MacCoubrey Funeral Home Reception Centre
30 King Street East, Cobourg
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With heavy hearts, the McNabney family announces the passing of their beloved husband, father, and grandfather, Bob, in Peterborough on March 28, 2026.
Bob is survived by the love of his life, Sharon, their children, Katherine (Brendan), Jennifer (Jon), Hayley (Rob), and David (Josh), seven grandchildren, Owen, Ella, Liam, Ava, Colter, Carter, and Cooper, and his sister, Beth Lawrence. Bob was also an uncle, brother-in-law, and friend to many, as well as a ‘fur dad’ to Molly and other pets. He is predeceased by his sister Ann McNabney and other family members.
To know Bob—who also affectionately went by Daddio, Papa, and Bob-Bob—was to love him. Beneath his signature beard and moustache was a warm grin and sometimes a witty "I dunny know, and I dunny care.” His gentle presence exuded kindness, serving as a pillar to his closest loved ones. He was a devoted family man, endlessly proud of his wife, children, and grandchildren, and their biggest cheerleader. For 43 years, Bob and Sharon built a beautiful life together; they were first introduced at work and quickly became best friends and soul mates. Throughout their marriage, they’ve cherished countless moments of love and laughter together, whether it was a quiet day spent at home, a walk at the beach, or time spent with their family. Bob was also a dedicated Toronto Hydro employee for over 45 years; he was hardworking and helpful by nature.
Family and friends are invited to attend a service for Bob on Thursday, April 2, 2026 from 4 p.m until 6 p.m. at Maccoubrey Funeral Home; 30 King St. E, Cobourg, ON.
In lieu of flowers, kindly direct donations to the Heart and Stroke Foundation.
The loss of Bob is a tremendous one, felt by all who had the privilege of knowing him.
It’s sad to hear about the news about passing of Bob and extend my heartfelt condolences to his family members at this difficult time.. Learned a lot from Bob all these years, and his guidance, support was memorable and remarkable…
I have had the pleasure of knowing Bob and working with him for the last 16 years at Toronto Hydro. He was always warm, pleasant and very helpful, bringing his years of experience to solve problems and teaching as he went. He will be dearly missed. My sincere condolences to his friends and family during this difficult time.
Garry and I were at Bob’s memorial service and listened to the wonderful stories and memories that his family have of him. It was amazing to see his family and how they resembled Bob and Sharon. I find it hard to believe that it will be 40 years since I was hired as a junior draftsman at Scarborough Hydro. Bob was an intermediate draftsman then and he would assign and check all work. Bob was a great teacher; patient, non-judgmental, and explained things clearly. It was a great environment to work in and SPUC was like a family. We became friends and since we lived close by, we would carpool to work. He drove an ugly, old AMC Concord to work. Somehow, he managed to get a second one when his first one finally died. How, I don’t know. Bob always had a good sense of humour and liked to play games. He loved driving in the left lane of a four lane road and travel at the same speed as the slower car in the right lane just to get a reaction from drivers who wanted to go faster in the left lane. He would laugh at the poor frustrated drivers behind him. I remember helping Sharon and Bob move from their apartment to the little wartime home in Ajax. Once the girls came along, it was the move to the bigger house. I have pictures of the fun we all had at company Christmas parties and at get togethers with the drafting and engineering department friends. They were great times! Bob stayed in the Records department his whole career. He really took on the role of guardian of the entire system. He helped develop the RON records system and to see all information was captured in it. Then after Toronto amalgamation, he took on ensuring that records from the various districts were maintained and protected from being lost or forgotten. He fought a long time to see that the East York hard copy maps and drawings were saved and had them kept in the cafeteria at the Tiffield building until he finally could get the budget to have them scanned and put into the new system once it was created. He was involved in setting the standard for new drawings and maps and how records would be retained and retired. He eventually became the one who supervised all of the Records staff and kept the processes alive to maintain the validity of the huge amount of historic and new hydro plant data for all of Toronto Hydro. His knowledge, determination, strong work ethic, and friendly approach was admirable and recognized by many as can be seen in some of the others memories mentioned by fellow workers here. I also remember how proud he was of his children in the many conversations we had. Although life has us drift apart over time, he was always a great friend and I will continue to think of him that way. Condolences to his family at this hard time from both Jen and myself.
I had the pleasure of working with Bob , he was such a pleasant and helpful co worker. He will deeply missed. My sincere condolences to his family.
