Obituary of Robert Donald Badun

ROBERT DONALD BADUN

December 25, 1957 – April 19, 2021

Our beloved Robert (Pops) passed away peacefully and in the loving company of his devoted wife, Eileen, at home on April 19, 2021.

He is survived by his loving wife, Eileen; his children, Meghan (Mark) of Saskatoon SK, David (Natalie) of Toronto ON, Amy (Josh) of Toronto ON, and Sarah (Adam) of Toronto ON; and his grandchildren, Leah, Cole, Reid, and Ethan; and by his mother, Jean Badun, of Vancouver BC; his siblings, Mary-Anne (James) of Richmond BC, Carol (Andrew) of Steveston BC, Monique (Michael) of Vancouver BC, and Graham (Carolyn) of Unionville ON; as well as numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, close relatives, dear colleagues and wonderful friends across Canada and the world. He is predeceased by his father, Walter Badun.

Born in Toronto, on December 25, 1957, Rob spent most of his formative years with his parents and siblings living across the Prairies and the West Coast. He earned his Bachelor of Science degree in civil engineering from the University of Calgary (1978), shortly after which he met his beloved wife, Eileen. The newlywed pair relocated to London where Rob earned his Masters in Business Administration from the University of Western Ontario. Rob and Eileen settled in London, each pursuing their careers – Eileen as the Dean of Law at Western and Rob starting his illustrious career at London Life, taking on various investment positions. Over the next years, Rob became a proud father to four amazing children: Meghan (1984), David (1987), Amy (1989) and Sarah (1990). As Rob’s career blossomed, he co-founded Highstreet Asset Management (Chair, President, and CEO), a quantitative investment management firm, in 1998. By 2006, he sold the majority share of Highstreet to AGF Investments, at which point he and the family moved to Toronto where he joined AGF as an Executive Vice-President (Investments).

In 2011, he retired from AGF and began serving on numerous corporate boards. Beyond the boardroom, he was passionate about serving his community and played many roles within philanthropic organizations including the Fred Victor Center and Peacebuilders International in Toronto.

Of all his life accomplishments, Rob was incredibly proud to be married to his best friend, Eileen Gillese, for 39 loving and incredible years, and of his four accomplished children. Rob’s life revolved around his loving family, friends, and colleagues, and he strived to make each of those around him the best and happiest versions of themselves that they could be. His passions in life were broad and abundant including worldwide travel, reading, athletics (especially golf), and providing the best advice and richest, most heart-warming hugs. He spent every moment of his life building up those around him, and we are all the better for it.

In lieu of flowers, gifts in Rob’s memory can be made to Fred Victor, an organization dear to Rob’s heart. Rob was a long-time supporter, volunteer and donor believing passionately in their mission to improve the health, income and housing stability of people experiencing poverty and homelessness.  Using the link provided, please select the “Rob Badun – Memorial” within the “Fund” dropdown.

https://www.fredvictor.org/secure-donation-form/

In light of current restrictions, the in-person funeral service will be limited to immediate family only. A celebration of his life will be held in the future, when permitted, and further details will be shared closer to that time. Condolences may be forwarded through www.humphreymiles.com.

© 2021 Humphrey Funeral Home A.W. Miles – Newbigging Chapel Limited. All Rights Reserved.

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