Obituary of Robert Telford Hughes

Robert Telford Hughes passed away on September 13, 2020 at University Gates Long Term Care, Waterloo, Ontario.

Beloved husband for 60 years of Margaret Elizabeth (known as Lillian).  Also survived by his daughters Taryna (Steve) and Kerry.  Also his sisters Beryl (Mike) (England) and Geraldine (Alberta) (late Harry).  He has many nieces and nephews all over the world in Australia, United States, Northern Ireland, England, Cyprus and Canada.

He was preceded in death by parents William and Mary Hughes.  His brother Willis, sister-in-law Maureen, sister Aimée, half siblings James, Ella and Isobel.

Bob was born in Greyabbey, Northern Ireland on April 10, 1937 to Mary and William Hughes.  Bob went to Greyabbey school for his education.  Having lost his father at 3, and his mother at 14, he enlisted in the Royal Navy at 16.  After 3 ½ years in the navy he finished his time he had signed for and when back home he continued his education in Belfast.  He studied costing business and manufacturing methods and was designated a mechanical engineer.  He married Lillian and the young couple had 2 daughters after 5 years. 

The family emigrated to Canada and Bob started work as production manager.  He soon earned a reputation as a man who could help manufacturing plants turn from losing to profitability.  He also set up plants for efficiency with raw material coming in one end and finished goods closest to the exit.  His specialty was wood and metal manufacturing over his working career.  Over time after being “head hunted”, he was general manager of 2 manufacturing plants in 2 different towns in Ontario.

Bob had several different hobbies over the years.  His favourite probably sailing his boat on Lake Ontario with his daughters.  Both he and his wife were avid readers and raised his daughters to also love books.  Bob was also a talented amateur artist and we have several of his paintings hanging in our home.  He also made stained glass lamps and built scale model ships, the Cutty Sark and Bluenose being 2 of them.  He always had time for family and was always there for his daughters’ softball games and horseback riding. 

Over the years Bob and Lillian returned to Northern Ireland and England to visit family.  When Bob retired, they spent some winter time in Florida.  They also traveled in Europe to France, Spain with side trips to Gibraltar and Morocco where he had a camel ride. 

Bob and his wife always contributed to the Food Bank of Kitchener Waterloo when grocery shopping.  Memorial donations in Bob’s name can be made to the Alzheimer Society of Waterloo Wellington by contacting the Erb and Good Funeral Home, 171 King St. S., Waterloo, ON at 519-745-8445 or www.erbgood.com.

Visitation will be held at the Erb & Good Family Funeral Home, 171 King St. S., Waterloo on Friday September 25, 2020 from 12:30p.m. to 1:30p.m. A memorial service will follow in the Funeral Home Chapel at 1:30 p.m. To attend the visitation and/or service, everyone must wear a facial covering, observe physical distancing, and RSVP to the funeral home by calling 519-745-8445.