My deepest condolences to direct family and siblings. It's so sad to lose a brother, father, grandparent in their prime. My / our Cousin Bob will be sorely missed by all those people he interacted with during his lifetime. He is forever in your and our thoughts and memories.

I met Bob sometime around 1967 or 1968 when he used to come down to Portugal Cove with Peter Duff. We had a lot of good times. He was just getting into drumming (as was I) and I hooked him up for a gig or two at the Portugal Cove Legion. I loaned him my drums a few times after that to play a few other gigs as he didn't have anyting of his own at the time.
I also remember Carl...we went to McPherson Junior High together. 
I hadn't seen or heard of Bob for years but I certainly remember the times we had.
My condolences to his family.

My heartfelt condolences to Bob's family on their great loss.
I first met Bob when I was 7 or 8 years old through my brother Kevin, which would have made Bob 18 or 19.  The teenager I knew back then was well on his way to being the kind, gentle, big-hearted man that others have described here.
Whenever Bob came to the house to see Kevin, he always took the time to get down on my level and talk to me and show interest in my little world, even for a short time.  I'm sure he had better things to do than look at the storybooks and Barbie dolls of a kid with her first crush, but I never knew that, because he never showed that.  Ever.  He was kind and sweet and caring, and I adored him in my little girl way. 
Unfortunately, I never saw Bob again after I grew up, although I always hoped I would so I could have the chance to thank him for being so nice to me.  
Maya Angelou said people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.  I will never forget how one teenager's kindness made the little girl I was back then feel so very special.
Rest in Peace Bob.

Golf, oktoberfest, hockey tournaments, blue jay/leafs games, Christmas parties...and the bunker. How many times did these events either include, or end at The Bunker...The first person I met back on October 15th 1996 for my first day introduced me to - to my unknowing, to one of the most kind souls one could hope to meet. Bobby, I'm glad I didn't speak today because I would not have done well...they say when someone passes on you lose a bit of you if they meant something to you. I did. Thank you Mr Mercer for all the good times and sharing much time together. You're right about one thing, I was young enough to be your son and 'dad' I'm forever proud to still be your very good friend. Til we meet again...

PS next time finish your steak or someone else will!

Grateful to have had a chance to jam with this kind spirited man. I am the richer for knowing you Bobby!! Thank You for letting me park my truck in your driveway. Love and Peace to you my friend and may the Lord take you home.

I was very sad to be informed of Bob's passing.I have nothing but fond memories of Bob and all the fun we had playing gigs together. I especially remember with great fondness the days we spent in the Kitchener, Waterloo area both working and playing music.

Bob was always  a steady influence on the rest of us. I am sure I share with Wayne and the two Kevins when I say Bob will be greatly missed.

I am sure that he will be deeply missed by his kids and grandkids.You know you have come full circle in life when you have grandkids.

To the family my deepest condolences.

Rest in peace Bob you will be missed.

Shirley, Wally & all the Mercer Family; so sorry to hear of Bob's sudden passing.

"Remember he is only gone from your sight, but never your memories- Gone from your touch, but never your hearts"
 I will miss his visits to Newfoudland. See you when you get home. 

Barb Dunphy, Holyrood, NL

It was with great sadness that I heard about Bob's passing. Having played in bands with him in the 70s, I have numerous memories, all of them great. Bob had a passion for music which was evident in his vast musical knowledge, his treasured record collection and his tireless playing. I always remember how much sweat was around his drums after playing as he always gave it 100%. 

Bob called me one night a few years ago to catch up. We spoke for over an hour about all the times we had over the years and where life had taken us both. We promised each other that we would get together if either of us was in the others neighborhood which, unfortunately, never happened.

To the Mercer family - I have always said that the most important thing in life is that you are happy.  Bob and I, as well as a number of others, went through both rough and good times together over the years; life as a musician is challenging at the best of times. Bob always had a smile that would get us through the rough times and a big grin during the good times. 

Rest in peace my dear, dear friend and I'll see you on the other side.
Kevin Anstey  (Spook)

My condolences to the family.  I worked with Bob, and when I started working with him back in the 90's he was one of the few people who took me under their wing.  He was a great guy who loved to rock and roll; I will never forget him.  May peace be with you all.

Shirley, Wally and the rest of Bob's Family...
I was sorry to hear about Bob's passing. Although I've never met Bob, I know he was very close to your hearts and I heard lots about him.
I'm sure you have lots of wonderful memories of your brother and that you will keep him close to your hearts through his children and grandchildren!
See you when you get home.

Brittany, Amber, Shirley and family,

So sorry for your loss (and also my loss too).  Bob was a superb person.  I don't know what to say but girls, you couldn't ask for a better father than him.

It's strange writing this - I was thinking only a few days ago that it was time to call Bob. I was hoping he could get down here and once again we could make a racket together. 

I first met Bob 46 years ago. I was with the Rock Pile and Bob offered to play drums if we ever needed a new drummer.  A year or so later there was Devon Row, then Express Freight and then Ice  -- Bob was our drummer for all three. And what a drummer! Enthusiastic, tireless, modest and constantly improving. That Ludwig kit was phenomenal! Great times, many laughs. We lived in a rented house in St.John's with no heat, in a rented house in Grand Falls, in the back of a crisis intervention centre, in a cabin in the woods near the Exploits River and for a few months in a tent in the woods off Kenmount road.

 Then came the Waterloo years living in a rented house next door to the Satan's Choice motorcycle group on one side and a teacher and her mom on the other. We practiced and practiced and ate little more than boiled carrots and peanut butter- then one day Bob announced "Boys, I need meat!!" Playing those drums was certainly hard physical work.

We picked tobacco together near Tilsonburg, Ontario. We worked in a cardboard box factory. We both worked at Uniroyal. We often went to Clem's for a Coke.

Bob saw only the upside. He never had a bad word to say about anyone. He was a great friend. Years passed and we went our different ways but our friendship never wavered and lately we were making plans to again make some music together. Talking on the phone, I love that central Canada accent he picked up,eh!  

We are a small club- those of us in the bands with Bob---there's Ewen, Rod, Spook, Ed, Brian, Wayne, John, and me.  Bob was the drumming machine behind us - the glue keeping us together ( even if during prolonged lead breaks Bob would occasionally look at me, clearly forgetting what song we were playing and mouth the words, " WHAT SONG ARE WE DOING???". As I said, great times.

I miss my friend.

So sorry to hear of Bob's passing. We played together in the early 70's in St. Johns.Bob was a gentle person with a big heart and also a talented drummer. My condolences to all the family. I am sure he will be greatly missed.

I knew Bob  in the 70's, we played in a band together. Great memories.  Sorry to hear of his passing.  Our condolences to his family.

I have lots of good memories of Bob from the 70's. Different bands, different places we lived and lots of good times. We reconnected a few years ago and he was planning to come visit us in Florida and have a few jam sessions with Kevin. We are sorry it didn't happen. My condolences to all his family. I know he was so proud of his kids and grandkids and he will be missed.

OBITUARY

Robert William Mercer

February 23, 1953 – March 28, 2016

Westmount Memorial Celebration Centre

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