The death of Robert Lloyd Willis occurred on November 17th at the Chaleur Regional Hospital in Bathurst, following a brief hospitalization. He was 80 years of age.

Born in Bathurst, he was the son of the late Lloyd E. Willis and Lillian (Perley) Willis. He attended the University of New Brunswick and worked at Oromocto High School, where he taught for many years. He was a strong supporter of mathematics education through his work with national level organizations. He was also involved in the school’s hockey program where he coached the team to success at interprovincial tournaments.

He is survived by his sister, Natalie Reid (Gary) of Vancouver, BC; his niece and nephews, Adam Reid (Tanya) of Vancouver, BC, Patrick Reid (Sarah) of Squamish, BC, and Rebecca Reid of Vancouver, BC; his grandnephew and grandnieces, Margaret Reid of Vancouver, BC, Gabrielle Reid of Squamish, BC, Clara Reid of Vancouver, BC, and Cameron Reid of Squamish, BC.

Robert, or “Bob” to many, divided his time between Fredericton and his cottage on Youghall Beach in Bathurst. He was deeply involved with both Wilmot United Church in Fredericton and First United Church in Bathurst, where he loved singing in the choirs. A lifelong music enthusiast, he attended many symphony performances and concerts with friends who shared his passion. You would often find him sitting at the piano, filling the room with the familiar melodies of his favorite hymns. He also volunteered his time in support of the campus ministry at UNB.

Bob was deeply committed to his teaching career and to the success of his students. Over the years, many former students would greet him warmly on the streets of Fredericton to express their gratitude.

He had a warm, kind, and generous spirit, and he loved chatting with neighbours, friends, and family to catch up on the latest news. He had a sharp mind that never missed a detail, date, or weather forecast.

Bob loved sitting for hours on his deck in the sunshine and peace, watching the ebb and flow of the tide on the Baie des Chaleurs and a beloved chocolate Labrador racing along the sandbars. He also had an impressive collection of bears that he proudly shared—a collection enjoyed by many over the years. He was known for doing small acts of kindness at any time of day or night, whether delivering newspapers to a neighbour’s door or returning a garbage bin up the driveway.

He was dearly loved and will be dearly missed.

A funeral service and celebration of life will be held at a later date in 2026. To be informed of the details, please contact: robert.willis.nb@outlook.com