Obituaries

Bob Jollota gave me the greatest gift of my life – Tai Chi. I practice most days as soon as I get up. I have arthritis and had surgery on my knees recently, but I still practice and love the Form. It took me years to learn it – starting in 1995 in the Monday evening class at The Church. Then, for a couple of years, I met Bob and another student at the Shambhala Centre for a lunch-hour class. It was in those classes, that tai chi became internalized. Over the intervening decades Bob and I met occasionally to do the form, most recently, just before Covid, in the Dartmouth ferry terminal. Sadly, I was hoping to see him again to get corrected on the "5-punch sequence." I spoke to him only a few weeks ago about possibly teaching a class in Halifax and he did not say no...... It's all so shocking and sad. Florence, I have not met you, but we have spoken on the phone. I am so sorry for your loss. Bob was an unusual and very spiritual man. May God rest his 'kind and gentle soul.' Deborah Keema

I was very sad to learn of Bob's suddenly leaving us. I knew him from the first few years after I moved to Kabuki Housing Co-op in Halifax, where he was a member. He was a very kind and thoughtful person, helpful and considerate of others. He helped me with advice and several little projects which made settling into my new home easier. I had not seen him in many years but I always remembered him and thought highly of him. The world needs more people like Bob. He will be greatly missed, by me and by all who knew him.

Rexanne and I were both saddened to hear about Bob's sudden passing. I remember Bob's quiet and thoughtful manner at the many Kabuki Housing Coop meetings we all subjected ourselves to. He helped build a good thing there. And I can still hear his voice coaching on the proper way to hold arms, legs and body while doing tai chi. He was a good soul and world is a little sadder place without him. A favourite memory is when I visited him long before Kabuki and asked him what his cat's name was. He just said 'Asker' (=ask her) with that little grin of his.

Florence, I was so saddened to hear of Bob's passing. He was a such kind, thoughtful and interesting person. I always enjoyed hearing stories of his life adventures when he was my supervisor at LakeCity. My condolences to you and your family.

Florence, I am very saddened by your loss of such a good man. When I walked my dog Chase, and saw you guys coming, it made me feel good. It always gave me a chance to take a rest and share some words with you. You and Bob were easy to talk to and were so very empathic. When my wife was not well you asked about her. It was nice to know someone was actually listening. Thank you for that. You two always seemed so calm. Occasionally, I would see Bob with the dogs at the park across the street and in the garden. I am sorry I didn't take the time to stop and enjoy his company more. I am sitting here watching you two at Shubie in my mind. I realize the Love and respect he had for you. I don't think I could ever forget you or Bob and the example of patience, respect and love you set. We live in 28, if we could offer assistance let us know. Rob Bonnar

Florence we are deeply saddened by Bob's sudden passing Richard and I will miss our daily chats while walking our beloved dogs Lots of love to you, your family and Bugsly❤🙏🐾

Bob was a beautiful person and I loved my three years working at LakeCity Woodworkers. Bob was so kind, caring and a natural with all the clients. My sincere condolences to his family. He will be missed.

The neighbhourhood doesn't feel the same without Bob. He had such a gentle spirit and and inspiring passion for gardening. He will be missed by all of us. Thinking of you, Florence.

Bob and I first met as Playground Supervisors for the Dartmouth Recreation Dept. and again much later as members of Kabuki Co-operative. He was always thoughtful, soft-spoken and kind. A favourite memory of him was his voice of surprise when Rexanne Phillips and I tracked him down and phoned him at an Ashram in India, just to say Hey!

I worked at another agency when Bob was with Lake City. He was always warm and kind to others, espcially his clients. I remember being on a employment counselling course with him and we were paired up do to a practice scenario - we were supposed to keep it simple and ours did not work out so simple. I was the client and the facilitator glowered at me for this, but Bob chimed in to say that, for our clients, this was simple, straightforward scenario. He backed me up and I always appreciated him for this. May happy memories bring you comfort during this difficult time. Tim Verney

I'm so sorry to hear about Bob, he was a wonderful human. Thinking of you all.

Florence, I am very sad to hear about Bob's sudden passing. He was a welcoming neighbour and a warm spirit. Thinking of you and your family. -Alia

My condolences to the family

I will miss Bob. The warmth of his smile. Gary Ward

Condolences to Flo, Andrea, Andrew and the rest of Bob's extended family. So sorry for your loss. Bob was loved and will be missed.