Irwin Guttman

Dr. Irwin Guttman passed away peacefully on February 26, 2026, at the age of 95. A devoted husband, father, grandfather, scholar and musician, Irwin lived a life defined by intellectual rigor, moral conviction, and deep love for his family.

Beloved husband of Mary Alice, Irwin was a proud and loving father to Daniel (Shaun) and k.g., and a cherished grandfather to Liam, Teia, Sebastian, and Twila. He was also a devoted uncle to many nieces and nephews. His family was the center of his life, and he took immense pride in their journeys and accomplishments.

Born on April 23, 1930, Irwin grew up in Montreal, where he developed both his formidable intellect and his enduring sense of social responsibility. He completed his PhD at the University of Toronto and went on to pursue postdoctoral studies at Princeton. An internationally recognized academic in the field of statistics, Irwin devoted his career to research, teaching, and mentorship. After exploring options in the United States, he and Mary Alice picked Toronto as their academic home. Irwin was a Professor at the University of Toronto for more than 20 years (where Mary also worked as a professor), before moving to the State University of New York at Buffalo, where he was Chair of the Department of Statistics.

Over the course of his distinguished career, Irwin published more than 120 academic papers and five textbooks, contributing significantly to the advancement of Bayesian statistics. His work influenced generations of scholars and practitioners around the world. In recognition of his profound impact on the discipline, he was awarded the Gold Medal by the Statistical Society of Canada in 1995, one of the field's highest honors. Colleagues and students remember him not only for his unwavering commitment to academic excellence, but also also for his kindness, clarity of thought and integrity.

Irwin's life outside work was governed by the guiding principles of fairness and justice. In the 1960s, while working as a professor at the University of Wisconsin at Madison, he was deeply engaged in social justice issues and was particularly active in the anti-war movement during the Vietnam War era. When he moved back to Canada in 1971, he actively supported a number of social justice organizations. In the 2010s, he initiated and supported a pro-bono challenge to ex-pat voting laws, culminating in a victory in the Supreme Court of Canada in the case of Frank v. Canada. These are just a few of the causes that Irwin supported because he felt they were just and right.

Beyond academia and activism, Irwin found joy in music. An amateur flute player and devoted lover of classical music, he was drawn to the structure, beauty, and emotional depth of the repertoire he cherished. In his 60s, he was even featured in a number of dance shows choreographed by k.g. (his dance moves were well-reviewed!).

Irwin's legacy lives on in his family, in the many students he mentored, and in the enduring contributions he made to his field. He will be remembered for his sharp intellect, sense of humour, endless positivity, and the quiet dignity with which he lived his life. Pursuant to his wishes, there is no funeral. Donations can be made to the Sunnybrook Hospital Foundation, where Irwin received excellent care during the last weeks of his life. Remembrances can be emailed to Dan Guttman at [email protected]