Obituary of Robert Wallace Rangeley

Robert Wallace Rangeley March 26, 1928 to September 29, 2025

Wally died in his grand daughters (Marys) arms at his home in Chamcook, New Brunswick. Five months after his beloved wife, Janet of almost 75 years (Obituary of Janet Ann Margaret Rangeley). Wally is survived by his daughter Sue (Peter) and son Bob (Marilynn), five grandchildren Andrew (Diane), Mary (Colin), Alli, James and Margaret and four great-grandchildren, Natalie (Dawson), Devin (MacKenzie), Abby and Tyson. Wally was predeceased by his parents Alfred and Margaret (Swan) Rangeley and his sister Lynne.

Wally and Janet were childhood friends growing up in Regina Beach, Saskatchewan.  Wally learned to play hockey with frozen cow patties and play baseball without a glove; he loved sports and Janet.

Wally spent much of his formative teenage years in England, during World War II. His father joined the war effort serving in London while his mother, missing her husband (Alf), moved the family overseas, despite the dangers. Wally gained employment at the local general store and would recall harrowing stories during the London blitz watching the aerial dogfights, narrowly escaping bombings and strafing, on his way to and from the general store, before his Mother moved him and his younger sister, to safer grounds with relatives in the north.

Upon Wallys return from England he was greeted by his sweetheart Janet with a surprise 16^th birthday party. Shortly after settling in back home, Wally started working for Janets parents in their General Store. Once old enough he enlisted in the Air Force. He did not serve long, just long enough to lay/build the communication lines from BC to the Yukon along the Alaska Highway. Which became his favourite story to share. Shortly after his discharge from the Air Force, and because Janets mother would not give the young couple her blessing, Janet and Wally eloped in 1950.

Thankfully for Wallys Air Force connections, he was able to land a Job as a lineman with Bell Telephone, out of London, Ontario. Wally left for London first, leaving his new bride behind with her older Sister and husband in Winnipeg.  Wally reported to work and found their first apartment, then Janet arrived by Train and they started their new life together. For the next 50 years they raised a family, travelled, Janet delved into the art world and Wally played on the Bell baseball team, golfed, joined billiard, dart and bowling leagues, and of course belonged to the legion.  Wally worked for 30+ years as a dedicated and loyal employee to Bell Canada as a lineman and supervisor.

In 2000 Wally and Janet decided to move closer to their son Bob (Marilynn) as they would spend countless summers visiting them and helping with their young family. London had grown too big for them, as they aged.   Sues family was all grown up and no longer lived in London.  Andrew (Di) had moved to Kitchener and started their family, and Mary had enlisted in the Army. They loved Saint Andrews by the Sea, NB and they missed Bob and family dearly. They finally made the big move after they found the perfect spot to buy in Chamcook, just outside of Saint Andrews.

 Wally continued an active post-retirement life by joining the Legion Branch #8 Passamaquoddy- Saint Andrews, being a regular member of St.Stephen Golf Club, winning many senior tournaments. Also, joined the Heather Curling Club one of the few things left open in the winter in town for many years. He loved to volunteer tending bar for events; both at the legion and at the curling club.

At home he helped Janet with all her gardening projects, an avid woodworker, he made furniture for the house, stretched canvases and made frames for Janet’s paintings, toys for the grandchildren and great grandchildren along with bird houses that were true works of art.

Wally will be remembered for his stubbornness and wit.  His gruffness only meant he cared, he had a giant heart. He loved people and loved to say it like he saw it. Wally was a man of his word, and he expected the same in return.

Wally had a great work ethic, and learned to balance work and play, and if you could do both at the same time, even better, according to him. If you went to his house looking for something to play you could not be bored, basketball, badminton, lawn darts to shuffleboard, darts to archery to a game of good old-fashioned Cribbage. And if that was not your cup of tea, then take a walk in the woods or build a fire. Or the real lucky ones joined Janet in her art room. A good drink and fun were meant to be had at his place. Life was meant to be enjoyed, and he made sure of it. That is one of the best things he could have passed down to his family.

Back in the day Wally and Janet could tear up a rug, thankfully, that gene got passed down to Sue. The rest of us did not fair so well, with the dancing shoes.

Wally was a very proud father, grandfather and great grandfather, the only complaint about his family would be when they overstayed there welcome.

Wally spent many years golfing at St.Stephen Golf Club with his friend Dr.Kay.

In recent years he enjoyed golfing with the Golf guys at Bayside country club, and all the shenanigans that went with it. Wally gave up on chipping and putting after the loss of his wife.

His fondest memories in recent years were the times he spent with his family and his Herring friends. He appreciated the ones who were there for him, Calvin and his grandson for helping him with the outside work, 7 acres of forests and gardens was no small task. Ed was always just a phone call away for any task Wally was not up for. Bill was not just a guy he called when he needed his golf cart or tractor looked at, he was a great friend.  Peter, he didn’t just keep Wallys driveway clear so he could get to the pub, he was highly regarded by Wally.  Kevin, Wally loved giving you a hard time, he enjoyed making little wooden things to help you out at the pub but most of all, he loved to pass on his stories. Shawn, you warmed Wallys heart. He always loved the banter with all his herring friends.

The only thing over Wallys 97 years, that he chose not to learn, was to slow down. Whether he was driving, walking, golfing or cutting the lawn he only had one speed and it was go. Made things quite difficult and hazardous when using a cane or a walker, just would have liked you to fall less, Wally.

To honour Wally’s steadfast support for Janet’s love of the arts and to promote opportunities for youth, donations to the Sunbury Shores Art and Ecology in St. Andrews, NB would be greatly appreciated: Sunbury Shores donation in memory of Janet Rangeley

Wally very much appreciated the support of his friends, and the constant company and loving care from his family during the last difficult months during which we all got to say our good-byes in one way or another. The family would like to thank Dr. Jolanta Lalik who he thought of as a friend and the Extra-Mural staff for their excellent care and compassion, during Wallys final months. A special thanks to Karishma who helped during his final days.

As per Wally’s wishes, cremation has taken place and there will be no service.

Wally would want anyone that knew him, to grab their favourite drink and have a cheers for him! If you are one of the lucky ones, he would want you to do it at the Herring Pub! In Wallys honor if anyone wants to join some of his family and friends raising their glass to him for a life, well lived, drop by Friday 10 October @ 2pm.