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ROBERT DOUGLAS MCILWRAITH
Born: Dec 25, 1951
Date of Passing: Dec 29, 2021
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ROBERT DOUGLAS MCILWRAITH
December 25, 1951 - December 29, 2021
Dr. Robert McIlwraith, former Head of the Department of Clinical Health Psychology and former Medical Director of the WRHA Clinical Health Psychology Program, has died.
He is survived by his wife, Wendy Josephson, son Christopher McIlwraith and daughter-in-law Emma Drury, and grandchildren Abigail and Theodore. He is also survived by his sister Nancy Robinson, brothers-in-law Wally Robinson, Jaik Josephson, Brent Lott, and Gary Laidlaw, sister-in-law Kathie Josephson, mother-in-law Lillian Josephson, nephews Tom (Brandi), David (Jennifer), and Andrew (Jill) Robinson, nieces Amelia, Erin (Tim), and Justine Josephson-Laidlaw, great-nephews Daniel, Patrick, and Jake Robinson and Sol Harris, and great-nieces Maya, Ariella, Aidah, and Sadie Robinson.
Bob was born in Marathon, Ontario to Hugh and Ester McIlwraith, a Christmas present for his sister Nancy. Bob's bond with Nancy remained strong all his life. As an adult, when facing a quandary or needing to think things through, he would often disappear into his study, saying "I'm going to call my sister." He grew up in Marathon, and skipped grade 13 (then required in Ontario) by attending the Brock University Exceptional Student Summer Program and entering university after grade 12. He subsequently attended the University of Winnipeg, graduating with an Honours BA in Psychology, then Acadia University, from which he graduated with a Master's in Clinical Psychology, and the University of Manitoba, from which he obtained his PhD in Clinical Psychology. He completed his clinical internship at the Kitchener-Waterloo Hospital.
Bob spent his entire career at the Health Sciences Centre in Winnipeg and in the Faculty of Medicine at the University of Manitoba, except for a sabbatical year as a Research Fellow at the Marshall McLuhan Institute for Culture and Technology, at the University of Toronto. He served as director of the Residency Program in the Department of Clinical Health Psychology for ten years, during which he oversaw the implementation and growth of the Rural and Northern Psychology Training Program, which recruited psychologists to rural communities and gave residents an immersive training experience in the skills and knowledge required for practice in these settings. Many of the residents who trained in this program continue to practice in these rural communities or others across Canada. Bob spent the last ten years of his career as Head of the Department of Clinical Health Psychology in the Faculty of Medicine at the University of Manitoba and Medical Director of the Clinical Health Psychology Program of the Winnipeg Regional Health Authority. He oversaw the growth and expansion of psychological services into many new areas of health care, and was a relentless recruiter of new psychologists. When he retired at the end of 2015, the Dr. Robert McIlwraith Excellence in Clinical Training Award was established by the Clinical Health Psychology Department in recognition of his contributions to the professional development of a generation of clinical psychologists.
Bob was active in the Canadian Psychological Association (CPA), serving on and chairing the CPA Accreditation Panel for Doctoral Programs and Internships, and was a frequent accreditation site visitor and trainer of site visitors. He also was instrumental in the establishment of the CPA Section of Rural and Northern Psychology and the Section of Psychologists in Hospitals and Health Centres. He served a term as the President of the Canadian Council of Professional Psychology Programs and was on the Editorial Board of Canada's Mental Health. He was a Fellow of CPA, a Distinguished Life Member of the Manitoba Psychological Society (MPS) and the recipient of the Clifford J. Robson Award for Distinguished Contribution to Psychology in Manitoba from MPS and the Distinguished Professional Contributions to Rural and Northern Practice Award from the Section of Rural and Northern Psychology of CPA.
Bob was renowned for his kindness, his sense of humour, and the love and loyalty he demonstrated for his family and friends. His face would light up when he talked about his son Chris, and his darling grandchildren, Abby and Theo brought him joy from the beginning of their lives until the end of his. He found delight in travel, orange chocolate, circuses, looking at art, all things Disney, and Christmas. He and Wendy shared an abiding love throughout their life together, marked by the comfort of shared daily rituals and by occasional adventures.
