MacCoubrey Funeral Home
30 King St. E., Cobourg
This obituary is protected by copyright by MacCoubrey Funeral Home Limited. Proudly serving Northumberland County in the province of Ontario, Canada. All rights reserved.
It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Robert D. Carman on January 7, 2024. Bob was born in Chatham, Ontario in July of 1932, only child to Ralph S. and Minnie G. Carman.
Bob is survived by his loving wife of 69 years, Beverley Carman and children Doug Carman, Barb Wagner, Don Carman (Eva) and grandchildren Tamara Wagner (Mike), Karl Wagner (Cassandra), Robert Carman and Daniel Carman.
Following in his father’s footsteps, Bob graduated from the University of Toronto, Bachelor of Science, Forestry in 1954.
Bob’s distinguished public service career with the Government of Ontario commenced as a Forester for the Department of Lands and Forests in 1954. He worked for 35 years in the Ontario Public Service with progressively responsible positions in Department of Lands and Forests before moving to Management Board of Cabinet from 1972 to 1977. Bob served as Deputy Minister for Community and Social Services from 1978 to 1981, returning as Secretary of Management Board until 1985. Bob was appointed Secretary to the Cabinet and Clerk of the Executive Council from 1985 to 1989 and as Special Advisor to the Premier of Ontario from 1989 to 1990.
Bob’s private sector career included a 4 year term as Chief Silviculturalist at Northwestern Pulp and Power in Hinton, Alberta in the mid 1960’s as well as work with Weston Foods from 1990-1993 and Government Policy Consultants from 1995 to 2003.
Bob served as board member and board chair of MMM Group from 2003 to 2011, board member for Bridgepoint Hospital from 2001 to 2010, director and executive committee member for the Niagara Institute from 1984 to 1994 and board member for the Cobourg Hospital from 2012/2013 to 2021.
Bob was recognized for his exemplary public service receiving the Vanier Medal in 1988, became a Member of the Order of Canada in 1995, and was saluted by the Public Policy Forum in 1989 for outstanding contributions to public policy and public sector management in Canada. Bob received the Queen’s Silver Jubilee Medal in 1977 and the Queen’s Golden Jubilee Medal in 2002.
Bob’s greatest passion was his family and his many friends. Bob loved their 100 acre tree farm in Colborne, Ontario, downhill skiing throughout North America and Europe, travel, hiking and the natural world. Bob remained close with his graduating class 5T4 and planned and attended reunions every few years until recently.
Bob will be missed. A former colleague noted that Bob was a gentleman and public servant of the highest calibre and integrity. He served all Ontarians with a rare dedication and determination. He will be remembered for his high ethical standards, principled leadership, his passion for accountability and always doing the right thing.
The family wishes to thank the staff at Grand River Hospital and Freeport Hospital in Kitchener, Ontario for their amazing and compassionate care and the staff at Home and Community Care Support Services Waterloo Wellington for their support.
In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the charity of your choosing, the Northumberland Hills Hospital Foundation or the Grand River Hospital Foundation.
Friends and colleagues are invited for a Celebration of Life on February 10, 2024 from 1:00 to 4:00 p.m. at MacCoubrey Funeral Home in Cobourg, Ontario.
A Memorial Donation has been made to the following charity:
Northumberland Hills Hospital Foundation
A Memorial Donation has been made to the following charity:
Northumberland Hills Hospital Foundation
A Memorial Donation has been made to the following charity:
Grand River Hospital Freeport Campus
Bev and Barb may recall that I had the privilege of working with Bob during his years at the Management Board Secretariat. He was a towering source of insight and inspiration to me and to the other Secretariat staff – his work ethic and encyclopedic knowledge was inspirational, and highly valued by the governments he served. Although I lost regular touch with Bob as our careers diverged, I still think of him often, and remain grateful to him for the role model he provided for principled leadership, vision and professional contribution.
