Sept. 11, 2019

University of Calgary mourns loss of Dr. Bob Church

Celebration of life planned Sept. 19 for accomplished research pioneer, philanthropist and rancher
Dr. Robert (Bob) Church
Dr. Robert (Bob) Church

The Cumming School of Medicine (CSM) at the University of Calgary is mourning the loss of Dr. Robert (Bob) Church, PhD, professor emeritus and founding member of the medical school. He passed away Sept. 6, 2019 at age 82.

Bob was a legendary figure, known for his commitment to modernize agriculture and biotechnology as well as a signature cowboy style. He served as the associate dean of medical research and was the medical school’s first head of the Division of Medical Biochemistry during his 25-year career at UCalgary.

An advocate for a collaborative, multi-disciplinary approach to improve both business and education, he was known for a remarkable ability to connect with people to better understand and solve complex challenges. His research was featured in more than 200 publications and he delivered hundreds of presentations on medical science, biotechnology, agriculture and animal welfare across the globe. He was particularly influential within the livestock industry for developing and implementing new technologies for animal breeding and embryo transfer.

A generous philanthropist, he and his family supported a number of funds including the Robert B. Church Legacy of Leadership Fund to assist future generations of leaders at the CSM interested in in multi-disciplinary learning, technology and entrepreneurship.

Throughout his career, Bob made significant contributions to the Natural Science and Engineering Research Council, Canadian Institute for Advanced Research, the National Institute for Nanotechnology, Alberta Research Council and the Alberta Science and Research Authority to name a few. He was on the board of several technology companies and past-president of the Calgary Exhibition and Stampede.

Often found in his signature faded blue jeans, a cowboy hat and cowboy boots, Bob’s family continues to own and operate a ranch in the foothills west of Airdrie.

Bob was made a Member of the Order of Canada in 2002 and received the Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal in 2012. He received numerous other awards and honours throughout his distinguished career and was inducted into the Canadian Agriculture Hall of Fame in 1991 and the Alberta Order of Excellence in 1993. He was named Chief Black Eagle of the Treaty Seven Nation in Alberta.

A celebration of Dr. Robert Church’s life will be held Sept. 19 at Foothills Alliance Church at 1:30 p.m.