HILTON,Robert “Bob” Hilton

It is with great sadness that we announce the unexpected passing of Bob Hilton on Thursday, December 18, 2025, at WRHN – Midtown (formerly Grand River Hospital), Kitchener, Ontario.

Bob is the beloved father of Douglas (Margarita) and their children, Ethan and Camila, of Sydney, Australia and Bruce (Jennifer) of Waterloo. He is predeceased by his parents, Albert and Gertrude Hilton, his first wife, Betty Ann Hilton (1989) and his second wife, Pamela Hilton (2011).

He was a loving father who affectionately referred to his boys as Doug the Bug and Bruser. He taught them how to play road hockey, baseball and frisbee and created a lot of joy in their childhood with pool days, boat trips and snowmobile rides.

He was always happy when Doug, Margarita, Ethan and Camila would visit from Australia. He was a very proud grandfather and always looked forward to their visits. Since Bruce and Jen moved around the corner from him 6 years ago, he would look forward to regular dinners together (which always included a very excited greeting from his grand-dog Frankie) or just pulling up to the end of their driveway on his way home from the shop – sometimes just to chat for a few minutes or to share baked goods or vegetables he picked up at one of the many local markets he loved to visit.

A real character with the best sense of humour – always sharing stories with the goal of making people laugh. As the story unfolded, he’d get a smirk on his face that would have you wondering if it was a true story or a joke, right until he delivered the punch line.

Bob was an amazing friend to so many – his network of friends spans across Canada and the US. He always looked forward to his annual trip to the Woodward Dream Cruise in Michigan and to the races in Florida to visit his many cherished friends, plus his weekly breakfast with “the boys” was a top priority and he rarely missed it.

He found real joy in caring for others, whether by cooking a memorable breakfast or firing up the grill to serve one of his famous “Bob’s Burgers.” His presence was unmistakable – especially when he shook your hand. Known affectionately as “the Hilton Grip,” it was as strong and genuine as the man himself.

A true car enthusiast, he was always dreaming up the next “Bob’s toy” to build. His entrepreneurial spirit showed up early, beginning with fixing up old bikes and selling them for profit. That same drive, combined with his love of engines, led him to build his first car as a teenager – a passion that only grew stronger throughout his life. He spent his early career working at De Havilland Aircraft, General Motors, and Condie Pontiac in Kingston before relocating to Waterloo, where he opened the Bandito video stores. An entrepreneur at heart, he continued building and selling engines right until the very end.

Rarely content to sit idle, he was always busy working on engines, planning improvements to his gardens, or visiting with friends and family. The only time you’d find him relaxing was with a cold beer or a glass of his homemade wine and a cigar on his front porch, watching his beloved Blue Jays or sitting by the wood stove, enjoying a drink and perhaps a well-earned nap.

A proud member of the Optimist Club of Waterloo, community involvement meant a great deal to him. Independent, determined, and committed to living life on his own terms, he had a life well lived.

Special thank you to the many good friends who visited him while he was in the hospital recovering from surgery. And thank you to the countless others who reached out to him via phone call, email or text. He felt your love and support.

As per Bob’s wishes, cremation has taken place. A celebration of Bob’s life will be held at a later date, and a private family interment will be held at Parkview Cemetery in Waterloo in the coming months.

In lieu of flowers, condolences for the family or donations to Kids Ability (Waterloo), Canadian Cancer Society or the Heart and Stroke Foundation may be arranged through the funeral home at 519-745-8445 or at www.erbgood.com.