Obituary of Robert Hurlbut

ROBERT ST. CLAIR HURLBUT, B. Comm LLB June 10, 1924 - January 28, 2011 With deep sorrow, the family of Robert St. Clair Hurlbut announces his passing at Muskoka Algonquin Health Centre in Bracebridge, Ontario. He leaves to mourn his beloved wife of 57 years, Anne Marilyn (nee Moffat), his sons, Robert Andrew (Sue Raphael) and David Lawrence. His sisters-in-law, Sheila Sheffel (Donald) of Del Ray Beach, Florida and Joan Moffat (James Moffat, deceased) of Burlington and many nieces and nephews. Predeceased by his parents, St. Clair Hurlbut and Maude Burleigh Hurlbut and his sister Marilyn Pocock. After graduating from Earl Haig Collegiate, Bob joined the Royal Canadian Navy Reserve as an ordinary seaman. He was commissioned Sub Lieutenant in 1943. After the war, he graduated from University of Toronto with a Bachelor of Commerce (1948) then from Osgoode Hall Law School (1951). He was called to the Bar of Ontario in 1951. In 1952, he changed direction and joined Colgate Palmolive in the Brand Department. In 1956, he joined General Foods and in December 1967 he became President, Chairman and CEO (1984). He was the first Canadian and youngest to head operations in this country. In 1985, he became non-executive Chairman and in 1989 he retired from General Foods. He then joined Genstar Capital Corporation as President and CEO until 1995. He was Past Director of numerous companies: Consumers Gas, North American Life, Northern Telecom, Hiram Walker Resources, Rio Algom and Connaught Laboratories. He was Past Member of the Board of Governors and Advisory Council of Administrative Studies York University, Board of Governors Crescent School and Board of Governors University of Guelph and Dean's Advisory Board U of T Faculty of Arts and Science. He was a founding member of the Business Council on National Issues. In addition, Bob was a Past Board Member of the following organizations: Ontario Government Advisory Committee on the Quality of Working Life, Ontario Government Advisory Committee on the Economic Future, Conference Board of Canada, Junior Achievement of Canada, Arthritis and Orthopedic Hospital, North York Hospital Board and Foundation and the Muskoka and Algonquin Health Centre and Past Governor of the Olympic Trust. In retirement, Bob and Anne took pleasure in traveling, trips to the cottage on Georgian Bay and the weekly commute between Toronto and Bracebridge. He enjoyed the company of many friends and most of all, time spent with family. He will be forever missed. Club memberships included the Granite Club, National Club and past member of Rosedale Golf Club. Bob was a founding member of the Loyal Ancient and Honourable Order of the Unicorn. According to his wishes, a private family service and cremation will be held at the HUMPHREY FUNERAL HOME - A.W. MILES CHAPEL on Wednesday, February 2nd. Interment will be in St. John the Baptist Church Cemetery, Richmond Hill. A Celebration of Bob's life will take place at ROSEDALE GOLF CLUB, 1901 Mount Pleasant Road on Saturday, February 26th from 3:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. Please join us in celebrating the life of a very special man. If desired, donations may be made to the Muskoka and Algonquin Health Centre, Bracebridge or the Salvation Army. Condolences and memories may be forwarded through www.humphreymiles.com.