In Memoriam: Dr. Robert Woodrow, Faculty of Science

The Faculty of Science mourns the loss of Robert Woodrow, a professor emeritus in the Department of Mathematics and Statistics, who passed away on June 10 at the age of 76.

Dr. Woodrow, PhD, worked at the University of Calgary for almost 40 years, starting in 1980. 

His colleagues remember him for his “characteristic chuckle” and as “a remarkable figure in the department and the broader mathematical community.”

Others say he touched many lives in the department and beyond.

“His love of mathematics, generosity of spirit and service to the community shone through all the way to the end,” says Dr. Antony Ware, PhD, department head for Mathematics and Statistics.

In addition to being a professor, Woodrow held a number of administrative roles, including Associate Dean (1996-2000) and Vice Dean (2000-2003) for the Faculty of Science; Deputy Provost and Associate Vice President (Academic) for the University of Calgary from 2003 to 2011; and Department Head for Mathematics and Statistics from 2015 to 2018.

Woodrow received the Order of the University of Calgary in 2010 for "dedicating more than 20 years to our institution and the community."

He retired in 2018, though he remained devoted to the mathematics community.

In 2019, he was inducted into the inaugural class of the Fellows of the Canadian Mathematical Society.

Woodrow was best known for his research on Structural Ramsey Theory, but at UCalgary he was renowned for his enthusiastic mentorship and supervision of graduate students.

With his mother being a grade schoolteacher, his family says he grew up with a belief and love of education long before joining the university.

He was not only an outstanding mathematician, but also a loving and kind man to his family. Relatives remember him for his love of cooking, wine and travel; being an involved mentor to his many younger relatives; and his contagious smile.

“He always had this way of laughing but then looking over the glasses that were on his face and you could see the happiness that was in his eyes,” says Jane Kelly, a cousin to Woodrow through marriage who often acted as his 'sous chef' during annual demonstrations at Stampede Blue Flame Kitchen events.

Cousin Mike Kelly says he and Jane had Robert over for monthly dinners and spent many nights chatting over a bottle of wine from Robert’s vast wine collection. 

“Growing up, I didn’t know he was one of the world’s best mathematicians as I later learned he was, he was just my cousin Rob, he was family,” says Mike as he fondly reminisced on a time spent stargazing with Robert on a family farm near Radium, B.C.

Woodrow will be deeply missed by both his family and the university community. The Swann Mall flag will be lowered on July 8 in his honour.