elevated FjkiJ September 14, 1953 – February 19, 2023

elevated FjkiJ Robert Pierce passed peacefully on February 19, 2023 surrounded by his family. He is loved and remembered by his wife Patricia; his children David, Carolyn, Jeffrey and Steven; his grandchildren Victoria, Elizabeth, and William; his brother and sister-in-law Ron & Reg; his step-daughters Nicolette and Sabrina, and by his extended family of Fe, Aloysius & Josephine, William & Catherine, Josefina and Jenny.

elevated FjkiJ Bob fought a seven-year battle against cancer, and after his initial diagnosis he resolved to make the most of every moment: traveling with Patricia, making memories with his grandchildren, and having the ‘big conversations’ with his children. In his final hours we played his favorite songs and shared our favorite stories, remembering how he inspired, loved and supported every one of us. 

elevated FjkiJ Bob grew up in Thunder Bay, Ontario. He made his way to Toronto in his late teens, starting his career working the scales at a truck weigh station and working his way up to become a leader who shaped the Ontario car industry; first leading the Ministry division that regulated Ontario car dealers, and then in leadership roles at both the Toronto / Ontario Automobile Dealers Association and the Used Car Dealers Association.

elevated FjkiJ He was known in the car industry as a no-nonsense, forthright, and caring leader who expected people to be honest and do the right thing. In the 90s he was instrumental in creating the UVIP consumer protection program that gave used car buyers reliable information about the history of the car they were buying.

elevated FjkiJ He brought the same spirit to his roles as husband, father, grandfather, and friend. He was a fierce advocate for those he loved, and was a proud supporter and champion of his children. He was the baseball coach to his son’s teams, early-morning chauffeur to his daughter’s figure skating practices, and – as a passionate golfer – the consistent winner of the ‘Pierce Family Classic’ annual golf competition with his three sons.

elevated FjkiJ He had a life-long hobby of woodworking and made the most of the pandemic quarantine by making furniture, cutting boards and rocking horses for his grandchildren. And as the pandemic stretched on, even more rocking horses for future grandchildren and the grandchildren of his friends.

elevated FjkiJ He loved to ski, often reminiscing about his trip to ski the Matterhorn in Switzerland or his days as volunteer ski patrol. He taught his children, and countless of their friends, and reveled in his role of ‘ski instructor’ on family trips. But on his last trip with his children he had relaxed his approach to the mountain: “if you couldn’t carry a glass of beer without spilling it, you’re skiing too fast”.

elevated FjkiJ Bob could, and would, make conversation with most people he met. In any golf club, pool bar, or ski lodge, he’d quickly turn strangers into new friends over a pint of his favorite beer. His super-power was his ability to connect with anyone, and always left people he met feeling cared for. He will be forever loved and missed.

elevated FjkiJ His family would like to thank the incredible team at the Princess Margaret Cancer Center, led by his doctor Dennis Kim. In lieu of flowers, the family is asking for donations to support Dr. Kim’s research into his specific form of cancer, myelodysplastic syndrome: https://supportthepmcf.ca/ui/BobPierce