Obituary of Hugh Robert Colford

It is with profound sadness that we share the passing of Hugh Robert "Bob" Colford of Fredericton, N.B. on Monday, November 30, 2020 at Hospice House in Fredericton. Born on May 10, 1939 he was the son of the late Hugh and Mabel (Tucker) Colford.

Bob hailed from Weaver Siding, N.B. but settled in Fredericton as a young man with the love of his life and best friend, Myrtle (Ferris) Colford, his wife of 56 years.

A quiet “gentle giant” Bob had a passion for cars, working in the outdoors and fixing whatever his family was convinced couldn’t be repaired. He cherished his coffee time with his mates at the local Tim’s and quiet puzzle time with his grandchildren.

On his retirement from Hazen Thomas Construction, he had the opportunity to travel with his sweetheart. Winters in Florida were a highlight because he hated to be cold. The journey south was as exciting for Bob as the ultimate destination. Fondly referred to by family and friends as the “Routeman” he could recite from memory the route number of any highway or road previously travelled.

Bob was a family man at heart, his most treasured moments being those spent with family. In 2007 he earned the title “Grampy” and he wore it with pride, always there with a hug and a smile for his grandchildren.

In addition to his wife, Bob is survived and will be deeply missed by his daughters, Krista Colford (Ross Chandler) of Fredericton, N.B. and Stephanie Gallant (Shane) of Halifax, N.S. and four grandchildren, Aidan and Morgan Chandler, Sophia and Jane Gallant; sister, Bernice O’Keefe of Fredericton, N.B.; brother, Simon Colford (Lorna) of Fredericton, N.B.; sisters in law, Lavina Jean Colford of Bathurst N.B. and Peggy Colford of Blissfield N.B; brother in law, Peter Shewciw of Fredericton, N.B. and several nieces and nephews.

Bob was predeceased by his parents, sisters Mary Colford, Elizabeth Robichaud (Ned), Hilda Merrill (Walter), Esther Shewciw and Louise Jones (Alden); brothers, John, Burton, Bernard and Vincent Colford; and brother in law, Mike O’Keefe.

Special thanks to the doctors and nurses of the Coronary Care Unit at the Chalmers Hospital and Hospice House for the compassion and care they provided to Bob over the last several weeks. Our family is forever grateful.

Due to Covid restrictions there will be a Celebration of Life by invitation only at York Funeral Home's T. Gordon MacLeod Memorial Chapel on Friday, December 4, 2020 at 2:00 pm with Father Maria Arokiam Chinnapan officiating. The service can also be viewed through the funeral home's website (Funeral Webcast). Interment will take place in Sunny Bank Cemetery at a later date. For those who wish, donations may be made to Hospice House Fredericton (Palliative Care Resource Network Inc.) or a charity of the donor's choice. Personal condolences may be offered through www.yorkfh.com