Philanthropist, businessman Rob Crosbie dead at 67

Rob Crosbie, an entrepreneur and philanthropist from one of Newfoundland and Labrador's most prominent business and political families, has died.

The chairman of Crosbie Group Limited died on Friday at 67 years old.

"Rob's passion for people and community extended far beyond his home. It introduced him to people all over the world," reads his official obituary.

"As chair of Crosbie, he carried forward a proud family legacy with integrity, compassion, and vision. He led with quiet strength and a deep sense of responsibility — not only to the company, but to the province he loved so dearly."

He was the son of the late businessman Andrew Crosbie, and nephew of former federal cabinet minister John Crosbie.

Crosbie's obituary says he loved spending time outdoors, snowmobiling and golfing, as well as playing water polo internationally and judging dog shows.

A visitation is scheduled at Carnell's Funeral Home on Freshwater Road on Tuesday and Wednesday from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. and 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.

The funeral will be held on Thursday at St. Thomas' Anglican Church at 11 a.m.

Crosbie joined the family business in 1991 and stepped down as CEO in 2022.

Besides being a business leader, in 2018 he was made a member of the Order of Canada and was the recipient of an honorary Doctor of Laws degree from Memorial University. He was also inducted into the Newfoundland and Labrador Business Hall of Fame, like his father, grandfather and great-grandfather.

He was also a Nature Conservancy Canada volunteer, donor and Atlantic regional board member.

'Industry titan'

In a statement, Energy N.L. CEO Charlene Johnson says the local energy industry is mourning Crosbie's death, calling him an "industry titan" who was a leader in starting the province's oil and gas industry, as well as helping create Energy N.L.

"From the inception of the offshore oil and gas industry, Rob Crosbie was an ardent advocate for Newfoundland and Labrador people and companies not only participating in, but leading and building the offshore into what it has become today," she said.

Johnson says Crosbie was dedicated to his company and mentoring others.

"Personally, Rob was an exceptional mentor, always willing to share his knowledge and experience when I asked him for advice. Always supportive and always humble, his decades of business and industry knowledge helped me and Energy N.L. through many challenging situations."

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