1941 – 2026
Robert “Bob” Gould of Riverview passed away peacefully on Tuesday, May 12, 2026, at The Moncton Hospital following a sudden but brief illness. Born in Ottawa, Ontario, he was the son of the late George and Ethel (née Roach) Gould.
Bob was, first and foremost, a devoted husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather whose life was defined by his quiet strength, deep love, and unwavering dedication to his family.
Bob was born on October 20, 1941, a day that would quietly mark the beginning of a life full of character, humor, and resilience. Growing up, he was known within his family as a bit of an instigator, always bringing comic relief and a mischievous spark to those around him. As a proud older brother, he was deeply admired by his younger siblings for his strength and caring nature. At just 17 years old, following the passing of his father in 1958, Bob stepped into a role far beyond his years. With his older siblings already gone from home, he became a steady presence, helping his mother care for and support the younger family members, a responsibility he carried with quiet determination and love.
His love story began in 1963 with what was meant to be a hitchhiking trip from Halifax to Miramichi to spend the weekend with a friend. A short stop in Moncton to rest his weary body, however, turned into a 63-year “pitstop” when he met a young woman named Lois. He was instantly smitten, and a lifelong love story began. Bob and Lois were married in 1965, starting their lives together in Halifax before returning to Riverview in 1968, where they built a home and a life together for the next 58 years.
Bob proudly served his country for eight years in the Royal Canadian Navy as a Leading Seaman aboard HMCS Gatineau. Following his honorable discharge, he built a successful career in grocery management with Sobeys, Co-op, and later with Bolands (IGA). He later transitioned into the printing industry, where he worked in management until his retirement in 2019 from Incolor. True to his nature, Bob was never one to sit still, continuing to work with the Canadian Corps of Commissionaires throughout Moncton well into his retirement years until 3 weeks ago.
Bob had a lifelong love of being on the road. Whether it was a quiet Sunday drive to nowhere in particular or heading south in his Class A motorhome, he found joy in the journey as much as the destination. He and Lois spent many winters exploring, first testing the waters in South Carolina before eventually spending several months each year discovering the back roads of Florida. Though they travelled widely, including trips to Amsterdam, Portugal, Barbados, Mexico, and across the southern United States, Bob’s favourite place was always home in New Brunswick, especially at the campground. He counted down the days until camping season, where simple pleasures like barbecued or campfire-roasted hot dogs brought him the greatest happiness.
At home, Bob found peace in nature. He was an avid bird watcher, happiest when receiving bags of birdseed at Christmas to care for the many feathered visitors he considered friends. His love of the outdoors extended to gardening, where he carefully started seedlings indoors each winter, eagerly anticipating the warmer days when he could tend to his flower beds. His yard was a source of pride and a reflection of his patience and care.
Bob was also known as the family’s “Mr. Fix-It.” If something needed building, repairing, staining, or improving, he was always the first to take it on. He spent countless hours in his workshop, happily puttering, fixing, cleaning, and creating.
Bob’s greatest joy was the blessing of his two children, Jennifer and Jason, of whom he was immensely proud. He cherished the many memories they created together on camping trips, summers at the cottage, and family travels. A devoted father, he never missed Jason’s hockey games and took great pride in watching Jennifer perform in recitals and band concerts. In later years, his heart grew even fuller as Jonathan and Christine joined the family, becoming “the other” son and daughter he loved just as deeply.
Above all, Bob’s greatest pride and joy was his family. For 26 years, he delighted in spoiling his grandchildren, always ready with a trip for ice cream, a stop at Tim Hortons, or access to his legendary stash of chocolate bars in the fridge….with one single rule: “help yourself, but don’t take them all”. Tim, Gregory, Kevin, Emily, and Jeremy were his world. He never missed an opportunity to support them, whether cheering from the stands at a hockey game or sitting proudly in an auditorium for a performance.
A man of faith, Bob was raised in the Catholic Church, serving as an altar boy in his youth. Later in life, he became a member of Gunningsville Baptist Church, where he was baptized and served faithfully on the Board of Management and as a Deacon.
Bob also had a special place in his heart for animals. While he often claimed to prefer dogs, he loved all the family pets. He shared a special bond with his dogs Mandy and Patch, always taking pride in grooming and walking them. But it was Max, the family cat, who quietly claimed Bob as his own, following him everywhere and forming a deep and lasting companionship.
Bob leaves behind a legacy of love, dedication, and simple joys. His life was a testament to the importance of family, hard work, faith, and finding happiness in the every day moments.
He will be missed and lovingly remembered by his wife of over 60 years, Lois Gould; daughter, Jennifer (Jonathan) Horsman; son, Jason (Christine) Gould; sisters, Patricia Scheben and Penelope (Bruce Lindsay) Gould; brother-in-law Mike Mongeau; grandchildren, Gregory (Ashley) Horsman, Emily Horsman, Tim Gould, Kevin Gould, and Jeremy Gould; great-grandchildren, Carter and Bentley; as well as his many nieces and nephews.
Aside from his parents, Bob was predeceased by his brothers, George and Gary; sisters, Mary Joy and Jennifer; father-in-law, Norman Cooke; and mother-in-law, Marjorie Cooke.
Bob’s family will be receiving relatives and friends on Friday, May 22, 2026, from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at Cobb’s Funeral Home and Cremation Center, 330 Whitepine Rd., Riverview (506-869-2007). A service in memory of Bob will take place on Saturday, May 23, 2026, at 1:00 p.m. at Cobb’s Funeral Home. Donations in his memory may be made to PAW or a charity of the donor’s choice.
Online sympathies can be expressed at www.cobbsfuneralhome.ca
