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Robert W. Fox

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Stanford University University of Colorado

Robert Fox Obituary

Robert W. Fox, 79

Professor Emeritus Robert W. Fox, 79, of West Lafayette, passed away on Saturday, January 25, 2014.

He was born July 1, 1934, in Verdun, Quebec, Canada, to the late Kenneth and Jessie Glass Fox. Professor Fox came to the United States in 1952 to attended college at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute in Troy, NY where he was the goalie on the 1954 NCAA National Championship hockey team - one of the highlights of his life. He received his BS degree in Mechanical Engineering from RPI in 1955, earned his MS in 1957 from the University of Colorado and a PhD from Stanford University in 1961.

His marriage of 51 years was to Beryl Williams on December 15, 1962 in West Lafayette, IN. Following completion of his PhD. at Stanford he joined the faculty of the School of Mechanical Engineering at Purdue as an Assistant Professor. He was subsequently promoted to Associate Professor in 1963 and to Professor in 1966. He was co-author of the undergraduate textbook "Introduction to Fluid Mechanics" first published in 1973 and subsequently through its 8th edition in 2011 - a book published in five languages and used around the world. During his 39 year tenure in Mechanical Engineering he held a number of positions: Head of Fluid Mechanics Group (1964-'71), Chairman, Graduate Program (1969-'71), Assistant Head (1971-'72), Assistant Dean of Engineering for Instruction (1972-'76), Acting Head of Mechanical Engineering (1975-'76), Associate Head (1976-'98). He also served as Chairman of the University Senate 1971-'72. Professor Fox was an active member of the American Society of Mechanical Engineers serving (ASME) as a member of: the fluid mechanics committee (1962-'72), a program evaluator (1979-'85), the Council on Education (1990-'94), the Board on Public Information (1992-'04) and the National Nominating Committee (1996-'98). His activities with the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology included serving as a member of: the Accreditation Commission (1985-'90) and the Board of Directors (1990-'93). His memberships included Covenant Church, American Society of Engineering Education (ASEE), Pi Tau Sigma, Tau Beta Pi, Sigma Xi and Delta Tau Delta. He is listed in American Men of Science, Who's Who in Engineering, Who's Who in America, Who's Who in Technology and Outstanding Educators of America.

He served as Faculty Advisor to: Purdue Chapter Tau Beta Pi 1962-'66 and 1982-'86; Pi Tau Sigma 1970-'73; Engineering Student Council 1974-'77; Kappa Delta Rho Fraternity. Professor Fox received the Standard Oil Outstanding Teacher Award in 1967; The Harry L. Solberg Award for best teacher in Mechanical Engineering, 1978 and 1983; the M.B. Scott Tau Beta Pi Exemplary Character Award, 1983 and 1987; the Rensselaer Alumni Association Fellow, 1990 (as distinguished graduate of RPI) and the Donald E. Marlowe Award, ASEE 1993. He was elected a Fellow of ASME in 1993 and ASEE in 1995. After retiring in 1999 Bob and his wife traveled to all seven continents and enjoyed many memorable trips with his family. Surviving along with his wife are a son, David Fox (Kathy) of Franklin, TN; a daughter, Lisa Cloud (Mike) of Brentwood, TN; a sister, Betty Kimber (Brian) of Gravenhurst, Ontario, Canada; four grandchildren, Allison & Andrew Fox and Peter & Sarah Cloud.

A celebration of life service will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers the family respectfully requests contributions be made to the Robert W. Fox Outstanding Mechanical Engineering Instructor Award, c/o Purdue Foundation, 403 West Wood Street, West Lafayette, IN 47907. You may sign the guest book or leave memories at www.soller-baker.com

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Journal & Courier from Jan. 28 to Jan. 31, 2014.

Memories and Condolences
for Robert Fox

44 Entries

Csilla Gutay

January 23, 2024

I mention Prof. Fox to my High School Physics students & tell the stories about him teaching me Statics and how he played hockey... Upon graduation, professor Fox escorted me/us from the ME building to the ceremony towards Hovedy Hall. He was beaming & so very proud! What an extraordinary person! I'm blessed to know him! I got to see him plenty when I transferred into ME undergraduate.

