Robert Bruce Gledhill

It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of Dr. Robert (Bob) Bruce Gledhill, M.D., FRCS(C), FACS, on December 26, 2025, at the age of 89. Born in St Catharines, Ontario, on April 29, 1936, Bob lived a life defined by service, curiosity, compassion, and an unwavering devotion to his family.

Bob was predeceased by his parents, Nellie (née Anastasia Musikov) Gledhill and Horace Crowther Gledhill, and by many dear friends and relatives over the years, including his sister-in-law Janet (Jackson) Lefebvre; his beloved aunt Maria (Gledhill) Buss; and his cherished cousin and fishing companion, Jimmy Yurchuk (Yurchuk Chocolates, St Catharines).

He leaves behind his loving wife of 61 years, Susan (Sue) Jackson Gledhill; his devoted daughters Erica and Katherine Gledhill (Adam Thomas); his brother-in-law André Lefebvre; sister-in-law Margaret Jackson (Harold Monroe); nephews Stuart Jackson Monroe (Jessie), William Jackson Monroe (Julianna), and John Lefebvre; niece Suzanne Lefebvre; and his much-loved grand-niece Avery Lefebvre. Bob also leaves behind many extended dear family members and close friends. If you are reading this and feel touched by his passing, know that he considered you part of his extended family.

Bob received his medical degree from the University of Western Ontario in 1960. He completed his early medical training at the Montreal General Hospital, followed by advanced orthopaedic training at the Robert Jones and Agnes Hunt Orthopaedic Hospital in Oswestry, England—one of the world’s leading centres for orthopaedic surgery.

Returning to Montreal, Bob built an extraordinary career in paediatric orthopaedics, dedicating his life to children with complex musculoskeletal and neuromuscular conditions. He served for many years at the Montreal Children’s Hospital, where he became Director of the Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Chief of Staff, and Attending Surgeon. He was also a long-standing Associate Professor of Surgery at McGill University, teaching and mentoring generations of medical students, residents, and fellows over more than 25 years.

A pioneer in multidisciplinary care, Bob co-founded the Spina Bifida Clinic at the Montreal Children’s Hospital and established its first Muscular Dystrophy Clinic in 1976, later expanded into a comprehensive neuromuscular clinic integrating orthopaedics, neurology, genetics, respiratory care, and home support. These programs transformed care pathways and remain a lasting part of his legacy.

Bob was widely respected for his expertise in scoliosis and complex paediatric deformities and served as a consulting paediatric orthopaedic surgeon to the Shriners Hospital for Crippled Children, the Montreal General Hospital, and the Douglas Hospital, among others. His clinical judgment, calm leadership, and compassion made him deeply trusted by families and colleagues alike.

Equity in healthcare mattered deeply to Bob. For many years, he served as Orthopaedic Consultant to Cree and Inuit communities in Northern Quebec and the Baffin Region, travelling regularly to remote communities to provide care, follow-up, and education. This work remained among the most meaningful of his career.

Bob’s influence extended internationally through clinical research, peer-reviewed publications, invited lectures, and conference presentations across North America and Europe. He was a Fellow and active member of numerous professional societies, including the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada, the American College of Surgeons, the Pediatric Orthopaedic Society of North America, and the Scoliosis Research Society.

Later in his career, Bob and Sue moved to San Antonio, Texas, where he continued his practice and held appointments across multiple hospitals, including Women’s and Children’s Hospital, Methodist Hospital, and Santa Rosa Children’s Hospital. He remained deeply engaged in clinical care, hospital leadership, and community service well into the later years of his career.

Medicine was never “just a job” to Bob—it was a calling. He loved to heal, to teach, and to lead, always believing in service for the betterment of others. He carried that same spirit into his personal life.

Outside the hospital, Bob was an avid fisherman, a lover of nature and gardening, a sports enthusiast, and a passionate musician. His guitar and voice were staples of family gatherings—if there was a party, Bob was singing.

One of his proudest later-life achievements was earning his black belt in Tai Chi at the age of 88, a reflection of his discipline, vitality, and belief that growth never stops.

Above all else, Bob cherished his family and friends. He loved deeply and fully, finding joy in time spent with his people. The most important person in his life was his wife Sue—his soulmate, partner, and best friend, always.

Rest in peace, Dad. You will be missed beyond words and loved always.

Donations in Bob’s memory may be made to the Easter Seals Foundation, a local animal shelter, or through the planting of a tree in support of the environment.

A Gathering of Family & Friends will be held on January 10, 2026, from 2:00 pm to 3:30 pm at Sunset North Funeral Home, located at 910 N Loop 1604 E., San Antonio, Texas, 78232. A Celebration of Robert's Life will follow at the same location, beginning at 3:30 pm. A Reception is scheduled to take place at Sunset North Funeral Home at 4:30 pm on the same day.

A celebration of Bob’s life will be held in Montreal at a time to be determined in the near future.