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In memory of those who have Crossed the Bar
GIRARDIN, Robert (Bob) - was born in Leamington, Ontario Canada in 1938. He died on Saturday, 7 February 2026 in Newport News, VA. He was predeceased by his parents, George and Hilda and stepmother, Nellie and by his brothers, Morris, Harold and Larry. He is survived by his wife, Martha whom he married in 1978.
Bob joined the Canadian Navy and served for 5 years. He was stationed at CFB Shearwater and aboard the Aircraft Carrier HMCS Bonaventure. When he left the Navy, he immigrated to the U.S. In 1967, he became a citizen and joined the U.S. Army to become a helicopter pilot and Transportation Officer. He had 2 tours in Vietnam and often commented about how he felt God's protection during that time. He had many assignments over the years that eventually led him back to Fort Eustis in 1977 where he met his future wife, Marti and the rest is history. Together, they had many great adventures but one of the most memorable was when they were assigned to Nairobi, Kenya for 2 years. Bob retired from the Army in 1987 as a Major. He then worked at Eastern State Hospital as their Transportation Department Supervisor for 12 years. In the years that followed his retirement, he dedicated himself to serving the Lord at Olivet Christian Church and to taking care of and supporting his wife, Marti. He was the best life partner a wife could ever hope for.
So many friends and family have described him as kind, thoughtful, loyal, friendly, loving, dedicated, funny, sweet and a man of integrity. He was all those things and so much more. He was a bird lover and could recognize many by their song and plumage (especially hummingbirds). You always knew he was coming by his whistle or his singing. To his wife, he will always be her best friend and the love of her life. He will be sorely missed by his family and friends.
A memorial service to celebrate Bob will be held at 1:00 pm on Wednesday, 11 March 2026 at Olivet Christian Church, 86 Maxwell Lane, Newport News, VA. In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to your favorite charity in Bob's name.
A heartfelt thank you goes out to everyone who took care of Bob in Warwick Forest's Evergreen Memory Care facility. (Weymouth Funeral Home and Crematory)
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