A Memorial Donation has been made to the following charity:
Heart and Stroke Foundation
A Memorial Donation has been made to the following charity:
Heart and Stroke Foundation
The whole Lawrence family was so, so sorry to hear of Bob's sudden passing. He was always willing to help others whenever needed. A good son to his parents and a hard worker all his life. He grew up to be a wonderful husband, father and grandfather. He will be dearly missed by all that knew him. Sincerely Beth (Keith), Colin (Sabrina), Trevor (Anthea), Edward and Isla (A donation to Heart and Stroke has been made in lieu of flowers)
My deepest sympathies for the loss of a co-worker and friend Nargis Ladha
A Memorial Donation has been made to the following charity:
Heart and Stroke Foundation
My sincere condolences to the family. Thinking of you during this difficult time and wishing you comfort and peace.
My sincere condolences to Bob's spouse, children and family. I had the pleasure of working with him for a number of years at Toronto Hydro. He was always warm, welcoming and kindhearted - he will be missed by many in his personal and professional life.
A Letter From Heaven When tomorrow starts without me, and I’m not here to see . If the sun should rise and find your eyes, filled with tears for me. I wish so much you wouldn’t cry, the way you did today, While thinking of the many thinks, we didn’t get to Do. I know how much you love me, as much as I love you . And each time you’ll think of me, I know you’ll miss me too. When tomorrow starts without me, don’t think we’re apart , for every time you think of me, I ‘m right there in your heart. Our Deepest Condolences, Love , Terry, Julie Schouten & family
My sincere condolences to Bob’s family. I had the privilege of hiring by Bob in THESL as my one year internship. His guidance and patience on everyone truly cultivated us to work together as a team. He will be truly missed on all beautiful memories that he left for all of us.May he rest in peace.
Dear David and family, I'm so sorry for your loss. Thinking of you during this difficult time.
As former neighbours to the McNabney family, we would like to express our sincere condolences on hearing about the passing of Bob. May you find the strength to cope during this difficult time. Our thoughts and prayers are with you. Ron, Sue and Lyndsay
My Condolences to my Sister Sharon and her family. Bob holds a special place in heart and will always be remembered. RIP Bob 🤗🥰❤️🙏🏻
A Memorial Donation has been made to the following charity:
Heart and Stroke Foundation
A Memorial Donation has been made to the following charity:
Heart and Stroke Foundation
A Memorial Donation has been made to the following charity:
Heart and Stroke Foundation
Bob always had a warm and friendly presence at the office - He will be missed at Toronto Hydro. My sincere condolences.
I met Bob at my son's house for the first time and found that he was a very nice person. We had some laughs as he was so comical and easy to talk with. Sending condolences to all Bob's family.
My Condolences to The Family. Bob is an amazing person.
A Memorial Donation has been made to the following charity:
Heart and Stroke Foundation
A Memorial Donation has been made to the following charity:
Heart and Stroke Foundation
We are proud to call Bob our friend and forever grateful to have reconnected with Sharon and Bob after all these years. He will be greatly missed. Our hearts go out to Sharon and family.
Met Bob through friends at Tim’s for coffee. He and Molly brightened my days. Such a lovely man who radiated friendship. He will be missed
Todd and I want to extend our deepest condolences to Sharon and the McNabney family. Bob was truly a wonderful, kind and caring man. We are honored to call him a friend. We know he will be missed by so many. Sending our love at this very difficult time. Bob has left a wonderful legacy in his children and grandchildren and his memory will live on.
David and the McNabney family, I am deeply sorry for your loss. I have a fond memory of Bob helping us move to Hamilton - his kindness and generosity were apparent. He will be missed by many. Thinking of you all and sending big hugs to the entire family. - Almira
My condolences for Bob passing. He hired me a Toronto Hydro 15 years ago and I could not have asked for a better mentor or boss.
Sorry to hear of your loss of Bob, Sharon. Condolences from my family to yours.
I had the privilege of knowing Bob for 30 years during my time at Toronto Hydro. He was one of those people you could always count on—honest, genuine, and never too busy to stop and have a chat. Those small moments meant a lot, and I’ll always remember them. My sincere condolences—he will be greatly missed.
My deepest condolences for the loss of Bob. While I did not know him, I know his daughter Kat, and I see her in his face. His smile is warm and it seems like it’s always smiling which is how I know Kat to be. She spoke so fondly of him, the kind of dad and grandpa you’d want for your own family. His life was too short, but maybe that’s because God wants to good ones up there. I’m sorry I cannot be there to give you a big hug Kat, but know that I’m praying for you and your strength to get through this next while.
