Obituary of Robert LeRoy Rhodenizer

Robert LeRoy Rhodenizer Age 84, of Barss Corner, Lunenburg Co., passed away on Wednesday, January 18, 2017 surrounded by family. Born in Parkdale, NS on July 18, 1932, he was the son of the late Ira and Ethel (Wentzel) Rhodenizer. Bob was milking cows by the age of five, a work ethic he continued throughout his life. He worked in his father’s lumber mill, owned and operated his own poultry farm, and also worked as a car salesman, bulldozer owner-operator, municipal councillor, bridge builder, stevedore, as well as designing and building a number of houses. As an extension of his career as a farmer, Bob served two terms as President of the Nova Scotia Federation of Agriculture from 1970-1972. He owned and operated Hide & Sleep Beds as a family business from 1995 to present. Bob married his childhood sweetheart, Marlean Taylor in 1955 and they were a great team, both as parents and as partners in their working endeavors. Church was a significant part of Bob’s life and he was involved in many Christian ministries. He served as a deacon as well as on many committees and boards in both the Barss Corner and Bridgewater Baptist churches. He travelled to Bolivia as part of a mission trip with Canadian Baptist Men. As a member of the Bridgewater Baptist Church, he was thrilled to be involved in many aspects of the construction of the new church. One did not have to talk to Bob for very long before receiving an invitation to attend a Sunday morning service. Bob was a dedicated husband, father, grandfather and great grandfather. He loved gatherings and being surrounded by family and friends. He was known for telling puns and jokes (real groaners), being able to fix anything, his ability to do crossword puzzles and his strong determination in all things. Bob was a man of faith with strong principles and was a positive example for all who knew him. Bob will be deeply missed by his wife of 61 years, Marlean, and their children, Kay (Ralph Gass), Pat (Blair Richards), Donna (Andy Duinker), Gordie (Lisa Chandler), and Debbie (Sterling Zwicker); grandchildren, Pam (Kevin MacIlreith), Mark (Lindsey, nee Armitage), Luke (Natalie Seto) and Jenna (Suren Barry) Richards; Benjamin (Amanda Burrell), Daniel (Quinn, nee Schofield) and Nathan (Desiree Hill) Taylor; Kaitlyn and Ryan Rhodenizer; Dominique and Jackson Zwicker; several great grandchildren; sisters, Lucy (Gerry Charlebois) and Merna (Bob Cox); sister-in-law, Jocelyn Rhodenizer; brother-in-law, Max Hebb; many cousins, nieces and nephews. Special “adopted family members” include Gisèle Caron and Rogan Schofield. He was predeceased by his infant son, Paul, and siblings Lee, Blair, Marjorie, and Alonzo. A service celebrating Bob’s life and faith will be held, followed by a reception, at Bridgewater Baptist Church, 564 Glen Allen Drive, Bridgewater on Sunday, January 22 at 2:30 p.m., Rev. Dr. Brian MacArthur officiating. There will be no visitation at the funeral home by request. Cremation has taken place and interment will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Bridgewater Baptist Church Building Fund or the Canadian Cancer Society. Online condolences can be made by visiting www.sweenysfuneralhome.com or by messaging condolences@sweenysfuneralhome.com.