Thomas Rost

November 10, 2022

Dr. Fox was a tremendous educator at Purdue University. I studied Dynamics under Dr. Fox, and I truly appreciated how he made learning a difficult subject fun. Rest In Peace My dear Friend.

Csilla Gutay

January 21, 2021

Professor Fox was a blessing! What an outstanding teacher & person. We are very fortunate to have had him at Purdue in Mechanical Engineering. I'd advised my sister a EE to take his statics & dynamics class which she did.
I can still see him in the classroom - teaching or administering the exams! I loved his books & so enjoyed the "fluids" class along with the lab! I think of him fondly & was blessed to see him even after I'd graduated!

Eternal rest grant unto them, O Lord,
and let perpetual light shine upon them.
May they rest in peace.
Amen.

Giovanni Capua Medici

November 5, 2020

I am but a curious engineer student from Brazil and I have Mr. Fox's book on Introduction to Fluid Mechanics on my lap as I write this.

I want to say thank you Mr. Fox for breaking through the boundaries of distance, borders and time. Thank you for spreading your share of knowledge to future engineers throughout present and future generations alike.

Thank you for teaching us.

With respect and gratitude:
Giovanni Capua Medici

February 25, 2014

With the deepest sympathy to Beryl, David, Lisa and their children Allison, Andrew, Peter and Sarah. We miss him too.

Sorry, that we could not take this trip with you, Bobby, as we have done on so many previous occasions.

Rest in peace dear friend, colleague and neighbour.

With love,
Barb and Ray

Curtis Niemeier

February 20, 2014

I had Professor Fox for Statics in the fall of 1981. I failed. In early January I walked into the Mechanical Engineering office to get my schedule change signed so I could take Statics again. I ran into the one person I didn't want to see. Professor Fox signed my form, then looked at me and told me in no uncertain terms that I had better get my act together or I was not going to be around there much longer. It was one of those moments that sets your ship on the right course even though you may not realize it at the time. I had Prof. Fox for Statics again in the Spring and received an A! It turned out to be my favorite course and that is one of my favorite stories from my time at Purdue.

Lloyd Bauer

February 15, 2014

Erratum

The phrase in my January 30, 2014 entry, titled "Memories of Bob Fox," should read: our paths crossed by chance in 1967-68, not 1966-67.

Bill Tiederman

February 14, 2014

Dear Beryl, David, & Lisa,

As faculty members of Purdue's School of Mechanical Engineering, Bob & I enjoyed a wonderful professional & personal relationship for 15 years. Bob guarded the structure & integrity of the undergraduate program & the graduate fluid mechanics program with the same skill & ferocity that he used to guard the goal at RPI. It was my pleasure to support fully those efforts. His constant reminder to follow all the steps of the thermo-science process we learned at Stanford was excellent leadership.

I also admired his discipline to keep only the number of books that would fit in the single bookcase in his neat office. Must admit that while I tried, I fell short of that example throughout my career.

There are many wonderful memories.

Bill Fisher

February 5, 2014

I first met Prof. Fox as a freshman in 1976. I was a mechanical engineering student. I was looking for someone in the administrative office to help me with my course curriculum for the next semester, his door was open so I took a chance and knocked. That knock was probably one of the best things I did for my educational learning experience at Purdue. Prof. Fox looked up, said he was very busy and tried to find someone else to help me. He looked around not really finding anyone and decided he could help me get started but I would have to find another person to act as my undergraduate advisor. After our meeting I knew I wanted him to be my advisor and asked him if it wouldn't be too much trouble and promised not to bother him too much. He smiled and reluctantly agreed. Over the years I never really understood just how busy he actually was but every time I stopped by his office, if he was there his door was always open and he always took time away from his work to talk with me about a problem I was having. He was truly an amazing person. I don't think he ever turned me away. He always made me feel that whatever I was dealing with was important, that he would give his best effort in helping me and I always left his office with a better outlook on what I needed to do. I am very grateful that Prof. Fox kept his promise to be my undergraduate advisor and even though I didn't keep my promise not to bug him too much I think he already knew that was going to happen. He was a very generous and giving human being. It was a blessing to know him and have him be a part of my life while at Purdue.

