Robert Rudderham

It is with sadness and peaceful hearts that we announce the passing of, Robert (Bob) Gordon Rudderham, P.Eng., at the age of 87, at the Camp Hill care facility in Halifax, NS on April 9, 2019, after a long illness. Bob was born February 22, 1932, in Sydney, NS, and he lived most of his life in beautiful Point Edward, Cape Breton. Bob was predeceased by his parents Gordon and Dorothy (Cameron), his wife Elizabeth (Betty) Anne (Wells), his siblings Sam, Jerry and Anna (Taylor) and Bob and Betty’s 8th child Susan Christine. Bob is survived by his brother Rowe, his seven children; John (Jean), Cathy (Joel Smith), David (Charlene), Paul (Eva), Thomas (Judy), Ellen (Charles Gaudet), and Joseph (Shelley). As well, Bobby, as he was known to his grandchildren, is survived by 18 grandchildren; Chelsea, Robert, David, Oliver, Elizabeth, Jordan, Corey (Marlena), James, Tara (Jerome Pelletier), Brianne, Adrianna, Michaela, Joseph, Stéphane, Sam, Jennah, Melanie (Aziz Alfadli), and Meghan (Ray Hopwood) as well as great-grandchildren Skye, Lincoln, London, Sami, Sana, Macey and Walker. Bob graduated from TUNS with a Bachelor of Electrical Engineering within the ROTP, and later received a Bachelor of Education degree from St. FX. At the beginning of his career, Bob served in the Armed Forces as a Captain in Air Force where he and Betty began their family. Their eight children were born across Canada and in 1972 they settled into their family home in Point Edward, Cape Breton. Much of Bob’s career was in the Education field where held the position of Vice Principal of NSEIT and completed his career (retiring in 1991) as Dean of Technology and Trades, University College of Cape Breton. Bob loved his children and took great pride in helping to nurture his grandchildren. Bob loved his garden and could be found most summers on his knees for hours weeding the vegetable rows and trying to get John, Cathy, Dave, Paul, Tom, Ellen and Joe to pitch in on the almost acre sized vegetable garden. With his many friends, Bob also enjoyed playing cards including Bridge, 45’s and the Cape Breton favorite, Tarabish. Bob was a kind man and true gentleman in every sense of the word. He also had a wonderful sense of humor and was renowned for his one-liners. We will all miss you ‘Saint’ Bob and we will always remember the kindness and dedication you showed and taught throughout your life. The family will be hosting a Celebration of Life event in Point Edward on June 22nd in honour of both Bob and Betty. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations be made to the Alzheimer’s Society in memory of Bob.