Robert Eric Sandeski

It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of our beloved husband, father, brother and uncle - Robert Sandeski. Rob passed away surrounded by his family on January 15th after a courageous battle with cancer.

Rob is survived by his wife Maureen (MacKenzie); his daughters Hayleigh (Morgan), Maddie (Taylor) and step-daughter Mia; his father and mother-in law Howie and Patty (MacKenzie); brothers Fred (Teresa), Dale (Lillian), Les (Brenda), Danny; and sisters Cindy (Mark), Marie (Alan) and his many nieces and nephews.

He is predeceased by his Mother Eleanor (Tofflemire) and father John, as well as siblings Lorne, Paul and Beatrice and 2 nieces and 2 nephews.

Rob was born and raised in Weyburn, Saskatchewan. After graduating high school in 1991 he moved to the east coast and continued his education in his chosen field as a funeral director. While continuing his education Rob met and married his first wife Sherry (Boyles). Together they had 2 girls, Hayleigh and Maddie, who were the light of his life.

Rob continued his career working in funeral homes in Saskatchewan, Newfoundland and Nova Scotia. In 2002 he started as a technician with the Dalhousie Human Donation Program of which he eventually became the director, discovering it was the place he truly belonged in his career. He found his calling in the lab teaching others and sharing his passion with the many students who had the honor of learning alongside him. Dalhousie allowed him to expand his collection of skills and knowledge. This is also where, with his coworkers and mentors, he would create some of his most cherished friendships.

Rob's love for helping others led him to Station 16. He worked hard to become a volunteer firefighter with the guys at Eastern Passage Fire. His fire training was not only useful for putting out fires in his community but also for “the toughest 2 minutes in sports”. The men he competed with were not just running mates but his team even off the Firefit course. Over the span of 15 years he climbed the ranks, first to Lieutenant and eventually retiring as station Chief. Even after retirement Station 16 continued to hold a special place in his life.

In 2013 he met his wife Maureen and this ultimately was the start of his beautiful blended family. Maureen and her family welcomed Rob and his girls into their lives as if they were always a part of it. Rob, who was born to be a girl-dad, embraced Mia as his daughter with just as much love. Rob and Maureen were married on July 31st, 2021 surrounded by their family and closest friends.

When Rob wasn’t working or fighting fires you could find him in the backyard. Whether he was tending to his garden, wood working or getting ready for a ride on his Harley, he loved to be busy doing something. Above all his family was his number one priority, he loved us all to the moon and back.

The family wants to express a great love and appreciation to some of Rob's closest friends: Jason Spicer, George Kovacs, Chris Moss, Aaron Wright and Michelle Kempton.

Special thanks to Rob’s healthcare team: Dr. Rayson and Nurse Meghan with his oncology team and the palliative care team at Dartmouth General 5 West.

A celebration of life will be held at J.A. Snow's funeral home on Sunday, January 26th, 2025 with a service at 2pm and a reception to follow.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Canadian Cancer Society.

In memory of Rob; get out and do the things you love.