Robert Seymour McCarthy

Obituary of Robert Seymour McCarthy It is with great sadness that the family announces the sudden passing of Robert Seymour McCarthy, age 67, on Tuesday, February 26, 2019 in Peterborough, Ontario. Rob was born on January 2, 1952 in Toronto, Ontario; son of Phyllis Zuflé (deceased) and Walter McCarthy (deceased). Rob was married to his loving wife Christina (Chris) (Rodriguez) for 45 years and will be greatly missed. Rob was passionate about the things he loved and had an unwavering drive towards excellence. He was known for his great stories and token one-liners. His poignant observations about human nature often left people rolling with laughter as he was never afraid to speak his mind. Rob was brought up on a farm in the village of Lang outside of Keene. He appreciated his rural upbringing because it gave him a deep understanding of the value of a dollar and the strength needed to pursue a sports career. His resilience and grit landed him a hockey and lacrosse scholarship at the University of New Hampshire where he graduated with a Bachelor of Science. His passion for sports then led him to training camp with the Toronto Maple Leafs and a professional career in lacrosse. His success inspired him to motivate developing athletes and he spent over 30 years volunteer coaching athletes in minor hockey and lacrosse. Rob had his start in the corporate world with St. Lawrence Cement Inc. as a sales representative. Working his way up through the ranks and managing a significant portion of their assets and workforce, he was promoted to general manager and then central division district manager. He later worked as a sales manager for Norampac and then consulted privately for several companies assisting with their human resources, financial management, process efficiencies, strategic planning, sales, and marketing. He was renowned for his negotiation skills and his ability to break down barriers between management and hourly union staff. In a volunteer capacity, he served on numerous boards of directors such as The City of Peterborough Business and Industry Liaison Committee, Board of Directors Peterborough and Durham Construction Associations, Board of Directors for the Community Futures, Board of Directors of the Peterborough Golf and Country Club, and the Member of Directors for Minor Hockey Associations. In retirement he loved having more time for golf, going to Myrtle Beach in the winter, and walking his dog(s). Staying true to his farm days, Rob was an avid do-it-yourself-er and always had new projects to work on around the house. Rob is survived by his wife Chris of Stamford, Connecticut; beloved golden retriever Kelsey; brother Stephen McCarthy (Norma - deceased) of Cobourg, Ontario; daughter Karen Byvelds (Jamie) of Ottawa, Ontario; son Michael McCarthy (Grace) of Wallingford, Connecticut; his grandchildren Connor and A.J. of Wallingford, Connecticut; nephew Kyle McCarthy (Jennifer); niece Sarah McCarthy; cousin Mike Moyer (Louise); and his other family “The James”. Special thanks to Russ Tomlinson, EMS Superintendent Steve Crossley, Dr. McGorman, and nurses Jana and Nicole from the emergency department at PRHC. A celebration of Rob’s life will be held on Sunday, April 14, 2019 from 1-3 PM at Peterborough LION’S COMMUNITY CENTRE, 347 Burnham Street, in Peterborough, Ontario. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Rob McCarthy’s name to the Multiple Sclerosis Society of Canada or Canadian Tire Jumpstart Charities (jumpstart.canadiantire.ca) online or condolences may be made through the funeral home. www.AshburnhamFuneral.ca. To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Robert McCarthy, please visit Tribute Store