Henley, Robert Douglas

Henley, Robert Douglas – January 7, 1955-July 28, 2015. We are sad to announce the passing of Robert “Rob” Henley on July 28, 2015, in Middle Musquodoboit. Rob was born in Barrie, Ont., to air force parents, the late Richard and Florence (Roome) Henley, and subsequently lived on bases in Edgar, Ont.; Gander, N.L.; Sydney; Ottawa, Ont.; and Halifax, where his parents finally retired. Upon graduation from high school, Rob pursued his education further, completing a college certification in Business Accounting, before working for some time with the city of Halifax. He went on to complete an Arts degree in History and Anthropology at Dalhousie University. This degree contributed to his passion for military history, and in particular his interest in researching the military and medals. His degree also supported his decision to become involved in teaching ESL (English as a Second Language). This interest saw him spend a number of years in Harbin, China, and South Korea. When not travelling or building and organizing his military history data, Rob became quite involved in the non-profit volunteer responder sector, namely St. John Ambulance, volunteer fire fighting, search and rescue, as well as the scouting movement. For a time, he was a paramedic within the city of Dartmouth, where he received a service award. Rob was a volunteer firefighter in Bedford and Dutch Settlement. His firefighting experience led to some interesting instructional duties at the Nova Scotia Firefighter’s School in Waverley. His training with St. John Ambulance was a great asset to his search and rescue and fire department activities. A highlight of his search and rescue experience was searching for possible survivors, and unfortunately, the recovery of the deceased following the downing of Swissair flight 111, in 1998, in St. Margaret’s Bay. In recent years, and right up until his untimely passing, Rob was working security shifts for Nova Scotia Commissionaires at Halifax Stanfield International Airport.

Rob is survived by his wife, Christy; daughter, Talana (Blair) Dunderdale; new granddaughter, Christy Dunderdale; brother, Scott; and many extended family members.

Cremation has taken place. Funeral service will be Wednesday, at 2 p.m., in Riverside United Church, Elmsvale, Rev. Karen Lynch officiating. Burial to follow in Riverside Cemetery.

Arrangements are under the direction of Arimathea Funeral Cooperative, Upper Musquodoboit.