Obituary of Robert 'Robbie' Vincent Chiasson, N.W.

Robbie ‘Frog'  Chiasson, born March 16, 1969, passed away suddenly on April 15th, 2018 in New Waterford.

Born in New Waterford, he was the son of Lucy (Blanchard) Chiasson, Belle Cote, and the late Joseph Bernard Chiasson (Margaree Forks).

Robbie leaves behind his loving wife and best friend of 16 years, Amanda , and his pride and joy, his three beautiful children, Conor, Catie, and Justin.

Also surviving are his siblings, George (Allana) MacNeil, Wayne (Anita) Chiasson, Joanne (John) Haley , Wendy (Jamie-deceased) Oliver. In-laws, Richie (Janet) Wilcox, Richelle (Sheldon) Gillett, Stephen (Shauna) Wilcox, Richie (Aaron C.) Wilcox; nieces and nephews, Danny, Peggy, Matthew, Monique, Chris, Sara, Owen, Charlie, Jake, Grady, Casey, and Miles. Robbie will be dearly missed by all of his aunts, uncles, cousins and friends.

Robbie had an intense love of sports from when he was a tadpole where he played road hockey on Nicholson Ave, Lee Hawkers on Mt. Carmel Ave, and football in the church yard. He played hockey, soccer and basketball, but soccer was his true love.  He proudly wore jerseys of the BEC Bears and New Waterford Wolves which would lead him to four years of varsity soccer at ST. FX. After graduating, he began his teaching career in Ottawa at Lester B. Pearson Catholic High School. Robbie was an active coach and president of the intermediate Athletic Association. Robbie was key in bringing Gaelic Football into the school system as he was a player, coach and dedicated member of the Ottawa Gaels GAA. Robbie was a very successful soccer coach with the LBP Panthers where they won back to back high school OFSAA titles.

After marrying Amanda in 2001, despite the wonderful network of family, friends, and co-workers they were fortunate to have in their lives, they decided to move back East to their hometown. They eventually would build their forever home next to Amanda’s parents and Robbie’s best friend, Richie & Janet.

Robbie was instrumental in the growth and development of soccer and sports throughout Cape Breton. He was hired by Soccer Cape Breton as technical director, while teaching with the CBVRSB. He was then hired as head coach of the CBU Men’s soccer team in 2003.  Robbie transformed the CBU Men’s Soccer program driving them to be a force at the national level. In his first year coaching, he was named AUS coach of the year. The Capers, under Robbie as head coach, would capture three AUS titles and CIS Silver and Bronze medals. Robbie was an influential sports mentor to many players he actively recruited locally, within Nova Scotia, across Canada, to Bermuda and England.

Robbie most recently had been coaching and enjoying watching his three children play sports. This past season, Robbie coached the High School Breton Bears, including his eldest son Conor, to the Highland Division 2 Soccer title. Also this past summer, he coached the CBFC U15 AA Boys to a provincial title on which Conor played. He also coached his youngest son, Justin, with the CBFC winter team and New Waterford summer soccer teams.Robbie would also watch his little girl, Catie, do competitive soccer, basketball, and highland dance.

Robbie was presently teaching Elementary Physical Education at Greenfield Elementary and Donkin Complex where he touched the lives of many of his students.

Robbie had a love and desire of spending quality family time in his favourite place, Margaree. Kayaking on the river, hanging out at the beach, Belle Cote Days, and campfires were his happy places. Robbie was always playing, watching, coaching, refereeing or painting 'clean' lines on the soccer field. Robbie still actively played hockey, soccer, tennis or any sport to hang out with the boys.

Robbie’s most passionate role was being a devoted, loving , and amazing father, husband, brother and ‘the favourite’ son. He was a true family man. His charming personality, infectious smile and zest for life will be sorely missed by anyone that was lucky enough to have crossed his path.

Visitation will be held on Friday, April 20, 2018 from 2-4 and 6:30-8:30 p.m. at V.J. McGillivray Funeral Home, 380 Smith Street, New Waterford. A Funeral Mass of celebration will take place Saturday, April 21, at 1 p.m. in the Parish Church of St. Leonard, Mount Carmel Avenue, with Father Ray Huntley officiating. Cremation will follow. A luncheon will be held at Greenfield Elementary Gym immediately following the Funeral Mass. All are welcome. Donations in his memory may be made to the Heart and Stroke Foundation of Nova Scotia or any youth sports program. Online expressions of sympathy may be sent to the family at: www.vjmcgillivray.ca.

“Hands, touching hands, reaching out, touching me, touching you”.