Robert Barrow

ROBERT (BOB) BARROW, born in Toronto on November 30, 1929, passed away on September 13, 2026, at the age of 96 years of age. Robert lived through nearly a century of history, leaving behind a legacy of love, wisdom, and a life exceptionally well-lived.

His parents, Robert Barrow Sr. and Elizabeth Clarke emigrated to Canada from Belfast, Ireland. He grew up on Lappin Avenue in west Toronto, where glass bottles of milk were delivered to the front door by horse-drawn carriage, and the home was heated by a coal furnace. Young Bobby was 9 years old when World War II broke out.

He lived through one of the most transformative culture periods and tech revolution advancements in history. Back then, families gathered around a radio, then black & white television, where he witnessed the moon landing, and later transition to the home computers, Internet and digital media – all in one lifetime!

In the 1950’s, Robert worked in the aerospace industry on the AVRO ARROW (CF-105) manufacturing engine components for the famed delta wing aircraft at Lucas-Rotex. He was one of those affected by ‘Black Friday’, when Prime Minister John Diefenbaker cancelled the program, and 14,000 employees lost their jobs - a traumatic turning point in Canada's aviation industry. He later worked at Ford and Mattel toys for a short time – (the best Christmas ever for his kids!) and Williams & Wilson, a Canadian heavy industrial machinery distributor.

He married at a young age to Fern McAdam and had three sons, Bruce, Brian and Brent – who he raised as a single Dad after his divorce. The home in Scarborough became a hub for music, as his son Bruce would have his bands rehearse in the basement. It takes a special kind of parent to put up with the loud live music shaking the foundation!! He was known as the cool Dad!!

He later remarried Dianne Van Alstyne (Stephen, Brad, Cheryl) and helped launch a legal transcript company. They separated and divorced late in life. Robert moved into Park Place, a retirement care home in Aurora, where he resided until his passing.

We share the loss with the entire Barrow family, including his son Bruce Barrow and granddaughters Shaylen and Selina, Brian Barrow and his wife Jane and their son Brendan, and family of the late Brent Barrow including Jason, Mercedes, Jessie (Mike) and Miles and great grandchildren Beau, Ella and Rowen. In addition, special mention of Robert’s dear friends Noel and Suzie Da Costa, who made the effort to visit him regularly in the retirement home, which meant so much to him.

Too many fond memories to recount for a long life well-lived. We share this tribute to the patriarch of our family - Robert Barrow.