Bob Rowsell: Manager, Research Support

Man sitting on a rock, wearing a green sweater, jeans and a hat, with two large brown dogs seated in front of him.

“I am privileged to work with a highly motivated team, who rise to any challenge in the delivery of ECCC’s water-based science and monitoring programs.” 

Meet Bob Rowsell! Bob is based in Burlington, Ontario, and works in one of the world’s leading water research facilities—the Canada Centre for Inland Waters. As Manager of Research Support, Bob helps to deliver field solutions for Environment and Climate Change Canada’s science and monitoring teams. These may include designing field programs on the water, coordinating a diving team, or fabricating instruments or fixtures to facilitate a sampling process.   

Throughout Bob’s 30-year career, his greatest memory occurred in 2002 when he worked with the United Nations University on a technology transfer between Canada and the Ugandan Government on one of Africa’s Great Lakes - Lake Victoria. Bob is pleased to say that he has sailed across the Equator (Lake Victoria) and the Arctic Circle (Great Bear Lake) on fresh water.

Complementing Bob’s passion for the environment is volunteerism. He and his life partner volunteer with St. John’s Ambulance and the Burlington Humane Society, through their respective pet therapy programs. For close to ten years they, together with their chocolate labs, bring comfort to local seniors, school-aged children and attend community events. Their “girls” Wilhe and Charlie (short for Wilhemina and Charletta), are also well-known and beloved visitors to the Canada Centre for Inland Water, making their annual appearance during the United Way Campaign and throughout the year to provide comfort to co-workers in need.    

Here are a few random facts about Bob:

  • What was your first job?  My first summer job out of high school was with A&W – I was the A&W Root Bear!  My job was to wear the bear suit, while accompanying carhops who took food orders at customer’s vehicles.  At the time A&W was promoting the motto, “Hop in the car, come as you are to A&W.”  The year was 1977, and today that A&W, located on O’Connell Drive in Cornerbrook, Newfoundland, remains in business. Let's all go to A&W jingle (1960s) - YouTube
  • If you could travel anywhere in the world, where would it be? Peru.
  • What is your favourite game or sport to watch and play? Downhill skiing.
  • Would you rather ride a bike, ride a horse, or drive a car? Bike.
  • If you could only eat one meal for the rest of your life, what would it be? Fish and chips.
  • If you could go back in time, what year would you travel to? 1978 to relive my teenage years.
  • What are your hobbies? Hiking and walking the dogs.
  • What is your favourite flavour of ice cream? Tiger Tail.
  • How many pairs of shoes do you own? >10 pairs, includes runners, hiking shoes and winter boots.
  • If you were a super-hero, what powers would you have? Spreading happiness and joy.
  • What form of public transportation do you prefer? (Air, boat, train, bus, car, etc.) Train.
  • What's your favourite zoo animal? Hippopotamus.
  • Summer or winter? All seasons have special things associated with them.
  • If you could share a meal with anyone, living or dead, who would it be? My maternal grandfather.
  • What's your favourite holiday? St Patrick’s Day.
  • What's your favourite fast food? A&W!
  • Do you love or hate rollercoasters? I love the new steel rollercoasters, but not so much the classic wooden ones.
  • What's your favourite movie? North by Northwest.
  • Where do you see yourself in 10 years? Walking the dogs and volunteering after I retire.

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