Karen and Bob Schoenhals

Bob and Karen Schoenhals

February 5, 2014

I was saddened to hear of Bob's passing. He was a great friend and colleague who made massive contributions to the School of Mechanical Engineering. During all of my years at Purdue I had the feeling that Bob Fox was "my brother," based on the fact that we both joined the faculty at exactly the same time--Fall 1960. One of my treasured possessions is a beautifully written note I received from Bob at the time of my own retirement. Bob Fox was truly a great person. I am sure that all who knew him have wonderful memories of experiences involving Bob, either personally or professionally, or both. I send my best to Beryl, Lisa, and David.

--Bob Schoenhals

Love to you and your family.

--Karen Schoenhals

Jim Jones

February 3, 2014

Bob was a great educator and mentor. The number of lives he has positively impacted is incredible. I certainly appreciated his guidance when asked to step in and take over as the Associate Head for the Undergraduate Program, a leadership role he had held for roughly 30 years. I had big shoes to fill. Bob was great at helping me to understand every facet of his philosophy, which I still follow to this day. He was unique in that he had a big picture view of what was needed and yet he could deal with minute details that most of us would be engulfed by.

Bob will be greatly missed by all of his colleagues and friends at Purdue, me especially. He would stop by every couple of months just to check on how things were going. He could still remember all of the course numbers and every little detail even though he had been retired for years.

My sincere condolences to Beryl and your entire family. I only wish he could have been around to award the inaugural Robert Fox Teaching Award.

Mark Henderson

February 1, 2014

I earlier contributed a memory about Professor Fox as being my favorite professor of all time. I want to add my sympathy and thanks to Beryl, as well, who I remember taught my daughter in the pre-school Sunday School class at Covenant in the early 80's during my grad school at Purdue. Thanks to the Fox family who had multiple points of positive impact with students and their families.

Marcus Bianchi

February 1, 2014

I first met Professor Fox as I came across his undergraduate fluid mechanics book with Prof. McDonald when I was still an undergrad in Brazil. When I went for my Ph.D. at Purdue, Prof. Fox was in charge of the undergraduate office and in 1994 I had the pleasure to start to interact with him when I became a TA for ME 315 and later as a visiting professor for ME 200. We had many memorable conversations over the years about how to teach and he was a strong influence in my interaction with the students. After I left Purdue, I went back to visit regularly, and we would share meals when we would talk about a variety of topics. I learned a lot from him and I feel his memory lives on in many of us. I extend my condolences to Mrs. Fox and family.

January 31, 2014

His precious presence will be missed here on earth. He always had a smile, would laugh at the right time and was generous with his hospitality. After all that hockey, now I know why he had such a golf swing. As long time neighbors we send sympathies to Beryl, David, LIsa and all the other family members who knew his heart. Rich, Claudia, Cecily, Celeste

Mary Helmick

January 30, 2014

I have thought of Professor Fox many times in the years since Purdue. Mostly when entering the office of a colleague and seeing the ubiquitous Fluid Mechanics textbook on their bookshelf. The first few times I recall naively asking “did you go to Purdue?” before realizing that this book was used at many engineering schools across the country.

The memory that usually comes to mind was Dr. Fox entering the second floor lecture hall in the ME building carrying a coffee can full of water. He would then take a sponge from the can and clean the blackboards. For the next hour, he would proceed to methodically fill said blackboards from one end of the room to the other, never once consulting a book or notes. Many times in college, “we had the book the Professor wrote”, but with Professor Fox, we really had “the Professor who wrote the book.” I consider myself lucky to have been just one of his many fortunate students during his tenure at Purdue.

