
The City of Ottawa is grieving the devastating loss of Robyn Guest, a respected public servant and Chief of Staff in the Mayor’s Office, who passed away following a courageous battle with a rare and aggressive form of cancer. Her passing has left a profound void at City Hall and in the hearts of colleagues, friends, and residents across the community.
Ottawa’s Mayor shared the heartbreaking news in a public statement, expressing deep sorrow over the loss of his longtime colleague and friend. “I’m devastated and heartbroken to share some very sad news: Robyn Guest, the Chief of Staff in the Mayor’s Office, passed away yesterday from a rare and aggressive form of cancer,” he wrote.
He described Robyn as “brilliant, compassionate, and thoughtful,” emphasizing that she played an indispensable role in the success and daily function of the Mayor’s Office. “It was a great honour and privilege to work with her,” he added. “Ottawa is truly a better place, in many different ways, because of Robyn. We will miss her deeply.”
Over the course of more than two decades at City Hall, Robyn devoted her career to improving life for Ottawa residents through thoughtful leadership, integrity, and vision. She was admired for her ability to balance strategic insight with genuine empathy, earning the respect and admiration of everyone who worked alongside her.
Those close to Robyn describe her as a leader who listened deeply, cared profoundly, and inspired confidence in others. Whether drafting policy, mentoring staff, or engaging with the public, she approached every challenge with humility, intelligence, and compassion.
Her colleagues remember her as both a visionary professional and a kind-hearted friend, someone whose warmth and encouragement made a difference every day. “She had the rare ability to lead with both intellect and empathy,” one coworker shared. “Robyn never sought the spotlight — she focused on people, and that’s what made her exceptional.”
Beyond her impressive public service, Robyn Guest was devoted to her family — her husband Chris, her children Devyn and Quinlan, her brother Brian, and her granddaughter Elly. Despite her demanding career, she always prioritized family, cherishing time spent with her loved ones above all else.
Her passing has touched many across Ottawa’s civic and political landscape, with tributes pouring in to honor her decades of dedication and her enduring kindness. She leaves behind a legacy defined by service, compassion, and commitment to the city she helped shape for more than 20 years.
As Ottawa mourns her loss, residents and colleagues alike remember Robyn not only as a remarkable public servant but as a deeply human presence whose impact will continue to be felt for generations.
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