Obituary of Robert Earl Bretzlaff

Robert (Bob), geologist and farmer, passed away peacefully in his 68th year, at his home near Shawville, Quebec. He was the beloved son of the late Earl Bretzlaff and Margaret Judd Bretzlaff; dearly-loved brother of Jane and her husband Patrick Kierans; cherished uncle of Patricia Margaret and Catherine Emily (Michael Egberts), and friend of Sue Lisk. Bob will be lovingly remembered by his many friends and numerous cousins. His was ‘a life well-lived’ – dedicated to family, his Church, and the Shawville and Ladysmith communities, with many quiet kindnesses along the way. His passions were walking the hills of Thorne, his amazing garden with the legendary corn and sunflowers, and his life-long love of geology. He was a history buff, and skilled photographer – his beautiful photos reflected his love of the land and woods. Bob volunteered at the Shawville Fair, and served as the Rector’s Warden of the Radford Church and Chapel Steward of St. Stephen’s Church in Greermount. Family was always close to his heart - he loved his nieces’ frequent visits, and they gardened with him; he was also actively involved with planning two Judd Reunions and five Bretzlaff Reunions – with our mother, he was our family historian, and custodian of the Judd homestead lands. Our special thanks to Dr. John Wootton, Dr. Mario Dallaire and Nellie-Kim Gagne for their extraordinary care, as well as to Rick Russett, Beatrice Hoopfer, and his many caring neighbours for all their kindness. Bob’s funeral-interment will be private. In lieu of flowers, donations to St. Stephen’s Anglican Church, the Fondation Santé Gatineau - Oncologie, or the Pontiac Community Hospital Foundation would be appreciated by the family.