Thanks to Lisa and the other members of the Palliative Care Team of the WRHA for their skill, compassion, and ingenuity. We are forever grateful.
A celebration of Bob's life will be held when pandemic conditions allow, and it is safe for the many people who loved him to gather together again. An announcement will be placed in the Winnipeg Free Press when a date has been arranged. In the meantime, Bob's family kindly requests that his friends and relatives take a few minutes to honour his memory by visiting his tribute page at EthicalDeathCare.com. A photo-biography, as well as memories and stories published by those who knew him, are available there.
In lieu of flowers, those who wish to do so can make a donation in Bob McIlwraith's memory to the Dr. Robert Martin Memorial Lecture Fund of the University of Manitoba. This endowed fund, established in honour of Dr. Martin (the first Head of Psychology at the Health Sciences Centre) supports continuing education in the Department of Clinical Health Psychology. Donate online (umanitoba.ca) OR Contact UM Donor Relations 204 474-9195 or UM Department of Clinical Health Psychology 204 787-5163.
ETHICAL DEATH CARE
Simple Cremation & Life Celebrations
204-421-5501 - EthicalDeathCare.com
As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Jan 08, 2022
Condolences & Memories (17 entries)
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I was shocked and deeply saddened to learn today of Bob’s passing. Having moved to Ontario 17 years ago, I’m not always able to keep up on Winnipeg news. Bob had a profound effect on me as a supervisor, then later as a colleague. He had a wonderful mix of kindness, compassion, decency, intelligence, and sense of humour (albeit at times endearingly goofy!). I loved his unconventional method of holding warm weather supervision sessions tossing around a football outside (he told me that one of his former supervisors did that with him). Wendy, I’ll always fondly remember the fun winter parties at your home after the Med I all-day workshops he ran. Christopher, my only direct memories of you were when you were a young lad, but later with pride your father would keep me up to date on your progress. Bob was an outstanding person. May his memory be a blessing. - Posted by: Jeff Reiss (Former student and Psychiatrist colleague) on: Jan 23, 2025
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It was with great sadness that I received the news of Robert's passing. Bob played the most influential part of my settling into Canada from South Africa 33 years ago. the most kind and considerate person in my field. We even wrote an article together. He was the main author. I was fortunate enough to also meet Wendy and we did spend some great dinners together. What a great man. - Posted by: Charl de Wet (Supervisor and friend) on: Apr 09, 2023
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Growing up in our little Brigadoon * town of Marathon, (* known for always being in the fog far too often, like the musical) we had some of the greatest teachers and opportunities for sports, drama, outdoor paradises, and dance/music/art inclusion. We were free-spirited in a time of discovery and many excelled in school, the arena, the soccer field, the golf course, you name it! Bobby was in a place that allowed his mind to reach it's full potential and his smile was infectious. Condolences to the family knowing how much Bob was liked and respected by all his fellow students those many years ago. - Posted by: Barbara Horth (nee Dyer) (friend) on: Jan 25, 2022
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I palled around with Bobby for a few years..spent a lot of time in his home..his Mom and Dad were wonderful people..we used to play Monopoly a lot, and I;d watch Bob make circuses out of paper drawings he drew himself..very talented..one could see his high level of intelligence even at that early age..we went different ways during high school, and as the years went on, I always wondered about him..his cousin Gord filled me in, as did Nan Gordon..he did very well for himself, was well loved and well respected.. a man cannot ask for anything more..Rest in Peace old friend.. - Posted by: Doug Pascoe (friend) on: Jan 23, 2022
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Some people in our lives are forever embedded in good memories. Bob is one. We lived 2 houses apart and every morning of a school day he would holler down the street to me, waving and saying “Cleanliness “. This was how he said hello to me, shortened it to one word instead of saying 2. In other words replaced Hi Jean! with “Cleanlinesses”. I loved his humour and thought he was the smartest person in the world. I send my heartfelt condolences to his family. - Posted by: Gloria Jean Harris (Former King Street neighbour) on: Jan 23, 2022
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So sorry to hear of your loss. A life well remembered and celebrated. Our thoughts and best wishes during this time. - Posted by: David&Sheryl and Rena Lees (Marathon friends) on: Jan 22, 2022