Mary Helmick
BSME '86

Carol Myers

January 30, 2014

Prof. Fox was my favorite professor from that long-ago time. He was a terrific teacher and inspiration. I remember him having recently (in the 1970's) devised the hoods I still see on semi trucks everywhere to reduce turbulence and increase gas mileage.

Lloyd Bauer

January 30, 2014

Memories of Bob Fox

I first met Bob, known as “Rube” to his Canadian teammates, when he entered the dressing room at the RPI Field House in winter 1952. Thereafter, we probably played together in every hockey game in his illustrious career at RPI. He was a pillar of strength in goal, orchestrating defensive strategy from the goalmouth and sometimes making specular saves to offset my mistakes. Although memories of Bob are plentiful, I especially remember being on the ice when he was awarded a rare assist for a goal tender and playing with a blood-mottled crease after Bob was hit in the face by a flying puck (no face masks in that era), received numerous stiches, and, after a game delay, returned to play because he was our only goal tender. Bob was also very active and popular on campus, being elected Grand Marshal and class vice president. Finally, our paths crossed by chance in 1966-67, when we both were awarded National Science Foundation senior postdoctoral fellowships for sojourns at institutes in Aachen, Germany and lived adjacent to one another in guest housing. Memories of great people live on, and he certainly was one of them. I extend my sincere condolence to the entire Fox family.

Lloyd Bauer
RPI Hockey 1951-55

Andrew Wiesman

January 30, 2014

I had Professor Fox in an undergraduate Fluid Mechanics class in the mid 60's. After all these years the details have faded, but one strong positive impression remains: Professor Fox was one of the very good ones I encountered in my excellent Purdue educational experience. My condolences to you.
Andy Wiesman, BSME 1969

James Sørlie

January 30, 2014

Perhaps Professor Fox' greatest legacy is the countless works of the thousands of Engineers whom he empowered with his disciplined way of thinking and analysing problems. Wow, talk about having had impact!

Omar Sohail

January 30, 2014

ME 270 (Statics), taught by Professor Fox was my first class at Purdue School of Mechanical Engineering in Fall 1985. I learned a lot from his no-nonsense attitude and focused approach, which undoubtedly helped shape my own outlook and work ethics.
My condolences to Professor Fox's family.
Omar Sohail
Karachi, Pakistan

Last month

Jay Johnson

January 29, 2014

How many champions of #1 NCAA hockey would have a career like this? I think it's a testimony to RPI hockey. We had Adam Oates and Joe Juneau, and we had Bobby Fox. It was never solely about the game. Salut.

Lila and Ray Cohen

January 29, 2014

Dear Beryl, Lila and I were saddened to learn of Bob's passing. I was already on the ME faculty when he joined it, but it did not take long before I looked up to him as a better teacher and administrator. Among all the possibilities in our department, Bob was my choice as advisor for my three children when they decided to work toward their baccalaureate degrees in mechanical engineering at Purdue, and he did a great job with each of them. My son will soon retire as a professor at Temple University, and of my two daughters one will retire as a VP in an east coast bank, and the other as a counseling psychologist in upstate NY. I hope I thanked Bob properly for the great start he gave to their careers. I want to add my thanks for all the kindness that you and Bob showed Kathy and later Lila and me through all the years that we overlapped in Lafayette. He will live on in our memories as he certainly will in the memory of his many friends and students and your family.

Csilla Gutay

January 29, 2014

Professor Fox is an amazing person! His character and outgoing personality and booming deep voice were great! His expectations of his students was high, and having to meet with him to transfer in to the School of Mechanical Engineering was an interesting experience!

I'm honored to say I had him for Statics & Dynamics. My favorite phrase, that I still quote, from Prof. Fox when students were stumped on how to solve a problem: "Well hell, you sum the forces in the x, y, and z directions and you set them equal to zero". He is a remarkable man & at graduation with my MSME he was outside the ME building to lead us into the Hall. It was a big day, as my buddy Chris Treml (MSME) and her parents attended my graduation! He seemed to be bursting with pride looking at all of his students!

