Robert "Bobby" James Golden

January 28, 1977 – February 13, 2026

It is with heartfelt sadness that the family announces the passing of Bobby on Friday, February 13, 2026, in his 50th year.

He was a fighter, a hero, and the heartbeat of our family.

Bobby was predeceased by his Dad, Robert "Miggy" Golden, and is now reunited with his most favorite person. He will be deeply missed by his loving Mom, Joan Golden, his siblings Geoff, Todd, Alex (Christine), and Becky (Mark), as well as his aunts and uncles, nephew and niece, cousins, friends, and support workers.

Born on January 28, 1977, three months premature, Bobby spent his first six months at McMaster Children's Hospital, living moment to moment. Each evening, doctors would tell his parents to say their goodbyes, certain he wouldn't survive to see the next morning. But his Mom, Dad and family refused to give up on him, spending every day traveling back and forth with Bobby's four siblings to be at his side. And Bobby refused to give up either. He finally came home in July 1977, though he would return to hospital care for several more months in that first year.

Born with cerebral palsy and blindness resulting from the oxygen that saved his life, Bobby faced significant challenges—limited mobility, limited communication, but the heart of a lion. He was a warrior in every sense of the word. Bobby’s parents worked tirelessly to give him the most normal and best life possible. Bobby walked with the aid of a walker until adolescence, when his little legs—just like his Dad’s—could no longer support his upper body. Yet still he thrived. He learned sign language to communicate his needs and embraced each day with determination.

He loved his Dad deeply and remained at home with the family until Dad passed away in January 2000. Bobby then began a new chapter living in a group home, where he formed lasting friendships and experienced many adventures.

He taught our family how to love hard and to accept all people, disabilities and all. The memories we made together are treasures we will carry forever.

Anyone who knew Bobby knew he gave out the best hugs and kisses—and they also knew that when he was done giving them, he was done! We are all better people for having had him in our lives, and this world was a better place for having him in it.

We find peace knowing Bobby has been reunited with his Dad. We can picture him now, running to him and seeing him at last, free from all limitations.

The family extends sincere gratitude to the Doctors and Nursing Team of the CCU at Brantford General Hospital for their exceptional care of Bobby during his time in hospital. Their compassion, professionalism, and support meant the world to our family.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to:

*McMaster Children's Hospital

*Lansdowne Centre

*CNIB (Canadian National Institute for the Blind)

Celebration of Life Gatherings:

Please join us as we celebrate Bobby's remarkable life and the joy he brought to all of us.

Visitation & Sharing of Memories

Wednesday, February 18, from 7:00 PM to 9:00 PM

Come share stories, hugs, and remember the fighter who touched our hearts.

Celebration of Life Service

Thursday, February 19 at 1:00 PM

A service to honor Bobby's journey, followed by a reception with light lunch. We invite you to share your favorite memories and laughter as we celebrate the life of our hero.

Dress Code:

In honor of Bobby's Irish roots and his love for comfy clothes, please come dressed "casual with a touch of green". Bobby wouldn't want it any other way.

He was a fighter coming into this world, and a fighter leaving it.