With great respect for his enduring optimism, we announce the peaceful passing of Robert “Bob” Machacek, of Ottawa, Ontario, in his 83rd year, on January 14, 2025. He was the loving husband of nearly 58 years to Josephine, cherished father to Dan (Matilda) and Graham (Vicki), and a devoted grandfather to his beloved grandchildren Oskar, Klara, Axel, Reese, and Ella. Bob is survived by his nieces Diane and Janet and was predeceased by his sisters Pat and Betty, as well as his parents, John and Alice.
Born in Winnipeg, Bob earned his Bachelor of Science degree in Education from the University of Manitoba in 1964. Known affectionately as “Mr. Mac” throughout his 33-year teaching career, he inspired thousands of students in high schools across Ottawa, Canada, and Africa. He specialized in science, biology, math, and computer science, holding teaching positions in Ghana, West Africa (1964–1966), Nepean High School (1966–1970), Jinja, Uganda (1970–1972), Laurentian High School (1972–1977), Sir Robert Borden High School (1977–1978), Colonel By High School (1978–1982), and Sir Wilfrid Laurier High School (1982–1997).
A devout Catholic and proud member of the Knights of Columbus, Bob was known for his exceptional patience, unwavering faith, and genuine interest in the lives of those around him. He had a remarkable ability to connect with others, always asking how they were doing with a sincere desire to listen and learn. Well-read and endlessly curious, Bob could engage in conversations on virtually any topic and was a dominant force in the family’s Trivial Pursuit games.
Bob loved to travel and built meaningful relationships worldwide, including through his years with the Ottawa Friendship Force. His journeys spanned Eastern and Western Canada, numerous parts of the United States, and many other countries. Each summer, at the helm of the family station wagon, he led countless cross-continent adventures, even weathering a tornado along the way! A lifelong music enthusiast, Bob played the saxophone with bands during his youth in Winnipeg and later enjoyed performing violin with Ottawa’s A’Chord East orchestra. He also had a deep appreciation for vintage cars and, as a young man, built his own hot rod.
A celebration of Bob's life will take place on Friday, January 24th, 2025, at Annunciation of the Lord Parish, located at 2414 Ogilvie Rd, Gloucester, ON. Mass, in the presence of his ashes, will be held at 11:00 am, with a reception to follow. In Bob's memory, donations may be made to Annunciation of the Lord Parish or a cause close to your heart, such as education or music initiatives.
Livre de visiteurs
Mary Villeneuve
Paula Haffner
When Mr. Machacek attended my wedding, he initiated the guests at his table to participate in the silly drama game we asked guests to play. Watching him be so playful and lead the others in this game - after having not seen him for many years - is one of my fond memories of that evening. Lots of love to you all.
Pierre Eady
It was always a great day when we were going to visit the Machacek’s! Bob was always such a friendly and genuine guy. We had a great smile and made everyone around feel loved. My condolences to you Josey, Danny, Graham and the whole family . RIP Bob ❤️
Peggy Rasmussen
Josie…I am so sorry to hear that Bob has passed…what a great guy…🥰…he was the first teacher I met when I started teaching at Nepean…we were all so young! And keen…he had the rep of being a fabulous teacher…Jack Callan thought so😉…
Bob will be so missed…I can’t believe that we didn’t get together more often…we tend to think that we have way more time than we do…
Lots of love to you and the boys’ and their families
Myrna Beattie
Josie, Dan and Graham
My sincere condolences in the loss of your husband and father. So many Beacon Hill memories!
Matt Hernberger
Kindness personified, a welcoming smile and a genuine interest in how you were doing. That is how I will remember Bob. A gem of a man.
Ian Clapp
Dan and Graham - so sorry to hear the sad news. Wishing you and your family the best and condolences from Helen and I.
Andy Holdham
I met Bob the first day I arrived at the Carleton Board of Education offices on assignment to support Elementary School teachers with computers in the classroom. Bob was my counterpart for High School teachers. He was the perfect colleague. Bob was generous with his knowledge, encouraging and positive in challenges and always good humoured. We also bonded over the chocolate chip cookies sold in the cafeteria. Bob remained in my life as the perfect friend. We shared an interest in old cars and could spend plenty of time chatting about a myriad of topics. I will forever treasure his camaraderie.
Wayne and Elke Dunham
Bob Machacek was such a beautiful soul .... well he put up with my foolishness and he did it with grace. I was fortunate to have known him. One of the perks I guess that comes with being good friends with Graham. Doing the Star Wars movie run with Bob was a treat. He had this sensibility such that it was like being with your Dad, taking in an epic motion picture, but somehow he made it even more memorable. I loved his commentary and insights into the story lines and characters which he generously offered up, after each installment, not to mention those silly 3D glasses and flying in the Millennium Falcon, with him at the controls, it seemed. It was a blast.
I'll miss him severely, as we say down East.
Elke and I are heart-broken with the news of your loss, Graham, Vicki, Dan and Josie. All we can hope is that, indeed, "this too shall pass".
Sylvia Parent & Randy Demmon
Our condolences to Josie, Dan, Graham and the family. I know that Randy and I fondly recall his laughter, smiles, stories, positive attitude and caring. Love and Hugs <3
Dear Josie, Dan and Graham
I am so sorry to hear of Bob’s passing. He was a joy to be with and every event was a joy to be included. Much love to you all.