The family of Robert Douglas MacLeod, aged 57, is deeply saddened to announce his passing in an aviation accident while flying as a Bird Dog pilot as part of fire protection efforts in Fort Simpson, Northwest Territories, on June 24, 2026.
Robert was born at The Moncton Hospital to Elsie (neé Harding) MacLeod and Robert "David" MacLeod. He was raised in Riverview, New Brunswick, where he lived throughout his life. He is survived by his mother Elsie MacLeod, his brother Derrick (Mary), and his nieces Amelia and Lauren, who adored him and were always so happy to spend time with him.
He is also survived and deeply loved by Rayden and Bernadette Oulton. Rob loved and raised Rayden as his own son since Rayden was three and was deeply devoted to Bernadette. He treasured the time he spent with them, creating countless cherished memories together and watching Rayden grow.
He is further survived by numerous aunts, uncles, and cousins. He was predeceased by his father Robert "David" MacLeod and by his paternal and maternal grandparents.
Rob pursued many interests throughout his life. An avid go-kart racer in his 30s & 40s, he accumulated a collection of more than 130 trophies and awards through his racing career on the Eastern Circuit & the Championship Kart Racing Association circuits.
In his youth, Rob was a member of the Boys’ Brigade of Canada, where he met friends who shared similar interests. He often travelled with both his father, who served as a Brigade leader, and his brother, who was also a member. During his time with the Brigade, he participated in jamborees, hiked the Dobson Trail, and achieved the Silver Award in the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award program as well as the President’s Award from Brigade Canada.
Rob also played various sports, with speed skating becoming
his longest-running pursuit. He had the longest short track speed
skating competitive career of anyone in the Maritimes, competing for
close to thirty years as part of the Riverview Speed Skating Club. He
competed in Quebec, National & North American Championships as
well as the 1987 Canada Winter Games, held National Master age time
records, and still holds New Brunswick records in the Masters 30 age
group in all distances. During his time on the ice, he was a friend
and mentor to younger skaters, and he often helped build and repaired
skates for fellow athletes.
Along with his
father, Rob loved cars and could fix almost anything. He was a 1989
graduate of Mechanical Engineering Technology from NBCC where he honed
his skills as a machinist and electronic trouble shooter. He was also
in the 1986 Riverview High School Graduation class.
Always learning, in 1999, Rob graduated from Moncton Flight School. Learning to fly had always been an aspiration for him. Following graduation, he became an instructor at the school, where he worked with hundreds of young and developing pilots. Rob was patient and reserved -- a temperament well suited to teaching and flying.
Later, Rob worked as a medevac pilot and, in time, as a Bird Dog Pilot stationed across Canada, including in New Brunswick, Ontario, Manitoba, Alberta, and, at the time of his passing, the Northwest Territories as part of Buffalo Airways. Rob accumulated many hours in the air and attained the distinction of Captain, although his reserved nature meant he would never have spoken of his rank. Rob knew the risks of his work, but his skill and judgment gave those who loved him confidence. We knew he loved to fly, and we knew he loved to help others. His technical expertise, problem-solving ability, and dedication to continuous learning made him a trusted professional in every organization he served. His work in both roles placed him at the heart of Canada’s wildfire suppression efforts, where his judgment, experience, and calm presence were deeply valued.
Rob was often quiet until you got to know him. Humour was his outlet in times of stress and his way of lightening a room. Rob held his family close, especially his mom Elsie, his nieces Amelia and Lauren, and the life he was building with Rayden and Bernadette. He always made the children in the room feel important, taking time to talk, joke, share stories, and play. That affection often extended to every animal he met. Always a dog lover, he surprised us all when he became a cat owner to Snowball.
Rob died far too soon, doing a job he loved and, as always, helping and protecting others. Rob was always ready with a joke or a quick remark to lift spirits and bring a smile to those around him. In his memory, take a moment to remember a fun moment you shared with him, and raise a glass—preferably a Coke, his drink of choice—in his honor.
He was truly a hero to his family and to the people, homes, and communities he helped protect. He will be remembered fondly and often by all who knew him. He lived a life of speed, service, and soaring high.
Rob’s family will receive friends and relatives at Cobb’s Funeral Home and Cremation Center, 330 Whitepine Rd, Riverview, NB (506-869-2007) on Thursday, July 9th from 2-5pm with a time to share memories at 4:30pm. Please feel free to prepare a memory, story, anecdote, photo, or letter to share either at the open mic or to leave in a memory basket for the family. Rob will be later interred in Nova Scotia at Knox Presbyterian Cemetery, near his father and paternal grandparents in a private family graveside ceremony. Donations made in his memory to PAW (formerly SPCA), Canadian Cancer Society, or a charity of the donor’s choice would be appreciated. Cremation was entrusted to Connelly-McKinley Funeral Home, Edmonton, AB. Condolences and donations may be sent at www.cobbsfuneralhome.ca