Obituary of Robert Alexander Fox

   Robert Alexander Fox

March 26, 1937 - December 12, 2024

 Newtown, Inverness Co., NS

It is with great sadness that we announce the peaceful passing of Robert Alexander Fox on Thursday, December 12, 2024, which occurred at home with his family by his side, at the age of 87. Born on March 26, 1937, in Port Hastings, Cape Breton, Robert was the eldest son of Margaret (Davis) and John Robert Fox. A beloved husband, father, grandfather, and respected member of his community, Robert lived a life rich in hard work, adventure, and dedication to his family and business.

Robert's early years were filled with the simple joys of Cape Breton life. He grew up on Route 19 alongside his three sisters and one brother, where he learned the value of hard work and self-reliance. As a young boy, Robert set traps to catch rabbits and lobster traps for extra income, a testament to his entrepreneurial spirit from an early age.

After completing his education in Port Hastings and Port Hawkesbury, Robert embarked on a career that would span several decades and industries. He began his professional journey with the engineers working on the construction of the Canso Canal in 1954, where he tested concrete used in the project. He later pursued a degree in surveying at the Survey School in Lawrencetown, earning his Provincial Land Surveyor license in 1958. Robert worked with the Department of Highways in various locations across Nova Scotia, including Amherst, Dartmouth, Stewiacke, and North River, contributing significantly to the development of the province's infrastructure.

In 1964, Robert married the love of his life, Yvonne, and together they built a successful family business. After purchasing a backhoe and truck, Robert founded Robert A. Fox Backhoe Excavating Contractor. He left his job with the Department of Highways in 1968 to focus on his expanding business, and in the same year, he co-founded Norvon Enterprises Ltd. with his friend Richard MacIver (the Norvon name was cleverly a combination of wives Noreen and Yvonne’s names). Robert later formed additional businesses, including Port Hastings Auto Glass, Long Pond Salvage, and the Tilden Rent-A-Car franchise. His keen eye for investment also led to the creation of D & R Fox Ltd. and Mack Motors Ltd. with his son Derrick.

He was blessed to have dedicated employees who stuck with him throughout his years in business and with Derrick after his retirement. He enjoyed keeping tabs on the jobs that they were on and the machines that they were running on the day-to-day. He would often come to the shop to share coffee and laughs with the men.

Robert was an avid traveler and adventurer who loved the open road. While he earned his pilot's license in the 1970s, he preferred exploring by car, enjoying countless miles across North America. Whether it was a spontaneous U-turn to investigate a backyard full of equipment or a planned road trip to antique car shows in the U.S. and Canada, Robert was always seeking new experiences. His passion for classic cars and machinery was evident in his membership with the Owl’s Head Transportation Museum in Maine, where he and Yvonne attended numerous events over the years.

One of Robert's proudest accomplishments was his deep love for his family. He cherished his children, Derrick and Michelle, and their spouses, Loretta and Craig, and took great joy in the arrival of his grandchildren, Jessica, Allie, and Stephen. He was an active supporter of their lives, always offering his love, wisdom, and encouragement. He also had a quiet but lasting presence in the community, supporting local events and organizations, including his long-standing membership with Solomon Lodge #46.

In his later years, Robert fulfilled a lifelong dream by traveling to Ireland and crossing Canada by train. He and Yvonne even drove to the Alaskan Highway and back, cementing their status as true road trip enthusiasts.

Robert will be remembered for his boundless curiosity, his work ethic, and his unwavering love for his family. He leaves behind a legacy of entrepreneurship, adventure, and kindness. He was a true Cape Bretoner, proud of his roots and always ready to share his knowledge and stories with those around him.

Robert is survived by his wife, Yvonne; his children, Derrick (Loretta) and Michelle (Craig Hopkins); his grandchildren, Jessica, Allie, and Stephen; his brother, Willam (Mary Anne), and many extended family members, friends, and business associates who were touched by his generosity and spirit.  He was pre-deceased by his three sisters, Lois, Isabel and Beverley.

A visitation will be held on Sunday, December 15^th from 2-4 and 6-8 p.m. in Dennis Haverstock Funeral Home, 724 Granville St., Port Hawkesbury.  Funeral service will be held on Monday, December 16th at 11a.m. in St. David’s United Church, Port Hastings, with Sandi Irving officiating. Burial to follow in St. David’s Cemetery. Port Hastings.

The Fox family would like to express our deepest gratitude to Dad’s carers and healthcare team:  Dr. Glenn Gallivan, Caroline Latimer, Paul Lane, Miriam Ibrahim Omolayo, Blessing Oby Onwubuoya, Lana MacNeil and the Continuing Care and Palliative Care Teams of Nova Scotia.

 In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Robert's memory to Strait Area Museum, Port Hastings or a charity of your choice. Robert will be greatly missed by all who knew him, but his legacy of hard work, adventure, and love will live on in the hearts of his family and friends.

Words of comfort may be forwarded to the family at: www.haverstocks.com

"Rest in peace", Robert Alexander Fox. Your journey has ended, but your impact will be felt forever.