I learned my statics & dynamics so well that when I reviewed one of my supervisor's calculations for an NVH model (while working in Vehicle Dynamics), I found a mistake!

Purdue was so much fun (and hard work) - there is nothing like it! It was a great challenge & very rewarding! Grades were proportional to effort, work, and understanding. As my officemate Jim Sorlie put it; "They taught us how to think!" after holding his own in Sweden's best Institutes getting his PhD. I still have my statics & dynamics book along with my Fluid Mechanics book & my files of homework & class notes as lectures were that great!

Prof. Fox had an influence on many of us: some finished their BS in other Schools while others completed their PhD in ME: Watts, Thompson, Zadoks.
His hockey background & personality would get the shiest of people to speak-up! He entertained us while drilling the fundamental science into our brains and making it fun!

I'm most honored to have been in his class. The ME school was like a "little family"! I hated to leave!

My condolences to his entire family as my heart is heavy too!

Tim Caron

January 29, 2014

Professor Fox greatly influenced the lives and career paths of countless Mechanical Engineering students at Purdue (including my own). His inspirational teaching style and support for student achievement went far beyond the norm and many of us are better off in this life thanks to his enormous dedication to Engineering. He will be missed by many.

Jim Thomas

January 29, 2014

I remember asking Professor Fox why he gave me a "C" in his Fluids course...he simply answered that that was the "grade I had earned". He taught more than Fluids to young engineers. Rest in Peace.

Jeff Staley

January 29, 2014

I remember Professor Fox vividly, actually far more vividly than fluid mechanics after 40+ years have gone by! He was a wonderful instructor and I remember greatly appreciating his clear explanations and engaging style.

With a BS and MS in Mechanical Engineering from Purdue, I was able to enter the workforce in the 1970's wih an abundance of opportunities. I owe Purdue much and Professor Fox was one of those special people who so skillfully helped me learn what I needed to know.

My sympathies to his family, colleagues and the thousands of engineers around the world who will miss him greatly.

Paul Damerell

January 29, 2014

The Purdue community has truly lost a great man, and I offer my heartfelt condolences to his family.
I was a student of Professor Fox's as a Purdue ME undergrad in 1974. The experience was memorable because Dr. Fox taught how to “think” Fluid Mechanics rather than simply conveying facts or knowledge. To this day, I remember a problem from one of the exams that had to do with weighing a jar as it was being filled. Rather than simply requesting an answer, Fox asked us to determine whether the manufacturer was honestly delivering the specified amount of product or was “skimming” his customers! (Although the problem did not state it, the student needed to account for the momentum of filling stream in the weight measurement.) A number of Purdue professors, Dr Fox among them, were instrumental in developing my love for the thermal sciences, which affected my career from that point. Perhaps one of the greatest testimonies I can give is that Fox's Introduction to Fluid Mechanics (1973 ed), continues to reside on the bookcase in my office.

Mark Henderson

January 29, 2014

Professor Fox taught me fluid mechanics in 1969 and was my favorite classroom professor of all time. I still use his technique when teaching engineers and helping stumped students answer a question when the answer to the problem is "zero". When Prof. Fox asked "What is the answer (hesitate, hesitate) -- Roughly?" you knew to answer "zero". He was a giant in intellect, presence in the classroom and, most of all, in caring about students. Besides fluid mechanics, he taught me how to teach. He lives on in many classrooms.

Jack Wiley

January 29, 2014

I was in Professor Fox's undergraduate Fluid Mechanics class the second semester he taught it, and it was an incredible learning experience. When I later taught I was inspired and guided by his approach. May his family know that he was loved by others as well.

Phil Ferguson

January 29, 2014

I've told this story on a number of occasions. Prof. Fox taught my fluids class in the late 70's. I fondly remember a scheduled exam we had that was the same time as tip off for a Purdue basketball game. He obviously was a big fan and explained in class the day before that he had tried unsuccessfully to reschedule the exam, however, he strongly suggested that if we would all arrive in the room 1.5 hrs. early we could have a formal review before the exam time. He also stated that if anyone came at the scheduled exam time, they would be at a disadvantage without the review. We all arrived 1.5 hrs. early, took the exam and most all walked with Prof. Fox to Mackey Arena for tip-off.

