Dr. Raouf Emile Baddour

Professor Raouf Baddour was a true inspiration from my undergraduate Civil / Environmental Engineering experience at Western University in from ’93 – ‘97. During this period, I had the good fortune of having Professor Baddour as both an Environmental Hydraulics lecturer and undergraduate thesis advisor. His lecturers were always top shelf, as was his warmth to his students and passion for delivering effective lessons with many real-world examples to draw from. He was a father in practice to me, and I will always be grateful for his influence towards my professional development. My heartfelt condolences to Dr. Raouf Baddour’s family and dear friends, along with those in practice (like myself) who appreciated and cherished ‘Professor Baddour’. His spirit and influence will remain with us, and I am very grateful for this…

It was an honour and privilege to know and work with Dr. Baddour. He was one of the best human beings I have ever known. I still vividly remember the day we met for the first time to discuss my research topic. His warmth and passion completely took away my fear and anxiety of starting a new life in a new country. He was a great mentor and I am forever grateful for the opportunity he gave me to get where I am today. We have been in contact since I graduated and left London, and my wife and I got to know his sweet wife, Maggie. We even worked on a new research project after he retired; he never lost his passion for hydraulics. He has touched many lives and his legacy will remain strong. I will miss him dearly. Rest in peace Dr. Baddour.

I am deeply saddened by the news of the passing of Ralph. I worked closely with him during my initial years as Dean and came to appreciate his pleasant and gentle personality, his smile, his total dedication to the job and the profound care that he had for the students progress and wellbeing. He has been an inspiration, and he will be missed by all of us. Franco Berruti

Cher Raouf, It has been many years since our paths crossed from afar at McGill University in 1978. We met at Western when we arrived in the 80’s. We have always appreciated your friendship, your kindness, our get- togethers, and the sharing of many common interests and events while life was unfolding for your family and ours. We will remember you as a person of great strength and sincerity, who fought a long battle against a relentless illness with courage and deep faith, with Maggie always at your side as a formidable companion. You left us a great message of living life at its fullness every single day. Our lives are richer having known you. Repose en paix, cher ami. Chers Maggie, Carole et Ralph, nous vous accompagnons dans votre peine et nous vous embrassons bien fort. Graciela and Hugo de Lasa

Raouf a été un de mes premiers amis. Lorsque nous avions 5 ans, nous avions fréquenté les mêmes écoles à Alexandrie jusqu’à la fin des études secondaires au Collège St-Marc en 1966. On s’était perdus de vue pendant plusieurs années, lui à London (Ontario) et moi à Montréal (Québec). Nous avons rétabli contact au début des années 2000 grâce à ses efforts, et quoique nos rencontres étaient espacées, elles étaient toujours des plus agréables. J’ai apprécié chacune de ses rencontres qui m’ont permis de passer du bon temps avec lui et de revoir certaines de ses grandes qualités; sa générosité, sa sincérité, la vivacité de son esprit, sa bonne humeur, et en prime, sa grande humilité. Repose en paix cher ami. Diane et moi pensons à vous Maggie et famille en ces moments difficiles et vous présentons nos plus sincères condoléances. Georges Sayegh

Professor Baddour was a good friend and respected colleague in the Civil and subsequently re-named Civil and Environmental Department of Western University. His contributions to the Faculty as an engineer and a researcher were outstanding and his teaching skills and interaction with students was highly recognized by all. I had limited social interaction with Ralph, however, we did spend a week-end together during a student field trip to New York City. We were faculty "chaperons" to a busload of senior engineering students. All were interested in tall buildings, bridges and unusual structures but all overflowed with enthusiasm, which at times had to be steadied. Such field trips were always on a tight budget and Ralph and I shared a hotel room in order to keep costs down. We discussed many things over that week-end and found that we shared many opinions and had many common interests. I would like to extend my sincere condolences to Maggie and the entire Baddour family. It is particularly sad to lose a dear soul-mate of more than 50 years, a father and a grandfather but it is also sad to part with good friends. Unfortunately but unavoidably our ranks are thinning! Nicholas (Nick) Isyumov Professor Emeritus and Former Colleague

A friend since kindergarten at St Joseph's school in Alexandria Egypt, 1954 I think, and later St Marc also in Alexandria, until 1964 when I left for Sydney, Australia. Glad we met again in Montreal in 2019. A very kind soul who will remain with us for as long as we remember him. He was a true friend Magz.

Mme Baddour, Ralph, Carole et famille, Mes sincères condoléances à toute la famille. Je vous garde dans mes pensées et prières. Barbara (enseignante à la retraite EFA)

I was sad to hear of the passing of Dr. Baddour. I was both an undergraduate and graduate student of Dr. Baddour, completing my Masters with him as my advisor in 1989. He was a terrific teacher so I was both flattered and enthusiastic when he asked if I would consider doing a Masters with him upon completion of my Bachelors degree. On my first day of Grad School, Dr. Baddour told me that the Masters should take no more than two years and I completed my thesis defense two years and one day later! Other engineering grad students often took much longer to complete their studies, typically due to getting sidetracked doing other work for their advisors or from a lack of guidance. By contrast, Dr. Baddour treated his students with respect and worked to ensure they remained focused on their own work. His influence on my growth and development as an engineer helped position me for a long and successful career as an engineer. My deepest sympathies to his family at this difficult time. Please know that I am but one of his many, many students who look back with gratitude and fondness on our time learning from Dr. Baddour.

I have known Raouf since we both were graduate students at McGill. I am saddened to lose Raouf as a dear friend and former colleague for the past 26 years when fate fortunately reunited us at Western. Raouf's courage and bright spirit throughout his illness have been truly inspirational. I can personally attest to the high quality of his scientific competency as we both have been in the same research area. He will be remembered for his significant scientific contributions. I wish to convey my heartfelt condolences to Magda and family.

It is greatly saddening to hear the news of Dr. Baddour's untimely passing. His mentorship and enthusiasm were unmatched, and he had a profound influence over all of the students who were fortunate enough to work closely with him. I completed a graduate degree under him in 1997, and we remained in contact afterwards. He truly was an exceptional person in many ways. Condolences to friends and family.

I will always remember Raouf as a dear friend who always had a smile and kindness for those around him. My heart breaks for his beloved family. He will be sorely missed by all who had the pleasure of knowing him. Forever in our hearts.

I am deeply saddened by Raouf's passing. I was his research assistant for two years in 1980-82. He was a mentor and a friend. His enthusiasm was contagious and it was a pleasure to work with him. He was never condescending and was always considerate. I was also blessed to visit with Raouf and Maggie in his own home and also to travel to New Brunswick to see one of his presentations. Truly a treasure of a man and a great loss. My deepest sympathies to Maggie and family and all those who will keenly miss his presence.

There is no-one like Dr. Raouf E. Baddour. I say is because his effect is alive and well in all who he ever interacted with. His passion and enthusiasm for learning was unrivalled. I would have agreed to study ANY topic he suggested on that fateful day I showed up to meet him (resolute with my own ideas) about Graduate School - his excitement and positivity was boundless power - I followed him. Always modest, always kind, and so technically adept. He changed my life. His family is equally sweet. I had the pleasure of getting to meet Maggie, Ralph Jr., and Carol. All remarkable people in their own right. My heartfelt thoughts and prayers will be with you.