Obituary of Paul Rouse

It is with great sadness and heavy hearts that the family of Paul Eric Rouse announces his passing at the Doctor Everett Chalmers Hospital on May 7, 2020 at the age of 94. Born on March 19, 1926 in Fredericton, NB, he was the son of the late Irvine and Brenda (Woodworth) Rouse. He was predeceased by the love of his life, Marjorie L. (Mitton) Rouse, his wife of 62 years, who passed away a few weeks ago on April 3, 2020. He is survived by his children Michael (Kirsten) of St. Andrews, David (Deborah) of Fredericton, Carol of Grand Cayman, Nancy of Fredericton, and grandchildren Christopher (Susan), Jason, Jeffrey and Jane; as well as several nieces and nephews, and sisters- in-law Gladys Kennedy and Charline Smith. In addition to his parents, he was predeceased by his brother Doug Rouse (Alice-Lou) and sisters Betty Coughey (Jamie) and Kaye Minor. After graduating from Fredericton High School in 1943, Dad went "Up the Hill" to UNB where he graduated with a BSc. in Civil Engineering. He then joined the NB Department of Public Works (later Transportation) as a highway engineer (P.Eng.) where he met his future wife, our mother Marjorie, who was a secretary in the Saint John office. They were married on September 28, 1957 and together raised the four of us: Michael, David, Carol and Nancy. Dad enjoyed growing up on Charlotte St. in Fredericton with many great childhood memories of family and friends. Also memorable were the annual summer visits to Cornhill to spend time with the Rouse relatives and stay at the family farm. In his youth, Dad enjoyed bowling, skating on the St. John River, rugby, pool, and as an adult he enjoyed curling and from time to time was known to play a game of cribbage or poker. He refereed high school and university basketball and once had the honour of refereeing the Harlem Globetrotters when they came to Fredericton. His love of sports inspired his sons’ enjoyment in basketball and other sports. Dad was a proud grandfather and really enjoyed following his grandchildren’s sporting activities. Dad enjoyed his 38-year career at Transportation (DOT), where he worked to help modernize NB’s highway system. His work took him around NB, where he enjoyed being onsite, and his roles included Director of Traffic Engineering, followed by many years as the Director of Planning. Dad was a lifelong member of Brunswick Street Baptist Church, where he served on the Board of Management Committee from 1978-2003, serving as Chairman at various times. While he retired from the committee in his late seventies, he was still called upon from time to time to fill in any missing history on the church. His volunteering also included the United Way where he served in senior roles including Chairman. Dad’s skills as a chairman carried over to home life where he was a master delegator, but, more importantly, could and would explain the art of managing people in a logical and respectful way. During the warm Fredericton summers, he took charge when it was time to barbeque, which happened often when friends or family visited 831 Smythe. Dad was a great co-host and enjoyed the many friends that he and Mum had come to know. Dad enjoyed the family summer vacations to Skowhegan ME, trips to Florida with Mum and friends, visits to many far away places to visit their daughters, and trips to visit their sons and their families on McLeod Hill and St. Andrews. We wish to thank Dr. Jeff Barton for his care and support over the last several years, as well as the staff at Shannex and Dr. Everett Chalmers Hospital for their care over these difficult last few weeks. We also wish to express our appreciation for the care provided by the support staff who assisted Dad at home over these last few years. A Celebration of Life will be held at Brunswick St. Baptist Church in the future with Reverend Greg Geldart officiating. For those who wish, donations in Paul’s memory can be made to Parkinson’s Society, Canadian Cancer Society, Brunswick Street Baptist Church, Multiple Sclerosis Society or a charity of your choice.