Obituary of Robert Finley Brittain

Through an emotional contradiction of profound sadness and uplifting joy we announce the passing of Robert Finley Brittain on Monday, 26 October, 2015. An incredible man, loving Grampie, supportive father, and devoted husband, Bob is survived by his forever-caring wife of 45 years, Mary Lou (MacGillivray). Born on 13 January, 1948, Bob was the son of the late William and Patricia (Bond) Brittain and spent his youth playing, growing, and developing his character in the Rifle Range of Saint John’s North End. A proud graduate and avid athlete of Saint John High School (Class of 1967), Bob cherished his memories and relationships with those he grew-up with and was quick to share reflections on these formative years. Alongside thirty-five years of service to the Canadian Government through his work with Revenue Canada, Bob was most engaged in supporting those throughout his community. A longtime and well-respected leader within Scouts Canada, Bob helped shape the lives of countless young men through his activities in Cubs and Scouting. A devout Catholic, Bob spent much of his adult life serving in various ministries related to the Church including Romero House, New Dawn Players, L’Arche, Marriage Encounter, numerous parish ministries at Our Lady of Perpetual Help [Rothesay], St. Alphonsus [Hampton], St. Mark’s [Quispamsis], and, alongside Mary Lou, was a longtime Catechist and proponent of youth ministry. In addition to his beloved Mary Lou, Bob is survived by his two sons Andrew Alan (Erin) Brittain and James Jeremiah (Sarah) Brittain and his three cherished grandchildren Andrew, Emma, and Grace. A brother to Ken Brittain, William Brittain, and Sandra (Brittain) Hatfield, Bob was dually thankful for his relationship, through marriage, with Andrew MacGillivray (Bonnie Williams), John (Carol) MacGillivray, Anne (Mark) O’Brien, Jim (Lori) MacGillivray, Larry (Jane) MacGillivray and a proud uncle to eighteen nieces and nephews. It is most prudent to extend a heartfelt thanks to the plethora of people who supported Bob throughout his struggle with Cancer, especially the dedication displayed through the efforts of Dr. S. Eshwar Kumar, Dr. S. Gray, Dr. A. Kristofferson, Dr. J. Hemmings, and the exceedingly exemplary work of the Extra Mural Program. Resting at Brenan's Funeral Home, 111 Paradise Row, Saint John, with visiting on Wednesday, 28 October from 7 to 9 PM and Thursday, 29 October from 2 to 8 PM. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated from St. Mark’s Catholic Church, 171 Pettingill Rd, Quispamsis, on Friday, 30 October at 10:00 AM. Interment will take place in Holy Cross Cemetery following the reception after the funeral