Obituary of Robert Pond

It is with great love and sadness that the family of Robert Allison Pond (Bunny) wishes to announce his passing after a courageous battle with cancer. Bunny leaves behind his loving and faithful wife of 50 years, Bonita; his sons, Robert Jr. of Alberta, BC, John (Kimberley) of Durham Bridge, NB, Chris (Angela) of Durham Bridge, NB and Darren (Heather) of Texas; daughters, Stephanie Snow (Dave) of Ontario, Jeannie Malloy (Don) of St. Stephen, NB, Carol of Saint John, NB, Patricia Doucette (John Hayes) of Fredericton, NB and Sheila Robertson (William) of Lincoln, NB; grandchildren Jessica, Jake, Travis, William, Jason, Sarah, Jenna, Brian, Rachel, Alexandra, Joshua, Brandon, Joel, Shannon, Jason, Daniel, Corey; great grandchildren, Xander, Odessa and Ella. He was predeceased by his parents, Laura Tresa (Johnston) and Oliver Cronwell Pond; brothers Scott, Richard, Harry, Graye, Byron, Harding, Glenn, John (Jack); sisters, Laura Johnston, Annie Mabel Estey, Winnifred Bubar, Mary Louise Johnston, and chosen son William Font. Bunny was the last surviving member of his immediate family. Born in Lower Durham on June 22, 1918, Bunny was the youngest of 13 children and lost his own father when he was only 6 months old. He was a decorated WWII Veteran who was seriously wounded during battle shortly after losing his brother Jack in an earlier battle. Prior to going oversees, Bunny worked in Detroit for Northwest Tree Surgery. Upon returning from oversees he was employed by Electrolux. He went on to be self employed as a purchaser for Irving and Ashley Colter, employing many men for many years. He later became a school bus driver for District #26 until retirement. Bunny was past president of the Nashwaak Valley Recreation Council, a 46 year member of the Nashwaak Valley-Taymouth chapter of Alcoholics Anonymous, past president of the Durham Bridge Liberal Association, past director of the North York Liberal Association, past president of the Upper and Lower Durham Temperance Union of Churches as well as a member of the Centennial United Church Choir. Bunny will be remembered for his courage, sense of humor and great passion for life. He lived every minute to the fullest and could light up a room with his passion for singing, dancing and laughing and could entertain for hours with his story telling. He loved children and his pride and joy were his own children, grandchildren and great grandchildren. Visitation will take place at York Funeral Home, 302 Brookside Drive, Fredericton, NB on Tuesday, June 19, 2012 from 2-4 pm and 7-9 pm. Members of the Royal Canadian Legion Branch #80 are asked to assemble for a tribute service at 6:30 pm on Tuesday, June 19, 2012 at York Funeral Home. The funeral service will be on Wednesday, June 20, 2012 at York Funeral Home’s T. Gordon MacLeod Memorial Chapel at 2 pm with Rev. Franklyn D. Curtis officiating. Following the service interment will take place in the Lower Durham Cemetery. For those who wish, remembrances may be made to Upper and Lower Durham Temperance Union of Churches or the Centennial United Church. Personal condolences may be offered through www.yorkfh.com