Obituary of Bob Halliday

HALLIDAY, Andrew Robert “Bob”

1934 - 2024

Sadly, we announce the passing of Bob Halliday on Tuesday, January 2nd, 2024, at Ross Memorial Hospital.  

Bob is survived by his wife Elizabeth “Beth” (née Sweet), children Gregory (Dana) and Karen Phillips, grandson Nathan Phillips, and sister Chris (Dan), and by many extended family members.  Bob was predeceased by his parents Andrew Thomas and Florence Gladys (née Smith), and by brother Thomas Edward.

Born in The Beaches, Toronto, and raised in East York, Bob regaled us with stories of playing in the Don Valley before the parkway was built, picking raspberries or having apple fights with a rival “gang” of 12-year-olds.  After high school, Bob entered the trades and worked diligently to become a journeyman electrician. One adventure he spoke of was working on the construction of the Mid-Canada Radar Line at the 55th parallel.  After a decade of electrical work, Bob went to teachers’ college to become a high school tech teacher. Over 27 years, he worked in 4 schools in Toronto, teaching drafting, small appliance repair, electronics, electricity and economics.

Bob met the love of his life, Beth, in 1972. They married in 1974 and had two children, Greg (1976) and Karen (1978).  In 1979, the family moved to a brand-new house in Brampton, which offered Bob a fresh canvas to hone his woodworking skills as he renovated much of the interior. If Bob didn’t know how to do something, he would learn and refine the technique until he was able to leave a masterfully crafted product in his wake.  Coaching little league baseball became an important summer pastime for Bob as soon as Greg and Karen could swing a bat. For 14 years, Bob helped hundreds of young kids learn the importance of teamwork, discipline, and good sportsmanship.  As a teacher, summer was also the season of travel. The family pulled the camper trailer from province to province and throughout many states. Bob loved exploring North America, preferring the paths less traveled to the major thoroughfares.

After early retirement from teaching at age 55, Bob had time to do what he enjoyed: getting involved in the kids' extra-curricular activities, golfing, curling, reading, and magic.  Bob cherished his new life after moving to Bobcaygeon in 2001. It was a chance to get away from the hustle of the big city and live a more relaxed, intentional life. So many wonderful people became his golf buddies, curling league friends and caring neighbours.

Arrangements have been entrusted to the HENDREN FUNERAL HOME – MONK CHAPEL. A private Interment is to take place. A Celebration of Life will be held at the Bobcaygeon Curling Club, 49 Mansfield Street Bobcaygeon, on Sunday, February 11th, 2024 at 1:30–4:00 PM; remembrances at 2:00 PM. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Ross Memorial Hospital or to a charity of your choice by visiting www.hendrenfuneralhome.com or by calling 705-738-3222.