Robert (Bob) Campbell Armstrong

Passed away suddenly on Thursday, November 30, 2023, in his 85th year, and will be deeply missed by his wife of 30 years, Evelyn (DaSilva), of Barrie. Devoted to his family and friends, he was a loving father to Kathy (Rory Magill), Jodi (David Caron), and Bob (Kim Richards), and loving stepfather to Michelle Philbrick (John) and Trevor DaCosta. He loved nothing more than getting the “gang” together, which would include grandchildren Olivia and Spencer Caron, Iris Magill, Jack, Evan, and Lily Philbrick, and Jessica DaCosta. He is survived by his sister Margaret Coulter, brother David (Gloria), and many nieces and nephews, and grand-nieces and nephews. 

Bob was born July 27, 1939 in Cookstown, Ontario, to the Reverend Dr. Robert H. Armstrong and Margaret (Campbell).  He was very proud of his smalltown roots and told colourful stories of growing up the son of a Presbyterian minister in the many communities they served, most especially Acton, where he spent his formative years and was known as ‘Rev’.  Bob studied Radio and Television Arts at what was then called Ryerson Polytechnical Institute, where he met his first wife, Arlene Parker (m1962-1985).  Bob worked in television before establishing a long and successful career in advertising, working for Procter & Gamble, Leo Burnett, Caledon, Grey and others, eventually creating his own company, MediaServ.  He excelled at mentoring younger colleagues and carried that into his retirement, teaching in the advertising program at Humber College. Bob loved music, especially jazz, and he shared this passion through his piano playing, enjoyment of live music and jazz radio, and his pre-dinner playlists, which made every occasion seem special.  He was also a big fan of the Pittsburgh Steelers and loved his Sunday football. Bob’s cottage on Billings Lake near Gooderham, Ontario was his happy place, where he continued the tradition his parents began in 1965, acquiring his own cottage across the lake in 1976, which he generously shared with the next generations of lake-lovers.  In a serendipitous encounter on the ski slopes in 1988, Bob and Evelyn met, and in each other, found a special life partner.  Marrying in 1993, they embarked on a rich and loving adventure together, travelling to many international destinations, including Spain, Italy and Greece, and setting up homes in Toronto, Burlington and Barrie.  Many joyous times with family and friends were spent in these homes, and at the cottage, where Bob and Eve’s hospitality and sunset cruises were legendary.  His memorial stone will be in the Glamorgan Cemetery, in Gooderham. 

A celebration of Bob’s life will be held at a later date.  

In lieu of flowers, donations to The Lung Association are welcome.