Obituary of Roby Rafuse

Roby Randolph Rafuse 81, Parkdale and Harbour View Haven Home for Special Care, Lunenburg, began his final journey on July 18, 2007. Roby was predeceased by his parents, Frank and Sadie (Faulkenham) Rafuse, and his brother, Maxwell Rafuse, all from Parkdale. He is survived by his wife Vivian (McDow) Rafuse; children, Teresa (Larry) Keddy, New Ross; Monica (Vernon) Maughan, Oakhill; Glenn (Karan) Rafuse, Maplewood; Craig (Wendy) Rafuse, Chester Basin; Chris Rafuse, at home. He will be remembered by grandchildren, Veronica Keddy (Vince McNamara), Larry “Leo” Keddy (Krista Hunter), Erin Maughan (Ryan Dobson), Stephen Rafuse (Jennifer Spencer), Joel Rafuse (Stephanie Van’t Hof), Gary and Randall Rafuse. Siblings; Reta Rafuse, Angeline MacDonald, Belle Rafuse, Gerald Rafuse, Winnie Evanston, Frank Rafuse, Thomas Sauber, Calvin Rafuse, Donald Rafuse, Betty Eisnor, Connie Penney. There are several nieces and nephews who will also miss him as well as staff at HVH. Roby worked at various jobs throughout his life, some of which include working in the tobacco fields of Ontario, as a labourer in Northern Ontario and Labrador, and in his latter working years, in various sawmills as well as a woodsman throughout Lunenburg County. He is probably most remembered as the “Big R”, his trucker handle, when he drove transport trucks for companies such as Coastal, Hartlen’s and Tank Lines. He often reminisced about his many excursions, of course, making them sound very entertaining and far larger than life. After retirement, Roby enjoyed fishing and story-telling, the latter of which he will be remembered for telling many “believe it or not” whoppers. He could stretch a story farther than most. His ponies, Joker and Toga were his passion for many years and he could often be seen helping community members plough their gardens and or haul wood from their woodlots. Funeral service will be held 2 p.m. Monday, July 23, in Parkdale Community Cemetery, Parkdale, Pastor Steven Hiltz officiating. A reception at the Parkdale Maplewood Community Center will follow. If desired, memorial donations may be made to Harbour View Haven Bus Fund or Parkdale Community Cemetery. No flowers or visitation at the funeral home by request. Funeral services are under the direction of Sweeny’s Funeral Home, New Germany where on-line condolences or memories may be made by visiting www.sweenysfuneralhome.com.