Obituary of Robert Charles Grace

Robert "Bob" Charles Grace 83, Bridgewater, passed away on Monday, November 19, 2012 in Harbour View Haven Nursing Home, Lunenburg, where he had been residing. Born in Branch Lahave, he was a son of the late Keith and Jennie (Crouse) Grace. Bob grew up with his family in Branch Lahave, Lunenburg Co., and began his working days at a very young age. He worked in various lumber woods operations and was also heavily involved in the Christmas tree industry, in various parts of Nova Scotia. Bob worked as an employee of Acadian Gas Engines in Bridgewater before he started working at the White Rose Service Station on Lahave Street in Bridgewater, for the former owner, Russell Salter. Shortly thereafter, Bob purchased the business from Mr. Salter and became the “Bob” behind Bob’s Shell for some 45 years to follow. As anyone who has ever made acquaintance with Bob can attest, the sport of boxing was the passion and driving force behind Bob for most of his life. His professional boxing career spanned from 1948 to 1966. During this time Bob climbed through the ropes over 50 times. At one point he held the Maritime Welterweight championship title. As Mr. Wilf McCluskey is quoted to say “Bob Grace established himself as one of the rings finest boxers of his time.” “And during this era that was not a small accomplishment.” We remember Bob as a successful athlete and business man who always put his own wants and needs in second place behind others. Bob Grace was the perfect definition of a “Gentleman”. Surviving are his sister, Virginia (Earl) Seamone, Branch Lahave; brothers, Donald (Ann) Grace, Granville (Patsy) Grace, all of Bridgewater; William “Bill” (Karen) Grace, Truro; numerous nieces and nephews, especially his nephew who he considered his own, Rodney (Tina) Grace, Newcombville, Jenna and Matthew; special companion and caregiver, Mildred Zwicker, Hebbville. He was predeceased by his wife Kathleen; son, David in infancy; brothers, Lawrence Keith Grace, half brother, Dalton (Marjorie) Mailman. Visitation will be 7-9 p.m., Sunday, November 25, 2012 in Sweeny’s Funeral Home, Bridgewater. Funeral service 2 p.m., Monday, November 26 in St. Paul’s Lutheran Church, Bridgewater. Rev. Willis Ott officiating. Private family interment will be in Brookside Cemetery, Bridgewater. Family flowers only please, donations may be made to Kid Sport Nova Scotia, Lunenburg County Chapter, or to All Saints Lutheran Church, Newcombville. The family wishes to extend a very special thank you to the staff at Harbour View Haven, Lunenburg for the nurturing care and compassion they provided to Bob during his time there. On-line condolences may be made by visiting www.sweenysfuneralhome.com.