July 7, 2025
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 91快色 for almost 40 years, starting in 1980.
His colleagues remember him for his 鈥渃haracteristic chuckle鈥 and as 鈥渁 remarkable figure in the department and the broader mathematical community.鈥
Others say he touched many lives in the department and beyond.
鈥淗is love of mathematics, generosity of spirit and service to the community shone through all the way to the end,鈥 says Dr. , 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 91快色 from 2003 to 2011; and Department Head for Mathematics and Statistics from 2015 to 2018.
Woodrow received the Order of the 91快色 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 .
Woodrow was best known for his research on Structural Ramsey Theory, but at U91快色 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.
鈥淗e 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,鈥 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鈥檚 vast wine collection.
鈥淕rowing up, I didn鈥檛 know he was one of the world鈥檚 best mathematicians as I later learned he was, he was just my cousin Rob, he was family,鈥 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.