PICTOU – Robert W. (Bob) Lyons, 95 of Pictou, died peacefully early Tuesday morning, 8 Dec. 2009, in the Aberdeen Palliative Care Unit, New Glasgow.
A teacher to the very end of his life, Bob showed his attending family how to face death with bravery, dignity, compassion and love.
Surviving are his wife of nearly 70 years Goldye Lyons (nee Williams) of Pictou, his daughters, Lyn Tetreault, Pictou and Lee Ann McCully (Ken), Fort McMurray, Alta., son, Robert “Bob” Lyons (Elaine Nystrom), Regina, Sk.; grandchildren: Patty Tetreault (Alana Cassidy) Prince Albert, Sk, Suzy Nadeau (Tony) Lake Echo, N.S., John Tetreault (Kim Richardson) Pictou, Terry McCully, Calgary, Alta., Ben McCully, Ottawa, Ont., Dylan Lyons (Tara Heath), Nelson, B.C.; great-grandchildren: Patrick, Katelyn and Robbie Tetreault of Pictou, Rebecca Ouellette and Patrick Nadeau, Lake Echo, N.S., Brandon Vermeersch, Regina, Sk.; sister-in-law, Ninette Johnston, Sydney, N.S.; family nephews: Earl Johnston, Charles “Chuck” Thompson, Robert and Donald Wilson, and John Lyons; family nieces: Janet Thompson, Judy and Linda Johnston, Aggie June, Jan, Jody, and Rosemary Lyons.
Born in Glace Bay, he was the son of Robert Lyons and Catherine MacAulay.
He was predeceased by his parents, his brother John, his sisters Rosina (Art) McKeigan and Maggie (Douglas) Wilson. He attended schools in Glace Bay, and was a graduate of the Nova Scotia Normal School, Truro and of the University of King’s College, Halifax where he was an outstanding athlete in rugby, basketball and boxing. During the Second World War he was a Gunnery and Navigation instructor at HMCS Cornwallis and continued as a member of the “Wavy Navy” until he resigned his commission as a Lt. Commander in the 1950’s. He began his career as an educator in Cape Breton, taught for many years in the Truro school system at both Alice Street School and the former Colchester County Academy, before moving to Pictou as Principal of Pictou Academy, and then Supervisor of Schools, retiring in 1977. During the 1950s he was a Truro bureau reporter for the Halifax Chronicle Herald and Mail Star. His ardent support of the Nova Scotia Teachers Union and trade unions in general led him to resign from the Truro school system and run for and win a seat on Truro town council to act as a spokesperson for teachers and workers in general. He was a committed supporter of the New Democratic Party and believed in Christian social activism as a lifelong member of the Anglican faith. Bob was instrumental in finding money to build a new Junior high school and new gymnasium auditorium for Pictou Academy. As a member of the Sutherland Harris Hospital Board he worked tirelessly to find funding for and establish a veterans’ wing as part of his 65 year long commitment as a member of the Royal Canadian Legion. He was a past Commodore and Honorary Commodore of the Pictou Yacht Club, and his passion for cruising the Bras d’Or Lakes aboard Aurum, S’Caper and Blue Mist with Goldye and his family provided him with deep and abiding memories. In his younger years he was an active curler and golfer, and a bridge player of great skill to the time of his death.
Visitation Thursday, Dec. 10, from 2-4 and 7-9 at McLaren Funeral Home, Pictou. Funeral service at 11 a.m. Friday, December 11, at St. James Anglican Church, Pictou with reception to follow in the church hall.
Family flowers only. Donations honoring Bob’s life may be made to the Aberdeen Hospital Palliative Care Unit or to the St. James Anglican Church or a charity of one’s choosing.