Bob Hall

Former Owner & Publisher

The Haldimand Press

 

Bob Hall was born with ink in his veins and naturally followed in the footsteps of his father and grandfather into the newspaper industry. His parents, Gordon and Marion, purchased the Haldimand Advocate in 1931 with Bob coming along in 1937. By 16, he was already maintaining the paper’s linotype machine and, after his father’s death in 1965, took over as the paper’s editor and publisher. Ten years later, he amalgamated the Advocate with the Hagersville Press to form the Haldimand Press, which he owned and led until he retired in 2014. He passed away in 2018 at age 82.

A life-long resident of Cayuga, Bob was well known for his love of his Haldimand. He never wanted or sought any accolades for his good works believing that it was all part of the newspaper’s function in the community. However, he was quite honoured to receive the Golden Quill Award in recognition of his 50 plus years in the community newspaper business.

Bob was a keen member of St. John the Divine Anglican Church in Cayuga, the Odd Fellows and Masonic Lodges, the Cottonwood Mansion Preservation Society and Community Living Haldimand. He also had a special place in his heart for the Special Olympics Program in Haldimand and rarely missed a chance to attend any of its functions. When the Hagersville Historical Group decided to publish “Down Memory Lane,” Bob and his team worked tirelessly to put it together.

Bob saw the good in all people, even refusing to print the names of the accused in police reports to avoid condemning or embarrassing any family in the community. He believed that sensationalism was for big city newspapers. He was was a keen adopter of new newspapering technology and made sure that his staff was well-trained on his latest purchase.

Each week, Bob penned a column “Bits by Bob” where he mused about life in Haldimand, and ended with “This Week’s Little Gem,” an often mischievous joke that got local tongues wagging. He didn’t mind as it meant that his paper was being read.

Bob didn’t care much for fancy titles, often referring to himself as a printer rather than a journalist. However, perhaps the title that fit him best was “the oldest paperboy around” as throughout his career he continued to deliver the Press to the post office each week. 

This is why the Ontario Community Newspapers Association is thrilled to announce Bob Hall as an inductee of the OCNA Hall of Fame.

The OCNA Hall of Fame Award recognizes and celebrates individuals who have made exemplary contributions to Ontario’s community newspapers. Inductees are respected community news professionals who have remained passionate about the industry throughout challenges, opportunities, and changes. They are leaders who have helped community newspapers adapt and grow.