It is with heavy hearts that we announce Bob’s passing following a courageous battle with cancer in the care of his cherished wife Courtney May. Bob is predeceased by his parents, William “Bill” and Laurette Kilger. Bob will be forever missed by Courtney, his three sons Jason (Lisa), Ryan (Lucie), Chad (Jana), grandchildren Kaylem, Jacob, Cason, Reid, Brynn, Kennady, Kaden and Lydia and his two stepsons Liam and Seamus (Heather Smith), each of whom brought him pride beyond measure. He will also be remembered by the mother of his children Bernice Snyder (Jim Secord) and mother-in-law Clare White. Survived by his brother Paul (Pat), brothers-in-law, sisters-in-law and many cousins, nephews and nieces.
Born and raised in Cornwall, Bob developed a passion for hockey, playing Jr. A in Toronto (Knob Hill Farms) and two seasons with the Oshawa Generals. After his playing days he was scouted by the National Hockey League where he worked for ten seasons, first as a linesman and later as a referee. He then turned to coaching his hometown Cornwall Royals, and in his inaugural season they won the team’s third memorial cup (1980-81). In 1992 Bob was inducted into Cornwall’s Sports Hall of Fame.
In 1988 Bob pursued his passion for politics, serving as member of Parliament for the riding of Stormont-Dundas for four consecutive terms. Bob always considered it a privilege and honour to represent his riding in the House of Commons for nearly sixteen years, his greatest parliamentary privilege was serving as Deputy Speaker. Bob went on to become the Mayor of Cornwall between 2006 to 2014. In total Bob dedicated 24 years of his life to public service.
In his later years Bob took immeasurable pride in all things related to his family. Annual football trips with his three sons, watching his stepsons grow into fine young men, sharing time with the twins, attending football games, hockey games, and swim meets and keeping track of the latest Lego build. This was his joy and allowed him to be true to his motto – life is good.
Bob’s decade long battle with cancer could not have been possible without the dedication and valiant efforts of Dr. Timothy Asmis of the Ottawa Hospital to whom the family extends sincere gratitude.
A Memorial Funeral Mass will be celebrated in St. Theresa Roman Catholic Church, 95 Somerset St., West, Ottawa, on Thursday, December 9, 2021 at 10:30a.m. Following Covid protocol, attendance will be strictly limited to registered guests. To RSVP, please visit the bottom of Bob’s obituary page on the funeral home website.
In lieu of flowers donations to the Shepherds of Good Hope would be appreciated.
Monday November 29th 2021
Nos plus sincères sympathies à la famille et aux amis de Robert Bob Peter Paul Kilger Monday November 29th 2021..
Décès pour la Ville:Ottawa, Province: Ontario