Obituary of Robert Frederick Charles Mercer

October 8, 1941 - Grand Falls, Newfoundland

October 24, 2023 - Calgary, Alberta

Bob Mercer, beloved husband of Beatrice (Dolly) Mercer (nee Janes) of Calgary, AB, passed away on Tuesday, October 24, 2023, at the age of 82 years.

Bob was born in Grand Falls, NL on October 8, 1941, and married Dolly in 1960.

Bob started his insurance career in Grand Falls as a branch manager and very quickly worked his way up to Vice President with a transfer to Calgary in 1981. He graduated with insurance designation in FIIC and CIB.

He was an avid reader of non-fiction books, was very interested in current events, loved classical music, was self-taught in playing the piano, and was a strong believer in education.

In Bob’s younger years, he enjoyed outdoor activities such as hunting, fishing, trapping, and snowmobiling. He spent endless days with his like-minded long-time friends, Milton, Glen, Fred, and Tom, at the cabin they built in Labrador. Many stories were shared of how snowmobiles fell through ice, the trick of getting an extra ounce of rum from a bottle, and the demise of shrews getting into their belongings.

He was an active volunteer member of the Lions Club and Block Watch, where he met many lifetime friends.

Bob accomplished much through his life and was particularly proud of his children and grandchildren.

His passion for politics often led to lively debates with family and friends, and even letter writing to countless politicians; some of whom he is still waiting for a response.

Bob and Dolly had numerous memorable vacations, including two camping trips across Canada with their young family. His love for travel and driving was shared with his grandchildren, where they often took them on their road trips. When he retired, Bob and Dolly were snowbirds, travelling annually to Yuma, Arizona where they met numerous new friends. He will be most remembered for his kindness, warm-hearted soul, and humorous storytelling.

Bob is much loved and will be deeply missed by his family. Besides his loving wife, Bob is survived by his one daughter and son-in-law, Debra Mercer and Garland Baker of Calgary, AB; two sons and one daughter-in-law, Keith and Dawn Mercer of Caroline, AB, and Robert Jr. (partner Mai Nguyet) of Hanoi, Vietnam; grandchildren, Brandon Baker, Ashley Baker, both of Calgary, AB, Michael Mercer of Whitehorse, YT, and Helen Mercer of Hanoi, Vietnam; and step-grandson Steven Gordon of Bonnyville, AB.

Bob is also survived by his three brothers and four sisters-in-law, Roger (Marilyn), Don (Barbara), Derek Mercer (Maureen), and Karen Mercer of Grand Falls-Windsor, NL; two sisters, Louise Rice (partner Ches Dowden) of St John’s, NL, and Barbara Pinsent of Grand Falls-Windsor, NL; as well as numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

Bob was predeceased by parents George and Lena Mercer; brother George Mercer; and brothers-in-law, Bob Rice and Neh Pinsent.

Funeral Services will be held at McInnis & Holloway (Chapel of the Bells, 2720 Centre Street N, Calgary, AB T2E 2V6) on Monday, November 6, 2023, at 2:30 p.m. Reception to follow in the Hospitality Centre at the Funeral Home. Family and friends who are unable to attend in person are invited to join Bob’s service streamed live (see below) on the day of the service. For those who are unable to view live, a recording of the service will be posted. Condolences, memories, and photos may be shared and viewed with Bob’s family here.

In lieu of flowers, memorial tributes in Bob’s honour may be made directly to the Heart & Stroke Foundation of Alberta, 200, 119 – 14th Street N.W., Calgary, AB T2N 1Z6 Telephone: (403) 264-5549, www.heartandstroke.ca.

In living memory of Robert (Bob) Mercer, a tree will be planted in the Ann & Sandy Cross Conservation Area by McInnis & Holloway Funeral Homes, Chapel of the Bells, 2720 Centre Street North, Calgary, AB T2E 2V6, Telephone: 403-243-8200.

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