We are heartbroken to announce the passing of Bob Toothill of Golden, BC, on July 30, 2026, at the age of 81. He died doing what he loved most, exploring the mountains, in a valley below Lineham Ridge in Waterton Lakes National Park.
He is survived by his sons, Brett Toothill (Nastaran Siyahpoosh) and Darryl Boggess (Chad Bratschi); daughter, Natalie Neustaedter (Mark Neustaedter); granddaughters, Ava and Madeleine Sherman; former wife, Colleen Toothill (Fred Peterson); sisters, Ginny Filuk (Bob Filuk) and Barbara Glen (Tom Glen); brothers, Steve Toothill (Janet Toothill) and Dave Toothill; as well as his many nieces, nephews, and great-nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his beloved parents, Phyllis and Bill Toothill.
Born and raised in Winnipeg, MB, Bob was a natural athlete from the start, excelling in gymnastics, football, and hockey. His love for the outdoors and hunting was sparked early by his grandfather, Grampa Head (“PA” to the kids). As a teenager, Bob was signed by the Boston Bruins before attending Michigan Tech University on a hockey scholarship to play for the Huskies. He went on to play semi-professional hockey for teams including the Oklahoma City Blazers— where he met and married Colleen, and welcomed his son Brett—the Salt Lake City Golden Eagles, and the Amarillo Wranglers. In December 1970, Bob arrived in Alberta to play for the Calgary Stampeders. The moment he set eyes on the Rocky Mountains, he fell madly in love, and the family decided to make the area their permanent home after his hockey career.
In 1980, they moved to an acreage in Millarville, establishing roots in what Bob always called “God’s country.” Following his time on the ice, Bob transitioned into real estate, starting at Canada Trust before spending the majority of his career with RE/MAX, specializing in ranch and acreage properties. Upon retiring in 2008, he moved full-time to his dream log home in Golden, BC, to live surrounded by the peaks he adored.
A larger-than-life character, Bob lived with an unmatched passion for movement, competition, and the outdoors. Over six decades, his pursuits spanned squash, running, backpacking, mountaineering, hunting guiding, mountain and road biking, downhill and Nordic skiing, and hardcore equestrian competition including competitive trail riding, representing Canada at the Pan-Am Games, and completing the famed Western States Trail Ride in California. Most recently, he took up golf at the Golden Driving Range (quite likely while wearing his favourite Carhartt pants).
Irreverent, fiercely determined, and quick with a laugh, Bob made fast friends everywhere he went. Just days before his passing, he struck up a conversation with fellow hikers on the Alderson Carthew trail, informing them that if they ever visited Golden, they simply had to ask anyone in town where to find “God Damn Bob” and they’d be pointed right to his door.
Our family extends its deepest gratitude to every individual involved in the search and recovery efforts: Corporal Martin Reed and the Pincher Creek RCMP, the RCMP K9 teams, Alberta Search and Rescue (including the Crowsnest Pass, Lethbridge, and Medicine Hat teams), and the Parks Canada search teams from Waterton, Banff, Jasper, and Eastern Parks. Your kindness, bravery, and determination will never be forgotten.
Services & Celebrations of Life:
• Priddis Celebration of Life: Thursday, August 13, 2026, from 4:00 PM to 7:00 PM at the Priddis Community Hall (178131 Priddis Valley Rd, Priddis, AB).
• Golden Celebration of Life: A second gathering will take place in Golden, BC, in September 2026 (exact date to be announced).
**Please come in casual attire—just as Bob always was.**
In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation in Bob’s memory to Southern Alberta Search and Rescue to support the volunteers who helped bring him home: www.sarsar.ca/support
