Obituary of Robert Betts

Robert William ‘Bob’ Betts,82 Birch Grove Robert William (Bob) Betts, died peacefully at home at the age of 82 on Saturday, April 17, 2021. Born in River Hebert, NS he was the son of the late James Willard Betts and Margaret Emily (Spencer) Betts, Beersville, NB. Bob was a beloved husband, father, grandfather, great grandfather, uncle, and friend. Bob started his coal mining career in the Beaver Mine at the young age of 16 and retired from the Lingan-Phalen Mine at age 53. While working at New Waterford’s Phalen coal mine his team set a production record for the highest coal output in a week, taking nearly 80,000 tons of coal from the undersea mine and set a world record for retreat mining. Bob was a proud member of the Birch Grove Volunteer Fire Department for 54 years. He was an avid outdoorsman and was his own backyard mechanic. Bob could often be found at Tim Hortons or spending time taking a spin with his friends at Dooly’s. He spent many days on the Mira celebrating birthdays and enjoying precious time with family and friends. Left to mourn is Bob’s loving wife of 61 years, Bev (Edstrom) Betts, sons Doug (Ross), Etobicoke, Brian (Susan), Cole Harbour and Glenn (Lori-Ann), Lawrencetown and daughter by choice, Marilyn MacDonald, Reserve Mines. He was Grampa to Leanne (Leon), Emily, Nick (Kathleen), Rachel (Joel), Spencer, Leah, Grace, and Zoe. Papa Peko/Papa Charlie will be missed by his great grandchildren, Jack, Sylvie, and Paige. He will be dearly missed by his sisters-in-law Pat MacDonald, Elaine MacKenzie, Judy (Kenzie) Wadden, and their families. As the last surviving member of his immediate family, Uncle Bob will be sadly missed by his many “Betts” nephews and nieces. He was predeceased by his only daughter and partner-in-crime, the late Terri-Lee (Winston) Kelloway of Tower Road, as well as his precious grandson, Jacob.Bob was also predeceased by siblings, Fred, Doreen, Patsy, and Donna. Arrangements have been entrusted to T.J. Tracey Cremation and Burial Specialists, 370 Reserve St., Glace Bay. (902) 849-4199. A Celebration of Life will be held at a future date. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Lung Association of Nova Scotia https://ns.lung.ca/support-us/donate/donate-online or Glace Bay Miners Museum http://www.minersmuseum.com/donate-now/ Words of condolence can be sent to the Betts family by visiting www.tjtracey.com. Famous words from Grampa “Foxy has a bushy tail…”