It is with great sadness we announce the death of Rob in Ottawa on Sunday, June 6, 2022. He is survived by his wife, Joan (Innes), his sons, Michael (Rosalind), Timothy (Vicki) and Jonathan (Jenny), his grandchildren, Andrew, Leah, Mae and Penelope, and his brother, Peter (Barbara).
Rob was an economist, Statistics Canada, Research Associate Professor, University of Waterloo, founder of whatIf? Technologies, Member, Canadian Association for the Club of Rome, Member, the Club of Rome, and Fellow of the World Academy of Art and Science.
A Celebration of Life will be held at the Beechwood National Memorial Centre on Wednesday, June 8, 2 to 4 p.m. Donations to the Phoebe Rose Rocks Foundation would be appreciated.
Digital Guestbook
Billy and Carol Hamilton
Lloyd Switzer
Rob was a true polymath sharing insight and care that ranged from the complexities of the world to the joy of music or a favourite recipe. Rob influenced my life in ways large and small which I will cherish forever. Deepest condolences to Joan, Michael, Timothy and Jonathan on your loss.
Zoë & Jeff
A most charismatic and inspiring individual. We may not have spent much time together, but it was certainly memorable. Our thoughts are with you all.
ELAINE ISABELLE
I had the priviledge of serving on the CACOR Board of Directors with Rob and enjoyed and respected his strong commitment to CACOR and to its objectives. He was tireless in his dedication to sustainability and was an inspiration to those around him, THANK YOU ROB !
Betty Renwick
My condolences to all your family, Joan.
Priscilla Bell
Though I have known Rob only a few years, I deeply enjoyed the times Rob, Joan, and I spent together in Spain. Rob’s intelligence, wit, and insights were always present and we engaged in many discussions as well as some enjoyable debates over issues. Moreover and perhaps more importantly, Rob was also an empathetic person and showed a great deal of caring for other people. It was particularly touching to see Rob‘s tenderness towards Joan and how he liked to care for her. I value Rob as a good friend in my life and I will miss him greatly.
Jean Saint-Jacques
Deepest condolances to the family. Rob was a wonderful person, a valued and inspiring colleague at CACOR.
Christine Rivet and Dave Davidson
Dear Joan,
So many fond memories as friends and neighbours! We will really miss Rob's quiet manner which was deceiving with its associated tongue in cheek wit!
Love and hugs, Christine and Dave
Kathy McCarthy
Dear Michael, Joan, and Rosalind,
I am sorry for your loss. I still refer to the bay where you had your cottage, on Otter Lake, as "Hoffman" Bay. I have many fond memories of card games and sailing on Otter Lake with your family.
Robert was a kind and steady presence.
My sympathies,
Kathy
Ed & Liz Weber
It's hard to believe that Rob is no longer with us. We will always remember good times with he and Joan from our first meeting in Morocco to enjoying theater, good food (with Rob in the kitchen) and interesting conversation together. Rob always had a stack of books with intriguing titles on many topics at hand to satisfy his intellectual curiosity and he always had an informed opinion on whatever the subject. We'll miss his quiet demeanor and friendship.
We met Rob and Joan for the first time this year in Spain. We were honoured to have celebrated his 79th birthday with them. Condolences to Joan and all the family.