Robert Ballum

He was a man of many talents, and a man of many words,
He spoke in rhymes and riddles that were sometimes quite absurd.
If you asked him how he was today, he’d give a cheeky grin,
And say, 'I'm perfectly perfect! Just look at the shape that I am in!

Obituary

Robert Edward Ballum, known as Bob to his friends, Bobby to his family, and proudly as “Grampie” to his grandchildren, passed away on March 29, 2026, at the age of 79. He faced several years of declining health with strength, determination, and his trademark stubborn independence.

Born in October 1946 in Summerside, Prince Edward Island, and raised in Montague, Bob was the son of the late John and Beatrice (Yeo) Ballum.  One of eight children and the youngest of the boys. He was predeceased by his brothers Kenny, Burton, Bryce, and Allie, and is survived by his sisters Barbara (Urquhart), Janice (Murphy), and Susan (Daley). Family was always important to him; he cherished time spent “up west” with cousins and kept in touch with his family.

From a young age, Bob learned to hold his own in a busy household of older brothers. Those were different times; he walked “two miles uphill both ways” to school through winter weather, wearing hand-me-down shoes, and learning early the value of hard work. He helped in the family’s large garden, picking vegetables and contributing wherever needed; it was simply expected. He loved the raspberry bushes, strawberries, and green beans—and, being from PEI, there were always potatoes! The smell of fresh baked bread stayed with him throughout his life, and he often said the heel was the best slice, if you were quick enough to grab it.

He kept his teachers on their toes, he was well liked by both teachers and the principal. His wit often helped endear him to them and occasionally helped him avoid more serious repercussions.

Bob showed an entrepreneurial spirit early on. Summers in cadets meant three meals a day, new shoes, and a chance to earn money. His humour and strong work ethic served him well; he could press a shirt and shine shoes better than anyone and made the most of it. He developed a natural ability to bargain, negotiate, and make things work in his favour. That practical mindset stayed with him throughout his life; he was frugal, organized, and methodical, always thinking two steps ahead of everyone else.

Those instincts carried into his career with the Royal Canadian Mounted Police, where he thrived. He was accepted at age 18, boarded the train after exams, and left to begin his service. He was part of one of the last groups to experience the Musical Ride during training—something he remained proud of throughout his life.  He was especially proud of his time with the RCMP, serving in Amherst, Port Hawkesbury, and Halifax, later working in Commercial Crime.  He was respected, sharp, and never one to simply tell people what they wanted to hear; he read people well and did what made sense. He served until 1987.

Bob loved sharing stories from his adventures with the RCMP, often beginning with, “Have I told you about the time…” Some of them were told more than once, but there were always a few new ones woven in to keep everyone entertained.

Following his retirement, Bob became a successful business owner. He first operated the Scotia Parlour Beverage Room in Lower Sackville, where he was known for packed wing nights, strong community ties, and raising over $350,000 for Christmas Daddies. His “throw the money on the ceiling” annual fundraiser was a completely off-the-wall idea that somehow worked.

Bob later shared many years with his longtime partner, Donna, and together they owned and operated the Porters Lake Pub.  He took pride in building places where people could gather and connect. He was tough on staff but valued hard work; those who earned his respect kept it for life.

After selling his business, he kept his mornings busy with the “coffee club,” meeting with “the boys” each day until he was no longer able. It was also a chance to spend time with his son Brent—catching up on the latest news, sharing some laughs, and, of course, a bit of gossip.

Bob built a life rooted in hard work, independence, and doing things his own way. He was funny, generous, community-minded, and a tireless worker who loved a good bargain. A tough dad and proud Grampie, he was also an avid hockey player who continued playing into his 60s—with the scars to prove it. An old-school guy, he preferred listening to hockey on the radio, insisting it was never quite the same on TV.

Summer days often found him in his driveway, sitting in his chair with a project on the go, always ready for friends, family, or “the boys” to stop by for a chat.  

Bob had a unique way of seeing the world. His familiar “Ahh helloooo” often signalled the start of a story, usually when someone had done something he didn’t quite agree with. When the family hosted a 50th surprise party for Brent after COVID, where everyone dressed as their favourite missed holiday, Bob arrived as “recycling day”—a nod to the one everyone always forgot. It was classic Bob.

He also enjoyed travelling over the years, including trips to Hawaii, the Canary Islands, and Bermuda to spend time with his daughter Wendy.

Bob was married to Holly for 13 years, and together they raised Wendy and Brent. He was a tough, old-school dad who believed in hard work and responsibility. While most kids might have been asked to do the dishes, it’s often joked that in his house that meant doing the dishes, cleaning the house, remodeling the bathroom, sanding the deck, and even re-shingling the roof—all before he got home. It’s safe to say they learned how to work.

An avid hockey player, Bob passed that love on early to Brent, who learned to skate young, played on teams coached by his dad, and later skated alongside him in the old boys’ league—a bond they will always share. Both Wendy and Brent also worked for their dad over the years; Wendy one year before moving out west, and Brent more extensively helping run the Scotia Parlour business. Bob taught them how to drive, helped them get their first jobs, and instilled a strong sense of independence—always in his own way.

In his later years, Bob’s focus shifted more fully to family. He developed a deep appreciation for time spent with his children and especially his grandchildren, taking great pride in watching them grow. He was especially proud of his first grandchild, Bailey and the capable, independent woman she has become.

Isaac and Abby, who mostly saw their “Grampie” a few short trips and during the summers in earlier years, were fortunate to spend more time with him after the move back to Halifax. They became a new audience for his many stories from the old days—and they loved every minute of it. He was always interested in what they were doing, supportive of their adventures, and ready to listen to their stories.  He met their Dutch exchange students from Netherlands and discussed merits of e-bikes and whether or not he should get one!

Bob is lovingly remembered by his sisters, daughter Wendy Woodworth (Ballum) and her husband Andrew, and his son Brent Ballum and his wife Paula. He was a proud Grampie to Bailey Turner (Ballum) and her husband Ryan, Isaac Woodworth, and Abby Woodworth, and a great-grandfather to Max Robert Turner, born just days before his passing.  

A service will be held on Thursday, May 7th from 6:00–8:00 p.m. at the Mic Mac Aquatic Club on Lake Banook in Dartmouth. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Heart and Stroke Foundation.  

Right through to his final hours, Bob remained true to himself—sharing humour with the hospital staff and, as always, thinking of and looking out for his family. He is loved and will be deeply missed.

Thank you to Gerry Meekison and Kerry Daniels for helping drive Dad get to the many doctor appointments and errand runs. Special thanks Dr. Gerald MacKean, Vascular Surgeon, QEII, Dr. Jorin Michell Linden-Smith, Internal Medicine Specialist at Dartmouth General Hospital, Dartmouth VON staff, Northwood HomeCare, the emergency hospital teams at QEII and Dartmouth general, and everyone for helping our Dad these last few years keeping him going and laughing too.    

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Service