Robert Francis Doyle

Robert F. ‘Lefty’ Doyle
New Waterford

It is with broken hearts that we announce the passing of a beloved husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle, friend, Robert F. Doyle, 66, on March 2, 2021, after a courageous battle with multiple cancers. Robert passed away peacefully, with his loving wife Marie, and his son Joseph, who never left his side.

Born on February 10, 1955, he was the son of the late Dennis and Margaret (Roach) Doyle.

Robert worked for 20 years in the coal mines of his beloved home town. After the closure of the mines, Robert moved to Alberta and worked many years in the oil patch, retiring in 2017 to his much-loved New Waterford, where he made a new life with his best friend and true soul mate Marie Wilcox.

Robert loved family and friends. He loved long drives with Marie, especially in his Tacoma. He enjoyed fishing, whiskey, and a good cigar. He was a faithful fan of the Boston Red Sox and New York Islanders. One thing he and Marie did regularly was dance. Could he dance … many have enjoyed watching him whether he danced with a partner or alone, as long as he could dance. His favorite little dancing partner was his grand daughter Blake, who he absolutely adored. Robert had many ‘happy’ places, whether it was the cove watching seals, or sitting around a bonfire in the yard, smoking a good cigar in the Gazebo, or an afternoon at Jim and Debbie Quigley’s oasis. He was a man who enjoyed the most simplest things, as long as he was with family and friends.

Robert had two sides, he either loved you or he didn’t. Either way, you knew it. He never passed an opportunity to say “ I love you “ and he meant it. His final words to Marie and Joseph were exactly that .. I love you. He had the most beautiful smile that always warmed your heart. He was a man of great humor and story telling qualities.

Robert is survived by his loving partner Marie Wilcox, sons Joseph (Michelle) New Waterford, Terrance, Alberta; grandchildren Blake and Julyssa; siblings Roger (Wendy), Raymond (Olivia), Judy (Lenny), Margaret Ann, Paul (Cathy), Theresa (Rick), Patrick; sisters in law Marilyn and Helen. Robert had a close relationship with Marie’s sons Gary and Jonathan, and their children. He has numerous nieces and nephews who he loved dearly and were all very special to him. Also, many great friends, especially Jim, Debbie, and Dave, who where always there when needed.

Besides his parents, he was pre-deceased by his siblings Dennis, Brady, Terry, Phyllis, David.

Robert’s final wishes were to be cremated and brought back home until we were tired of having him around – his words. Part of his reasoning was he wanted to be here for us as a support mechanism, the other part was he was not ready to leave this world and wanted to be with his family forever. So, it is safe to say, he will always be with us.

Robert fought hard and never gave up. Even in his final days and hours, his words, humour, wit and compassion for those he loved is evidence of the quality of human being he was. During his difficult journey, Robert was blessed with the most caring team of professionals who always went above and beyond our expectations, always treating him with dignity, compassion, respect, and professionalism. We give special thanks to Dr. O. Obadan, Dr. Jonathan Hebb, Dr. Kate MacInnis, Tracy Brown NP, Hematology Dept, ICU, Palliative Care, and many more.

Everyone who knew Robert is asked to celebrate his life in their own way. Raising a glass of their choice in his memory would be quite fitting especially if your choice is whiskey.

Cremation has taken place. Visitation will be on Saturday, March 6, 2021, from 12-1pm. A private family chapel service will take place at 1pm, officiated by Father Peter McLeod. Masks and social distancing are required.

“Rapped Up”

Funeral arrangements are under the direction of McLellan Brothers Funeral Home, 3183 Plummer Ave, New Waterford, 902-862-7500.