Bobby McBride Lead singer Lighthouse

On my walk at Westminster Cemetery, North York, I discovered the grave of Bob McBride, the unforgettable voice and face of the legendary Canadian band, Lighthouse.

Born in Toronto, Bob attended North Toronto Collegiate Institute in the Yonge-Eglinton area. Early in his career, he sharpened his craft as a backup singer for Ronny Hawkins’ band, “Rompin’ Ronnie and the Hawks,” and received vocal training from the legendary crooner Johnny Mathis. These experiences shaped the unique vocal style that would propel him to fame.

North Toronto Collegiate before it was demolished for a new school.

Bob’s voice was remarkable — described as someone who could attack a song with “evangelistic fury” or “lovingly caress a phrase.” His incredible range and emotive power helped launch Lighthouse to international stardom with hits like One Fine Morning, Sunny Days, and Take It Slow. Lighthouse dominated the Canadian music scene in the early 1970s, winning Juno Awards as Canada’s top band for three consecutive years: 1972, ’73, and ’74.

Though his career was marked by extraordinary highs, Bob faced personal challenges later in life. Despite this, he left behind a legacy as a Juno Winner for Outstanding Male Performance, a solo artist, and a cherished figure in the Yorkville music scene — not to mention his natural comedic charm.

Bob McBride passed away in Toronto on February 20, 1998, at just 51 years old.

The inscription on his grave reads:
“Walk Me Down To The River.”

1946-1998