It is with profound sadness that we announce the unexpected passing of Robert Glendon Lutes, in the early morning hours of August 20, 2023.

Bob was born in Campbellton, New Brunswick, on July 13, 1943, the eldest son of Leonard and Elizabeth (McNeish) Lutes. His formative years were spent in Jacquet River, New Brunswick, where indelible memories of nature and wonder were created. Even sixty years later, he frequently reminisced about picking wild strawberries in Benny’s Gulch, gathering hazelnuts, Hop Along Cassidy movies in the church basement, lassoing pulpwood at the beach, the one room schoolhouse, and playing hockey at a beautiful outdoor rink at the Don Bosco school. Indeed, when Leonard and Elizabeth relocated their family to Moncton in the hopes of securing a better future for their children, a part of Bob never left Jacquet River. 

Moving to Moncton was a difficult adjustment, but he persevered and spent many hours helping in the family store and delivering groceries. After Moncton High and a few minor detours, he graduated from UNB with a degree in chemical engineering. 

Following four years of hard work at the pulp mill, he found his calling in public service at the  Department of Environment, advancing programs for clean drinking water and regional landfills. Bob ended his career as a partner at GEMTEC Limited, where he contributed both technical and business acumen.

Bob faithfully served as the treasurer at Wilmot United Church for 10 years, where he befriended many people whom he admired for their passion and commitment to the community. 

He loved music with a religious zeal, especially that of Bob Dylan, playing his records so frequently that he wore out the vinyl. He spent countless hours obsessing over song lyrics and imbued his children with a similar passion. 

He was also a lifelong hockey fan, from early days listening to Foster Hewitt’s play-by-play on Hockey Night in Canada, to toting kids to hockey games and building a backyard rink that served as a neighbourhood hub for almost a decade. 

He is survived by his wife of 31 years, Pegi McKay, the love of his life, and his beloved sons, Christopher, Daniel, and David. Starting a family later in life allowed him to spend his retirement years raising his sons and for that, they are incredibly grateful. He was exceptionally proud of them, and he made sure that they always knew it. 

Bob is survived by his siblings, Sheila Cameron, Eleanor Jackson, Jim Lutes, Joan Babington, Phyllis Rhodes, Janet Barley, and Margie Matlack. Bob shares an unbreakable bond with each of them, even in his passing. He is also survived by cherished in-laws and many (many) nieces and nephews who he loved.

The last several years of Bob’s life were beset withParkinson’s Disease. During this time, Pegi acted as caregiver, coach, advocate, therapist, and friend. His family would like to thank Holly Walker, a compassionate and extremely resourceful caregiver and companion in his final year; and to thank physiotherapists, Krista Fullarton and Jackie Boorman, whose kindness and efforts to improve his quality of life went far beyond expectations. 

Bob worked tirelessly for everything he achieved. This did not harden him to the world, but instead acted as a deep wellspring of compassion for all people, especially those who had a tough go at life. He leaves a legacy of gentle humanity that lives on in his kids, wife, and every other person who had the pleasure of knowing him. …In the jingle jangle morning, we’ll come following you.  

A celebration of life will be held at Wilmot United Church on Thursday, August 24th at 2:00 p.m. 

In lieu of flowers, remembrances can be made to the Women in Transition House.