Rob Brun del Re

Biographical Notes

Born and raised in Ottawa, Canada Rob spent the first half of his professional career as an engineering specialist in the defence sector. This was followed by increasingly responsible executive positions in various federal departments. Rob retired from professional life in 2012 devoting his time to research, as well as a budding career as a professional jazz pianist. Rob has been married to Carole Brunet (Abigail line) since 2000. Rob and Carole attended their first NFA reunion in 2014 where they were smitten by the story of Godfrey and his descendants.

A long-time history buff, Rob thought he might be able to apply a multi-disciplinary approach to solving the problem of Godfrey’s origins. Using genealogical specialists, Rob employed simple mathematical models and risk management principles to establish and pursue his research goals - with very positive results. In addition to “finding” Godfrey in 2018, we now know that Godfrey’s father Henry was a gunsmith and that he had two consecutive wives named “Elinor”.

Since 2018 Rob’s focus has been trying to determine when, why, and how Godfrey immigrated to America. To this end he has been mapping Henry and the Elinors’ lives in 17th century England and beyond, looking for possible connections to Northampton and Deerfield.

Rob holds Bachelor and Master’s degrees in Electrical Engineering and a Graduate Diploma in Management. He and Carole live in Greely, Ontario.

Rob spoke at the 2024 Nims Family Reunion in Deerfield. He presented some of his most recent findings and discussing this “Finding Godfrey” Journey.