Robert (Bob) David Baldwin

With great sadness, we announce Bob’s passing on August 7th at his home in Ottawa with his wife, Ruth, by his side. Bob was a beloved husband and father, doting grandfather, cherished brother, irreverent uncle, and steadfast friend.

Predeceased by his parents, W.C.P. (Bill) and Lucile (Hayman) Baldwin, Bob is survived by his loving wife of 56 years, Ruth (Slee); his siblings, Bill (Janet Findlay), Beverley (David Bell), Ted (Julie), Betsy (Hugh Casbourn); his two awesome sons and their spouses, Michael (Jennifer) and Noel (Jill); four charming and delightful grandchildren, Ben, Avery, Lauren and James; and numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

Raised in London, ON, Bob attended Medway High School, Neuchatel Junior College, and the University of Western Ontario for his BA and MA degrees. At the University of Toronto, he completed all the course work for a PhD in Political Science.

Bob joined the Canadian Labour Congress in 1976 and spent the next 30 years working on issues that would improve the lives of working Canadians. It was here that he began his research and policy advocacy related to social security, particularly pension reform.

Bob retired from the CLC in 2005 and continued to work on pension and social security issues as a consultant to government, unions, international organizations and NGOs until his death. He authored many papers for organizations such as the CD Howe Institute, the IRPP, and the OECD. Education related to pensions became a passion; his ability to explain the complex issues related to pension reform was a significant asset. In February 2025, Bob received a Lifetime Achievement Award from the National Institute on Ageing’s Pension Centre of Excellence.

Bob was a valued Director of the Public Sector Pension Investments board (2000-2011), Addenda Capital (2011-2025), and Tradex Management Inc (2017-2025); he served in several different capacities for each. He became a member of the CD Howe Pension Policy Council in 2007, acting as Chair from 2020 until shortly before his death. He was named the Institute’s first Fellow Emeritus in 2025. Among other appointments, Bob participated in the Trade Union Advisory Committee to the OECD while he was at the CLC, and for several years after his retirement. Until his death, he co-chaired the Ottawa Council on Aging’s Expert Panel on Income Security.

Pension policy and reform were not Bob’s only passions. He was a life-long fan of the Montreal Canadiens and the St. Louis Cardinals. He managed a fantasy baseball team with his sons for almost 25 years and cherished their weekly strategy meetings. He was an avid golfer who played well but was always in awe of how far his sons and grandson Ben could hit the ball. As a doting grandpa, Bob spent many hours at his grandkids’ activities, whether hockey, baseball, soccer, gymnastics, volleyball or swimming. He and Ruth enjoyed travelling together, especially to Paris, a favourite destination.

Bob was grateful for the caring and compassionate medical treatment he received over the years and particularly in the last few months. Our thanks to Dr. Timothy Asmis, Dr. Sandra Froeschl, and Dr. Ayesha Asghar. Special thanks to nurse Fel Louie (Bayshore Home Care Solutions) for his kind and gentle care.

We will gather to celebrate Bob’s life at the Garden Chapel of Tubman Funeral Homes, 3440 Richmond Road, Ottawa, in September. Visitation will take place on Friday, September 19 from 6-8 pm. A memorial reception will take place on Saturday, September 20 from 1-3 pm. Words of remembrance will be shared at 1:45 pm and will be livestreamed. Please contact the family for further information.

If you wish to make a donation in Bob’s memory, please consider the Ottawa Food Bank or a charity of your choice.