I will remember Bob as a kind, bright person. He had a tremendous sense of humor and we admired how active Bob was well into his later age. Bob was a great mentor and manager, bringing out our team's best. He treated us with respect and was clear and detailed about his expectations. It was our great pleasure knowing and working with Bob. We will miss him. Our sincere condolences to your family. Our thoughts are with you during this difficult time. Warms Regards, Jan Russel
A Memorial Donation has been made to the following charity:
Northumberland Hills Hospital Foundation
Barb, our condolences to you and your family. May he rest in peace.
Such a kind and gentle man. Always nice to get a chat in with him out and about whether it was about one of his ski trips or life in general. When our children were little he would let us go in on his farm to cut the perfect Christmas tree. We continued our tradition with his son when he started JD Christmas tree farm. Our condolences to the Carmen family Doug & Deb Simpson
Bev So sorry to hear of Bobs passing, I have been kept in the loop with how you guys are doing since your move… we all miss you and hope Bob is at peace. Glad your near your daughter now. Be strong Love Karen, John and Grace💕
My condolences to Bev and all the Carman family. I have many fond memories of Bob during our careers in the Ontario Public Service. I first met Bob after my graduation (1969) and he was in the Department of Lands and Forests looking for young talent to hire. Little did I know that our career paths would intersect many times over the next 3 decades. I was always thankful for the support and advice he gave me. He was a great role model. Could ski and dance pretty well too. He will be greatly missed.
We are sending deepest condolences to the whole Carman family. What an amazing life Bob lived, and how generous he was with his time and expertise. Jim and Wendy always spoke highly of him and what a gentleman he was. Take care. 💕
My deepest condolences to all the Carman family. I've know Bob for many years and am quite sadden to hear of his passing.
Always a pleasure to have Bob's expertise on the NHH Board of Directors. His comments were always thoughtful, steeped in knowledge, and spot on to the issue being discussed.
My condolences to the Carman family on this sad loss. I worked with Bob for many years in the Ontario Public Service and was fortunate to stay in touch with him after his retirement. Bob really was the consummate public sector leader. He lead with integrity and set an example for all of us. His legacy of bipartisan professionalism will not be matched.
Bob was a notable civil servant. I worked for him and with him for most of my time in the Ontario Public Service. He always gave me the best advice, was a good friend and supported me throughout my career there. He was a fine civil servant. He understood absolutely the role of the civil service and its relationship with the elected government. He was totally professional throughout his notable career. Bob, you were a wonderful example for all of us who worked with you.
Dear Barb, It breaks my heart to hear of your Father's passing. My deepest condolences to you and the Family. May the love and memories carry you all through this difficult time. He was truly genuine and a hallmark of a gentleman!
Our heartfelt sympathy to the Carman family. We have met your family on several occasions, but feel that we know you well through Jim and Wendy.
Condolences to the Carman family - your dad was kind to us whenever we saw him
Dear Barb, Don & Doug. Your Dad will be sadly missed. We remember, with great fondness, our many years of friendship with him and your Mom. Love & Blessings, Joyce & Frank Flavelle
To the Carman Family, I am so sorry to hear this sad news. You have my deepest condolences.
Dear Bev, Barb, Doug & Don, Please accept our sincere condolences on Bob's passing. He was a lovely man - well loved, well liked, and well respected. We hope that you'll find solace and comfort in each other during this sad time, sharing stories of a life well lived.
A Memorial Donation has been made to the following charity:
Northumberland Hills Hospital Foundation
As mentioned by others I knew Bob through volunteering , along with him, at the NHH Board of Directors. Bob was always prepared, taking a keen interest in the work and very open and thoughtful to others. A true gentleman with a life well lived.
I had the pleasure of working with Bob on the NHH Board of Directors for several years in the past decade. He was an extremely principaled person, very sharp, and always a gentleman in every way. He could always be counted on to give excellent feedback on any issue that came to the Board. He was able to draw on years of experience at the highest levels of government, and when he spoke, everyone listened and learned. Working with Bob was more than a pleasure; it was an honour! Rest in peace.