Hartwell Challenge

AN EXTRAORDINARY GENTLEMAN

Robert Victor Hartwell was a husband, a father, a runner and a friend to many in the Aurora community. He died on October 14, 2001 while running the Toronto International Marathon. He was 54.

Bob had an extraordinary ability to make everyone feel special. There was no such thing as a quick trip to the local grocery store for Bob because he would inevitably meet someone he knew and always took the time to stop and share a friendly word. Similarly, none of us could go off to a race without a phone call or e-mail from Bob the night before wishing us a good race. And when we returned, he was always the first to extend his congratulations, no matter what the outcome.

Bob was shyly funny, wonderfully mischievous, perceptive and kind. These were among the many gifts he brought us, and to the service of our community. He will long be remembered.

Bob had served a term on Town council and after his death was made Citizen of the Year for the Town of Aurora. He was active in the Chamber of Commerce, the Optimist Club of Aurora, the Trinity Anglican Church and was instrumental in building the Community Safety Village of York Region. If you visit the Community Safety Village of York Region, be sure to stop by at the gazebo that was built in Bob’s honour.

Bob was also an impressive runner. He had raced the Boston Marathon three times and in his 50s was running marathons in an impressive time of 3:13:00.

The love and admiration many felt for Bob has inspired an entire community. It had been Bob’s dream to organize a running event in Aurora that would showcase the town. His vision included an event that would appeal to competitive and recreational athletes, alike.

The Bob Hartwell Runner’s Challenge is our endearing tribute to our friend and fellow marathoner.

If Bob were alive today, he would undoubtedly be embarrassed by the fuss. We hope he would be pleased to see his dream become a reality.