Aug 19, 2025 | ALLIANCE Hockey/KMHA | 77 views
Remembering Bob McKillop
It is with heavy hearts that we share the passing of Bob McKillop.
Bob, a long time hockey fanatic and local sports icon, passed away last week. He will be remembered by many for his passion for not only hockey but also baseball and football, and mostly for being a true friend to many.
Born in Toronto on June 1, 1942, McKillop was a multisport athlete during his youth, excelling in football and baseball. He was signed by the Chicago White Sox as an amateur free agent in 1960.
He played four seasons in the White Sox organization, primarily as a third baseman, rising as high as Class-A before returning to Ontario to attend the University of Waterloo.
While at school, McKillop starred at quarterback for the football team for three seasons. In 1968, he was named the University of Waterloo’s Male Athlete of the Year. He graduated with a degree in Physical Education in 1969.
Throughout his career, McKillop’s leadership abilities shone through as a teammate and coach. He enjoyed a long tenure as the football coach at the University of Waterloo and was heavily involved in the Kitchener Minor Baseball and Minor Hockey Associations.
For his efforts, McKillop received numerous awards, including being inducted into the University of Waterloo Sports Hall of Fame in 1984, the Waterloo Region Sports Hall of Fame and Ontario Baseball Association Hall of Fame in 2019. In 2012, he was honoured with the Kitchener Sports Association Award of Excellence.
Bob's bigger than life personality was matched by his huge heart and his next level leadership. He could be heard at many sporting events sharing a story, inspiring words, or sound coaching tips.
Bob experienced life from the front line. Volunteering and leading everywhere he went. Bob's impact in the early 2000's when he took over as the General Manager for Kitchener Minor Hockey Association was felt immediately. Working hard to grow the women's game as well as working with then President Tom Graham to implement changes to our programming that would help KMHA and it teams to compete for decades. Bob could be found in his KMHA office often talking with convenors or coaches on how to best implement their plans.
McKillop passed away five months after his wife, Marg, who he had been married to for 60 years.
He is survived by his son Bobby and daughter Barbara, three grandchildren Taylor, Jayne and Kaylee and one great-granddaughter, Amelia.
Our sincere condolences go out to Bob's friends and family.