Robert James “Bob” Thacker (1947- 2026)
Robert James “Bob” Thacker (1947- 2026)
Bob Thacker was a cherished member of the UTTC family and a long-time coach of our young middle-distance athletes. For 11 years, he supported and inspired runners with his kindness, humour, wisdom, and unwavering belief in each athlete’s potential. Bob had a special gift for making athletes feel seen, respected, and valued, and he often captured those moments himself by taking photos at local meets so every athlete could feel special and recognized. He was deeply committed to helping athletes build confidence, determination, and teamwork, while also encouraging them to give back to their community.
Track and field was Bob’s greatest passion. He returned to long-distance running later in life, completing the Boston and Chicago Marathons in the early 2000s, and years later he coached his daughter Cheryl when she ran them as well. Bob’s legacy continues through the many athletes, coaches, and families he influenced.