Obituary of Robert "Bob" A. Corbett
With heavy hearts but immense gratitude for the legacy of inspiration left behind, we share the news of the peaceful passing of Robert Alfred Corbett on Sunday, April 6, 2025, surrounded by love, at Fredericton Hospice House. Born December 14, 1938, in Saint John, he was the son of the late J. Ross and Helen (Yeamans) Corbett.
Robert’s lifelong love for adventure on the water began in childhood with nighttime excursions aboard tugboats, canoeing over the Beechwood dam as a teen, and reached full sail in adulthood when he twice crossed the Atlantic and competed in two Caribbean 1500 races – 12 days at sea, one of which he claimed victory in, thanks in part to a bit of luck and the timely interference of a hurricane.
A lifelong entrepreneur, Robert brought energy, vision, and determination to every venture he touched. He co-founded and operated the Gagetown Nursing Home, one of the first privately owned accredited nursing home facilities in the province, and over the years, launched and nurtured several successful business initiatives in his beloved home village. His drive to create and contribute never waned. After a brief stint in retirement, he decided - at the young age of 65 - to upgrade his résumé and delve into the world of marine surveying. Robert founded CanMar Marine Surveyors Ltd.—a company he built from the ground up and considered one of his proudest professional achievements. What made it even more special was the opportunity to work side-by-side with his youngest son, sharing not just business but mentorship and legacy.
Robert also thrived in the public arena, serving four years in the New Brunswick Legislature before being elected to the Federal Government, where he represented Fundy Royal for nearly 16 years. Despite the demands of business and politics, Robert invested in cultivating deep, lasting friendships, many of which endure to this day. His greatest joy, however, came from time spent - and memories made - with his very large and boisterous family. As a grandfather of 14 talented, brilliant and entertaining grandchildren, Robert was not above guilting or cajoling his five slightly less perfect children into visits and family gatherings. He was rarely disappointed. Laughter, songs, dancing and perhaps a few imbibements were always at hand with plenty a story etched in each one’s mind, the promise of future jokes and ribbing a surety.
Robert is survived by his children: Susan Corbett (Serge De Marco), Rivers Corbett, Robert Corbett (Carla McGee), Sarah Corbett (Yves Parent), and Ross Corbett (special daughter-in-law, Meredith Corbett); grandchildren: Jeremy, Jesse, Ashley, Jamie, Hailey, Garrett, Brady, Katelyn, Breanna, Ethan, Amy, Kullen, Kieran, and Kiyah; sister and closest ally, Margaret Ann Corbett; honorary sister, Helen Varney Burst; ex-wife, Laverne Welch; honorary son, Brian Crossman; dearest friend, Wilfred Hiscock; beloved feline companion, Oliver James; and step-sons, Jeffery and Jordan Arseneault.
Besides his parents, Robert was predeceased by his ex-wife, Margot Burke and his late wife Janet (Murphy) Corbett.
Arrangements are under the care and direction of Brenan’s Funeral Home, 111 Paradise Row, Saint John, NB (506-634-7424), where visitation will be held on Friday, April 11, 2025, from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 pm. A funeral service will be held on Saturday, April 12, 2025, at 2pm from Brenan’s Chapel. Those unable to attend can view the livestream of the service by clicking on Robert’s obituary on Brenan’s website and clicking “View Funeral Livestream”.
In lieu of flowers, donations to Fredericton Hospice House would be encouraged and deeply appreciated by the family and may be placed at www.BrenansFH.com.
