Robert Miller - December 26, 1937 - October 1, 2023
It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Robert (Bob) Miller (85), of Collingwood, Ontario on October 1st at Royal Victoria Hospital in Barrie. Bob went peacefully at a time of his choosing, surrounded by family, following a two year battle with stomach cancer. Survived by his wife and best friend/soulmate Mary (Adams), proud son Rob (Cindy), cherished daughter Beth, and two beloved grandchildren, Lucas and Kate. Predeceased by his parents Barstow and Ethel (Morden) Miller, brother Barstow Miller, brother- and sister-in-law John and Glenna Adams, and brother-in-law George Adams. Bob will also be greatly missed by his sister Sheila Miller, sisters-in-law Barbara Miller and Lorraine Adams, brother-in-law Charles (Lieba) Adams, and many treasured nieces and nephews.
Bob was born on December 26th, 1937, in Hamilton, Ontario. At various times through his childhood and adolescence he lived in Brantford, Edmonton, Winnipeg and Montreal. He attended Upper Canada College and Westmount High School. It was in Montreal that he formed some of his strongest and longest-lasting friendships, both at Westmount and at McGill University, where he was a member of Sigma Chi. Bob graduated from McGill as a mechanical engineer ‘61, and MBA ‘66. He worked for Ingersoll Rand in Quebec at the beginning of his career, but spent the majority of his professional life at Nortel Networks out of Toronto. He enjoyed working at the cutting edge of computer systems technology, and by the end of his career was a pioneer in telecommuting and working from home. Bob was always ahead of his time!
Bob was an incredibly proud and dedicated family man. He and Mary took every opportunity to descend upon their children and grandchildren wherever they happened to be located… school plays, graduations, soccer and field hockey matches, and lots of ski races, especially if it involved skiing at Whistler! Bob also instilled in his offspring a love of history that will live on. Bob never liked taking the direct route. He much preferred finding all the lesser roads and byways. He always believed things were much more interesting off the beaten track.
An active outdoorsman, Bob’s favourite activities were sailing, skiing, running, cycling, hiking and swimming. He especially loved participating in any and all of these pursuits with friends and family. Over the years there were many family and group ski holidays throughout North America and Europe, and lots of group cycling trips all over Ontario. Bob and Mary loved to travel together and shared many adventures all over the world.
Bob also loved a good home improvement project. This included extensive renovations to the family’s century home in Orangeville, and multiple rehab projects at his current and children’s homes.
Later in life when he had a bit more free time on his hands, Bob rediscovered reading as a hobby, especially historical fiction and thrillers. He was a dedicated volunteer and spent many hours working for such organizations as GTLLI, Power Squadron, Collingwood Trails and Elections Canada. He was a proudly patriotic man, and very politically involved which led to many a good discussion or debate around the dinner table.
The family would like to extend their deep and sincere thanks to all the staff at Royal Victoria Hospital in Barrie for their care and dedication through Bob’s final days. The doctors and nurses were always professional, attentive, and compassionate.
A celebration of Bob’s life will be held at a later date. If you are thinking of making a donation please consider the Canadian Cancer Society, The Royal Victoria Hospital Foundation, or the charity of your choice. Friends may visit Bob’s online Book of Memories at www.fawcettfuneralhomes.com