Obituary of Robert (Bert) Tobin

Robert (Bert) Tobin Dec 2, 1951 - July 20, 2026 On December 2, 1951, in the rural community of Ship Cove, on the Cape Shore, the legacy of the great Robert, Bert, or Bertie Tobin began. His blazing red hair and blue eyes helped define his personality, often a prankster who loved to make people laugh. As a boy, he knew the woods behind his house better than any map, and gained the traditional skills of the country, becoming the best berry picker there ever could be. He worked hard throughout his life, mostly with his hands. He was proud to say he helped build the East Coast Trails. He helped hundreds, maybe thousands, of families turn a house into a home with his paintbrush and roller. He spent many hours tinkering in the garage with his vehicles. He was an expert gardener, devoted to his tomatoes, strawberries, and fruit trees. He was an animal lover, making friends with bunnies in the backyard, unless they went after his garden. His generosity to his fellow humans knew no bounds, a true kind and gentle soul. Predeceased by his parents Gerald Sr. and Annie Tobin, brother Junnie, sister Maureen, and foster sister Chantel. He is survived by his devoted wife of 45 years, Georgina, daughters Roberta and Melissa, his only grandchild Portia, Shane and Harry who he treated like his sons; his brothers Harold (Joan), Ben Elizabeth), Donald (Theresa), Norman (Darlene), and foster sister Anna (Harry), as well as a long list of nieces, nephews, extended family, and many friends he met over his 74 years. Thank you to his family and friends for their support during his illness, especially niece, Renessa Careen, friend Gwen King, and the neighbours on Shortall Street. A special thanks to Dr. Lisa Kieley and Dr. Susan Dalton for their care in the beginning stages of his illness, and the staff at Pleasant View Towers at One South East, Two North West, and One South West for their care and compassion - especially Dr. Elizabeth Callahan and RNs Cathy Ivany and Lachlan Story, who ensured his peaceful passing with loved ones by his side. During his last moments in this world he knew how much he was loved and always will be. 'Till the rivers all run dry, 'Till the sun falls from the sky, 'Till life on earth is through, I'll be needing you - Don Williams As per Bert’s wishes, cremation has taken place. Funeral Service to be held at noon Tuesday, August 11,2026 at Coombs Funeral Home, Placentia. Inurnment to follow at Coombs Memorial Cemetery, Southeast. A Celebration of Life will follow at Coombs Funeral Home, Placentia from 1-5 pm. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Alzheimer Society of Newfoundland and Labrador.