MANUGE, Robert - was born July 31, 1921, in South Brook, Cumberland County, NS, the 14th of 15 children. He was the son of the late Fenwick and Mabel (Dench) Manuge. Robert learned the value of hard work from a young age during the Great Depression and was essentially self-taught. He worked in forestry, with the railway and, eventually, in food marketing, where he met Frank Sobey, who played a major part in Robert's life. With Frank's encouragement, Robert joined Industrial Estates Limited (IEL) in 1961, with a mandate to encourage manufacturing industry to locate in Nova Scotia. For 12 years, Robert travelled the world, seeking prospects, most notable of which was Michelin, which established 3 plants in Nova Scotia, creating thousands of jobs and positive economic impact for the province. In 1975, Robert, an avid art collector and promoter of the arts, opened Manuge Galleries Limited in Halifax, where he worked alongside his wife and family for many years. Robert retired to Lake Annis, NS, and devoted his energies to forestry and the production of wild blueberries. He enjoyed his last years at home in good health and died peacefully at age 93.
Robert is survived by his wife, Elizabeth, son, Timothy (Susanne), daughter, Marianne, and granddaughters, Carla and Laura. He was predeceased by his son, Thomas. A Memorial service will be held at Holy Trinity Church, 61 William St, Yarmouth, Tuesday, Dec. 16 at 2pm. Donations in lieu of flowers to Art Gallery of Nova Scotia Western Branch, 341 Main St, Yarmouth, NS B5A 1E7.