Robert William Willerton
August 25, 1948 – November 3, 2025
Robert “Bob” Willerton passed away on November 3, 2025, in Newmarket, Ontario surrounded by family after a courageous battle with cancer.
Minor league sports were a significant part of Bob’s life, with his biggest impact in hockey, having coached several league and tournament winners and most notably, a city championship. A man of many interests, he founded Prestige Trophy & Awards in 1984, thrived at poker, and enjoyed a day on the golf course, scoring a hole-in-one on two occasions. A lifelong fan of Bruce Springsteen, he had the pleasure of seeing him in concert a year to the date before his death.
Bob is survived by his wife Doreen, children Christopher (Marissa) and Tania (Dan) along with grandchildren Christian and Sydney, great-grandchildren Charlotte and Savanna, and his sister Barbara (Ty).
Bob will be missed by the many friends he made over the years. He will be remembered for his sharp mind, sense of humour and easy-going nature, and for the love and support for his family.
We lost a great man. He is at peace now. Forever loved.
The family wishes to thank Dr. Rana, Dr. Liauw and the palliative care team at Southlake Regional Health Centre for their exceptional care and compassion. A Celebration of Life will be held Sunday, November 23, 2025, at The Manor Event Venue, 16750 Weston Rd, King, ON L7B 0C7 from 1pm – 4pm. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Canadian Tire Jumpstart program. Arrangements entrusted to Rod Abrams Funeral Home, Tottenham. Online condolences and memories may be shared at www.RodAbramsFuneralHome.com.
Service
Celebration of Life
The Manor Event Venue
16750 Weston Road, King, Ontario L7B 0C7
Sunday November 23, 2025
1:00pm - 4:00pm
Jacquie Holyoak says
So sorry to hear of your loss. I just found out. My heart goes out to you and your family. Love and hugs and prayers
Floyd&Pat Allen says
We have just found out about Bob’s passing and want to send our heartfelt condolences to Doreen,Chris and Tania and all extended Family.We go back so many years but unfortunately life gets busy and we lose touch.Hopefully this message will reach you.❤️
Annette Reynar says
Doreen and family,
Our deepest sympathy for your loss. We had only known Rob for a few years and are grateful that we had the opportunity to be friends.
May he rest in peace, we will indeed miss him.
Annette & Kurt
Dale Deforest, Shawn McBrearty and Patrick McBrearty says
Our deepest condolences to Chris, Doreen and family. We remember with great fondness dealing with Bob as long time customers of Prestige Trophy for over 25 years. Bob had a quiet demeanour and always had time to chat with customers who then became friends. He will be sorely missed.
Bruce Vella says
Very sorry to hear of Bob’s passing. I first met Bob at the gym. We always had a good talk mostly about hockey and life in general. When we would meet for our breakfast get togethers he was appreciated a good joke. I will miss him.
Bruce V
Diana (Urquhart) Badenduck says
The last time I saw Bob was decades ago when we were children in Scarborough going to General Crerar Public School. I remember him as a young boy because he was consistently kind and decent to me. He had a quiet, calm, demeanor and listened with an intense focus while pondering something. I am glad he had a happy and rewarding life with family and friends. He deserved it.
Paul Taylor says
Very sad news…Bob and I were alumni of the sames high school, though years apart, we became buddies and golfed together on many occasions.
My condolences to Chris and all the Willerton family members.
P Taylor
Diane Baxter says
My heart is broken…. Bob and I had a special friendship. He never missed calling me on my birthday and he was always there to listen when I was upset or hurting. He lived only two doors from me growing up, but it took till a school reunion to reconnect. Once we did we stayed connected. I called Bob almost every day once he got his diagnosis. I felt his heart hurting — he didn’t care about himself but was so worried about Doreen and the kids. My sympathy goes to the family. Love to Doreen and please know I am here for you any time you need a friend to talk to. Bobby will always be remembered as a kind and gentle soul. Always ready to help or listen when he could. Til we meet again my friend xoxo
Melanie Taylor and Marilyn Anderson says
Marilyn and I were so sorry to hear about Bob and offer sincere condolences to yourself and the family.
Malcolm and Dom Wheeler says
Doreen, deepest condolences to you and your family.
Barbara Gardner-Bray says
Sending my sincerest condolences to Bob’s entire family. It was lovely to reconnect with him over the past few years at our annual public school reunions. We hadn’t seen each other in over 60 years. I last connected with Bob at our 2024 reunion and was glad that I did. Many fond memories of a gentle kind young man from all those years ago. I was glad to have known him.
Mary Pearson says
Dear Doreen and family, Rocci and I send our deepest condolences to you and your family.
Joe and Dorothy Stirlinh says
We are so sorry for your loss to all your family. It is sad to lose a good neighbour, we will miss his walks and visits. Joe and Dorothy
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Debra Larsen says
I was so sorry to hear about Bob’s passing. My sincere condolences to his family..
I always enjoyed my trips to Prestige. Bob was always up for a chat and his stories were always amusing. He was a sweet guy.
Joan Young says
My deepest condolences Doreen and family. I am so sorry to hear of Bob’s passing. Thinking fondly of our neighbourly chats….always enjoyed. Rest in peace dear Bob. You will be missed.
Joan Young
Jennie and Clay Charters says
Sending much love to you Chris, Marissa and Sydney for your loss. I hope the coming weeks and months allow for memories of your father to surface as you remember him and the impact he had throughout his life.
With sympathy and love,
The Charters
Ron Bootan says
My condolences to the family…..may his soul RIEP
Kunopaski says
To the Willerton family, Tony and I send our deepest sympathy. We didn’t see Bob often but, when we did, he was a great host and we enjoyed his company. Hopefully wonderful memories will help to see you through the times ahead. Sending love, Tony and Nora Kunopaski