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In memory of those who have Crossed the Bar
HUTCHESON, William Robert (Bob) - Our father liked to say a grace before our large family meals that commenced with: "Thank you God for the mystery and magic in this world." With his passing on Sunday, August 16, 2026, sadly there is a little less of that now. William Robert "Bob" Hutcheson was born on September 26, 1926, and almost made his 100th birthday celebration. He lived by the idea that he wanted to die young, as late as possible. He sure succeeded! Bob was the son of Francis "Frank" Wilson Hutcheson and Emily Agnes Hutcheson (nee Cockburn). Apart from his educational years, he spent his entire life calling Huntsville, Ontario, home. He was incredibly proud of his roots in this community, cared deeply and equally about absolutely everyone, never judged a soul, and had a lifetime gift of remembering people's names and stories, making them feel seen and valued. He could not have been a bigger champion of the Muskoka region and people. Bob is survived by, and was a hero to, his children, Drew (Betty), Ann, Scott (Lesley) and Blake (Susan). He was "Yodel" (a name derived from his signature melody when skiing powder) to his adoring grandchildren and step-grandchildren: James, George, Bea, Patrick, Caitlin, Hutch, Ren, Cole, Syd, Parker, Avery, Camille and Trevor; and his many cherished great-grandchildren in Canada, Europe, and the United States. He was predeceased by so many loved ones we can't possibly mention them here. After all, he was nearly 100! Bob attended Huntsville Public School, Ridley College, and the University of Toronto. He met our mom, the lovely Phyllis Jane Echlin, while at U of T and they built a wonderful life together for 47 years, until her passing in 1997. Shortly after university, Bob joined his family business, Muskoka Wood Manufacturing Company, and when it was sold his entrepreneurial instincts came to life, building multiple businesses rooted in the Muskoka region: Christmas Tree plantations, Oil and Gas distribution, Lake Vernon Realty (a real estate development and holding company), and Hutcheson Sand and Gravel, to name a few. He was also a caring custodian of forest and lake lands and an "environmentalist" long before people knew what that meant. While his businesses were local, some remarkably had international reach, including supplying his signature volleyball sand to Olympic games, from Sydney to Beijing and Paris, and distributing his specialty golf course sand across North America. Our dad loved people and life, and was unfailingly optimistic, respectful, caring, and loving. He was an indominable presence and contributor. Just this week people have described him as "one of a kind," "a force of good and nature," "a giant," "a legend," "genuine, generous and warm," "a cheerleader and mentor," "a formidable storyteller," and a few even suggested "quite persistent" and "FOMO inclined." Many highlighted that "unmistakably Bob, twinkle in his eye" that indicated "mischief, humour, joy, playfulness, kindness and appreciation." His favourite word was "Finishiative" – and he modeled for a lifetime his belief that "we must all leave our campsites much better than how we found them." Bob was the consummate sportsman and loved: paddling a canoe (including being our stern at the local Bella-Rebecca Lake Regatta and navigating the Nahanni River), sailing, paddle boarding, rowing, boating, and scuba diving; hunting and fishing across generations; golfing and playing tennis badly; and participating in every activity his family staged. He also loved to ski from his earliest days, was the captain of the U of T Varsity Ski Team, and was enormously grateful for the countless memories with family and friends at Osler, the Yellowstone Club, and powder bowls everywhere. He would match his ski days with his age and defend Club Championships, well into his 90's. Further, at 92 years 286 days, he inspired us all by becoming the Guinness Book of World Record holder for being the world's oldest male water skier. He was a lifetime supporter of local sports, especially Huntsville Hawks lacrosse, and he would want us to mention his deep connection to, and love for, the Kansas City Chiefs. He is a Member of the Huntsville Sports Hall of Fame. Bob was so humble and understated that you may never know these things, but some of his other lifetime achievements include: Ridleian of Distinction; University Training Officer of the Royal Canadian Navy; polio survivor; world traveler; Board Member of Thorneloe University, Alpine Canada, the Huntsville Hospital Foundation and dozens more; Warden of the All Saints Anglican Church; Huntsville Town Councilor, community builder and philanthropist; a recipient of the National Heritage Stewardship Award, the Queen Elizabeth II Jubilee Medal, and the King Charles III Coronation Medal. What mattered to him above all else, always, was his family. We all knew it and were blessed to have him, honour him, and frankly share him, for so long. We take deep comfort knowing that he knew how much his family loved, revered, respected, and appreciated him – and each other. He was our: emotional and spiritual leader; beacon of decency, integrity and hope; glue; and North Star. Rest in peace, dear Dad. As an avid card player, you left nothing on the table. We want to thank his lovely companion, Judy Kilbourne, for bringing him such joy, love and care during the last chapter of his life. We also want to thank both his incredibly loyal business support team, and in recent months, his outstanding medical support team. Our family is eternally grateful. There will be a private family funeral. There are two opportunities for a visitation with his family at the All Saints Anglican Church, 30 High Street, Huntsville, Ontario, on Thursday, September 24th, between 4:00 p.m. and 7:00 p.m., and Friday, September 25th, between 1:00 p.m. and 4:00 p.m. There will also be a Celebration of Life on what would have been his 100th birthday, Saturday, September 26th, at the Grandview Golf & Country Club (245 Grandview Dr. North, Huntsville, Ontario), between 3:00 p.m. and 6:00 p.m. (speeches at 4:30 p.m). A Livestream link will be available upon request. Dad's final honour brought him great pride – the new hospital in his hometown will be named The Bob Hutcheson Huntsville Hospital. This symbolizes a lifetime of leadership and commitment to healthcare for the region and has been supported generously by so many family friends, supporters and admirers. In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to this dream that will soon become a reality at Huntsvillehospitalfoundation.ca. (The Globe and Maile 22 Aug 2026)
Ships served in: HMCS YORK - 1947 - 1950 for UNTD
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