Obituary of Robert Edwin Wiffen

Just shy of his 92nd birthday, and with the love of his life, Amy, holding his hand, Bob passed away peacefully at Waterloo Hospice on Thursday, July 23, 2026.

Bob’s story is, above all, a love story. He and Amy met at East York High School in 1949, marking the beginning of a magnificent 77-year partnership and 69 years of marriage. Together, they were the perfect example of unity, devotion, and mutual respect. He was a proud and deeply loved dad to David (Marci), Ward, and Diana (Bob), and a cherished grandfather to Zack.

Born in Toronto to Edwin and Amy Wiffen, Bob went on to build a long and fulfilling 40-year career with IBM. He took great pride in his work and was quietly recognized year after year for his exceptional dedication, consistently earning the company’s highest internal honours for performance. In 1973, his career moved the family to Waterloo, where he and Amy were instantly welcomed into a wonderful circle of neighbours and friends. Those initial introductions blossomed into deep, lifelong friendships that spanned over five decades.

Bob was a naturally popular guy, drawing people in with his exceptionally kind heart, sharp intelligence, and brilliant sense of humour. He truly made an impact on everyone he met and believed deeply in showing up for his community. Whether he was singing bass in his barbershop quartet, serving on the board of the Community Justice Initiative, volunteering with Third Age Learning, or helping manage his condo board, Bob gave his time generously. He filled his life with the things he loved: playing tennis at the local club, capturing the world through photography, playing guitar, listening to music, and travelling.

Bob follows his parents, Edwin and Amy; his siblings Barbara, Lewis (Laura), and Joan; Amy’s parents Hikoemon and Masue; her siblings Takako (Tats), Jimmy (Yaye), Keigi (Barbara), and Aki; and Esther’s husband, Tom. He will be fondly remembered and missed by Barb’s husband Uwe, Aki’s wife June, Amy’s sister Esther, a large, loving extended family and countless friends.

Our family extends our heartfelt gratitude to the incredible, compassionate teams at St. Mary’s Hospital, Grand River Hospital, and the Hospice of Waterloo Region for taking such wonderful care of Bob in his final days.

The Wiffen family warmly invites family, friends, neighbours, and colleagues to join us as we honour the beautifully lived life of our dear husband, father, and grandfather, Bob Wiffen. Bob brought intelligence, a brilliant sense of humour, and an exceptionally kind heart to everyone he met. We wish for this gathering to be an uplifting afternoon of shared memories, storytelling, and the music that meant so much to him. Please feel free to dress comfortably for the occasion.

Date: Sunday, September 27

Time: 2:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.

Location: Westmount Golf and Country Club (50 Inverness Dr, Kitchener, ON)

Programme of Remembrance

2:00 p.m.: Reception with refreshments and live acoustic guitar music

3:30 p.m.: Personal tributes and reflections from close friends and family

4:00 p.m.: A special memorial toast to Bob, honouring the cherished daily afternoon tradition he shared with Amy

Hors d'oeuvres and beverages will be served throughout the afternoon. We hope you will join us to raise a glass to a wonderful man and a magnificent life.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that expressions of sympathy be made as memorial donations to the Hospice of Waterloo Region, the Waterloo Regional Health Network (WRHN), Momiji Health Care Society, or the KW Symphony. Contributions may be arranged through the Erb & Good Family Funeral Home at 519-745-8445 or at www.erbgood.com.