Robert "Bob" A. Corbett
Robert’s lifelong love for adventure on the water began in childhood with nighttime excursions aboard tugboats, canoeing over the Beechwood dam as a teen, and reached full sail in adulthood when he twice crossed the Atlantic and competed in two Caribbean 1500 races – 12 days at sea, one of which he claimed victory in, thanks in part to a bit of luck and the timely interference of a hurricane.
A lifelong entrepreneur, Robert brought energy, vision, and determination to every venture he touched. He co-founded and operated the Gagetown Nursing Home, one of the first privately owned accredited nursing home facilities in the province, and over the years, launched and nurtured several successful business initiatives in his beloved home village. His drive to create and contribute never waned. After a brief stint in retirement, he decided - at the young age of 65 - to upgrade his résumé and delve into the world of marine surveying. Robert founded CanMar Marine Surveyors Ltd.—a company he built from the ground up and considered one of his proudest professional achievements. What made it even more special was the opportunity to work side-by-side with his youngest son, sharing not just business but mentorship and legacy.
Robert also thrived in the public arena, serving four years in the New Brunswick Legislature before being elected to the Federal Government, where he represented Fundy Royal for nearly 16 years. Despite the demands of business and politics, Robert invested in cultivating deep, lasting friendships, many of which endure to this day. His greatest joy, however, came from time spent - and memories made - with his very large and boisterous family. As a grandfather of 14 talented, brilliant and entertaining grandchildren, Robert was not above guilting or cajoling his five slightly less perfect children into visits and family gatherings. He was rarely disappointed. Laughter, songs, dancing and perhaps a few imbibements were always at hand with plenty a story etched in each one’s mind, the promise of future jokes and ribbing a surety.
Bob Corbett AMS®, the proud founder of CanMar Marine Surveyors Ltd. held the status of: Accredited Marine Surveyor AMS® (SAMS®) in the Society of Accredited Marine Surveyors (SAMS®); was a member in good standing with the American Boat and Yacht Council (ABYC); was a Boat US Approved Marine Surveyor; He had completed a program of professional development in Boat Fire Investigation focusing on Marine Insurance Fraud, sponsored by the International Association of Arson Investigators; He had successfully completed CARGO SURVEYING covering Container Inspections, Hatch and Discharge Surveys, Cargo Damage Techniques and Mitigation of Damages as presented by the Maritime Bureau Inc. He had successfully completed the First Marine Small Power Watercraft seminar in Small Power Watercraft Damage and Claim Evaluation as presented by the First Marine Insurance Co.
Born in Saint John, New Brunswick (NB) & educated in the Port City as well as in Halifax, Nova Scotia (NS), Canada, Bob had several decades of marine experience, in both power and sail, including multiple trans Atlantic and Caribbean passages aboard sailing vessels both as Captain and Mate. He had captained two races in the Caribbean 1500 competitions to the British Virgin Islands (BVI) finishing third place in his class on one occasion and first on another.
Bob was also a Trainer and Examiner for Transport Canada Pleasure Craft Operators License, Canadian Government appointed Tonnage Measurer, a highly experienced Draught Surveyor and Graduate of the Chapman School of Seamanship.
Robert Corbett, CanMar Founder
&
President Emeritus
2003-2025.