Obituary of Robert Ernest Linton

It is with great sadness that the family of Robert Ernest Linton announces his sudden passing on Sunday, May 17, 2026.

Bob was born on July 7, 1951 in Smiths Falls, Ontario. Predeceased by his parents, Daniel Ernest Linton and Ruth Caroline Linton (née Baker), and by his sister, Karen Keays. Bob will be lovingly remembered by his siblings Mary Lou Linton, Jeff Linton (Debbie) and Bill Linton (Darlene), Alvin Keays, as well as many cherished nieces and nephews.

He grew up with a love of hockey and proudly played goalie for the Smiths Falls Junior Bears (1968-1971), a role that reflected his determination, loyalty and team spirit.

On October 21, 1972, Bob was welcomed into the McGuire family through his marriage to Teresa and was embraced by all. The bonds he built with Teresa’s siblings, their spouses, nieces, and nephews were a deeply meaningful part of his life, and the love between them was enduring. He is survived by his sisters-in-law Fran Hitchins and Cecelia Kalbfleisch (John), his brother-in-laws Dale Bjorgan, Frank Eggins, and many nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by Patricia (Connolley) and Thomas McGuire; sisters-in-law Patricia Bjorgan, Catharine Manson, Elizabeth McGuire-Eggins; and brothers-in-law Larry Manson and Jay Hitchins.

Bob went on to build a long and respected career as a linesman with Ontario Hydro, where his steady presence, kindness and reliability earned him the affectionate nickname “Dad” among his coworkers—a title that suited him well both on and off the job.

Above all, Bob was a devoted husband and an extraordinary father. His greatest pride was his family, especially his daughters, Tricia, Tess, and Francie, whom he loved with unwavering devotion. He was a constant source of strength, guidance, and quiet reassurance, and his unconditional love shaped their lives in lasting ways. He adored his beloved wife, Teresa, and together they built a life centred on love, laughter, family, and steadfast support. Bob will be remembered for his quiet strength, generous heart, warm sense of humour, and deep devotion to those he loved.

In retirement, Bob embraced his most cherished role: “Poppa”. Nothing brought him greater joy than spending time with his grandchildren, cheering them on, sharing stories, offering guidance, and making each of them feel deeply loved.

He is survived by his beloved wife, Teresa (McGuire); his children, Tricia (Mike) Brydges, Tess (Charles) Auger, and Francie (Ian) Cameron; and his cherished grandchildren, Emma, Abbey, Maddie, Sam, Simon, Jake, Claudia, Jonah and Mia. 

Visitation will be held on Thursday, May 21, 2026 from 2:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m. and 6:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. at the Blair & Son Funeral Home Smiths Falls, 112 Beckwith St. N. A funeral mass will be celebrated on Friday, May 22, 2026 at St. Francis de Sales Church in Smiths Falls at 12 noon. Interment St. Francis de Sales Cemetery. Memorial donations in Robert’s name may be made to the Canadian Pulmonary Fibrosis Foundation  https://cpff.ca/donate/