Obituary of Robert Allen Kierstead

It is with sadness but gratitude for a life well-lived that we announce the peaceful passing of Robert Allen Kierstead at home on October 18, 2021 with his wife Rose by his side.  Bob had experienced a period of failing health over this past year.

Bob was a “Fairville boy” born to Allen W. and E. May (Flewelling) Kierstead. He attended Fairville Superior School and Saint John High School. During his younger years he spent many happy summers at his grandfather Flewelling’s farm on Manawagonish Road where he developed a love of gardening and all things with gears and wheels.

Bob lived and worked his entire life in Saint John. In his early years, he was employed at Purdy’s Garage and for the remainder of his career he was a well-respected manager at Universal Sales Limited.  He was known as a leader who exemplified loyalty, integrity and compassion.

Bob loved the Lord and was an active member of Lancaster Baptist Church where he served in many areas of ministry leadership as Sunday School Superintendent, Boy Scout Leader, Sunday School Teacher, as well as Church Treasurer for 42 years. Bob sang for many years in the church choir and with the Lancaster Baptist Ambassadors.

An active community member, Bob was the Past Grand Master of Carleton Union Lodge No. 8, and the Grand Treasurer of the Grand Lodge of NB.  Bob served as treasurer for many other fraternal organizations over the years.

Bob met Rosemarie (Rose) Arthurs at Lancaster Baptist Church where they were both choir members. They married in 1957 and together made a home that welcomed their four children; Judith (Kim) Thomson, New Minas, NS, Andrew (June Foley) Kierstead, Saint John, NB, Carolyn (David) Steeves, St. John’s NL and Donald (Andra) Kierstead, Maces Bay, NB.

Family was important to Bob. Our Kierstead Family has gathered at New River Beach, four generations strong, to find a “little bit of heaven” here on this beautiful earth.  Happiness would abound when we gathered together.  Bob took great pride and pleasure in constructing the “camp” and entertained and fed  family and friends through the years. Many meaningful memories have been made which we will hold close to our hearts.

Besides his wife and children, Bob is survived by his siblings Peter (Barbara) Kierstead, Rothesay, NB, Marilyn (Edward) Wall, Saint John, NB, Douglas (Lynn) Kierstead, Edmonton, AB; brother-in-law Donald Arthurs, Burlington, ON.  Grampie Bob delighted in his grandchildren Anna (Drew) Martin, Laura (Joshua) MacDonald, John (Abigail) Thomson; Kathleen (Benson) Duong, Hannah (John) Bartlett, and Luke Steeves; Jensa Kierstead and Meghan Kierstead.  Grampie Bob was so happy to welcome into his life  great-grandchildren, Judah, Finlay, Madison, Rose, and Ezra Martin, Simon, Vera and Hugo MacDonald, Gus, Eleanor and Brett Thomson, Cameron Kierstead and Jayden Maillet. He is also survived by many nieces and nephews.

Besides his parents, Bob was predeceased by his father-in-law and mother-in-law, Walter and Kathleen Arthurs, brother-in-law and sister-in-law, Lawrence and Barbara Archer, sister-in-law, Shirley Arthurs and nephew Stephen Kierstead.

A heartfelt thank you to those who were involved in Bob’s care: Dr. Castonguy,  Dr. Bewick, Barb at Extra Mural and the home care workers from Integrity.

Donations in Bob’s memory can be made to Lancaster Baptist Church.

Funeral arrangements are entrusted to Castle Funeral Home, with visitation Friday October 22,  2021 from  2:00 - 5:00 PM  at Lancaster Baptist Church with the funeral service on Saturday, October 23, 2021 from Lancaster Baptist Church, Church Ave., Saint John, NB at 10:00 AM with Rev. Wayne Murphy officiating.  COVID 19 restrictions will be followed including mask wearing, sanitizing and double vaccination verification.  Online condolences can be made at https://castlefh.ca/  The service will be live streamed from https://lancasterbaptist.ca/.

Interment will take place directly following the service at the Cedar Hill Extension Cemetery.