Pictou Advocate, 22nd December, 1916
It was on Wednesday that a telegram came somewhat unexpectedly, from Montreal to relatives here announcing the death of Thomas Robley, at the home of his daughter, Mrs A.M. MacKay. Although Mr. Robley had not resided here for upwards of twenty years he was so long identified with the town and its interests that his passing will be noted with regret by many people, for “Tom” Robley, as he was familiarly known hereabouts, was a generous-hearted man who valued highly his friendships, more especially those of his earlier years in and around Pictou. Here he would have ended his days had it not been that rheumatism made it next to impossible for him to move about and he chose the ease and comfort afforded him in the homes of his daughters. He was a most companionable man, had travelled much, read a great deal, and had a most retentive memory. He was the oldest living member of New Caledonian Lodge of Freemasons, of Pictou, and was , less than a year ago, honored by his brethren who presented him with a jewel on the attainment of his fiftieth anniversary as a mason. Tomorrow they will attend his funeral which will take place at 2.00 p.m. Mr Robley’s wife, who predeceased him by twenty odd years, was an American woman from New York State. The family numbered six, all girls, exceptionally fine women, viz: Mrs. Mackay, Mrs (Rev) A.J. Macdonald, Mrs. H.B. MacLaughlin, Montreal; Miss Jennie, now a nurse in one of the Canadian hospitals in France; Mrs. W.E. Loutitt, Prov. R.I.; Mrs. W. Morris, Nfld. That he might be spared to see the war end, to chat once more with his daughter now in the danger zone, and his son-in-law, Rev. A.J. Macdonald was the hope of our departed friend, but it was not to be. He took a heavy chill, pneumonia, and it was soon evident that there was no hope.
Contributed by Beverly Campbell 2001