and TD Canada Trust (2010-2012), he helped people to achieve their dreams of home ownership. He took great pride in being a part of the process to educate and work with clients to make sure that the mortgage they selected was the right one for them. Rob was also a huge believer in team work and helped his co-workers in any way possible, especially in "team building exercises" and "marketing meetings". Rob was very active in sports throughout his life including Little League baseball (East Suburban Tigers - Saint John), Junior League baseball (Moncton Keefe Cubs), high school football and curling. In the summer, he enjoyed his time "on course" with his Wedgewood and St. Andrews golf friends and had a hole-in-one at Maplewood Golf Course (hole #11). He thoroughly enjoyed his time as a member of the M.S.S.S. Society and the annual fishing trip was about the only thing that kept him from his Monday night softball games where he played with the 2 x 4 Lumber Co-Ed Softball team. He wore #25, played third base and occasionally scared whoever was playing first with some of his errant throws. He may actually have enjoyed the time after the games more than his time on the field. When winter rolled around, it was time for curling and he was a member of Curl Moncton where he curled both men's and mixed. He loved to travel to other clubs to play in bonspiels and occasionally brought his wife along to play as well. A huge New England Patriots fan, the Canadian flag that normally hung was always replaced by his Pats flag on game day. Rob's hobbies included winemaking and photography. His attention to detail produced some incredible vintages and spectacular photos. Only the best were available for public consumption and viewing. He loved music of almost any kind. His tastes ran from 70's rock to Today's Country to Smooth Jazz. It was not uncommon to hear Country on a sunny Saturday afternoon while cleaning the vehicles, Boston on Saturday night with a backyard fire and then a little James Taylor with Sunday morning coffee on the deck.What Rob enjoyed the most was spending time with friends doing anything. He was an ear for listening, a shoulder for crying on, arms to be hugged by, a voice of reason and advice, and had a heart that was sometimes stretched too thin but the word "no" was not in his vocabulary. His capacity for love had no limit and neither did his enthusiasm for life. He always had a positive attitude, even in times when few would be able to find a bright side. The family wishes to extend their deepest appreciation to the doctors and nurses at the Neuro Intensive Care Unit at the Moncton Hospital, especially Dr. Robert Adams, Dr. Rachel Mallais, Nicole and Rachel for their honesty, compassion and understanding. A special thank you also to Dr. Jeanne McNeill for always being there.
The family will be receiving friends and visitors at Cobb's Funeral Home & Cremation Center on Friday, February 17 from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 pm, with the funeral service to be held from Cobb's Funeral Home Memorial Chapel on Saturday, February 18 at 11 am, with Father Phil Mulligan presiding. It was Rob's wish that a relaxed and casual celebration of his life take place following the service, at the Beausejour Curling Club, 80 Lockhart Avenue, Moncton, N.B. at 1 pm. Arrangements are entrusted to the care of Cobb's Funeral Home and Cremation center, 330 Whitepine Road, Riverview, N.B. Online condolences may be made at www.cobbsfuneralhome.ca Family flowers only, please. If desired, donations in Rob's memory may be made to The Friends of the Moncton Hospital, Neuro ICU for the refurbishment of the Family Waiting Room.