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
Paul Leslie
Jessica Fraser,
Dear Bambi and family,
I am so deeply saddened to hear of your father’s passing.
As one of his trainers, I had the great privilege of learning from Dr. Ross over the years. The wisdom and support he shared with me and the Solano County Probation Department have left a lasting impact. His influence will continue to be reflected in how we implement his work and carry forward his legacy.
My heart goes out to you and your family during this time.
Sincerely,
Jessica Fraser
Solano County, CA Probation
Alexander Abdennur
For over forty years I was truly blessed by Bob's mentorship, friendship, and cooperation in several academic projects. I will always cherish our many discussions over coffee involving criminology theory and research, and I will always be grateful for his continuous support and positive feedback.
Susan Young
I had the privilege of working closely with Bob for 25 years, and I will always be grateful for the trust he placed in me when he invited me to co-author R&R2ADHD and R&R2MHP. At the time, I had no idea just how far-reaching and impactful that work would become - but Bob did. He had a remarkable ability to see both the bigger picture and the human heart behind it.
Bob was kind, wise, and wickedly witty. He had a unique presence - at once sharp and deeply compassionate. I learned so much from him, both professionally and personally. One of his phrases has stayed with me throughout my career: “The person isn't the problem - the person has a problem.” That simple truth continues to shape how I work and think.
Bob was a giant in the field, but never made anyone feel small. His legacy will live on not just in the programmes and research he pioneered, but in the many lives - colleagues, friends, clients - he influenced for the better. I will always remember him with admiration and deep affection.
Sending my warmest thoughts to his family.
Suzy
Paul Gendreau
We had some good times together away back in the day
Amory Clarke
I am so sorry to hear about Bob's death. We worked together for many years. I did a training of R&R in India as Bob's request, which was challenging and interesting and has led to many new adventures in R&R!. Bob was in many ways a mentor to me and I am deeply sorry not to have him around as a source of support and guidance. Amory Clarke, London England
Iain Ross Morrice 🏴
Thoughts are with my cousins at this sad time however uncle Bob lead a full active life and enjoyed every minute of his long years on this earth. A memory I have is when he took me to muirfield famous golf course, I was a long haired hippie, the steward wouldn’t let me on the course because of how I looked and dressed. Uncle Bob set him right with an erasing of words which left the steward speechless, we hit on the course and uncle said I enjoyed that wee exchange with that stuck up do and do.
A. Rita Martín Caballero
My sincerely deep Condolences to his family. My heart is crying with deep sad. For me always it will be an great honor to have collaborated and learned with him and always I will be thanksfull to him. Go flying hight and Rest In Peace my dear Bob
A. Rita Martín Caballero
My sincerely deep Condolences to his family. My heart is crying with deep sad. For me always it will be an great honor to have collaborated and learned with him and always I will be thanksfull to him. Go flying hight and Rest In Peace my dear Bob
Alan Cumyn
Such a moving funeral and celebration of Bob's remarkable life today. Bambi and Roz, thank you so much for passing along the small but meaningful gifts that Bob wanted me to have. He was extraordinarily thoughtful even to the end. I especially appreciate that the email from Finland arrived just in time to give a final affirmation of the importance of Bob's life's work in humanely rehabilitating offenders. Of course, he brought such love and grace to everything he did. You can tell a lot about a person from their golf game, when things are going well and when they're not. I will think of him often, especially on the course. Thank you again for putting together such a moving and fitting tribute to your dad today. My most sincere condolences. ~Alan
I’ll always remember Bob as kind, gentle, and humble. He always had something nice to say, was so easy to talk to and you always got the feeling that he was listening and he really cared. A funny guy with a quick wit, Bob was the kind of person you could hang around with for hours and not wish you were someplace else. Bambi and Roz, we are so sorry for the loss of your dad. He was a very special person. May your many happy memories offer some comfort.