Hoar, Robert Edward “Bob” – Robert "Bob" Edward Hoar passed away peacefully in Eastern Passage on November 2, 2020 at 82 years of age. He was a loving husband to Maureen Hoar (Anderson); father to Jeff, Scott and Mike; and grandfather to Jacob, Sydney, and Sam. He was predeceased by his daughter, Wendy Oliver (Bayers); parents, Dell and Walter; and brother, Maurice. He is survived by his sister, Edie Calkin and nieces and nephews.
Bob was born in Saint John, N.B., in 1938 and graduated from Saint John High School in 1956. He began his university education at Dalhousie University and graduated with a Doctor of Dental Surgery in 1962. He initially set up a dental practice in Dartmouth but shortly thereafter established a practice in Musquodoboit Harbour. During this time, he joined the Faculty of Dentistry at Dalhousie part time. He then went on to complete a Master of Science Degree at the University of Texas while doing a residency in maxillofacial prosthodontics at the MD Anderson Cancer Centre in Houston. Bob then returned to Halifax, joining the Dalhousie Faculty of Dentistry full time as a longstanding and influential educator and mentor with a staff appointment at the Victoria General Hospital. Bob was the first practitioner in Atlantic Canada to have completed graduate studies in maxillofacial prosthodontics and was the only maxillofacial prosthodontist east of Montreal for many years. He worked closely with other dental specialists and ENT surgeons treating patients with head and neck cancers. Among Bob's many roles, he served as Head of Removable Prosthodontics at Dalhousie, President of the Academy of Prosthodontists of Canada, and other national leadership positions. Bob was loved by his patients and students alike. He will be remembered by his patients for his empathy and fierce advocacy for their care when they really needed it. Students will also remember his empathy, and in particular his emphasis on the imperative of "getting things right": many will remember the life-sized poster of Lee Van Cleef in his office with the motto: "First you get good, then you get fast".
Outside of Bob's professional life, he enjoyed working outdoors, even more so when it involved heavy duty tools and equipment. Bob also enjoyed helping in the garden, especially when it involved using his chainsaw and tractor. In particular, he revelled in working with wood, so much so that he was affectionately known by his family as Bucky Beaver. His love of forests was passed down to all three sons, especially Mike who is a professional forester in British Columbia. Further, the care Bob demonstrated for his cancer patients influenced Scott's work as a palliative care clinician. Bob loved spending time with his children and enjoyed a special relationship with his grandchildren. He was the rock that supported his extended family, quietly stepping in to support them through various crisis. He and Mern hosted numerous large family gatherings at their home in East Petpeswick, featuring lots of laughter, shenanigans, and occasionally small explosives.
The family would like to extend their gratitude to Bob's caregivers at Oceanview Continuing Care Centre in Eastern Passage where Bob was cared for during his last few months.
A service will take place in Good Shepherd Church (goodshepherdchurch.ca) at 3621 Lawrencetown Rd., at 2 p.m. on November 9th, limited to only family and closest friends due to the COVID pandemic. There will be a further celebration of Bob's life (open to all) at a later date. There will be a notice with details at that time.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Dalhousie Faculty of Dentistry, specifically for a dental student award/fund that will be established in memory of Bob (Dr. Robert Hoar Memorial Fund). http://giving.dal.ca/hoar
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