Obituary of Robert John McCrea

McCREA - Reverend Robert John "Bob" Reverend Robert John "Bob" McCrea died peacefully with family surrounding him at Eastholme, Powassan on Monday October 29th, 2012 while in his 95th year. For 63 years Rev. Bob was the loving and devoted husband of Thora (nee Elliott) who predeceased him in April of 2011. The proud and loving father of Reverend Kathy McCallum (Rich) of Sundridge & Ruth Blais (Donald) of Toronto, he will also be lovingly remembered by his grandchildren Chris McCallum (Lisa Blais), David McCallum (Melanie Cookson) and Meghan Cassell (Phil) and great grandchildren Angela, Hannah, Nico, and Evelyn. Born in Lisburn, Northern Ireland, Bob was one of seven children born to William and Mary McCrea. Two of his sisters, Ruth Perry and May McCrea still reside in Lisburn. He was predeceased by his brothers William and James and sisters Margaret and Ellen "Nell". As was the custom of the day when Bob completed grade eight he began an apprenticeship in the trades. A qualified carpenter and cabinetmaker he was a member of the London Guild of Carpenters. From 1945 to 1947 Rev. Bob attended Cliff Methodist College in England and in 1953 he and Thora, with daughter Kathy emigrated to Canada. They arrived in Nipissing Village in November where Bob began his career with the United Church. Two years later they moved to Cannifton, Ontario, so Bob could attend Queens University in Kingston. With much determination and the support of his family he graduated with his theology degree in 1959. Rev. Bob served pastoral charges in Sundridge, North Bay, Almonte and Harriston before retiring in 1983. They moved to North Bay in 2001 to be with their family. Friends may call at the Martyn Funeral Home on Sunday November 4th from 2 - 4 & 7 - 9 pm, then at Trinity United Church on Monday November 5th from 10:00 am until the service at 11:00 am. Interment will be in Strong Cemetery Sundridge. If desired, donations to Trinity United Church will be gratefully acknowledged as expressions of sympathy. Online condolences may be offered at www.martynfh.com.