Robert Nephew Barclay

Robert Nephew Barclay, known affectionately to all as Bob, was born on July 29, 1940, in Paterson, New Jersey, and on June 27, 2026, he took his last breath in Oceanport, New Jersey, called home into the eternal mercy of God. He was a Christian man, loving, analytical, and faith-filled, and he walked through life with a steady hand, a thoughtful mind, and a heart full of love for his family.

Bob was the beloved husband of Isabel Barclay, who has gone before him in death, and the cherished brother of Evelyn and the late Jean and Henry. He was a devoted father to Robert, Suzanne, Heather, and Christopher, and a proud grandfather to four grandchildren. He loved supporting his children and grandchildren in all of their school and extra- curricular activities.

He became interested in photography and would often take pictures at their games and events.

He received part of his education at William Paterson State College and later attended Detroit Diesel School, where he further honed the practical gifts that would serve him well throughout his working years. Bob was a veteran of the United States Navy from 1960 to 1963, and in that service, he honored his country with the discipline and courage that marked his character. As a radarman on an aircraft carrier, his naval travels took him all over the world. After he served, he had a career as a mechanic with the Operating Engineers, Local 825.

Bob found joy in the quiet and the wild places of the earth. He loved hunting deer and game birds, yet he also held a deep respect for nature and for animals, which he showed in the tender care he gave to the ten dogs who shared his life over the years. He loved fishing, crabbing and spending time in his kayak. He was also an avid chess player, and was proud he defeated a chess master in a tournament in Toms River. After he retired, he took great pleasure in sailing up and down the intracoastal waterway and eventually spent winters in the Florida Keys.

Bob was a deacon at his church, and an avid reader of the Bible. He had great respect for all religions, though, and would love to have in-depth discussions with anyone who dared to debate! His favorite hymns were “How Great Though Art” and “Amazing Grace”. His interest in music was varied (country, rock, Scottish bagpipes), but his favorite type of music was jazz. One of his most fond memories was attending the Newport Jazz Festival. One of his favorite songs, which he loved to sing, was written and performed by Johnny Nash.

Here are the lyrics:

I can see clearly now the rain has gone

I can see all obstacles in my way

Gone are the dark clouds that had me blind

It’s gonna be a bright, bright sun shiny day

May he rest in peace, and may perpetual light shine upon him.

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