Robert died peacefully in Ottawa surrounded by family. After a long life of 92 years, his only regret was leaving behind his beloved daughters Bambi (Brambleberry) and Roslynn (Roz), new puppy Freckles, and cat Haggis. His daughters were his greatest joy and he gifted them with a thirst for knowledge, a lifetime love of learning and a shared passion for raising dogs.
He is pre-deceased by his parents, James and Charlotte Ross of Edinburgh, his sisters Charlotte (Allan), Elizabeth (Tom), Lily (Ian), and his brother James (Gladys), as well as his nephew Michael Penman (Elizabeth), his twelve dogs and most importantly, his dear wife Alice (née Yeoman) who he said has been alone too long.
His nephews and nieces Struan and Iain Morrice, Cynthea Penman, Vivian Carter-Shin, Roberta Coles, and Suzanne Meagher had a special place in his heart as did his dear friend of 75 years, Nestor Olynyk. He had a close knit friend group who shared his passion for golf and he enjoyed their comraderie well into his 91st year. He was an avid skier and curler and the former Captain of the University of Toronto Varsity Blues soccer team.
Robert completed his Doctorate in Psychology from the University of Toronto in 1963. He was an international authority on offender rehabilitation and the prevention of antisocial behaviour. He served for twelve years as Chief Psychologist with the Ontario Government's Ministry of Correctional Services for juvenile and adult offenders and was awarded the Centennial Medal of Canada for his work.
His academic life included: lecturing at Wilfrid Laurier University; working as an Associate Professor of Clinical Psychology, University of Waterloo; as a Research Associate, University of Regina; as a Professor of Criminology, University of Ottawa, and as a Professor Emeritus at Rastriya Raksha University in Lavad, India.
Robert was a faculty member for the Ontario Department of Education's programs for special education teachers, and a consultant to the Ontario Department of Educational Television. He taught at Oxford University; Salford University in Manchester; the American University in Beirut; Simon Fraser University in Vancouver; the University of La laguna in the Canary Islands; the University of Bern in Switzerland; and the Central University in Caracas, Venezuela.
Since 1986, his "Reasoning and Rehabilitation" (R&R; R&R2) programs have been delivered in twenty-two countries to more than one hundred thousand participants. The efficacy of the programs has been demonstrated in more than sixty, independent, international evaluations and they have been translated into 16 languages. Dr. Ross’ research has been published in 26 books and 145 articles in journals in psychology, criminology, and education.
Through his dedicated work and commitment towards those in greatest need of compassion, Dr. Ross leaves behind a better world.
“Now shed a tear, and then a smile, then let me go ahead awhile.”
All are welcome to join Bambi and Roslynn at an outdoor ceremony at the Beechwood Cemetery on Monday, July 14, 2025 - ceremony 2:00 p.m. reception to follow.
Donations can be made to the Canadian Guide Dogs for the Blind. https://www.guidedogs.ca/donate/
Digital Guestbook
grazina macdonald
Linda Balduzzi-Vlamis
Dear Bambi and Roz,
My heartfelt condolences on the passing of your father. I met him only once but have heard from many about his expertise and significant impact in his field. May he rest in peace.
Mary Ann Toste Proulx
Sending my love and condolences to you, Bambi and Roz
Hold all memories close to your heart 💔💔
Babs and Keith Collyer
A golfing friend who we met in Cuba and played with many times. We valued his friendship and will miss him very much
Dianne Symchych
Dear Roz, I am so very sorry to hear the news of your father’s passing. He was such an accomplished man who clearly made a difference in so many peoples’ lives. I hope you and your sister are comforted by the memories of your times together with him. He will always be with you.
Mark
“A life well lived is a precious gift of hope, strength and grace, from Robert who has made our world a brighter, better place”. My heart, love, thoughts and prayers are with Bambi and Roz.
Lisa Brandes
Rest in peace Bob. It has been a great honor to work with you for the past 25 years.
Richard Newport
I have known Bob for years. He embued a love for life, a gentleness of spirit, and a wonderful sense of humour. Rest well my dear friend. You will be missed.
Warren Hall
Condolences
Brian Heath MBE (Former Chief Probation Officer Jersey C.I.)
My condolences on Bob's passing. A good life well lived. The impact of his work will live on. Brian
A wonderful man and a wonderful father to Bambi, Roz, and 12 dogs (!) and grandpa to so many other lucky dogs.
I am very sorry that he is gone now, but happy that he is at peace.