Remembering Robert Woodrow

The Canadian Mathematical Society (CMS) is deeply saddened to announce the unexpected passing of Dr. Robert Woodrow on June 10, 2025, shortly after returning to Calgary from the CMS Summer Meeting. He was deeply engaged in every facet of the academic community throughout both his career and retirement. Dr. Woodrow was involved with the CMS for over 45 years, serving in many capacities and most recently, and for over ten years, as the Chair of the Canadian Open Mathematics Challenge (COMC). He was a pillar whose dedication, insight, and kindness left an enduring and profound impact on all of us.

Members of our community have shared their heartfelt memories of him:

“Robert Woodrow was a true asset to the CMS and a dedicated member since 1981. His commitment was further demonstrated through his invaluable contributions to the Board of Directors and numerous committees.

Robert dedicated the last decade of his efforts specifically to competitions and the student committee, particularly as a pivotal chair of the COMC committee. He generously invested countless hours in this competition, through proctoring and rigorously vetting exams, leading the COMC committee, and providing exceptional leadership for our largest math competition.

Robert will be truly missed and remembered fondly by all staff and everyone who had the privilege of working with him. We will miss his dedication and unwavering enthusiasm for math competitions. We’ll also deeply miss his presence at CMS Meetings; he was a truly dedicated champion of the CMS.”

– Dr. Termeh Kousha, Executive Director, Canadian Mathematical Society

“Dr. Robert Woodrow was a very special colleague and a tremendous friend of the Canadian Mathematical Society. As a former Executive Director of the CMS, I was fortunate to work with Robert in many different ways. He was a member of the CMS for more than 45 years and he was always ready to help whenever asked. His tireless efforts, infectious personality, generosity and commitment to the work of the CMS was an inspiration to all. Of particular note was his service as Chair of the Canadian Open Mathematics Challenge Committee, the Faculty Advisor to the CMS Student Committee, a member of the CMS Advancement of Mathematics Committee and as the Olympiad Editor of Crux Mathematicorum. Robert was awarded the Society’s Distinguished Service Award in 2010 and appointed a CMS Fellow 2018. His dedication and unwavering commitment to the Society continued until only a few days before his untimely passing on June 10, 2025. The Society has lost one of its most respected and valued members and I have lost a remarkable friend.  It is hard to imagine the CMS without Dr. Robert Woodrow.  He will be greatly missed by all who knew him.”

– Dr. Graham Wright, Former Executive Director of the Canadian Mathematical Society

“Robert was truly an extraordinary, kind and caring person, who spent his life to his last hours serving the mathematical community, in particular its younger members. His actions clearly came from his heart. I am extremely grateful to have had the honour to work with him and benefit from his wisdom and experience in administering the COMC and other competitions.  He was very generous with his time and always willing to help ensuring each student was treated fairly. He clearly enjoyed what he did and it was a joy to work with him.”

– Dr. Dorette Pronk (Dalhousie), Chair, Math Competitions Committee

“A gregarious host, a lively and generous table companion, a stimulating research collaborator, and a colleague with a decades-long dedication to math contests and other math enrichment activities: Robert was each of these, and in each case no-one could have asked for more.”

– Dr. Bill Sands (University of Calgary)

The CMS sends its heartfelt condolences to Dr. Woodrow’s family and friends. His absence leaves a void that will be deeply felt across our community, and his legacy of generosity, leadership, and unwavering dedication to mathematics will continue to inspire us for many years to come.

An extended tribute to Dr. Woodrow will be featured in the September issue of the CMS Notes. If you have photographs or personal memories you would like to contribute, please email them to communications@cms.math.ca.

For more information, please contact: