Robert Anthony "Bob" Pryor - 86, Valley, Colchester County, passed away on Wednesday, October 18, 2023, at Colchester East Hants Health Centre, Truro, surrounded by the love of his family. Born in Truro, he was the youngest son of the late Richard and Winnifred (Richardson) Pryor and was the last surviving member of his immediate family.
An extremely dedicated and hard worker, 'Boots' logged many miles while trucking for Eastern Transport for 30 years, and then hauling cement for Albany Cartage until his retirement. He took a lot of pride in his work and loved to drive. Bob proudly dedicated many hours to serve his community as a founding member of Valley – Kemptown & District Fire Brigade since 1976 and as a Captain for 13 years. His unwavering commitment was unsurpassed; he was awarded the Queen's Gold and Platinum Jubilee Medals. He truly enjoyed the passion, hard work and comradery of his second family and will be greatly missed by his many brothers and sisters in the fire service.
Living his life in the family home for 82 years was very dear to his heart. The door was always open to family, friends and all the kids in the neighbourhood...and boy there were lots! Family gatherings, cribbage, music and 'peaceful easy feelings' were always to be had. He passed on his knowledge and led by example - hard but rewarding work on the wood pile and 'the joy of gardening' were but a few of the lessons passed down to his children; the simple things in life.
Above all, Robert was a devoted family man and was proud of his children, grandchildren and their families. He is survived by his loving wife and best friend, Marion (Connolly); daughters, Kim Pryor (Andrew Young), Gail (Dennis) Hare; sons, Michael (Debra), Shawn (Laura Peterson); Gramps and Papa to grandchildren, Jason DesJardins, Miranda (Matthew) Deuville, Denver Hare (Hannah Sampson), Donald Pryor, Anthony Pryor (Victoria Mumford), Morgan Pryor (Ahna Rich), Emily Pierce-Pryor, Connor Pierce-Pryor, Maggie Pierce-Pryor (Nelson Field); great grandchildren, Lily, Elijah, Lennox, Jayla, Violet; sisters-in-law, Christina Pryor, Earlene O'Brien; brother-in-law, Harold Connolly (Dot); Uncle Bobby to many nieces and nephews. Along with his parents, Robert was predeceased by his brothers, Leonard, Harry, Richard, Roger, Edward; sisters, Winnifred, Patsy; beloved grandson, Benjamin Hare.
The family thanks all the caregivers who supported Robert, specifically Dr. Henderson and Truro's Palliative Care Team, the ER doctors and nurses, Colchester in Home Blood Collection and the VON - and a very special thank you to Marie. The family also thanks Mattatall - Varner Funeral Home and Bruce for his professionalism, compassion and kindness.
There will be a Celebration of Robert's Life and Firefighter’s Tribute Service at 2 p.m., Saturday, November 4, 2023, at Valley - Kemptown & District Fire Brigade Hall, 1091 Brookside Road, Valley. (Webcasting will begin at 1:50 p.m., Saturday, November 4, 2023; please see the link at the top of obituary page.) If so desired, donations in Robert’s memory to VON (Colchester - East Hants) and Palliative Care Unit (CEHHC) are welcomed.
Blessed are we that have been guided by the true men of old. Those men with spirit and hands strong as steel, rugged as stone, yet gentle in a way as to help build us, not break us; the men that more often spoke with action and deeds of honour. Blessed are we that have been guided by the love, honesty, wisdom and knowledge of these men. Blessed are we.
Arrangements have been entrusted to Mattatall – Varner Funeral Home, 55 Young Street, Truro. Public messages of condolence may be sent to the family by viewing Robert’s obituary on-line and selecting "Send A Condolence" at: www.mattatallvarnerfh.com