Obituary of Robert Andrew MacLaren
Hall of Fame Broadcaster Passes
MacLaren, Robert Andrew (Bob) - The family of Bob MacLaren, age 82, of Bridgewater, is deeply saddened to announce the passing of a beloved husband, father, brother and friend. On Thursday July 6, 2017, Bob passed away peacefully at home surrounded by his loving and devoted family. Born October 29, 1934 in Crousetown, Lunenburg County, he was the son of the late Orris and Sadie MacLaren.
Bob was raised as a farm-boy, worked in the 3 Crousetown lumber mills and attended the Crousetown School house until the age of 17 when he moved to Bridgewater. Soon after, Bob joined CKBW AM Radio in 1952. Starting out as a DJ, he moved up the ranks to Sports Director, News Director, Program Director and eventually became General Manager and part owner of the station - Acadia Broadcasting Company Limited. As an extension of his broadcast career, Bob was President of the (AAB) Atlantic Association of Broadcasters and named an Honorary Life Member in 1995. On October 29, 1996, Bob was inducted into the (CAB) Canadian Association of Broadcasters Hall of Fame. On air at CKBW, Bob will be remembered for his strong, distinctive news voice and for co-hosting the TELEFUN program with the late Ginny Flemming. The show ran for 13 years and two cookbooks of original local recipes resulted. Bob was first hired by station manager, the late Jamie MacLeod, who mentored Bob for many years. In turn, Bob became a trusted mentor to subsequent station employees; many who have ventured on to broadcast careers throughout North America. Bob was an active member of the community serving as an early President of Bridgewater Minor Hockey Association and twice President of the Bridgewater Golf and Country Club. He served as the first chairman of the Bridgewater Parks and Recreation Commission and hired as the towns first Parks and Recreation Director. As a result, he was awarded a Provincial Volunteer Certificate and the “Key to the Town.” Bob always had a passion for sports. He was an active curler and passionate golfer; especially pleased to chair the membership committee in the naming of the new Bridgewater Golf Course “Osprey Ridge”.
Bob is survived by Carole, his loving wife of 38 years; sons, David, CFB Gagetown; Blair (Cheryl Jones), Bridgewater; step-daughter, Lynn Langille, West Kelowna BC; step-son, Todd Langille, Calgary Alberta and sister, Beverly MacLaren, Toronto. Grandchildren, Emily and Meghan Schwartz, Kelowna BC, and Sophie Langille, Calgary Alberta. Brother and sister in law, Ernie and Marilyn Bolivar, Bridgewater. In addition he also has a number of cousins, nieces and nephews in Nova Scotia and the US.
Visitation will be held 7 - 9 p.m., Saturday, July 15 in Sweeny’s Funeral Home, Bridgewater. Funeral service will be held 2 p.m. on Sunday, July 16, at Bridgewater United Church, Rev. Willis Ott officiating. There will be a private interment for immediate family at Brookside Cemetery, Bridgewater. Following the church service there will be A Celebration of Life reception at Osprey Ridge Golf Club - 492 Harold Whynot Rd, Pine Grove, from 3 - 6 p.m.
Family flowers only please, donations may be made to the Cardiac Rehab program or Palliative Care program of the Health Services Foundation of the South Shore - 90 Glen Allan Dr., Bridgewater, NS B4V 3S6, VON Lunenburg County branch - 1924 Northwest Rd., Blockhouse, NS B0J 1E0, Bridgewater United Church - 87 Hillcrest St., Bridgewater, NS B4V 1T2, St. Andrew’s United Church, Crousetown - 7030 Hwy 331, Broad Cove, NS B0J 2H0 or charity of choice.
Bob remained his usual strong, hopeful and positive self to the end of his full life, while dealing with an extremely rare heart condition. We would like to thank our family, friends, neighbors, local health care support services and professionals for helping Bob throughout his journey. We will be forever grateful. On-line condolences may be made by visiting www.sweenysfuneralhome.com.
