Robert (Bob) Hughes
May 2, 1940 - October 31, 2025
Funeral Details: A Celebration of his Life will be held in the spring of 2026, with details to be shared with friends and family at a later time.
Robert (Bob) Hughes, 85, passed away on Friday, October 31, 2025.
He will be deeply missed by his wife, Diane (Drummond) Hughes, and sons Evan and Bryan, along with many cherished family members and friends.
Born in Toronto, Bob was raised by his mother, Winnifred Hughes, after his father died during the Italian campaign of World War II. The two shared a close bond and had to be supported by extended family throughout his childhood.
Curious and industrious from an early age, Bob’s childhood hobbies of taking apart electronics and bicycles evolved into a lifelong career in technology. After graduating from Ryerson Technical Institute as an Electrical Technician, he spent his professional life at a federal research laboratory (DCIEM), where his passion for tinkering and technology was both valued and rewarded. He was at the advent of the first computer at DCIEM and learned a new career - Computer Programming.
Outside of work, Bob found his greatest joy in the outdoors. His love of downhill skiing and backcountry canoeing led him to the University of Toronto Outing Club, where he met Diane, the love of his life. They would have celebrated 59 years of marriage this December. They bought a cottage on 1 acre Prism Island on the Trent Severn Waterway, where he could display all his carpentry, engine mechanics, forestry, photography, boating, and general engineering skills. He loved the cottage.
In retirement, Bob’s enthusiasm for nature continued through his volunteer work with the Oak Ridges Trail Association, where he served as Membership Convener for 14 years, and as a hike leader, and made many lasting friendships.
He passed along his love of computers, hiking and the outdoors to his two sons (although perhaps not the carpentry and mechanics!). He was a loving and present father who taught them independence, responsibility, and not to take themselves too seriously.
Bob will be remembered and missed. A Celebration of his Life will be held in the spring of 2026, with details to be shared with friends and family at a later time.
Donations In Memory of Bob Hughes can be made to:
- The Oak Ridges Trail Assoc at https://www.oakridgestrail.org/donate/
Once the information is entered on the form and the donation is received, you will receive a tax receipt
-Ontario Cancer Society at https://donate.cancer.ca/page/holidaydefault
Peaceful Transition York
Michele Donnelly
Posted on: Thursday, November 13, 2025My condolences to Diane and family. Bob had a quick wit and good sense of humour. I enjoyed his banter and common sense when looking at things. He was one of my first encounters with ORTA, when you both looked after membership at the time and was helpful in transitioning the membership program over to the office several years later. He was always open to a phone call if ever one was needed and I trusted his advice. Hoping that shared memories of Bob will help ease the loss and may you be surrounded by friends and family at this time.
Cheryl Fisher
Posted on: Thursday, November 13, 2025Bob will be fondly remembered as a hike leader with ORTA. I joined many of his hikes and more recently he joined our hikes as new leaders.
We shared a love of photography and sense of humour, and for many years we had a bit of a competition going with who could get their photos on Facebook first after a hike!
I put together an album of photos we took of Bob on the trails
https://photos.app.goo.gl/6iC545K58xmGzBHf9
Sincere condolences to Diane and family.
Debbie Jones
Posted on: Friday, November 14, 2025Bob will be remembered fondly and greatly missed by the Little Go Home Bay Dockers.
Marilyn & Peter Duff
Posted on: Friday, November 14, 2025We are at a loss for words and the only thing that comes to mind is “poker will never be the same”.
RIP
Lissa Dwyer
Posted on: Friday, November 14, 2025I think it will be Bob’s devilish sense of humour that I’ll remember best…the way his whole face could be engaged in an impish smile. So sad, Diane, for your enormous loss…the companionship of such a truly good man.
Peter Schaefer
Posted on: Sunday, November 16, 2025I am so sorry for your loss, Diane, Evan and Bryan. Bob was so fond of you, and so were your friends at ORTA. You dedicated so much of your time to leading hikes, maintaining the trail and, for many years, looking after membership records and sharing checkpoint duties with me. I am personally very thankful. We appreciate your great photography on the trail, and I did understand your frustration if sometimes a hike leader did not give you enough time to stop and take the perfect picture. Thank you Bob, and also you Diane, for sharing so many good times with me.