In Memoriam: Bob Carman
Forestry is deeply saddened to announce the passing of noted alumnus, Robert “Bob” Carman on January 7th. Like his father before him, Bob graduated from the Faculty of Forestry in 1954 with a Bachelor of Science in Forestry.
After graduation, he began his public service career as a Forester with the Department of Lands and Forests in Ontario. He worked for 35 years in the Ontario Public Service, holding progressively responsible positions in the Department of Lands and Forests before moving to the Management Board of Cabinet from 1972 to 1977. In 1978, he was appointed Deputy Minister of Ontario’s Ministry of Community and Social Services, where he implemented a major delegation of authority and decentralization of services to regional and area offices. In 1982, he was transferred to the Management Board of Cabinet as Deputy Minister and Secretary, where he introduced a program of enhanced accountability for deputy ministers in the Ontario Public Service. His private sector career including serving as chief silviculturist with Alberta’s Northwestern Pulp and Power From 1964 to 1968 and working with Weston Foods and Government Policy Consultants.
Bob was recognized for his outstanding contributions to public policy and public sector management in Canada. He received the Vanier Medal in 1988, became a Member of the Order of Canada in 1995, and was saluted by the Public Policy Forum in 1989. He also received the Queen’s Silver Jubilee Medal in 1977 and the Queen’s Golden Jubilee Medal in 2002.
A man of many passions, Bob loved spending time with his family and friends, and cherished the family’s 100-acre tree farm in Colborne, Ontario. He was an avid skier and enjoyed hiking, exploring and traveling, hiking. He remained close with his graduating class 5T4 and planned and attended reunions every few years until recently.
Bob will be remembered for his high ethical standards, principled leadership, his passion for accountability, and always doing the right thing. He will be missed by many.
Details on his Celebration of Life service can be found at LEGACY – Robert Carman.
