Innisfil, August 21, 2025
News Summary
Innisfil mourns the loss of Robert ‘Bob’ McGinley, a cherished local golfer and community supporter, who passed away just shy of his 97th birthday. Celebrated for his love of family and dedication to service, Bob’s life was marked by joy, including five hole-in-ones and decades of golf outings. He is remembered for his enduring marriage to Jean and his commitment to both his family and the community.
Community Mourns the Passing of a Beloved Local Figure
Innisfil is coming together to remember a cherished member of the community, Robert “Bob” McGinley, who sadly passed away just days before reaching his remarkable 97th birthday. Bob, a lifelong resident with deep roots in the area, had a rich life filled with love, laughter, and countless joyful memories.
Bob is remembered fondly by his beloved wife, Jean (nee Ferguson), with whom he celebrated nearly 67 wonderful years of marriage. Together, they raised a loving family, including their daughter Catherine and son Douglas, who shares his life with Katherine. Bob also takes with him cherished memories of his grandchildren, Patrick, Janelle, Riley, and Joseph, each of whom brought extra sunshine into his days.
Despite the immense joy Bob brought to his family, he experienced profound loss as well. He was predeceased by his stillborn daughter Jennifer Elizabeth, who was Catherine’s twin sister, and by his siblings Bessie, Gordon, and Isobel.
Born to James and Elizabeth (known as Bessie) McGinley (McLellan), Bob made his mark in the world by dedicating over 40 years to the construction industry. He began his impressive career as a draughtsman at the F. W. Woolworth Company and eventually retired as a Fixture Buyer, demonstrating remarkable commitment and expertise along the way.
A passionate golfer who discovered the sport in 1954, Bob spent nearly eight decades swinging clubs. His golfing prowess was showcased dramatically with an incredible five hole-in-ones—an achievement many golfers dream of. He continued to hit the greens until the age of 92, proving that age is just a number when it comes to passion and dedication.
Bob was also a devoted fan of the Toronto Blue Jays and had the enviable fortune of witnessing the Toronto Maple Leafs lift the Stanley Cup—a sports memory he would surely cherish forever.
When he wasn’t out on the golf course, Bob enjoyed a plethora of hobbies. He loved cycling, bowling, and even jogging. He could often be found shooting pool or glued to his television set, watching all sorts of sports events. He made the most of every day, sharing many exciting trips with Jean, including several delightful golfing vacations in Myrtle Beach and Whistler, BC, as well as memorable family trips to Florida and California.
Beyond his family and hobbies, Bob truly understood the importance of giving back to the community. He volunteered at Royal Victoria Hospital for over 15 years, assisting as a Porter and brightening the days of many visitors and patients alike. In the church community, Bob was an active member, serving on the Stewardship Committee at Eglington U.C. and helping to lead the young people’s group. He was a welcoming face each Sunday morning when he greeted congregants at St. James’ United Church—a role he cherished for many years.
Arrangements for Bob’s farewell have been made with Innisfil Funeral Home, located at 7910 Yonge Street in Innisfil (Stroud). The family has opted for cremation, and a visitation will take place at St. James’ United Church on September 20th from 1:00 PM until the service at 2:00 PM. Following the service, friends and family can gather for fellowship and refreshments in the church hall, which is accessible by chairlift, ensuring everyone can come together to celebrate Bob’s life.
Bob will be laid to rest at St. James’ United Cemetery in Innisfil, where family and friends can pay their final respects. In lieu of flowers, the family encourages donations to be made to Hospice Simcoe or Operation Smile through the funeral home—a fitting tribute to a man whose life was dedicated to love and service.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Additional Resources
- Innisfil Official Website
- Wikipedia: Innisfil
- Simcoe Reformer
- Google Search: Innisfil news
- CBC News Toronto
- Google Scholar: Robert McGinley
- City of Toronto
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Golf
- Volunteering in Toronto
- Google News: community volunteering
Author: STAFF HERE MYRTLE BEACH
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