Obituary of Ove Bert Samuelsen

It is with deep sadness that the family of Ove Bert Samuelsen announces his passing on Tuesday, November 19, 2024 at the age of 83 years.

Born in Montreal on July 31, 1941, he was the son of the late Odd Samuelsen and Borgny (Bolla) Bentsen Samuelsen.

Ove completed his education at Sedbergh School, Montebello, Quebec and Lower Canada College in Montreal. He completed his undergraduate degree at UNB University in Fredericton and graduated in 1968 with a degree in law.

Ove practiced law in Sackville for over 50 years and was a member of the New Brunswick Law Society and the Nova Scotia Barristers’ Society. Over his long career he practiced mostly family, collaborative and real estate law. It was a long-running joke between family, friends and colleagues all wondering if Ove would, indeed, ever retire.

Ove was an active member of the community as well as a Rotary Club member since 1976 and served twice as president. The Samuelsen family hosted rotary students for more than two decades. Ove loved the fun new energy each student would bring and each one would leave as a new member of the family.

As a true Norwegian, Ove loved skiing, both downhill and cross country. He loved the outdoors and enjoyed walking and hiking with his many dogs. Ove also stayed in shape with a 20-year commitment to a Sackville aerobics group. Ove had another 20-year relationship with the curling community which was (let’s be honest) more about the social life than pure sport.

As most know, Ove’s heart was always at the Samuelsen family cottage in the Laurentians. Growing up in Montreal, Ove enjoyed frequent trips to the cottage with his parents. Once Ove established himself in New Brunswick, the trips with his own family would become less frequent but even more special. The long drive from New Brunswick became an arduous family tradition. Whether arriving to the sweet smell of thyme in the summer or the ginger bread houses in winter, Ove was truly in his special place. Christmas at the cottage is an almost 40-year tradition that continues to this date.

Ove was a warm and welcoming person with a big heart. He was kind, supportive, trusting and made those around him just feel good. He loved good times with friends and family, having dinners, sharing stories and a laugh. He was a faithful friend and a loving father and husband.  He will be missed by all who knew him and will be loved forever.

Ove will be lovingly remembered by his wife, M. Patricia (Mott) Samuelsen; his children, Eric Samuelsen, Christian Samuelsen (Michele Chappaz) and Anna Samuelsen (Rob Kleinmeyer); his grandchildren, Devin Samuelsen, Freia Samuelsen, Samuel Kleinmeyer and Ava Kleinmeyer; his brother, Jan L. Samuelsen; his niece, Janna Ellsmere and his nephew, Kendall Samuelsen.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Erin Campbell and staff of Campbell’s Funeral Home, 89 Bridge Street, Sackville, N.B. (506) 364-8188. In keeping with Ove’s wishes, cremation has taken place and in lieu of a formal funeral, the family would like to honor Ove with a Celebration of Life which will take place in Sackville, NB in early summer of 2025. 

If you wish to be advised of the time and place of the Celebration of Life, please write to lifeofove@gmail.com and the family will send out details once finalized.  The family would also like to invite anyone with photos or a story to share and send them along to this address at your convenience.

Donations in memory of Ove may be made to the Sackville Memorial Hospital Foundation, Alzheimer’s Association or the charity of one’s choice.

The family wish to extend their thanks to the doctors and nurses at Sackville Memorial Hospital.

Online condolences and sharing of memories may be forwarded to the family through our website www.campbellsfuneralhome.com or by visiting the funeral home Facebook page.