Robert Watson Mundell, Leading Seaman, RCN / C.A.F. (Navy)

In memory of those who have Crossed the Bar

Robert Watson Mundell

Leading Seaman, 44240-H, RCN / C.A.F. (Navy)

Died: 27 May 2022, London, Ontario

MUNDELL, Robert Watson - The family of Robert Watson Mundell regretfully announce his passing at the University Hospital in London, Ont on May 27, 2022. He was fighting multiple health challenges in his 84th year of life and he is sadly missed by his son and daughter in law, daughter, grandchildren, siblings, friends and extended family. Robert fondly reminisced on his early life in Barrington, NS. He loved his family spending countless hours crawling through local fields and forests to bring home his catch. Robert was always outdoors and was ready for the challenges of the Royal Canadian Navy, enlisting in 1959. He served on some of Canada's finest Naval vessels and toured the world as a young man. On a weekend leave to Digby’s finest dance hall Robert met his future wife and life long partner Vera Louise (née Parry). They married in April of 1963 in Digby, NS. They finished Robert’s 10 years of service and moved to Sarnia, Ontario for his career in petrochemicals that would support Robert’s family and eventual retirement. These years in Sarnia, Robert began to explore his writing abilities. A found poem in a lunch box, stuck on the fridge or hidden spot to be found later. Robert began to write songs and recorded his first one man show with Vera as his camera woman and shot in his home studio. His children recall him singing through the house, such titles as “Lord it's hard to be humble” and maybe a Hank Williams song or two. He loved playing the guitar and organ, he taught himself how to use the computer at work, soon typing all his writings and handing them out to the lucky person or place he felt needed to be recorded in verse. His writings and songs were received across Canada and his songs recorded by himself and others. His first $5.00 SOCAN cheque remains for posterity. Upon retirement in 1995, Robert and Vera returned to Barrington to build a home on Bob’s parents' former cow pasture. Robert went on to act in local plays and volunteered for many local seniors centers, boards and non-profits. He may best be known for his Remembrance day performances of his own poems and songs as tribute to Canada's service men and women. A celebration of Robert’s life will be held on July 23rd, 2022 from 1 pm to 4 pm at the Wesley Heritage Community Seniors Association 2280 Highway 3 Barrington, Nova Scotia. Donations in lieu of flowers can be made to The Good will Club of Barrington NS or the Riverdale cemetery Association of Barrington NS. (The Saltwire Network 02 Jun 2022)

Ships served in:

HMCS BUCKINGHAM - Served in BUCKINGHAM in 1960

HMCS CAPE SCOTT - Served in CAPE SCOTT Nov 1960 - Jan 1964

HMCS BONAVENTURE - Served in BONAVENTURE 1967-1969