ROBERT KENNETH BURGESS. August 29, 1957 - December 21, 2025.
Widely respected and admired, Rob treasured deep and meaningful friendships and relationships across countless groups, communities, individuals, friends and family. He changed a room the moment he walked into it. A man with strong values and principles of kindness, generosity, a consideration of others, and a strong preference for direct communication, Rob has left us with an unforgettable legacy.
Rob passed away peacefully in his sleep at his home in Woodside, California, on the 21st of December, 2025. A lifelong learner, Rob attended The University of Western Ontario before transferring to McMaster University where he graduated with a Bachelor of Commerce. Later in his life, the DeGroote School of Business awarded Rob with an Honorary Doctorate Degree.
"Rockin' Rob Burgess" grew up in the suburbs of Toronto. A go-getter from an early age, experience as a paper boy, youth camp counselor and waiter in the Keg Mansion (where he's proudly in the waiter Hall of Fame) shaped him before launching into the business world in Toronto. Eventually he moved to California to raise his family and lead a highly successful career as a technology executive.
He was a brave risk taker in life and business. Rob found his way to the world of computer graphics early in his career and flourished. His hard-charging energy and uncompromising candor, countered by his witty sense of humor, brought him to the top of the industry. He spent over a decade as an executive at Silicon Graphics in both Canada and the US, before leading public companies Alias Research and Macromedia as CEO. Rob was a leader that people followed because he had their backs as they had his. He built deep friendships with many people he worked with along this journey - embracing their success in both their personal and business lives.
After leading the acquisition of Macromedia by Adobe in 2005, Rob retired to raise his young family. First order of business: a yearlong trip around the world, after which he continued his career serving on a variety of boards including Adobe, Rogers Communications, and for the last 15 years, NVIDIA.
Throughout his life, Rob was deeply committed to youth development. He was a mentor, donor, and counselor to many programs and individuals over the years. Most recently, Rob was Chairman of the Board of The Boys and Girls Club of the Peninsula for over a decade where his contribution had a significant impact on the organization, and had a meaningful purpose for Rob.
But Rob's greatest pride and accomplishment is his family. He is survived by his loving wife of 31 years, Jane; their three sons, Brock, Carter, and Riley; Rob's brother, John; and his sisters, Lynda and Susan.
Family and friends will mourn Rob's loss, but we are so lucky to have known him and are grateful for many special memories - his never-ending quest to be comfortable in his Birkenstocks and white socks on those glorious summer days at Camp Creebs in Muskoka, at his home in Woodside, and on the beaches in Cabo.
In the end, Rob rested his head on his pillow one last time. Content that his work here was done. Well, except for his beloved Toronto Maple Leafs. Even someone as special as Rob couldn't turn them around.
Rest in peace, Rob. And thank you.
—
A Celebration of Rob's Life will be held on Saturday, January 31, 2026, in Menlo Park. A second celebration will take place in Toronto in the spring, with details to be shared at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the Boys & Girls Club of the Peninsula or a charity of your choice.
Widely respected and admired, Rob treasured deep and meaningful friendships and relationships across countless groups, communities, individuals, friends and family. He changed a room the moment he walked into it. A man with strong values and principles of kindness, generosity, a consideration of others, and a strong preference for direct communication, Rob has left us with an unforgettable legacy.
Rob passed away peacefully in his sleep at his home in Woodside, California, on the 21st of December, 2025. A lifelong learner, Rob attended The University of Western Ontario before transferring to McMaster University where he graduated with a Bachelor of Commerce. Later in his life, the DeGroote School of Business awarded Rob with an Honorary Doctorate Degree.
"Rockin' Rob Burgess" grew up in the suburbs of Toronto. A go-getter from an early age, experience as a paper boy, youth camp counselor and waiter in the Keg Mansion (where he's proudly in the waiter Hall of Fame) shaped him before launching into the business world in Toronto. Eventually he moved to California to raise his family and lead a highly successful career as a technology executive.
He was a brave risk taker in life and business. Rob found his way to the world of computer graphics early in his career and flourished. His hard-charging energy and uncompromising candor, countered by his witty sense of humor, brought him to the top of the industry. He spent over a decade as an executive at Silicon Graphics in both Canada and the US, before leading public companies Alias Research and Macromedia as CEO. Rob was a leader that people followed because he had their backs as they had his. He built deep friendships with many people he worked with along this journey - embracing their success in both their personal and business lives.
After leading the acquisition of Macromedia by Adobe in 2005, Rob retired to raise his young family. First order of business: a yearlong trip around the world, after which he continued his career serving on a variety of boards including Adobe, Rogers Communications, and for the last 15 years, NVIDIA.
Throughout his life, Rob was deeply committed to youth development. He was a mentor, donor, and counselor to many programs and individuals over the years. Most recently, Rob was Chairman of the Board of The Boys and Girls Club of the Peninsula for over a decade where his contribution had a significant impact on the organization, and had a meaningful purpose for Rob.
But Rob's greatest pride and accomplishment is his family. He is survived by his loving wife of 31 years, Jane; their three sons, Brock, Carter, and Riley; Rob's brother, John; and his sisters, Lynda and Susan.
Family and friends will mourn Rob's loss, but we are so lucky to have known him and are grateful for many special memories - his never-ending quest to be comfortable in his Birkenstocks and white socks on those glorious summer days at Camp Creebs in Muskoka, at his home in Woodside, and on the beaches in Cabo.
In the end, Rob rested his head on his pillow one last time. Content that his work here was done. Well, except for his beloved Toronto Maple Leafs. Even someone as special as Rob couldn't turn them around.
Rest in peace, Rob. And thank you.
—
A Celebration of Rob's Life will be held on Saturday, January 31, 2026, in Menlo Park. A second celebration will take place in Toronto in the spring, with details to be shared at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the Boys & Girls Club of the Peninsula or a charity of your choice.
To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Rob Burgess, please visit our flower store.
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