Obituary of Robert Colpitts

With great sadness the family of Robert “Bob” Merle Colpitts of Fredericton, NB, beloved husband of Eva (Cranton) Colpitts, announces his passing on Sunday, January 12, 2014 at the Dr. Everett Chalmers Regional Hospital, Fredericton, NB. Born on May 2, 1933 at Colpitts Settlement, Albert County, NB, he was the son of the late Leigh and Annie (Fenton) Colpitts. Bob worked with the New Brunswick Department of Agriculture for 35 years, retiring as director of the Animal Industry Branch. He graduated from the Nova Scotia Agriculture College, Truro, NS, and McGill University (MacDonald College, 1958) with a B.Sc. in Agriculture. During his career he was a member of the Canadian Society of Animal Science, Director of the Atlantic Winter Fair, Halifax, NS, and the Fredericton Exhibition. He served as Secretary-Treasurer for the NB Hereford Association, NB Angus Association, NB Fairs and Exhibitions Association, and NB Livestock Breeders Co. Ltd. He was also Manager of the NB Provincial Livestock Show. He was the recipient of the James Rob Award for significant contributions to Agriculture over his lifetime. He was appointed to the Board of Directors of the Farm Credit Corporation, a member of the Atlantic Agriculture Hall of Fame, and named to the Canadian Hereford Honor Roll – the first non-farmer to receive this award in recognition of his contribution to the advancement of the Hereford Breed in Canada. Throughout his life he was actively involved in various organizations including, Nashwaaksis United Church, where over the years, he served on several committees, led Youth Group, and taught Sunday School. He was a volunteer at York Care Centre for 18 years. Bob enjoyed travelling, people and above all cherished time spent with his family. He was very proud of his four grandchildren. In addition to his wife, Bob is survived by his children, Anne (Guy Vézina), Robert Leigh and Bruce (Nancy); grandchildren, Claire and Lucie Vézina, Chandler and James Colpitts; sisters, Eleanor Thibodeau (Paul), Clara Black and Neva Norman (Gus); brother, Grant Colpitts (Janet); sisters in law, Jacqueline Colpitts and Kay MacDonald (Fraser); brother in law, Gordon Cranton (Betty); several nieces, nephews and cousins. Besides his parents, Bob was predeceased by his infant son, Allison; brother, Maurice Colpitts, and brother in law, Gordon Black, Visitation will take place at York Funeral Home, 302 Brookside Drive on Wednesday, January 15, 2014 from 2-4 and 7-9 pm. A Memorial Service will take place at Nashwaaksis United Church, 46 Main Street, Fredericton, NB on Thursday, January 16, 2014 at 2 pm with Rev. J. D. Kennedy officiating assisted by Rev. Gil MacKenzie; followed by a reception. Interment will take place in Colpitts Community Cemetery at a later date. For those who wish, remembrances may be made to Nashwaaksis United Church, Canadian Diabetes Association or the New Brunswick Heart and Stroke Foundation. Personal condolences may be offered through www.yorkfh.com