Obituary of Robert Laurance Reginald Overing

Robert (Bob) Laurance Reginald Overing died on Wednesday, Sept. 26, 2018 at Embassy Hall, Shannex, Quispamsis, NB. Born June 20, 1927 in Montreal he was the only child of the late Laurance and Jean (Binning) Overing. He is survived by his wife of 63 years, Doone (McMurtry) Overing; daughter Robin Habel (Brian Turnbull) of Rossland, BC; son Eric Overing (Christina Taylor) of Rothesay, NB; Three grandchildren: Alexandra (John Gillingham) of Calgary, AB; Taylor (Michelle Stephen) of Toronto, ON; and Robin (Sarah Byrne) of Boston, MA, and one great-grandchild, Huxley Gillingham. Bob attended Roslyn Elementary School and Westmount High. He earned his BA from Sir George Williams, his MEd from McGill and his PhD from University of Utah in 1966. He discovered his love of teaching as a ski instructor in the late 40’s at the Gray Rocks Snow Eagle Ski School. His career took the family from Montreal to Vancouver where he was Associate Dean at UBC Faculty of Education then to Toronto where he was the founding Dean of the Faculty of Education at York University, retiring in 1980. An avid alpine and cross-country skier, Bob spent many happy winters in the Laurentian Mountains of Quebec and many happy summers hiking and cutting trails in the woods around Lake Manitou. He was able to indulge his love of the outdoors throughout his retirement. Bob and Doone travelled extensively in Europe by bike in the early years of their retirement, only resorting to more conventional modes of travel in later years. They moved to New Brunswick in 2012 where snowshoes replaced cross country skis and the Belleisle Bay replaced Lake Manitou (almost, but not quite). A memorial service will take place in Ste-Agathe-des-Monts, QC, at a later date. Arrangements under the care of Brenan’s Funeral Home, 111 Paradise Row, Saint John, NB (506.634.7424). Remembrances to CONSERVATION MANITOU would be appreciated by the family (1800 McGill College Avenue, suite 2102, Montreal, Quebec H3A 3J6). Online remembrances and condolences may be placed at www.brenansfh.com.