Obituary of Robert Rice

With great sadness, the family announces the passing of Robert Eric Rice of Fredericton, NB on March 17, 2014 at the Dr. Everett Chalmers Regional Hospital after a brief illness. Survived by his loving wife Mary Jane (Griffin) Rice of 59 years, his daughter Sheila Ann (Bill) Flight of Burton, his son Robert W. (Dale) Rice of Edmonton and daughter Sandra Denise (Cheng San) Tan of Toronto. Lovingly remembered by his grandchildren, Robert and Daniel Flight, Myles and Lynnea Tan and great grandchildren Morgan and Caleb. He is survived by his sister Frances Miner of Boiestown. Predeceased by his parents Mina (Lyons) and Robert F. Rice of Boiestown, brothers, Frederick, Harold, Willard and Wendell and sisters, Jean Slane and Roberta McManus. Born and raised in Boiestown, NB, he joined the Royal Canadian Air Force in 1952. He trained as an Air Frame Technician and had a distinguished 31 year career with postings to Chatham, 2 Wing France, Greenwood, Gimli, Winnipeg and retired in Chatham, NB. During his military service he participated in many NATO deployments over the Atlantic including, Azores, Bermuda and Gibraltar patrolling the ocean during the Cold War years. After his retirement he served for seventeen years in the Corps Commissionaires, working at the New Brunswick Legislature, University of New Brunswick and provincial sites. He volunteered his time with the Canadian Red Cross. Known as Bob to his many friends, he lived life to the fullest. His family was his pride and joy and he traveled frequently to spend time with them. Throughout the years he shared with his children, his passions for the wilderness, fishing, hunting, and photography. As a grandfather he loved spending time with his grandchildren baking bread, picking berries, gathering fiddleheads by the river and building projects. His life time of kindness he extended to strangers who he would bring home for a family meal. Bob was always thinking of others, baking for friends and helping his neighbors. As a storyteller, he loved sharing to all, his life experiences based on his extensive world travels. He will be dearly missed by his family and all that knew him. The family wishes to thank the incredible nurses and doctors in the cardiac unit that worked with care and compassion to comfort him during his final days. A very special thank you to Dr. Louise Plant. Visitation will take place on Friday, March 21, 2014 between 7-9 pm. A celebration of his life and reception will be held on Saturday at 2:00 pm at York Funeral Home. Amongst family and friends we will share stories and remember our times with Bob together. Please bring or send a story to share. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Alzheimer Society, Diabetic Society or a charity of the donors choice. Personal condolences may be offered through www.yorkfh.com