Robert "Bob" Alan Wrye

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Robert "Bob" Alan Wrye, on December 13, 2025, at the Valley Regional Hospital, in the company of his daughter and closest friends. Born on March 1, 1949, in Vancouver, Bob was the youngest son of Marian (Routledge) and Alan Wrye.

He is survived by his daughter Kathy (Carlos); his brother Bill (Gay) and his beloved grandchildren Ben, Claire, Tessa, and Ellie. He was predeceased by his wife of 50 years, Janet, and daughters Lori and Elizabeth.

After a childhood spent across Canada, in 1967, Bob moved to Nova Scotia to attend Acadia University, where he fell in love with both Janet and the town of Wolfville. Despite being from ‘away,’ Bob devoted his life to Wolfville, raising his family there and becoming a well-known pillar of the community. In 1970, Bob became the first student to hold a seat on Town Council (while also serving as the President of the Students’ Union). Following that feat, he was elected mayor (1976-79), served as Deputy Mayor (1995-2008) and was President of the Union of Nova Scotia Municipalities (2007-08). Bob played a key role in helping to shape the development of Wolfville into the thriving community it is today. He was especially proud of being part of Wolfville becoming the first municipality in Canada to ban smoking in cars carrying children.

Bob was also a leading figure in the insurance industry, travelling across the Maritimes for the Portage Mutual Insurance company. In 2015, after a 35-year career in the industry, Bob was the recipient of the Insurance Brokers Association of Nova Scotia’s Insurance Rep of the Year Award.

In addition to juggling his busy career and civic service, Bob led a rich and full social and family life. Together with Janet, he hosted epic Christmas Eve gatherings, lobster dinner/dance parties, and Labour Day cottage bashes. He rocked the sound board as a member of Men Will Be Boys, bravely group ‘babysat’ the kids during Women’s Weekends Away and was a founding member of the Wolfville Pub Night Crew. He was a much-loved husband and father, inspiring his daughters to follow him into the insurance industry and the public service. He was also a beloved grandfather who took immense joy in his grandchildren, particularly in time spent with them at the family cottage.

The only thing Bob ever failed at was retirement, accepting a job at Anderson McTague & Associates a mere two months after retiring the first time. At the time of his passing, Bob was working part-time for the Huestis Insurance Group, serving on the Board of Directors of Just Us! Coffee and continuing to provide financial advice and support to his fellow parishioners at St John’s Anglican Church, where he served as Treasurer for over 30 years.

Bob will be sorely missed by all who knew and loved him. A celebration of life will be held for him in the summer. Donations may be made in his memory to the St. John’s Anglican Church, Wolfville.

Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to the White Family Funeral Home and Cremation Services, Kentville. Online condolences and inquiries may be directed to www.whitefamilyfuneralhome.com