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I had the good fortune to work with Dr. McIlwrath between 2009-2014 with preparations for a number of Accreditation reviews of our U of M medical school programs. Such a knowledgeable, thoughtful and kind man. My sincere condolences to his family and friends. - Posted by: Karen Howell (U of M, Faculty of Med, Accreditation Project Mgr) on: Jan 14, 2022
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I learned of Bob’s passing thru his cousin Gord. My wife (Cindy) and I were deeply saddened to hear of Bob’s passing. My wife and I went to school with Bob in Marathon - grades 6 through 12. Last time I saw him was at one of our many reunions. Bob was smart, very kind and had a great sense of humour. Our thoughts are with his family at this most difficult time. May he Rest In Peace. Paul and Cindy Mair - Posted by: Paul Mair (Marathon friend and classmate) on: Jan 13, 2022
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I am grieved to hear of Bob's sudden passing. My heart aches for you, dear Wendy, and your family. May you find consolation in the love of each other, your memories, and your friends. Love and sincere prolonged hugs to you. - Posted by: Karen Zoppa (Friend) on: Jan 12, 2022
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There is a certain fraternity with people from Marathon and that is where I met Bob. He was born there and I arrived at 14. Bob was a year or two younger but everyone knew everyone in that town. We both went our different ways once out of high school but met up again in Winnipeg. Him a psychologist, me a social worker, once again living in the same neighbourhood. We would chat every time we ran into each at the grocery store or the community club sometimes about Marathon sometimes about the life we were presently living. I enjoyed Bob .He was always a kind and pleasant person. My condolences to his wife and son and the extended family. - Posted by: Jim Johnston (friend) on: Jan 12, 2022
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Wendy, Chris and family, my heart goes out to you. I am shocked and so saddened by the loss of Bob. He was not only a treasured teacher and mentor in my early years as a trainee and psychologist, but also was always available for wise and compassionate consultation over the ensuing years. Above and beyond contributing so much to the field of psychology in Manitoba and in Canada as a whole, he was simply one of the dearest, kindest and most giving people I knew - along with possessing a strong backbone on issues dear to his heart. The way in which he was able to find joy in silly and fun things was very special...and his ties were a treat! My deepest condolences. - Posted by: Teresa Sztaba (colleague and friend) on: Jan 10, 2022
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I had not seen Bob much since his retirement and was shocked to hear of his passing. Aside from his many professional contributions, Bob was a fine human being. He was a positive, helpful and caring man. He always seemed to be on the go. I was surprised when he retired because he had so much to give. He and Wendy seemed to be a beautiful couple. I am truly saddened by Bob's passing and would like to offer my sympathies to his family. - Posted by: Ivan Bilash (colleague) on: Jan 09, 2022
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I was very sorry to hear of Bob’s passing. Thanks to his cousin Gord McIlwraith, I enjoyed a touching photo tribute of his life. His accomplishments both personal and professional speak to who he was. We grew up as good friends /neighbours in Marathon and he was best man at my wedding. One of my many fond memories of our friendship was our “bug Nancy club” where the goal was to incite (annoy) his wonderful sister Nancy into chasing us around their house. My condolences to Wendy and family, Nancy and all the family. Tom Betts - Posted by: Tom Betts (Friend) on: Jan 09, 2022
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My deepest condolences Wendy, Chris and family. Family certainly includes the entire Clinical Health Psychology department, past and present. I was actually thinking of Bob a couple weeks ago as I was taking a walk during my lunch break and absent mindedly jingled the coins in my pocket, just like he always did when he was deep in thought. He taught me the value of taking a mid-day pause to collect my thoughts and reset for the remainder of the day ahead. He will be missed tremendously and remembered fondly. - Posted by: Tonya Lynch (Former co-worker) on: Jan 08, 2022
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Wendy, My heart goes out to you and your family. George Sicz - Posted by: George Sicz (friend) on: Jan 08, 2022
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I am so sorry to hear of Bob's passing. He was simply an exemplary human being. Wendy my thoughts are with you! - Posted by: Bruce Bolster (Friend and colleague) on: Jan 08, 2022
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Bob was a very special person. I enjoyed renewing memories every time we met at CPA. He will be missed. My condolences to Wendy and your family. - Posted by: Brian Chartier (Colleague ) on: Jan 08, 2022
