Obituary of Robert Mark Head
Robert Mark Head, 71, New Glasgow, passed away Thursday, December 5, 2024, in the Aberdeen Hospital, New Glasgow, surrounded by the love of his family.
Born in New Waterford, NS, he was the son of William Head and Mary “Cora” (Butts) Head. He was raised in New Waterford until his late-teens, when he ventured west to seek his fortune in Ontario. It was in Toronto where he met the love of his life, Dee. Upon meeting, she thought he looked like Elvis and it was love at first sight. She told him to run, or she would marry him. He did not, in fact, run, and instead of the car he had planned to buy, he bought a ring and ended up having 52 years of happiness with his beloved wife. After spending several years in Ontario, the couple and their first son, Chris, settled back home in Nova Scotia. He began a lifelong job at Michelin, and a few years later welcomed a second son, Tim, to the family.
Rob loved music and enjoyed playing the guitar, and he passed down his musical talent to both of his sons. He loved nothing more than to listen to them use their talents, on guitar and piano. He was also an avid motorcycle enthusiast. He was often joined by Dee on the back, together navigating the journey of the day or the journey of life. Some of his favourite times were hitting the road for a ride, accompanied by his boys on their bikes. Even though he never had the opportunity to ride with his grandson, who inherited his love of motorcycles, it would have brought him great joy to share this love of the open road with Jake.
To his granddaughter Shay, he passed down his kind heart and sense of humour. He brought laughter wherever he went, and he was known for his incredible memory and quick wit, a quality that he shared with his grandson, Zach. He was unbeatable at crib, chess, and was a master of the knock-knock joke, passing on his love of corny puns to his grandson, Marcus. He shared a special bond with his granddaughter MacKenzie and the movie The Princess Bride, the two often communicating back and forth by exchanging quotes from the film. As Rob would exclaim, “have fun storming the castle!” his granddaughter would reply with “as you wish.” He was delighted to welcome two additional grandchildren, Ethan and Rayna, who fit perfectly into the loving family. He was always excited and proud to hear about their many achievements.
In addition to his human family, he also had a cherished bond with his little dog, Riley. More than anything, his greatest love was his family, and he was at his happiest when he could help those around him. He was a dedicated father and grandfather, often coming to the rescue whenever his family needed him. He was always there, whether someone needed a listening ear, a lift in the car or a lift in spirits. He was a steady, loving presence, one that will be deeply missed by everyone who loved him. He lives on, through the pieces of himself that he gave to his family. To the greatest husband, father, brother, and granddad, love ya!
Surviving are his wife, Lena “Dee” (Snow) Head; sons, Chris (Tammy) Head and their children, MacKenzie, Zach and Marcus, New Glasgow, NS; Tim (Cheryl) Head and their children, Shaylene, Jake, Ethan and Rayna, Winnipeg, MB; sisters, Bernie “Red” (Michael) Bennett; Kaye (Carl) Kanne; Charlotte (Eric) Doyle; brother, James Head, New Waterford, NS.
Besides his parents, he was predeceased by his brother, Bill; sister-in-law, Margaret and brothers, Gerald, Gerard and Bobby in infancy.
Rob’s family will have a celebration of his life at a later date in New Waterford, NS.
A special thank you to the Palliative Care team at the Aberdeen Hospital, and the VON staff, who provided compassionate, exceptional care for the duration of Rob’s illness.
Donations may be made in memory of Rob to the Canadian Pulmonary Fibrosis Foundation or Diabetes Canada.
Contact Us
P & K MacDonald Funeral Home
536 Merigomish Road P.O. Box 215
New Glasgow, Nova Scotia B2H 5E3
P: (902) 752-8866
F: (902) 752-3537
E: info@pkmacdonald.ca