Obituary of Robert Bruce Mercer

Our beloved father, Robert Bruce Mercer (85) of Beavertail Basin, Labelle, NS passed away peacefully with his family by his side on December 19, 2023.

Born November 29, 1938, in Halifax he was the oldest of 5 children to Robert Gerald Mercer and Bessie (Cooper) Mercer.  He was predeceased by his parents, his brother Gerald and loving wife Dorothy Mercer.  He is survived by his brother Senator Terry Mercer (Ellen); sisters, Colleen MacDonald (Robert); Paulette Clark (Robert); his children, Kim Mercer, Karen Mills (Mark), Krista Temple (Craig) and Scott (Jean).   He will be greatly missed by his 7 adoring grandchildren, James, Daniel, Jeffrey, Victoria, Bradley, Dawson, Christoper and 4 great grandchildren, Chloe, Jaxon, Jacob and Isabel.

Dad grew up on Robie Street in Halifax. He joined the Royal Canadian Air Force regular service in 1958 to1988 as an aircraft mechanic.  Then continuing with the reserves until 1993. Dad was very proud of his 35 years of service, and he often cited his favourite saying, “We’re Naval Air and we don’t care”. Dad’s military life moved his family across Canada starting in Ottawa to Winnipeg, Greenwood and eventually back to Halifax. He worked extra jobs driving taxi and bartending at the Fairview legion to ensure his family didn’t go without.

He met the love of his life, Dot, at one of the many Mount St Vincent University dances he attended.  From that point on they married and danced their way through 62 years of life together. They will always be remembered for their love of dancing with each other.

Dad was blessed to enjoy 30 years of retirement spending the warmer months at Beavertail Basin and winters in Florida. During their travels and moves they made many lifelong friends. Dad loved his Friday, 4 o’clock ritual of visiting the dinosaur club, sharing his endless stories, jokes, and beers with his buddies. He was known for his generosity, helpfulness and of course having a Keith’s beer and cheering on his faithful Toronto Maple Leafs. Dad is now at peace and dancing with his love again.

The family would like to thank the Greenfield Fire Department First Responders and the amazing staff at the South Shore Regional Hospital, Bridgewater for their kindness, patience, and overall care for Dad. Funeral services will be held Thursday December 28, 2023, at 2 pm at St. Joseph Catholic Church, 123 Pleasant St, Bridgewater. Reception to follow at the church hall, and in the coming summer a Celebration of Life at his lake home. In lieu of flowers donations can be made to the Alzheimer’s Society of Canada.

Arrangements entrusted to Sweeny’s Funeral Home, 35 York Street, Bridgewater where on-line condolences and messages may be made by visiting: www.sweenysfuneralhome.com