PALMER, ROBERT "BOB" - Robert "Bob" Ernest Palmer, 74, passed away peacefully on March 14, 2013, in Cumberland Regional Health Care Centre, Upper Nappan. Born on December 10, 1938, in Fredericton, NB, he was the son of the late Forrest and Phyllis (Forbes) Palmer. Bob grew up in Nashwaak Bridge, NB. He served in the Navy for 12 years, as an aircraft technician, before joining Air Canada in 1968. During his career with Air Canada he lived in Montreal, Halifax, Sri Lanka, Winnipeg, Ottawa, returning to Montreal before retiring to Pinehurst (Bridgewater, NS) in 1993. In Bob's early years as a young boy, he learned to fly fish with his father, this became one of his passions in life. He had a true appreciation for nature and the outdoors. His many fishing trips not only took him to the Miramichi, but took him to the Steelhead in BC, to the Dory in Northern Quebec and back to the Salmon on the La Have. After retirement, he enjoyed his camp at Tommy Lake, Annapolis Co., NS, with family, friends and his furry companions Lady and Sissy. This resulted in many a tale or two, by the fire. He will be missed by all who knew and loved him. He is survived by his wife of 47 years, Margaret Arlene (Budd, Briggs) Palmer; children, Aaron (Heather), Timmons; Robert, Banff; Lisa, Canmore; grandchildren, Ameila, Brandt, Donavan; foster grandchildren, Noah and JP; sister, Judy (Calvin), Hamilton; brother, Billy, Toronto. Bob was predeceased by brother Philipp (1947); first wife Joan McCloskey (1964).
As per his wishes, there will be no funeral or visitation. Interment of ashes, at a later date, for family only at Birchhill Cemetery, Berry Mills, N.B. The family would like to extend their sincere thanks to the staff of the Cumberland V.O.N., for their care and kindness over the last few years. Those wishing to remember Bob may make a donation, in his memory, to the V.O.N. , or a charity of choice.
The River and the Fish by Anthony Naples
Today the weight that was a fish,
is forgotten. Left to drift
downstream around the bend at sunset.
Around the bend, back to the sea,
a fish who fought me
on the broken mercury
surface of the river,
who fought to stay below.
I cast a broken shadow stooping
to let him go. He swam away
along a sunset colored road.
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