We regret to advise of the death of Warrant Officer Robert Gerard “Bob” L’Abbé, CD (Ret’d) of Kingston ON, peacefully in hospital on 18 August 2021 at the age of 86 years. Bob served a full 37 years as a Firefighter where he served as both a military firefighter and civilian fire fighter within the Department of National Defence and rose to become Fire Chief of CFB Kingston.
Bob was born in Edmonton AB and enlisted in the Royal Canadian Air Force in 1954 at Sea Island, Vancouver BC. His first posting was to RCAF Station Calgary. Subsequent postings included Canadian Forces Station Mont Apica QC, Zweibrucken Germany during the heightened tension of the Cold War, CFS Lac St. Denis and Canadian Forces Base Borden ON. He left Borden after seven years as the Chief Instructor of the Canadian Forces Fire Academy, indoctrinating the next generation of fire fighters. In 1976, Bob decided to take off the uniform and settle into a DND civilian life as the CFB Kingston Fire Chief. He held this a post for 15 years until his retirement from DND in 1991.
Post retirement, Bob was an active member of his community, often participating in Firefighter curling bonspiel events, volunteering with the Knights of Columbus or the Royal Canadian Legion Branch 560. He proudly went on parade every Remembrance Day until mobility issues made that no longer possible. Bob always had a smile for everyone he met and greatly enjoyed visiting with his neighbours in his condo. He loved the quiet of fishing and was an avid golfer and curler.
Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church, 392 Palace Rd, Kingston, on Tuesday 24 August 2021 at 10:30 a.m. Rite of Committal with prayers to follow at Glenhaven Memorial Gardens. If so desired, donations to the St. Vincent de Paul Society or a Charity of Your Choice would be appreciated. Messages of condolences can be sent to his grandson, Maj Van Tine or online to the funeral home.
Anyone wishing to attend the Mass must contact the funeral home (613-546-5454) between 9-5:00 p.m. to pre-register your attendance. Entry will be strictly limited to registered visitors attending at their confirmed time only. All pandemic protocols are being followed and respected; masks are required, social distancing is to be respected and maintained.
