Obituary of Robert Arthur Read

Our hearts are saddened, but we rejoice with the angels, with the passing of Robert Arthur Read on Sunday, August 18, 2024 to his eternal heavenly home. Born in Moncton, New Brunswick on October 22, 1933, he was the son of the late Gordon and Evelyn (Hicks) Read. Husband of the late Diana (Steeves) Read and sibling to three sisters and two brothers.

Robert is survived by his children, Karen (Rick) Siwik of Burlington, Ontario, Stephen (Michele) Read of Richmond, Virginia, and Eleanor (Dan) Wilton of Fredericton, New Brunswick. He was Puppy to grandchildren Laura (Eric), Jayne (Michael), Grace, Heath (Jane), Hannah (Charlie), Taylor (Catherine), Jon (Alyse), Jessica (Sam), Jana (Jansen); eight great grandsons, one great granddaughter and he was aware of four more great grandchildren on the way. He is also survived by his brother, Gordon (Marlene) Read of Port Coquitlam BC, and many nieces and nephews. Robert’s devotion to his family, friendships and his love for the Lord Jesus has been an inspiration to his children, grandchildren and all who knew him.

He grew up in Bible Hill (Truro), Nova Scotia and moved back to Moncton as a teenager. Robert attended the Moncton Institute of Technology before beginning work as an electrician for the New Brunswick Electric Power Commission (now NB Power). After working across NB in his initial years, he and his bride Diana, of Gunningsville, settled in their first home in Carleton County near Beachwood. They then built a home in Fredericton when Mactaquac Hydro-Power Station was being constructed, where they raised their three children. During his 25 plus years at Mactaquac, Robert was promoted to the lead electrician of the plant. “Bobby” formed strong bonds with his fellow workers who kept the electricity flowing.

Robert was devoted to the Brunswick Street Baptist Church fellowship. He volunteered at the church teaching Sunday school, singing in the choir and men’s quartet, and served several terms on the Board of Deacons. He also enjoyed the friendships made on the Auxillary working in the kitchen preparing meals for a variety of events. Robert and Diana’s primary passion was supporting world missions and the spreading of God’s love, care and salvation. They also supported Christian education and actively worked to see Atlantic Baptist College grow into Crandall University.

He loved to travel, enjoyed photography, as well as the great outdoors hunting and fishing as a young man. He was a handyman willing to try to fix what was broken, he was an artist, and a collector of things “just in case” someone needed it. He spent many wonderful days with his family at his “little piece of heaven on earth”, the cottage.

Robert lived his best life caring for his family and serving His Lord and Saviour. His wise words, gentle spirit and prayerfulness will be treasured in memory and missed always. You are so dear to us.

Visitation will be held at McAdam’s Funeral Home, 160 York St. on Friday, August 23, 2024 from 4:00-7:00pm. All are welcome to attend the celebration of Robert’s life to be held at Brunswick Street Baptist Church on Saturday, August 24, 2024 at 11:00am with Pastor Ross Watters officiating. For those unable to attend the service, a live stream will be available at the following link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tu4uemXnejs. A reception will take place in the church gymnasium. Interment will take place at Fair Haven Cemetery outside of Moncton at a later date.

We would like to thank Yewande Akalusi, Dr. Barton, staff at the DECH, the Extramural nurses and Integrity for their care of Robert over the years. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Brunswick Street Baptist Church, Green Hill Lake Camp, or Crandall University.