Robert Earl "Rob" Maddigan

Robert Earl Maddigan (January 21, 1951 - March 24, 2021)

With profound sadness the family of Robert Maddigan, 70, of Martins River announce his passing at home on Wednesday, March 24, 2021.

Rob was born in Kingston, Ontario and moved around to many locations growing up in a military family.

He was predeceased by parents, Ronald A. and Isabell (Wilson) Maddigan and brother, Gordon, all of Hoyt, New Brunswick.

He is survived by his loving wife, Gaile (Langille) and much loved dog, Sammy. Gaile’s family was his family, including brother-in-law, Terry Langille and Jean MacKinnon in Hatchet Lake and their daughters, Amy (Jeremy) Hockin and their son, Rhys; Dawn Langille (Matthew Cole) and their daughter, Lilith.

Rob was a very private, solitary person, due to his early days of moving around and not making long lasting friendships, but found his true friend and soulmate, Gaile while at Nova Scotia Agricultural College. We met and were married in less than a year - a marriage that has lasted over 42 years. He credits his sense of humor to our time together. With a BA in Sociology and a Diploma in Farming Technology, he eventually decided on a vocation working with his hands in carpentry which he was very good at, owning his own business for a number of years. Over the years he also worked for others, retiring a number of years ago from Clarence R. Heisler & Son Boat Building.

Although he wasn’t much for socializing, he would be there in a minute to give anyone a helping hand and would usually end up telling a story or joke. He so enjoyed working on our home and property, especially doing the rock work he laid around our property. As a great animal lover, he enjoyed our walks with Sammy, also woodworking, gardening, and had a keen interest in history, especially military history as he had been in Army cadets in his youth. His other passion was our travel south, having had many trips to Sandals and Beaches resorts in Jamaica, Antigua, Bahamas, Saint Lucia and Turks and Caicos. The best parts for him were our beach walks and the food. Strangely enough, when we travelled, he came out of his shell and met and talked to many people. We made numerous friends through those journeys and had lots of wonderful stories and memories. He was so hopeful that we would be able to go again next year.

Rob did not want a funeral or visitation – it was not his style. The next time you go for a walk on a beach think of him and he will be there with you.

He was a very kind, supportive, giving man, and I will miss him forever. Be at peace my love.

Memorial donations may be made to Home To Stay Dog Rescue, Halifax ([email protected] ), where we got our Sammy pup, or to a charity of your choice.

Thank you to EHS and RCMP for responding on Wednesday. Also huge thanks to our neighbors, friends and family who have all been so supportive. Rob would appreciate you looking out for us, and Sammy and I appreciate it too. As many have said ‘there are no words’.

Cremation and arrangements entrusted to the care of Mahone Funeral Home, P.O. Box 200, 32 Parish St., Mahone Bay, NS B0J 2E0 (Tel: 902-624-8241).