Robert James McVeity was born at the Grace Hospital in Ottawa on August 10, 1938. His parents John McVeity and Margaret (Scott) McVeity lived in the Preston Street area on Booth Street. He attended Wellington Street Public School and then went on to Ottawa Technical High School on Albert Street. Bob played high school football for Tech and then went on to play with St. Anthony’s.

Bob joined the Ottawa Fire Department in November 26, 1956 and spent most of his career at #2 Station in the Centretown area. He moved to the Carling and Kirkwood Station upon becoming a senior officer. Bob attained the rank of Platoon Chief.

Bob married Gail Box a girl originally from Renfrew, Gail who had taken her nursing at the Grace Hospital. They had three daughters who were the light of Bob’s life. His four girl’s daughters Wendy, Donna and Lori along with wife Gail enjoyed cottage life and travel. Bob had a passion for fishing and hunting and loved to sit and tell stories (all true of course). He and Gail enjoyed many years of square dancing and he was an avid curler

The family home was on Roman Avenue in Queensway Terrace North. Bob was a founding member of the Ottawa Fire Department Band and was an excellent drummer who was taught at a very early age by his father and played in many local bands. Bob was a member of the Masonic Lodge and the Scottish Rite.

Bob retired from active service in August 31, 1998 in his 42nd year of service.

A short time into his retirement he was diagnosed with colon cancer and died June 26, 2002 at the age of 62. Due to the type of cancer Bob was awarded a “Line of Duty Death” designation after representation was made to the Workers Compensation Board by the Ottawa Professional Fire Fighters Association