Obituary of John Robert Marr

With reflection on a life well lived, the family of John Robert Marr of Quispamsis, New Brunswick announce his sudden passing on Nov. 10 th, 2024 at the Saint John Regional Hospital.

A lifelong resident of the Kennebecasis Valley, John was born on Dec. 25, 1931 to Robert and Elsie (née Bishop) Marr. He graduated from Rothesay Consolidated School in 1948 and went to work for SMT for two years. After graduation, he attended Modern Business College and then joined Fraser Brace Construction in St. Anthony, Newfoundland where he met his wife, Margaret. They were married there in 1952 and moved to New Brunswick shortly after where he began work for the Canadian Pacific Railway – first in the CP Express Trucking Division, then in the accounting office, and finally as a union rep and lead negotiator on behalf of his union colleagues before his retirement in 1993.

John is survived by his wife of 72 years, Margaret (née Patey); his three children, David (Daniela), Linda Batt and Beth McCann (Tim); grandchildren, Angela Marr (Harrison), Peter Batt (Kelly), Amy Batt, Craig Murphy (Megan), James Murphy (McKenzie), and Adriana Onita (Martin); great grandchildren, Sophia, Hunter, Madison and Rafael; daughter-in-law, Dawn Marr; and nephew, Bob Cosman (Diana). John was predeceased by his parents, Robert and Elsie;
sister and brother-in-law, Marion and George Cosman; and son-in-law, Jim Batt.

A keen sportsman, John participated in many activities throughout his lifetime including soccer and hockey during school days, and bowling, golf and curling throughout his adult life. He completed his last round of golf on Oct. 25, 2024 at the Hampton Golf Course at the age of 92, where he was a member for several decades. He was awarded a lifetime membership at the Hampton Curling Club in his ninetieth year. Two of his personal accomplishments include a hole-in-one on the golf course and an eight-ender in the curling rink. John could often be found in the hockey stands cheering on the Flames, Sea Dogs and Vitos. John also served as a volunteer ambulance driver in his early days, and took pride in his experience volunteering with the World Curling Championship when it was held in Saint John. He was a competitive card player, avid reader and seasoned traveller, visiting many places in Canada, the US and Europe with Margaret. He enjoyed many strong friendships over the years thanks to his hobbies and interests. But, he received the most joy from his children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren, whose accomplishments brought him so much pride and happiness.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Kennebecasis Community Funeral Home, where visitation will take place at Brenan’s Funeral Home, 111 Paradise Row, Saint John, (506-634-7424) on Wednesday, November 13, 2024, from 2-4 p.m. and 6-8 p.m. A celebration of John’s life will be held on Thursday, November 14, 2024, at 2:30 p.m. at Brenan’s Funeral Home Chapel. Internment will take place at Rothesay Baptist Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in his memory to the Heart and Stroke Foundation or a charity of the donor’s choice. Online condolences may be made at www.kennebecasisfh.com