Robert "Bob" Douglas Robinson

It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of Robert “Bob” Douglas Robinson, a beloved husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, educator, umpire, and friend, who passed away on November 22, 2024, in Everett, Washington. Born on April 19, 1936, in Hamilton, Ontario, Canada, Bob was the cherished son of Wilhemina (Mina) Robinson (née Atton) and Robert Robinson, both of whom predeceased him.

Bob was a loving brother to Maureen Cappelli (Vince) and the late William Robinson (Janet). He was the devoted husband of Jo Anne Robinson, with whom he shared 37.5 years of love, joy, and mutual care. Together, they built a life full of laughter, support, and shared adventures, including attending sporting events for the Everett Aqua Sox, the Everett Silvertips, and the University of Washington Softball, Basketball, and Football teams. Bob was a proud season ticket holder for all of these teams for many years, and he and Jo Anne enjoyed countless games, always cheering enthusiastically for their favorite teams. Their shared love for sports brought them closer and created lasting memories of excitement and fun.

Bob is also survived by his children: Paul Robinson (Susan), Chris Robinson (Jamie), and Sarah Knoll (Jeff). As a loving stepfather, he was proud to be part of the lives of his stepchildren: Jan Rosenberger (Joe d.), Ken Weyrick (Renee), Alan Weyrick (Michelle), and Katie Schramm (Jeff). Bob’s love and devotion to his family extended to his many grandchildren: Jordan, Nolan, Jacob, Adam, Aiden, Jennifer, Samantha, Dominique, Jennifer, Jessica, Jason, Chase, Denise, Daniel, Brett, Ericka, Preston, Andrew, Matthew, and Nathanael. His grandchildren saw him as someone who loved and cared for them deeply, whether they were near or far, staying connected through phone calls, texts, Facetime, and thoughtful, often creative, gifts. He is also survived by 11 great-grandchildren and his nieces Jill and Cathy, and nephews Michael and David. Bob’s sisters-in-law Gail Nealon (Michael d.) and Jackie Karly (Todd), and special friend Jeanette Parks (Ralph d.) will also miss him. His cherished life-long friend Jerry Edge pre-deceased Bob last year.

In 1997, Bob became a U.S. citizen, proudly holding dual citizenship in both Canada and the United States, and lived a fulfilling life in both countries.

A passionate educator and lifelong advocate for mathematics education, Bob made significant contributions to the field. He was a lifetime member of the Ontario Association for Mathematics Education (OAME), where he served on the Board of Directors for many years and was a key member of the planning committee for several provincial conferences. He was also a long-time member of the Ontario Mathematics Coordinators Association (OMCA) and co-author of Math Is, a popular mathematics textbook for grades 7 and 8, published by Nelson, which has been used widely across Canada. As a middle school teacher/consultant for the Hamilton Board, he was seconded for his last three years to the Ontario Ministry of Education. 

Bob’s work reached beyond Canada’s borders. He was a Director and Executive Board member (representing Canada) on the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics (NCTM), the world’s largest mathematics educator organization, based in Reston, VA. He served as Chair of both the Nominations Committee and the Mathematics Education Trust, and was a frequent speaker at national and local conferences. Bob contributed to the NCTM by serving on the program committees for several national and regional conferences. He was also a dedicated member of the National Council of Supervisors of Mathematics (NCSM) and served as Exhibits Chair for the International Congress on Mathematics Education (ICME) in Quebec City.

Bob’s service to the mathematics community also included his work with the Washington State Mathematics Council (WSMC), where he served as a board member for many years. He was honored with the Hall of Fame Award for his long-time service as Public Relations Director and served as the Facilities Chair and site selector for the Northwest Math Conferences. He co-chaired the Northwest Math Conference in 2001. Additionally, Bob was a member of the Puget Sound Council of Teachers of Mathematics (PSCTM), continuing his advocacy for educational excellence.

Beyond his professional accomplishments, Bob was a man of many passions and talents. He was a proud member of the Royal Hamilton Light Infantry (RHLI) drum and bugle corps, performing as a drummer at various locations in Ontario and participating in the Bermuda Tattoo organized by the Director of the Edinburgh Tattoo in Scotland. Bob also performed as part of the Fort Henry Guard in Kingston, Ontario, and its Fife and Drum Band, playing at notable events such as the Royal Tournament in London, England, before the Royal Family, and at the Iwo Jima Memorial in Washington, D.C.

In addition to his musical contributions, Bob was an active Little League umpire and trainer, and a dedicated umpire/evaluator for Snohomish County high school baseball. He had the honor of umpiring the 2002 Little League World Series (16-17 Seniors) in Bangor, Maine. Bob was honored to be a part of the brotherhood of umpires and treasured close friendships with many umpires.

Bob was also part of ROMMEO (Retired Old Math Men Eating Out), a group of fellow mathematics educators who shared lunches together, toasting those of the group who had passed on. Bob will be missed at these gatherings, and his friends will now raise their glasses in his honor. "Here’s to you now, Bob Robinson!"

Bob’s legacy will be one of devotion to family, a tireless commitment to the improvement of mathematics education, and a life lived with joy, service, and a sense of adventure. He touched the lives of so many; his impact will be felt for years to come.

A memorial service to celebrate Bob’s life will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to a charity supporting mathematics education or a cause dedicated to research of cancer. He will be deeply missed by all who had the privilege of knowing him.