CUNNINGHAM, Robert John - It is with profound sadness we announce, Robert John Cunningham 91, of Wolfville, devoted husband, father, grandfather and friend passed away peacefully at Camp Hill, on January 28, 2011. Born in London, England on June 9, 1919 to William and Florence Cunningham, he immigrated in 1928, settling in Melbourne, Québec. Educated at St Francis College & Hailebury Mining School, Bob was a prospector, miner, tunnel worker, surveyor, wood carver, artist, published author, poet and most generous spirit. In 1939, he volunteered and proudly served his country with the Royal Canadian Corp of Engineers, mapping the south of England for artillery ranging (1940) and surveying tunnel construction in defense of Gibraltar (1941 - 42); with the Royal Canadian Artillery as a Gunnery Instructor (1943) and finally with the Argyle and Sutherland Highlanders as a Line Infantry Officer taking over 11 Platoon B Company from Emily’s cousin (1944 – 45) and seeing action in Belgium and the Netherlands. In 1945 he married the loving and much loved Emily Mary Cooper. While in Gibraltar he designed the Gibraltar Key, a medal awarded to Canadians who served in Gibraltar. He also designed the ‘key’ that has become the symbol for historical sites in Canada. An avid wood carver he appeared on CBC television with his stylized heads. An irrepressible writer, he published five books on Maritime history, all after the age of 65. Despite impaired vision, he wrote copious poetry in his later years, and up until his last weeks of life was still writing poetry about his life at Camp Hill. With Gordie Sutherland he founded the Dartmouth Boys Pipe and Drum Band. He was a Free Mason, a Life Member of the Royal Canadian Legion and the 1st Battalion Argyle and Sutherland Highlanders Veterans Association. He was the founder and life long member of the Bean Party, thinking that the modest bean did far more for Canada than the Maple Leaf and so should really be Canada’s emblem. He proudly flew the Bean Party flag on his scooter. He firmly believed that if the roles of coffee drinkers and parliamentarians were reversed, the country would greatly profit. He profoundly regretted leaving an empty chair at Joe’s and his best friend Morley. He is survived by children, John (Bermuda) and Mairi (Neil) Balcom (Wolfville), grandsons, Matthew, Blair, Callum (Kara), Kit, step grandson Jean-Jacques, his beloved sister Kathleen (Bruce) Findlay of Ottawa, brother-in-law Sheppard (Gail) Cooper of Schumacher Ontario, and his much loved nieces and nephews. He was preceded by his parents; wife of 65 years Emily; sister Peggy (George) Lacelle, brother-in-law Bud (Freida) Cooper and nephew Robin. There was no visitation by family request. A celebration of Bob’s life was held at White Family Funeral Home, on February 19, at 1 pm, Reverend Sandra Fyfe and Canon Russell Elliott officiating, followed by a reception. A private family interment took place at the Saint John’s Anglican Church Cemetery, Wolfville. Family flowers only. Donations may be made to the Canadian Diabetes Association or Valley Regional Hospital. He died grateful to his son-in-law Neil, daughter Mairi and son John. The family would like to extend a special thank you to; Veterans Affairs for their support, the devoted and caring staff at Camp Hill, Dr. Michael Patterson & Dr. Ron Stuart (retired), Reverend Sandra Fyfe, special friends Nola and Clare MacLeod, Ian and Cynthia Ross, caregivers Kathy Higgins, Lara DeWolfe, Sheila Blenus, Pat MacDonald and Wendy Duboy. Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to White Family Funeral Home and Cremation Services, Kentville. On-line inquiries may be directed to www.whitefamilyfuneralhome.com