Robert Giza
elevated FXeJa October 9, 1946 – January 14, 2026
elevated FXeJa Obituary
elevated FXeJa It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of Robert Joseph Giza on January 14, 2026, in his 80th year.
elevated FXeJa Bob was born on October 9th, 1946 in Toronto, Ontario, to Joseph Giza and Mary Giza (Whitty) He spent his childhood in the Christie Pits area, growing up alongside his three siblings. He built a life grounded in family, education, community, and a profound love for the outdoors. Through his work, his relationships, and his love of the natural world, Bob touched countless lives and leaves behind a legacy of gratitude, generosity, and joy.
elevated FXeJa He will be lovingly remembered by his children, Ryan (Alex) and Kelly (Mike), who were the pride of his life. Bob was a devoted brother to Michael (Virginia), Raymond, and Maureen (John, predeceased). He was a deeply proud and loving grandfather to Joe, Gracie, Cam, Makinley, Violet, and Graydon, each of whom brought him immense joy. He was Uncle Bob to Patti, Donna, Lorrie, Greg, Sean, Spencer, and Trevor, and a great-uncle to Rachael, Mitchell, Connor, Cameron, Christopher, Jayden, Kai, and Adelaide.
elevated FXeJa A man of extraordinary kindness and warmth, Bob was known for his infectious enthusiasm, quick wit, and boundless energy.
elevated FXeJa For more than 35 years, Bob dedicated himself to education with the Toronto Catholic District School Board, a calling both of his children followed. He spoke often and fondly of his colleagues at Neil McNeil and Chaminade, who became lifelong friends. An outstanding and passionate educator, Bob introduced thousands of Toronto students to the wilderness of the Canadian north. From 1978 to 1990, he ran a full-credit environmental science course each summer out of Algonquin Park, driven by his belief that all students deserved the opportunity to experience the outdoors. He continued to lead student canoe trips through Algonquin park throughout his career. In recognition of his remarkable impact, he was awarded the Prime Minister’s Award for Excellence in Teaching in 1989.
elevated FXeJa Never one to shy away from a new challenge, he stepped beyond the traditional classroom to take on secondment roles at the Boyd Conservation Centre and later at the Ontario Science Centre Science School (much to the delight of his young children, who fondly remember roaming the Science Centre after hours with him)
elevated FXeJa Bob’s commitment to environmental stewardship shaped much of his life’s work. He was deeply involved in sustainability initiatives, including Ontario Streams, the Chaminade College Environmental Club and the Adopt-A-Stream program on Black Creek. His initiatives received many awards, including the City of Toronto Green Award in 2007.
elevated FXeJa Above all else, Bob was an exceptional father who gave his children a childhood rich with adventure and joy.
elevated FXeJa No one who met Bob Giza could forget his passion for canoeing, Algonquin Park, fly fishing, Team Canada, or the Blue Jays. His enthusiasm was unmistakable and contagious. He was a true lover of adventure, happily recruiting his family, friends and colleagues to join him—often before they had a chance to say no!
elevated FXeJa Bob will be deeply missed by all who loved him.
elevated FXeJa The family would like to extend a thank you to the doctors and nursing staff of Scarborough Centenary Hospital, ICU Unit, for their support. In particular, thank you to Dr Ray Guo for his exceptional care.
elevated FXeJa “Bob’s canoe has left the shore, and he begins his next great adventure, guided by another hand.”
elevated FXeJa Memorial donations in Bob’s name to any of the following organizations would be appreciated by the family as your expression of sympathy.
elevated FXeJa SHN Foundation Centenary Hospital – ICU Unit
elevated FXeJa The Friends of Algonquin Park
elevated FXeJa Camp Tawingo Campership Fund
elevated FXeJa Private Funeral
elevated FXeJa Private family Catholic Funeral Mass will be held on January 23rd, 2026, in the Chapel of St. Joseph at Holy Cross Catholic Funeral Home, followed by Interment at Holy Cross Catholic Cemetery.
elevated FXeJa Celebration of Life
elevated FXeJa There will be a joyful Celebration of Life for Bob in the Spring. All are welcome.
Mr. Giza was my grade 13 Biology teacher at Neil McNeil HS in the early 80’s. He convinced me to pursue studies in Geology rather than Zoology at U of T because “there were few jobs in Zoology upon graduation”. I will be forever grateful to him for this advice, as well as the environmental scientific spark he instilled as it directed me towards a geological career. Rest in peace Mr. Giza.
bob didn’t just teach science—he taught curiosity, to ask better questions, and how to think .
To Mr. Giza, science wasn’t just facts and formulas—it was wonder, patience, and discovery.
His lessons didn’t end at the classroom door he brought his students into world of nature for real hands on learning.
A great teacher never truly leaves us—Mr. Giza’s legacy will live on in the hearts and minds of all the students who had the privilege of learning with him.
The world is a better place because of Bob, his humour, his passion and his enternal energy. We are all better people for having spent time with him, sharing in his joys and quirks. I still fish with the rods we built back at Cham, the pictures of the trips we took the kids out on still on hand, memories of those crazy dogs Rudy and Bailey we took white water canoeing (and ended up getting soaked because of them!)
Too many stories, too many great memories, celebrations of a life well lived. You will be missed. Deepest condolences to his entire family.
Bob was truly one of a kind as a teacher, mentor and colleague. His legacy is the passion for learning and the love of nature he ignited in thousands of young people. All who were lucky to cross paths with Bob or Mr. Giza are better for it. Condolences to all who loved him.