Nov. 17, 2020
The University of Windsor and the Faculty of Human Kinetics are mourning the recent passing of Dr. Robert Boucher. Bob Boucher arrived at the University in 1974 and his stellar career ended with his retirement in 2011. During that time, Bob held almost every administrative position in the Faculty, including, Coordinator of Intramural Sports, Department Head of Athletics and Recreational Services, Kinesiology Undergraduate Coordinator, Department Head of Kinesiology, and Dean of Human Kinetics. His leadership in all areas was highly effective and has left an indelible mark on all aspects of the various Human Kinetics programs. His work ethic was an inspiration to all of his colleagues and his sense of humor and other personal qualities were admired by all who knew him. As a teacher at both the undergraduate and graduate levels and as a mentor, Bob Boucher was outstanding. The following quote from Dr. Jess Dixon, the current Acting Dean of Human Kinetics, sums up well the feelings of all of Bob’s students.
“I simply would not be where I am today had it not been for Bob. As my master’s thesis advisor, Bob took me under his wing and showed me what a career in academia would look like. On one memorable occasion, Bob invited me and two other Master of Human Kinetics students to accompany him to his alma mater, The Ohio State University, where he was delivering a guest talk to students in their doctoral program to help demonstrate that we had what it took to succeed at the next level. All three of us went on to complete our doctoral degrees and have flourishing careers as researchers, teachers, and administrators. Bob’s legacy lives on in everyone who had the privilege of meeting him.”
Bob Boucher’s influence as an administrator extended well beyond the University of Windsor. He was the founding president of the North American Society for Sport Management and the recipient of virtually all of the Society’s major awards and honors. Bob served a term as the president of the Canadian Intramural Recreation Association and represented Canada as the Chef de Mission for University Games in both Italy and Japan. Dr. Boucher received both International and Provincial awards recognizing his leadership in, and contributions to, athletics. He was also inducted into both the University of Windsor and Windsor-Essex County Sports Halls of Fame. As a Sports Management professor, Bob also had an international impact through his work as a visiting teacher and consultant at universities in Amsterdam, Groningen, and Kiel.
Dr. Bob Boucher was a leader with unmatched skill and passion and his legacy will continue to impact the University of Windsor, the Faculty of Human Kinetics, and his friends and colleagues. He left his community, his country, and his world a better place and you can’t ask for more than that.
With Respect,
Wayne Marino