It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of our father Robert (Bob) Daniel McTavish, who passed away May 12, 2025, at the age of 83.

Bob is survived by his long-time partner Carol and her daughters Tracy (Harold), Terri (Jeff) and their families who embraced Dad.

Bob is also survived by Janet McTavish, mother of his five children: Dana (Joe), Heather (Boomer), Matt, Gill (Geoff), Andy (Laurie), his grand children John (Danielle), Jamie (Josh), Josh, Megan (Blake), Andrew, Roxanne, Rachel, Ben, Dan, his great grandchildren Oliver, May and Willow. In June 2025 there will be two new additions – baby girl Armstrong and baby boy Van Heyningen.

Bob is survived by his 3 sisters Diana (Chet), Mary (Dave), Caren, and their families. Bob is predeceased by his father Daniel McTavish and mother Margaret McTavish Story.

Bob graduated from Western University in 1964. At Western, he met Janet (Rusty) and they soon started their family of five. Upon graduating, he went to work at British America Oil then transitioned to Speedy Muffler King in Toronto where he spent the next 30 years working as an executive. From there he did consulting work at Smith Books and ICI Paints, then was an independent commercial real estate broker.

His dream job, passion and highlight of his career was his 15 years as Santa at Santa’s Village in Bracebridge, Ont. He loved interacting with all the families, especially the children. In the months leading up to Christmas he would be busy making his list for the Christmas Season which would include being Santa at the Eaton Centre, the Bala Parade, as well as local and corporate Christmas parties.

In recent years due to the pandemic, Bob branched out and created his virtual Santa business so that he could continue to bring joy to the children through virtual Santa visits, story times with Santa and sing-alongs. When Bob put on his red suit, he truly became Santa Claus. He brought the spirit of Christmas alive to all the children and families he met.

To his family and friends and to all who loved him he will always and forever be “Santa Bob”.

Bob was a lover of life and lived life to the fullest. He had a variety of hobbies and interests which he pursued with passion. Bob loved his family fiercely, he loved to explore while driving, and was famous for his spreadsheets! He spent many hours and drove hundreds of km’s in his car. He drove to the east coast to P.E.I and Newfoundland, and all the way to the west coast to B.C. to visit family. He greatly enjoyed the George C. Reifel Migratory Bird Sanctuary.

When Bob was not travelling, he had his own sanctuary at his family cottage in Bala, Muskoka overlooking the Moon River. He enjoyed Bala all year round – in the winter months he enjoyed snowmobiling, in the summer he enjoyed swimming in the Moon River, sitting at the beach and on the dock, and in recent years, like his mother and grandmother before him, sitting on the deck watching and waving to his family at the beach, and enjoying a beautiful Moon River sunset. He was happiest when he was cooking/grilling and entertaining, and he LOVED happy hour with family and friends.

In more recent years, Bob stuck closer to home in the Toronto area near Danforth Village where he lived with Carol. He was still very social and kept active, he took pleasure in doing Aquafit, having lunch with friends, and enjoyed street music and the local entertainment. He loved going to new and favourite restaurants and loved his visits with family.

The family would like to thank Carol for her love and support of Dad, and for helping to take such good care of him.

The family would also like to thank the many doctors and nurses at both Michael Garron Hospital and Sunnybrook Hospital for the excellent care and attention that was given to him, he was greatly appreciative.

A small celebration of life with family and friends will be held in the summer. Time and place TBD.

In Lieu of Flowers, please feel free to donate to a charity of your choice as Bob/Dad loved to support local charities.deceases-secondary-img

McEACHNIE FUNERAL HOME