Robert (Bob) Cluett, a York University professor emeritus and recipient of an honorary doctor of letters from York, has died at the age of 93.
Cluett joined York in the 1967, beginning his more than two decades at the University, where he taught in the Department of English and served as Chair of the graduate English program before retiring in the early 1990s.
At York he became known as a dedicated teacher, mentor and advocate for students.
Former students remembered Cluett as an educator who combined intellectual rigour with generosity and encouragement. Many recall his willingness to support students through academic and professional challenges, helping them navigate graduate studies, secure career opportunities and pursue paths beyond academia. Others describe him as thoughtful, principled and deeply committed to fostering independent thinking and intellectual curiosity.
Cluett's contributions to York extended beyond the classroom. An associate of Winters College, he coached the University's women's squash team from 1979-86, later describing it as his most rewarding coaching experience. Former players remember him as a dedicated coach and mentor.
During his years at York, Cluett became increasingly interested in how universities identify and support talented students. Concerned that many promising Canadians were leaving the country to pursue post-secondary education elsewhere, and seeing limitations in scholarship programs focused primarily on grades or athletic achievement, he developed an alternative vision.
That vision led him to take early retirement from York in 1989 to establish the Canadian Merit Scholarship Foundation, now known as the Loran Scholars Foundation. As founding chair and CEO, he championed an approach that emphasized character, leadership potential, resilience and community engagement alongside academic accomplishment. York was one of five founding university partners in the program, which has since become one of Canada's most prominent undergraduate scholarship initiatives.
According to his family, Cluett considered the foundation his proudest accomplishment.
In recognition of his contributions to education and student development, York awarded Cluett an honorary doctor of letters. Through his teaching, mentorship and the scholarship foundation he created, his influence continues to be felt by students and graduates across Canada.
Cluett was predeceased by his spouse and a granddaughter. He is survived by his three daughters, a cherished niece regarded as part of the immediate family, seven grandchildren, one great-granddaughter and a brother-in-law.