Edwards: Bobby,
Robert David Edwards, known by most as Bobby Edwards, died peacefully at South Lake Hospital in Newmarket on September 15, 2021, at the age of 72. A masterful guitarist, Bobby was a legend in the Canadian music scene. He began his career at 15, and became one of Canada’s most recorded studio guitarists. Composer, arranger, and performer, Bobby worked with artists including Norm Amadio, Gordon Lightfoot, Glen Campbell, Anne Murray, Kim Mitchell, Oscar Peterson, Henry Mancini, Kenny Rogers, and Ella Fitzgerald. In the 1970s and 80s he was the go-to guitarist for the CBC, and provided instrumentals for the beloved character “Rusty” on the Friendly Giant. Bobby was asked to perform twice for Queen Elizabeth II, acted as musical director for the Juno Awards, and performed with the Toronto Symphony and in stage shows including Patsy Cline and Al Jolson. He shared his love of music with his wife of 26 years, Maggie. Together they ran music schools in Toronto and Bolton, becoming the second part of Bobby’s legacy: passing on his music to his students. Bobby was loving, generous, and funny. He made connections everywhere he went. He was proud of his children and his step-children, and he made sure everyone knew it. He delighted in sharing stories, music, and meals, and he was a great cook. When he wasn’t making music or spaghetti, you could often find him sitting in his garden with his dog, Chloe, or being entertained by his beloved parrot, Pookie. His tenacity and resiliency in the face of his declining health over the last number of years was remarkable. His family thanks his community for their support, and the staff at Newmarket Health Centre for caring for him so well over the past several months. Bobby is survived by his wife, Maggie, whom he adored; his children: Carey, Scott (Monique), and Holly (David); his stepchildren: Alexandra and Patrick (Kim); his brothers: Fred (Elaine), Walter, and Ron; and his grandchildren: Leah, Amber, Mya, Owen and Chloe. He will be missed. Arrangements entrusted to Rod Abrams Funeral Home Tottenham. Cremation has occurred and there will be a Celebration of Life held at a later date. Please visit www.RodAbramsFuneralHome.com for updates as dates and times become available, or to leave Online condolences, notes, and memories for the family. In lieu of flowers, the family welcomes donations to The Alliston & District Humane Society or Guitars for Kids – Toronto or the Heart and Stroke Foundation.
Dear Maggie,
Why should I be out of mind because I am out of sight?
I am but waiting for you, for an interval, somewhere very near, just around the corner.
All is well. Nothing is hurt; nothing is lost.
One brief moment and all will be as it was before.
-Love, Bobby
Service
A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date. Please visit www.RodAbramsFuneralHome.com for updates as dates and times become available.
Joan Kwiatkowski says
My sincerest condolences go out to Maggie and all of Bobby’s family and friends.
Bobby and Maggie were my next door neighbours for several years and got to know them very well. Bobby always had stories, especially when he heard my late husband was a musician also. We would talk about the people Bobby played his guitar with. These talks would go on for sometime.
Bobby you will be sadly missed by all that knew you.
God Bless You and now you are no longer in pain.
May God bless his family and help them out in this hour of need.
Pam (McKie) McMichael says
To Carey, Scott & Holly
I’m saddened to hear of your father’s passing. He was a wonderful man who I counted as a good friend.
I knew all of you as young children when you had a guitar shaped swimming pool in your backyard. My family grew up next to your mother’s (Heather) family and she was matron of honour at my wedding in 1974.
I remember all of you being born & how thrilled & proud your father was.
My deepest sympathy
Lawrence Barley CD says
A great Canadian guitar icon!
Lindsay Elmes says
I remember Bobby’s love for animals, his always present smile and the enjoyment he got from teaching kids play the guitar. He always had a funny story to tell and something cooking on the stove. He was loved by all and will be missed. Xoxo
steve lambert says
So very sorry to hear of Bobby’s passing I got to work with him on two of CHCH’s musical shows In Session and Nashville Swing. he was always the complete professional andman he laid down some great guitar playing as well. My sympathies to the Edwards family, I know Bobby will be missed …
EA and Ian says
Dear Allie and Patrick:
We are thinking of you at this difficult time. We know his loss isn’t easy. You are in our thoughts and prayers.
Consider yourselves hugged.
Love Aunt EA and Uncle Ian
Milka says
Sincere condolences for your loss. Sending you lots of love ❤️
Joan Karlowsky says
Am so saddened to hear about Bobby and send condolences to Margaret, Alexandra, Patrick and Bobby’s family. You will all miss him, but remember to play lots of music in his memory.
Joan Karlowsky
Misty says
To Bobby’s family. I took care of your dad at his ltc home. He was a very special man with many great stories. He made me smile everyday I came to work. I will never forget him.
Misty
Margaret says
Thank you, Misty, for your condolences, but also for the time you spent with Bobby. He enjoyed his time with you so much.
Stephenie says
So sorry for your loss. Bobby has such a beautiful man who played such beautiful music. He will always be in our hearts.
Margaret says
Dear Steph – thank you for our new found friendship. Chuckles with you during visits to Bobby made it so much easier. I look forward to seeing you in the near future. Love, Maggie
Elsie dubeau says
I meet him when I was looking after Maggie as a Psw he was a very nice man and took great care of his wife It was a privilege to meet him Elsie Dubeau
Margaret says
Dear Elsie, thank you for your condolences and your kind words about Bobby. Yes, he will be missed, but support from people like you really helps.