Biography

Robert Ward Hall was an English Canadian, born in Calgary. One of six children, he grew up in the Midnapore district of Calgary, but he lived in many Canadian cities and towns throughout his life. He had a difficult youth, but he rose above his circumstances and made a new life for himself and his family. He was an actor, a pilot, a welder, an athlete, a romantic, a dreamer, an achiever, and a passionate man. His interests and talents spanned over many categories: race-car driving, repair work, flying, sailing, archery, fencing, football; his business card said only one thing - "Any Damn Thing" - which summed him up completely. He was friendly, quiet, and had a wickedly dry sense of humor. He had strong, deeply ingrained morals, and he loved to volunteer and help people. He had a special love for traveling, which he did much of. He was a devoted friend, son, brother, father and grandfather. Loved immensely by many for his eccentric personality and his unmatched dedication in life, it was clear to everyone who knew him that he had much left to do in this world. Robert believed in living every day as if it were his last - in his words, "you only have so many heartbeats."

In 2015, he decided to sell all of his possessions in Canada and left to sail for the Philippines with his fiancee, Marites Flor, who is Filipino. They arrived in her country in the spring of 2015, where they remained for a few months. Robert had a deep love for the Pacific islands and their people, so he was instantly at home. They took a trip to Palau, and then returned, moving to the Oceanview Resort on Samal Island. The resort was known for its safety, a home to many foreigners living in the Philippines. Robert and Marites were happy to be with each other in her home country, living the best lives that they could. He enjoyed snorkeling, playing and coaching soccer, traveling, and spending time with Marites, whom he had recently proposed to.

Robert was abducted along with his fiancee Marites (who was later freed in June 2016), John Ridsdel and one other (who was freed in September 2016) from their resort on Samal Island, Philippines by radical Islamic Abu Sayyaf militants on September 21, 2015. Several videos demanding $6 million for ransom were published by the militants, but the money raised by Robert's family was rejected, and the Canadian government has a policy against fulfilling ransoms due to their belief that it funds terrorism. Robert was beheaded on June 13, 2016 after nearly nine months being held hostage. His body has recently been recovered and identified, and he will be returned to his loving family. Everyone who knew him is struggling to understand why such a vibrant, incredibly beautiful man was given such a horrific, violent death. However, it's important that awareness be raised about Robert's life and death, to educate the world of the devastation caused by militant terrorists. It is the hope of every person impacted by the cruelty of terror that all terrorists, will one day, cease to exist; education is the first step towards that final goal.

- IMDb mini biography by: Unknown