Robert "Bob" Ashleigh

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the peaceful final flight of retired Air Canada Captain, Robert Allan Ashleigh "Bob", on December 14, 2025.  

Predeceased by his parents, David (“Red”) & Ella Ashleigh, and his sister Donna.  

Bob leaves behind his devoted wife, Sherrie, his children, Jonathan (Jolie), Allison (Patrick), Erin (Steven), and stepson Jeff (Nicole). He was lovingly called “Grandpa” by his grandchildren: Tyler, Dylan, Kate, Griffyn, Morgaen, Bryn, Andrew, and James. Bob is also survived by his brother Doug, sister Joanne, and many nieces and nephews.  

Born on June 3rd, 1949, Bob had an adventurous childhood growing up with a father who was a dedicated pilot, serving in the RCAF. Bob followed in his father’s footsteps and very early in life developed a love of aviation. Bob logged many hours flying in  South America and Africa before realizing his dream of becoming a commercial pilot with Air Canada in 1972. Over the next 37 years, he flew hundreds of flights and was highly respected as a training captain who always set a very high standard, but also maintained a relaxed approach. He cherished the friendships he made and always stated how lucky he was to get paid to do what he loved the most. At the age of 60,  Bob finished his Air Canada career on the Boeing 777, but insisted he was not ready to retire. So he trained on a plane he’d never flown, the DHC Dash 8-400, and continued working with Sky Regional, doing what he loved until 2016.  

Bob spent many years living in different places, but home for him has always been the “cottage” on Little Kennisis Lake, in Haliburton. He loved being outdoors and working on the property, taking advantage of any excuse to fire up the John Deere and move rocks around. Bob loved playing hockey with the Haliburton Oldtimers and the post-game socials that entailed. He had a soft spot for cats and a sweet tooth for Sherrie’s homemade baking.  

Although Bob officially retired in 2016, he still wasn’t grounded. He continued to fly his Aviat Husky, proudly named “Spirit of Red”, after his father. He loved flying his plane to meet up with airline buddies at fly-ins, to visit friends and family, or just taking the grandkids up for a joyride around the lake.  

Wheels up, Bob. We hope you are blasting the music and enjoying an endless supply of butter tarts on your next flight. You will be forever missed, but never forgotten.  

The family would like to thank all the staff of Hyland Crest and Peterborough Regional Health Centre for their dedicated and compassionate care. We would also like to thank  Ed and Glenda for their continued support on this journey.

Celebration of Life

In following Bob's wishes to “remember me as I was”, funeral arrangements are private. A Celebration of Bob's Life will take place at a later date. As an expression of sympathy, donations to a charity of choice would be appreciated by the family. Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to the HALIBURTON COMMUNITY FUNERAL HOME, 13523 Hwy. #118 Haliburton, ON K0M 1S0 (705) 457-9209.

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