Robert “Bob” Hiltz
Obituary
HILTZ, Robert Maxwell “Bob”…
Bob Hiltz passed away peacefully in London, Ontario, on April 9th, 2024, in his 62nd year. Beloved father to Sarah Hiltz and Jessica Hiltz (Aaron Croft). Loving grandfather of Jordyn Michelle Savannah Hiltz, Trixie G. Croft, Kaeleb William Nicholas Croft, and Quinton Theodore Kerwin Croft. Dear friend and former husband of Sherry Hiltz. Dear brother of Dirk Hiltz, Rick Hiltz, Randy Hiltz (Mary-Theresa Hiltz), Perry Hiltz (Anita Hiltz) and Uncle to many nieces and nephews. He is predeceased by his parents Kerwin and Karola Hiltz, and his sister Jude Zutz.
Bob’s love of music was a central focus of his life from early adulthood. He was a supporting member of many Chatham-Kent bands and artists, including his eldest daughter Sarah Hiltz, New Wine, Eileen O’Toole, Two Tonnes of Fun, Julie Ross, The Tom Lockwood Band, the Chatham-Kent Mountaineers, Mike Gorman, and many other groups his daughters can’t recall the names of.
Aside from performing, Bob also worked at Frank’s Music Centre with Steve Eyres for many years, eventually taking over Eyrespace Studio to help capture the original music of countless CK bands and artists. Often most comfortable in a behind-the-scenes role, Bob encouraged local artists young-and-old to pursue their craft and turn their creative dreams into realities. He was generous to a fault with his time, energy, and resources, and he remained an active member of the Chatham-Kent music community as long as his health allowed.
Above all, Bob cherished his family. As a young father, he would sing his daughters to sleep at bedtime. His love for his grandchildren was profound and unwavering and he was a guiding light in their lives. Bob’s legacy will live on in the beautiful memories he created with his loved ones and the positive impact he had on his community.
As an expression of sympathy, donations in memory of Bob may be made to the Kidney Foundation of Canada. Arrangements entrusted with Cremation London & Middlesex, 519-858-2467. Celebration of life will be held at Satellite Restaurant in Chatham, Ontario on Sunday, April 21st at 4pm. Online condolences shared at www.cremationlondon.com
Sarah my heart broke to hear the news this morning. Your dad was such an integral part of so many musical adventures and achievements across Chatham-Kent and beyond it’s hard to capture in words – mine included. When he agreed to join the Chatham-Kent Mountaineers we could not believe our good fortune to have someone with such talent and experience stand beside us on stage. He made us all better musicians. And of course, he recorded our first CD up in Eyrespace Studios, years before he joined us in the band too. Making that album was a memory of a lifetime that I will never forget. Not to mention the regular visits to Frank’s Music Centre where we would shoot the breeze with him and Steve, and whoever else happened to hanging around the store that day. And so many other memories and shenanigans over the years too – some probably best not posted in a public forum 🙂 . Thank you to you and your family for sharing him with so many of us. He was truly one of a kind, and irreplaceable.
I’m so shocked and sad to hear this. I have so many wonderful memories with Bob. He was like a second dad for most of my pre-teen and teen years, and when I lived with them at the end of high school. I always remember him with a smile on his face. I could talk to him about anything. It’s been several years since I’ve seen him but every time we saw each other, he had a big hug and took the time to catch up like no time had passed at all. I’m sending lots of love and hugs to Sherry, Sarah & Jess especially. Love you all so much and thinking of you.
Dear Family
Deepest Condolences.
Mary & Dave Lenover and Family (Meagan)
Jess, I am very sorry for your loss. Thinking of the entire family during this difficult time. May you find comfort from your memories.
Dear Sarah and Jessica and Sherry and Rick
My deepest sympathies to you all, and your families. Countless memories over so many years and so many many songs. I look forward to seeing Bob again.Thank you Bob for you and all you’ve done for me. Time to write another heartbreak song.
Heartfelt love and prayers.
Phil
My deepest condolences and sympathy to the family. Bob was an amazing person who’s love of music shined through in everything he did. His guidance help many musicians in Chatham
Sincere condolences Sarah and family….
Bob will always be remembered by Jeff and I as an awesome, loving, kind and generous human. You could count on him sharing advice… and enjoying the whole process of making music. What a musician… heaven has gained someone special. Blessings during this time.
Bob was a great guy he sang at nursing home when we had services the anointing of the Holy Spirit from Jesus was on him when he sang everyone was quiet and was surrounded by the Glory of God when we taught bible study I would ask Bob to sing songs I picked out he did it willingly and again the Glory fell on us iam thankful for knowing him may Jesus comfort each of you