Harold Francis Huff

April 20, 1939 – February 21, 2022

Whether it was through his successful career, countless volunteer hours or dedication to family, Harold Francis Huff set the bar high for all of us. With his passing at the age of 82 on February 21, 2022, we have lost a very special man.

Hal Huff was born in Toronto on April 20th, 1939 to Marian and Harold Huff. He lived in the north end of the city for the first 10 years of his life, however spent a significant amount of time at his grandparent’s island in the Kawarthas with his family. While growing up, Hal was highly influenced by his family, particularly his mother, and these years solidified his drive for activity, adventure, and strong family values.

During Hal’s school years, he played football, was a member of a band, and played hockey in the Toronto Hockey League. Hal was very involved in physical activities, a passion that carried into his adult and senior years.

After high school, Hal entered the insurance industry as an underwriter. This was the biggest turning point in Hal’s life, as it was at this time he was introduced to what would become his life-long passion.

Hal started his career in insurance working at the Great American Insurance Company as an underwriter. He was on the Junior Board of Trade and made widespread friendships in the industry, many of which he maintained throughout his life. Hal worked diligently and with conviction, quickly climbing the corporate ladder.

In 1977, Hal met Margaret Roblin and they married in 1979. During the 1990s, he transitioned between a number of major international companies, moving from broker, to sales manager, to branch manager. He was proud of his progression in the field, but always felt the most satisfaction on the sales side of the industry rather than in management positions. He had a genuine love for helping people and cherished the opportunities to share his knowledge of the insurance industry whenever possible. Hal established joint ventures with some of the leading insurance companies in the world. All of these interactions reinforced his drive for entrepreneurship and in the early 2000s, Hal, along with his wife and business partner Margaret Roblin, started their own insurance operation through Partners Indemnity. At an age when many would consider a time of slowing down, Hal was as dedicated and passionate about his insurance business as he was over 50 years prior. When asked about retiring, Hal said he would continue to enjoy his “retirement” by working!

Hal became involved in politics on a provincial and federal level during the 1970s. As a volunteer, he became part of a team of strategists and advisors, nicknamed the “Big Blue Machine”. The group was responsible for the organization and operation of the provincial campaign tours for the Ontario Progressive Conservative Party. Due to their highly successful work during a campaign in Ontario, the team was adopted on a federal level and were appointed responsibility for the national tours. This position took Hal across the country and opened up a whole new world for him, both professionally and socially.

In addition to working daily in his home office, Hal also golfed 3 to 4 times a week and cherished this time on the course. He was a proud member of Cherry Downs Golf Course for over 25 years. He took pleasure in the company of the people he played with, many of whom he had known for generations. These connections were something Hal was particularly proud of and the group often got together hosting dinner parties or going on golfing trips to Florida.

For Hal, laughter was the key to staying young. This was something his late mother had taught him and a notion he held dear to his heart. He loved a good joke or funny story and would always have a joke to share in return. Hal was extremely supportive, encouraging, and a role model to so many. He loved spending time with his children and grandchildren, having dinner with friends and family, and visiting his extended family in Prince Edward County.

Hal is survived by his wife Margaret Roblin of 43 years. His son Hal (Jane) Huff, daughter Stephanie Huff, and his sisters Eunice Huff and Betsy (Norman) Alexander. Proud Grandpa to Liam, Rayne, Kieran, and Shea. He will be greatly missed by his many nieces and nephews, and the entire Roblin family in Prince Edward County.

A private interment and a celebration of life will be held at a later date.

Donations in Hal’s memory can be made to the

Heart and Stroke Foundation or a charity of your choice.