Robert McGilvray, Jr., at 68

Robert “Bob” McGilvray, Jr. of Hull passed away at the age of 68 on Christmas Day 2023 after a long illness.

He was the beloved husband of Marie-Pierre (Renard) McGilvray for 37 years, devoted father of Charlie Driggs of Hingham, Jim Driggs of Jamaica Plain, and Caroline (McGilvray) Fetigan of North Yarmouth, Maine; best father-in-law of Julie, Jen, and Jason; and best son-in-law of Andree (Gummy) and Jean (Bonpapa) Renard. Adoring grandfather of Carter, Anna, Adelyn, Robin, and Meredith.

Mr. McGilvray also leaves behind his dear siblings, Bette McGilvray of Marco Island, Fla.; Kathy McGilvray Baltz of North Conway, N.H.; Jay McGilvray of Kingston; Margie Galleher of Bethesda, Md.; Patty McCarty of Plymouth; Richard McGilvray of Lackawanna, N.Y.; and their spouses, as well as his many nieces and nephews.

He was born in Boston, the oldest son of the late Robert McGilvray, Sr. and Marjorie (Allison) McGilvray. His family moved from Mattapan to Scituate when he was 12 years old and he discovered his love of the ocean. As a young man, he lived on Cape Cod and in North Conway, where he became an expert skier and ski instructor. North Conway also was where he discovered more adventure in hiking the White Mountains in all seasons. He attended McGill University in Montreal and obtained a bachelor’s degree in political science, then returned to Hingham, where he started his family.

Mr. McGilvray’s career began in the marine industry in the 1980s, and eventually he became the general manager of the U.S. office and distribution center of a European industrial fabrics manufacturer, Serge Ferrari USA in the Fort Lauderdale area. He greatly enjoyed his professional life, which involved a great number of varied industries, far and wide travel opportunities, and his favorite – remaining heavily connected to the marine and boating world. He was a member of the Marine Fabricators Association and Industrial Fabrics Association, among others.

He was an adventurer in the truest sense of the word and had many hobbies. He loved skiing, hiking, swimming, scuba diving, traveling, kayaking, fly fishing, camping, reading science or nautical fiction, dancing at parties, and most importantly, sailing his boat “Amasele” all around the Bahamas, South Florida, and the New England coast. He was a member of the Hull Yacht Club, Hillsboro Inlet Sailing Club, and enjoyed PHRF Wednesday night racing, as well as many coastal regattas throughout the years.

He will be remembered for his curious mind, zest for life, sense of humor, and warm smile.
A private family memorial at Hull Village Cemetery is planned for January 13, and a Celebration of Life at the Hull Yacht Club for family and friends will follow in the spring.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Alzheimer’s Association. For more information and online guestbook, visit www.downingchapel.com.