ROBERT GORDON MEIKLEJOHN

(May 1, 1930 - February 20, 2026) Robert "Bob" Meiklejohn passed away peacefully, on February 20, 2026, in Toronto, at the age of 96. Bob was born in 1930 to Stuart and Mary Meiklejohn of Peterborough, Ontario. He was predeceased by all his siblings, the late Paul (Joyce), Barbara Barrett (Pat), Douglas (Sheila), Andrew (Jean), and Beth Bedard (Fred), respectively. Bob was married for nearly 60 years to Phyllis (nee Judson), who died in December 2024. Bob had met Phyllis while at the University of Manitoba, where he studied interior design, and they married in 1966. Upon finishing his degree in the late 1954, Bob moved to Toronto, where he began building his professional career, founding Robert Meiklejohn Design Associates in the early 1960s. Throughout his career, he was widely respected as one of Canada's most creative and sought after interior designers. His designs in retail, commercial and residential properties were innovative and highly regarded, his work often landing in the pages of well-known architectural and interior design publications. The work Bob did for leading Canadian retailer, Dylex, changed how interior design and the branding of a corporation was done … a first for the industry. His involvement with ARIDO (Association of Registered Interior Designers of Ontario) and IDC (Interior Designers of Canada) was notable, and he was very involved with ASID (American Society of Interior Designers) where he, along with several other designers, was instrumental in the 1980s in creating a world class design conference in Toronto. Through much of his life, Bob was a noted collector of unique, prized furnishings and art, which he used in his professional work and to design the homes he shared with Phyllis in Toronto and their country house in Colebrook, Ontario. No visit to Colebrook was complete without the discovery of a special piece of art or furniture for which Bob could, if asked, discuss the provenance and importance, as well as his use of it in the overall design of a particular space. Home was of great importance to Bob, as was his family, his wide circle of friends and love of history, especially family history. He maintained a lifelong connection with eastern Ontario, and with his family near Peterborough. Later in life, he would phone his last surviving brother just to tell him he loved him, despite being a man of few words, and not generally given to such things. Bob and Phyllis were also blessed to have Mimi Gosse in their lives for over 40 years, as caregiver, housekeeper and confidant, who is thanked with great fondness. In the last few years of his long and productive life, Bob faced significant health challenges, but is remembered by family and friends as one of the most engaging, intelligent and affable of people. Bob was a man of few words – but each was a gem. We will all remember the best versions of Bob, for his dry humour, as a geography whiz and his knowledge of history, and much more. His niece, Andrea Forbes, says it best, "If he let you in, you were definitely a winner. He will be missed." Visitation from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. on Monday, March 2nd, at Morley Bedford Funeral Services, 159 Eglinton Avenue West, in Toronto. Interment in Peterborough at a later date. A Celebration of Bob's Life to be held at a later date, and likely not until the Spring. Kindly refer to the funeral home website for date and time.