He was one of my favorites. He kept things interesting! God speed and my condolences.

Henry Veldman

January 29, 2014

Professor FOX was my Fluid Mechanics ME301 instructor in 1964 (never knew him as Bob, he was and always will be "Professor Fox"). I remember him as the one who made me really understand the connection between Fluid Mechanics and Calculus. Regardless of the problem he would start with F=MA and go from there. He made me love Mechanical Engineering, which has served me well in my career. I admired his method of teaching and his seemingly infinite patients with his students. My sincere prayers to his family.

Paul Stephan

January 29, 2014

I just wanted to say how sorry I am. Prof. Fox was a favorite of mine about 1964. While I didn't know him very well personally, his methods helped me immensely in his course as well as other courses I took. He left me with fond memories.

stephen goddard

January 29, 2014

Prof Fox was my instructor in 1962 in fluid mechanics , and he was an excellent teacher . I remember most that his classes were highly organized and comprehensive in scope . I always enjoyed his classes and was challenged by them .

Chris Johnson

January 29, 2014

My thoughts and prayers are with your family on Prof. Fox's passing. He was my favorite professor in the 70's. I have always remembered how he would bring a wet sponge to class and thoroughly clean and dry the blackboard before starting! I know he will be missed.

Marcy Phillips - Alstott

January 29, 2014

Prof. Fox was a mentor and an inspiration to me when a student in ME at Purdue. He helped me decide next steps after graduation. We had a great "fight" about the drop/add rules when I was in the student senate. That interaction kicked off a friendship that continued well past graduation. I only wish that I had stayed in better touch. Professor Fox will long be remembered!

Kenyon Sayler

January 29, 2014

Prof. Fox taught my Fluids class in the late 70's. What a wonderful professor! He was very approachable - and made the material interesting. He also had a great sense of humor. One day, he asked who knew the significance of 1066. I shot back that it was the year of the Battle of Hastings. His reply was, "No, it's the price of a good bottle of wine." I've managed ot steal and use that line a number of times over the years.

A great Professor. Nothing more needs to be said.

Peter Meckl

January 29, 2014

It came as a shock to me to hear that Bob has passed away. I started at Purdue when he served as Associate Head and remember how he ably guided us through some major curriculum changes. He was a great guy and will be missed. My prayers to his family during this difficult time.

joe Hoffman

January 28, 2014

I'm so sad about Bob's passing. What a great guy. What a great friend. I look forward to seeing him again in the bye and bye. So long for now old friend.

Joe Hoffman

Fran Beard

January 28, 2014

Sad to hear about Prof. Fox's passing. He was such a nice and friendly person. My condolences to the family.

Donna Cackley

January 28, 2014

I was so saddened by the loss of Bob Fox. I worked with him for several years in ME. He was definitely "one of a kind" and will be greatly missed. Praying for the family during this difficult time.

Pat Lawless

January 28, 2014

Sad news. Bob was a truly unique individual, and interacting him was one of the highlights of my time at Purdue. I still have a favorite “quality” quote of his frozen in my mind from the fluids area meetings. Those were enjoyable days.

Annie Crosser

January 28, 2014

I always ehjoyed the conversations and laughs I enjoyed with Bob... Everytime I eat a hotdog, I'll think about Bob...Many prayers to all of you and yours... I think of you often....

Tarri Brickler

January 28, 2014

I am so saddened by the loss of Bob Fox - I have worked with Bob in various capacities over his years at Purdue University. The School of Mechanical Engineering has loss a great person with his passing.

Angie Teel

January 28, 2014

I am so sorry to hear that Bob has passed. I worked with him in ME from 1985 until his retirement. He had a great laugh and a booming voice. Always knew where he was on the floor. He will be missed!

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