We regret to advise of the sudden death of Sergeant Robert John “Bobby” Gresswell, CD of Canadian Forces Base Cold Lake, AB on 23 July 2019 at Canadian Forces Base Edmonton, AB at age 51 years.
Bobby was born in Amherst, NS and started his military career in 1984 when he joined the Reserves as an Infantryman. Eight years later he transferred within the Reserves to become an Armoured Crewman for seven years before he transferred to the Regular Force and joined the Canadian Military Engineers.
Upon completion of his recruit training at the Leadership and Recruit School, in Saint-Jean-sur-Richelieu, QC and his trades training at the Canadian Forces School of Military Engineering, Bobby started his career as an Electrical Distribution Technician at Canadian Forces Base (CFB) Cold Lake AB. In 2004 he deployed to Syria on Op DANACA with Task Force Golan and in 2006 deployed with Task Force Afghanistan. Upon his return from Afghanistan, Bobby was posted to 2 Combat Engineer Regiment in CFB Petawawa, ON for two years, then to CFB Comox, BC. From Comox, he deployed again to TF Afghanistan (2008-09) and, upon returning to Canada, was posted to CF Leadership and Recruit School, for a year in 2010. Bobby then returned to Cold Lake with 4 Air Combat Service Support Squadron and soon deployed to Afghanistan for the third time (2013- 14). Bobby was in the process of transferring to Edmonton for his posting with 1 Combat Engineer Regiment at the time of his passing.
Visitation for family and friends will be held in Bobby’s hometown of Amherst, NS at Campbell’s Funeral Home (98 Church St., Amherst) on Tuesday, 30 July 2019 from 9:00 am – 11:00 am followed by a military funeral at 2:00 pm. Cremation to follow with interment in the St. Charles-Nativity Cemetery, 75 East Pleasant Street, Amherst on Wednesday, 31 July 2019 at 2:00 pm. In lieu of floral tributes, memorial contributions in Bobby’s memory can be made to the Heart and Stroke Foundation or a charity of your choice. Online condolences & sharing of memories may be sent to the Funeral Home.
