Robert Colpitts (1933‑2014)

Integrity. Respect. Fairness. All words describing the exceptional character of Robert Colpitts. These qualities served him well during his career as a livestock specialist, judge, and active member of his community.

In 1933, Bob was born in the small community of Colpitts Settlement, Albert County. After completing his secondary education in Salisbury, Bob attended the Nova Scotia Agricultural College, graduating with his diploma in 1954. Like many of his classmates, Bob continued his education at Macdonald College, McGill University, graduating in 1958 with his Bachelor of Science in Agriculture. Bob began work in extension services for the Department of Agriculture in Nova Scotia, but would soon return to his home province to join the New Brunswick Department of Agriculture, where he would spend the rest of his career.

During his more than 35 years of public service, and extensive involvement with industry organizations, Bob’s greatest asset was his ability to connect with people. Whether as a specialist in extension services or as the Director of the Livestock Branch, Bob treated each of his colleagues and farmers with the utmost respect and consideration. He had an extensive network throughout the province, and was well known for his fair and equal treatment. Bob understood that the value of the agricultural industry lies with its people. Their passion for land and livestock was respected, and he appreciated those qualities when representing farmers.

While his contributions to agriculture in New Brunswick have been wide-ranging, Bob’s primary passion was beef cattle. He was the province’s beef specialist for many years, serving the cattle industry well within the Department and also on the regional and national stage. Bob was the Director of the Maritime Beef Testing Society and served as Secretary-Treasurer for both the New Brunswick Angus Association and the New Brunswick Hereford Association.  He was also a member of the National Advisory Board for Beef Cattle.

Bob’s contributions extended beyond those made with the Department. He lent his time and talents to dozens of organizations, advisory boards and events. Bob spent many years serving as a director and secretary-treasurer for exhibitions, including the Fredericton Exhibition and the Atlantic Winter Fair. He also managed the Provincial Livestock Show and served on the board of the New Brunswick Livestock Breeder Co-op. Bob was a founding member of the New Brunswick Institute of Agrologists, and organized countless educational meetings for beef farmers. Bob could often be found judging beef shows at events through the Maritimes. After retirement, he was appointed to Farm Credit Canada’s Board of Directors.

Bob’s dedication to agriculture did not go unnoticed by his peers. The New Brunswick Federation of Agriculture showed their appreciation by bestowing upon him the James Rob Award for significant contribution to agriculture over his lifetime. Bob was also recognized nationally when he was named to the Canadian Hereford Association’s Honour Roll for his contribution to the advancement of the Hereford breed in Canada. He was the first non-farmer to receive this distinction.

Bob’s rural community also gained from his generosity. He was actively involved in the Naswaaksis United Church, as a youth group leader, Sunday School teacher, and committee member. Bob also spent 18 years volunteering for the York Seniors Care Centre. In addition to an active professional and volunteer life, Bob had a rewarding personal life spent with his wife Eva and three children, Anne, Leigh, and Bruce. Bob passed away in January of 2014. Today we recognize the enduring impact of his 35 years of service to the Province of New Brunswick.

Nominated by the New Brunswick Cattle Producers for his passionate representation and advancement of the cattle industry, Robert Colpitts is in indeed a deserving inductee into the Atlantic Agricultural Hall of Fame.