Obituary of Robert "Bob" James Loftus White

It is with great sadness the family announces the peaceful passing of Robert (Bob) James Loftus White 86 of Halifax Nova Scotia on August 2nd 2024. Born in Montreal and raised primarily in Moncton and eventually Halifax (Rockingham). Bob attended high school at St. Mary's College, then continued on to complete his Bachelor of Arts at Saint Mary's in 1960 and his Law degree at Dalhousie University in 1963 and was admitted to the bar of Nova Scotia in 1965. Bob served with the Royal Canadian Naval Reserve through his university years, being commissioned a Sub Lieutenant in 1959, an experience he treasured for many years and spoke often of, gaining leadership roles while practicing as a military lawyer and seeing the world. He began his legal career with the federal government in Ottawa and eventually moved to Fredericton where he was called to the bar in November, 1967. He then moved to New Glasgow, joining the firm MacKay, Parker and White and began his work in private practice, eventually establishing a partnership firm of his own. He was appointed to the Family Court of Nova Scotia in 1982/1983 and retired in 2003 however he continued to work for several years in a supernumerary capacity. Bob spent a great amount of his retirement years on cruise ships around the world, visiting many exotic locations. Bob was always happiest on the waves with his loving wife Doreen. Long known as the official life of any party - his family and friends remember many good times and laughter throughout the years. He loved all things Scottish from organizing the Festival of the Tartans to curling and golfing. He was a longtime member of the Abercrombie Golf Club in New Glasgow and enjoyed playing throughout his world travels which included Myrtle Beach, the Okanagan, and at the home of golf the old course at St. Andrews, Scotland. He had a passion for politics and public service and one of his favourite roles was as a Policy Advisor to the Minister of Regional Economic Expansion from 1979–1980 working with his former law partner Honourable Minister Elmer MacKay in the Joe Clark administration. He was committed to community service throughout his life with leadership roles at Summer Street Industries, Big Brothers/Big Sisters, and was a member of the Keith Lodge of Free Masons serving as master for a term (Stellarton) and served on a federal board. He relished his role as a grandfather to his three grandsons, attending hockey games of Wiliams’ and visiting Jun and Koukie in Japan as well as welcoming his first granddaughter Rosie in May. Bob is survived by daughter Stephanie Nickerson (Mark), Halifax and son Michael White (Erika) Fukuoka, Japan, son Robert White (Kayla), Halifax and daughter Sydney White (Joe) Stanchel PEI and beloved grandsons William Nickerson, Toronto, Jun White and Koukie White, Fukuoka, Japan and granddaughter Rosie, Halifax as well as his special little feline friends Douggie and Cooper and his brother Brian White, Halifax as well as his nieces and nephews. Bob is predeceased by his beloved wife Doreen White, father James White, mother Frances White and sister Beverly Smith. The family wishes to extend our sincere gratitude to the wonderful staff of the ICU at the Halifax infirmary for their compassion and support during this difficult time and wish to acknowledge Dr Volker Eichorn and Nurse Ameilia Pennington and Nurse Breanna Pope for their above and beyond service. Bobs memorial service will be Friday August 9th at the H.W. Angus Funeral Home in New Glasgow with visitation at 2pm followed by his funeral at 3pm. Donations can be made in his name to Summer Street industries.