We are so sorry to hear of Bob’s passing. Our thoughts and prayers to his loving family. Hubbel & Johnston Chiropractic team
We’re so sorry to hear about your hubby Sharon. Sending hugs to you and your family.
I had the privilege of working with Bob over the last 15 years. He has been a mentor and amazing colleague. He will be missed dearly.
My condolences to you and your family. Bob was a great friend and lodge brother . We will miss him dearly at our meeting Cobourg Lodge 316 Oddfellow.
I am so sorry for your loss. I have the pleasure of knowing David, Bob's son. If David (and Josh) are even the smallest reflection of Bob, I can see that he was a loving father and a kind and understanding man towards everyone he met. My thoughts are with you and your family. My sincerest condolences. Nina
Dearest Hayley and family. So sorry to hear of your devoted Father's passing. Hug each other tide and hold your memories close. Be kind to yourselves. Most sincerely Londa(Mom) Robinson
To David and the extended McNabney family, please accept my sincere condolences on the tremendous loss of your beloved Bob. You are all in my thoughts at this sad time. I wish you solace and comfort in your grief together.
A Memorial Donation has been made to the following charity:
Heart and Stroke Foundation
We lost a really good man. Our Condolences to All The Family
I am so sorry for your loss. Bob was my supervisor and a true mentor, and I will always be grateful for his guidance. He was a clever and incredibly knowledgeable person, always willing to share his experience and help others. When things felt impossible to solve, Bob was the one I turned to, and I could always count on him. Bob will be truly missed. RIP Bob.
My sincere condolences. Saddened to hear of Bob’s passing. I had the privilege of working with Bob for the past 10 years. He was a wonderful supervisor, colleague, mentor, and friend. I learned so much from him, and he will be greatly missed.
My sincere condolences to you and your family. I was shocked and deeply saddened to hear of Bob’s passing. I had the privilege of knowing Bob for over 12 years, and he was my first manager at Toronto Hydro. He was a true work fatherly figure to me and my go‑to person for anything records‑related—always patient, knowledgeable, and supportive. I will always remember our work parties and how thoughtful and caring he was in every interaction. Bob’s gentle soul and kindness will always be remembered. He will be deeply missed.
I'm sad to hear of Bob's passing I learned alot from Bob's over my time at Scarborough utilities My condolences to his family
Wishing you peace to bring comfort and courage to face the days ahead, and loving memories to forever hold in your heart. We are so very sorry for your loss. Bob was a great guy, honest and quietly funny : ) Know that we are here for you in any way we can help. Sending love and lots of hugs.
Our heartfelt condolences to Sharon and family, Bob was a good man who always spoiled Sharon. I remember when 911 happened I was at Sharon’s having coffee and Bob phoned and told us to put on the TV that a plane just went into the Trade Center. He will be missed by many! 💔🙏
My sincere and heartfelt condolences to your family. I joined the Records team at TH 8 years ago and from the very beginning Bob was truly an amazing mentor, shared so much of his knowledge with everyone and was always so caring and supportive with work and every day life. His kindness and gentle soul will be missed greatly.
I am shocked and saddened of hearing of the passing of Bob. Bob was my go to guy for anything records related at Toronto Hydro. We had many a conversation about our lives and talked about our families quite a bit. Bob was such a gentle soul and I will miss our daily chats at work. Rest easy my friend.
A Memorial Donation has been made to the following charity:
Heart and Stroke Foundation
My condolences to your family he was a good and kind man
Sending all my love, thoughts and prayers to all the family during this sad sad time. Strength in all the cherished memories in all your hearts. Margaret Lorimer and family
I am deeply saddened to hear of the sudden passing of Bob. I worked with Bob at Toronto Hydro and former SPUC, he was always such a lovely man who spoke very highly of Sharon and his family. My sincerest condolences to you all. May he rest in eternal peace 🙏
Bob was a good man and always willing to help you out when needed. I have wonderful memories of being at their house for coffee. The funniest memory I have is when Sharon sent him to my house to teach me how to cut the grass. He looked at me, laughed and said "you can't wear summer sandals" so I put on my running shoes. RIP Bob 🙏
We're so sorry for your loss, David. Thinking of you and your family and sending our heartfelt condolences. Peggy and Paul Sowerbutts
It was very sad to hear of Bob's passing. He had a big heart and a warm soul. He will be missed by all who knew him. Cherish his memories and keep him close to your heart.