Harvey, Bob and the Pilgrims

Websites:  No
Origin: Lewisporte, Newfoundland Labrador - Toronto, Ontario - Dartmouth, Nova Scotia - Belleville Ontario, 🇨🇦
Biography:

I had the honor of being able to interview Bob just a few days before his passing. It was difficult to piece together the story, but his wife Cindy sent the following lovely piece (unedited):

Bob Harvey and the Pilgrims was a trio of men comprised of front man Harvey Robert Freake (known as Bob Harvey), Dave Feeney and Roger Feener.

Harvey played rhythm guitar, sang lead vocals and was the producer of the album “Bob Harvey and the Pilgrims. Dave Feeney played Bass, Piano/keyboard, harmonica, Fiddle and banjo. Roger Feener played lead guitar.

The album had 4 original songs co-written and arranged by Bob and his friend Al (Alister) MacDonald. The remainder of songs on the album were covers. The trio only selected songs that they all liked.

The group picked that name because Bob Harvey was a better stage name, and the pilgrims was selected because they were embarking on a journey (they were travelers).

They all met at the plaza lounge in Dartmouth Nova Scotia where Bob and his friend Art McCauley would go for “open mic” night. Just happened that Dave and Roger were also there and after talking a while, decided to get together and “make a go of it”. The group was together from 1971 to 1973 and all lived in the Halifax area. They were regulars at the Candlelight lounge, the Plaza, Moonlight and Monterey. They would get together to practice at least 3 times a week as Bob was a perfectionist, and it was important to have a “tight” group. They made a lot of money through their “gig” contracts. The group disbanded due to family commitments, and it was more work than fun for them. Plus, there became dissension between the members.

The album was recorded in the Audio Atlantic Studio in Halifax Nova Scotia and it actually took 1 year to complete the album due to the acquisition of songs and studio availability. Song writer Al Mac Donald joined them to make the album and also played harmonica and guitar. Any other instruments on the album were studio musicians. Bob took on the role as rhythm guitar, lead vocal and producer. Both Dave and Roger sang backup vocals.

The groups favorite song on the album was Deborah.

Background on Bob (or Harve to his family): he was born in Lewisporte NL on 31 Aug 1943. He learned to play guitar by taking his brothers guitar when he left the house, (replacing the strings, as his brother was left handed), listening to the radio and trying to pick up the chords of the songs he was listening to, then he would have to re-string the guitar so his brother would not find out. He became a master at tuning the guitar and it was a pet peeve of his to hear an out of tune guitar for the duration of his career. At 18 Bob left home and moved to Toronto to live with extended family. He got a job at the Robert Simpson Co. where he was a model. Bob then moved to Dartmouth Nova Scotia where he worked at the Imperial Oil Refinery. He hooked up with a lady who had 2 boys. After completing the album, he was busy with family matters, being a hockey coach and working, so music had to take a back seat.

When Bob’s first marriage ended, he moved on to doing his own thing and met his current wife Cindy Leonard. Bob began collaborating with his brother Jim Freake and would produce many of Jim’s songs. Bob and I began singing some of Jim’s songs along with several of Cindy’s originals around the Nova Scotia area. Bob produced many of Cindy’s songs and produced several gospel albums for her of both original and cover songs.

Unfortunately, Bob passed away of cancer at his home in Belleville Ontario on 26 Jul 24.
Dave Feeney passed away of suicide in Calgary Alberta (date unknown)
Roger Feener also passed away of suicide in Halifax Nova Scotia (date unknown)

Obituary:
It is with profound sadness that we announce the death of Harvey Robert Freake-Leonard (Bob). Born 31 Aug 43 in Lewisporte NL, he went home to be with the Lord on 26 July 2024.

He is pre-deceased by is mother Doris (Rideout) Freake, father, Herbert Freake, sisters; Jeanette, Judy and brother Bruce.
He leaves behind his wife Cindy Leonard, son Jesse Ray Leonard (Danielle) and 3 step children; Robyn Adams (Jeremy), Chris Maisonneuve (Kayla) and David Leonard.
He was also the proud grandfather (Papa-Bob) to Caleb, Liam, Kiarra, Gracelynn, Brooklynn and Ashlynn.
He will be sorely missed by his siblings; Bill (Pearl), Jim (Kathy), Alice (Chris), Sandra, Gaylia, Marilyn, Nettie (Gerry), Grace (Derek), Karen, and Craig (Judy).
Bob also leaves behind his precious dog Saidy.

Harvey (Bob) was an accomplished musician/Producer who generously gave of his time, talents and studio to anyone who asked. He and his brother Jim spent many hours creating special music in the studio written by his brother. Harvey (Bob) is also in the Canadian Music Museum for his original album produced in 1972 and is still played today. It was titled Bob Harvey and the Pilgrims.
We wish to thank Quinte Hospice for their support, Bayshore medical staff who came to the house everyday for months and our wonderful church family (Belleville Centennial Free Methodist Church) for their love, support and their many prayers.

A special thank you goes out to Debbie Cooke (retired RN) sister to Cindy, who stayed at the house to help with caring for Bob the weeks leading up to his death. Her gentle manner and medical proficiency were invaluable and I would not have been able to do it without her. I also want to thank Bob's sister Nettie for all the meals and visits and encouraging notes provided over the past few months and for her wonderful love and support. Finally to Bob's brother Jim, who sat vigil by his bedside and for his music and love over the course of his life. He loved you dearly!
Bob will always live in our hearts and his music will be played anytime we want to hear his voice. We miss him so very much!

Visitation will take place at Belleville Centennial Free Methodist Church on 08 Aug from 1pm-2pm with Celebration of life Service at 2pm. Reception will be held at Aldersgate Village immediately following the service.

In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to Centennial Free Methodist Church where Bob was involved in music ministry.