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Robert Harold “Bob” Johnson, P.Eng.

It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of Robert Harold “Bob” Johnson, of Port Philip, Nova Scotia, on September 8, 2026, at the age of 87. 

Born in Amherst, Nova Scotia, on February 2, 1939, Bob was the son of the late Harold Johnson and Alma (Rogers) Johnson. He was raised in Port Philip on the family homestead, a place that remained close to his heart throughout his life. His early years in rural Nova Scotia instilled in him a strong work ethic, an appreciation for family and community, and a lifelong curiosity about the world around him. 

Bob pursued his interest in how things worked through a career in engineering. He graduated from Mount Allison University in 1960, and subsequently earned his civil engineering degree in 1962 from Nova Scotia Technical College, now Dalhousie Engineering. He enjoyed a fulfilling 30 year career with the Nova Scotia Department of Transportation, working in several areas of the province, and ultimately serving as the Assistant Director of Maintenance for the Province of Nova Scotia.

On February 6, 1965, Bob married Sheila Eileen VanTassel, of Digby, Nova Scotia. Together they shared more than 61 years of marriage, raising their three children, Cathy, Ken and Keith. Sheila and Bob lived in Waverley for many years before retiring in 1994 and returning to Port Philip, where they transformed their cottage into their home.

Bob was a devoted husband and father and took great pride in his family. He followed the accomplishments and adventures of his children with genuine interest and enthusiasm, and later enjoyed the special role of being a grandfather. He is survived by his beloved wife, Sheila; his daughter Cathy and her husband, Michael Murphy; his son Ken and his wife, Dana; and his son Keith and his partner, Kari.

“Toe” will be lovingly remembered by his grandchildren: Kaitlin Murphy, Laura (Murphy) Polson, Allison Murphy, Hannah Johnson, Kaleigh Johnson, Ellarie Johnson, Asha Johnson, and Brady Campbell.

He is also survived by his sister, Janice (Eldon) Mundle, their children and their families. Bob and Sheila made many special memories with Janice and Eldon over the years, frequently visiting them at the Point, playing many games of cards, playing music and taking several special trips with them. Despite what Bob told everyone, Janice was not his older sister.

Bob will be fondly remembered by extended family and many friends as well. Bob had many interests throughout his life. He was an engineer by profession, but a tinkerer and problem-solver by nature. This probably came from his early life on the farm. He enjoyed building, repairing and restoring things and was always interested in understanding how things worked. His interests ranged from building a ski boat, restoring an old Pontiac convertible and Massey tractors, remote-controlled airplanes, golfing, curling and sailing. Bob especially enjoyed life at the family property in Port Philip, where he cut firewood from the woodlot, tended his vegetable garden, worked on projects around the property and community, and continued to find new interests to occupy his curious mind.

Music was also an important part of Bob’s life. He played the fiddle and guitar from his younger years, mandolin, tenor banjo and piano. He particularly enjoyed opportunities to play music with family and friends. Bob and Sheila shared a love of travel and adventure. Over the years they travelled throughout Canada and the United States, including memorable trips to Florida, Hawaii, Alaska, Newfoundland and western Canada, and the western states.

Bob also had a wonderful sense of humour and a gift for storytelling. He took great pleasure in remembering the people, places and events that shaped his life. He was always a welcome host to friends, family, neighbours and complete strangers. You never left without having a meal. In later years, he undertook the considerable task of writing his life story for his children, beginning with his earliest memories of growing up in Port Philip. What began as a collection of memories became a lasting record of his family history and the changing world he had witnessed. He dedicated that work to his children, Cathy, Ken and Keith.

Bob will be remembered for his intelligence, ingenuity, humour, independence and curiosity, but most of all for his devotion to Sheila and his family. He lived a full and interesting life, rooted in the people and place he loved.

Visitation will take place at Wesley St. Matthew’s United Church, Pugwash from 12:30 - 2:00 pm on Saturday September 12, 2026, followed by a funeral service at 2:00pm and reception.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Alzheimer’s Society of Nova Scotia or a charity of your choice

"He will be remembered with love and gratitude by all who knew him."