It is with broken hearts that we announce the passing of Robert "Bob" Melong, 86, of Havre Boucher Antigonish County, who passed away surrounded by his loving family on Thursday, August 4, 2022. Born on April 3, 1936, Bob was the son of the late Stella Agnes Melong. Bob will be forever missed by his wife of 63 years, Lydia (Babineau) Melong, along with his children, Carol (Troy) Melong-Brow, Brenda (Wayne) Melong-Thorpe, Richard (Tammy) Melong, Karen Lambert, Brad (Roxann) Melong and grandchildren, Daulton, Brian, Hailey, Logan, Melanie and Terry. Survived by his brother Nelson (Joanne) Spenser, cousins, brothers-in-Law, sisters-in-Law, nieces and nephews. Dad was a truly humble and kind person, totally devoted to his family and friends. He was simply one of those people who made the world a better place. He always had time for anyone who just wanted to have a chat. Loved telling old stories, having a few laughs and reliving his adventures of the last 86 years. Dad grew up in Havre Boucher where he spent the majority of his life. Growing up in a small community instilled the values that Dad lived by; work hard, value family and friends, help those who need it and never forget where you came from. Prior to the age of 16, he worked various jobs in the area, but the work that he loved the most was fishing with the local fisherman. He was "hooked", but work was scarce so at the age of 16 Dad left for Toronto and found steady work as a Binder for a Printing Company. Dad lived about 10 "adventurous" years in Toronto making life long friends along the way. Always travelling back and forth to Havre Boucher to check on his Mom. It was in Toronto where he met Mom and started a family but always the lure of the Maritimes kept calling. Toronto was never home but a means to get back home. Prior to Carol’s birth they moved back to Havre Boucher where he bought his first Fishing outfit and as they say "The rest is history". 60 plus years of doing what he absolutely loved, making a living on the water and raising his family. Dad always said Fishing was never a job, he loved everything about it, even the tough years. Dad’s love of the ocean and his hometown were so deep rooted in him, there was no other place in the world he wanted to be… but "Home". Dad, loved anything and everything outdoors, fishing year-round, hunting, working in the woods, carpentry, gardening and just sitting on the deck in the evenings with family and friends. Earlier years were spent with long time family friends up at his camp having a feast, fishing, snowmobiling, 4-wheeling or working in the woods. In later years, Dad spent many evenings meeting up with friends at Tims. After "retiring" from fishing, which never really fully happened as he was quite the "consultant", his Saw Mill and Garage were his haven. Especially when he was able to work with the boys or his friends would stop in for a chat. Dad loved to keep busy, he simply had no time to be idle. Dad loved building things and loved growing things. He was very proud of his garden even though every year he would say "I am not planting next year". Well, his last garden is thriving. He would be very pleased. It’s a privilege to take care of it for him as he took care of all of us for so many years, planting those seeds in all of us to hopefully become caring people. While raising and supporting his family, Dad was involved in the community as a member of the Havre Boucher Men’s Club for many years. He was very active in the Fishing community throughout his life. He was a Leader of the Havre Boucher Fisherman’s Association, a founding member of the Harbour Authority, Member of the Scallop Advisory Board and a Leading voice to advocate for the new Wharf Development. Simply, Dad was a remarkable person who touched the lives of everyone who had the privilege of knowing him and we were so privileged to have him as our Dad all these years. Until we see each other again Dad, rest easy and know that you will be forever missed. Special thanks to the amazing and compassionate Nurses and Doctors at St Martha’s Hospital, specifically the Stoke and Palliative Care Units who lovingly assisted Dad and us on his journey. Dr. Chiasson and Dr. Hendricks for the care they have provided throughout the years. Visitation will be held Tuesday, August 9, 2022 from 6-8p.m. and Wednesday prior to the Funeral from 9:30 – 11a.m. in the St Paul’s Center, Havre Boucher. Funeral mass will be Wednesday August 10, 2022 at 11:00am at St. Paul’s Church with Father Allan MacPhie presiding. Burial to follow in the St Paul’s Cemetery. Memorial Donations may be made to the St Paul’s Cemetery Fund or the Havre Boucher Luncheon. Stories, pictures and words of comfort may be forwarded to the family at: www.haverstocks.com Visitation Information Visitation Tuesday, August 9, 2022 Visitation Time 6-8 p.m. and 9:30 to 11 a.m. Wednesday Visitation Location St. Paul's Centre, Havre Boucher Service Information Service Date Wednesday, August 10, 2022 Service Time 11 a.m. Service Location St. Paul's Roman Catholic Church, Havre Boucher Burial Information Burial Date Wednesday, August 10, 2022 Burial Time Following funeral mass Burial Location St. Paul's Parish Cemetery, Havre Boucher