It is with deep sadness that SSI shares the news that Dr. Robert (Bob) Kroll passed away early this morning following a short illness. His beloved wife Fiona was by his side. Our most sincere condolences go to his entire family and to all those who knew him and will miss his presence in their lives.
We recognize that this is devastating news and that Bob’s loss will be felt deeply by our whole community. Bob’s leadership at SSI and warmth as a person touched everyone who knew him. It’s an understate
ment to say that he will be missed terribly by his family, friends, colleagues, students, and clients alike.
Bob had a distinguished career as both a clinician and an academic. He treated countless clients of all ages with fluency disorders, starting at the Clarke Institute and ultimately assuming the leadership of The Speech & Stuttering Institute as Executive Director, where he combined clinical work, professional education, and research activities. He authored or co-authored dozens of peer reviewed publications on stuttering and motor speech disorders, and served as an instructor in U of T’s Master’s program in Speech-Language Pathology. He was a mentor to many Speech-Language Pathologists; the knowledge and wisdom he shared about stuttering treatment helped to transform the lives of 
countless individuals – not only the clients with whom he worked directly, but the clients of all the SLPs whom he trained.
This year, Bob was honoured with an Outstanding Contribution Award by the College of Audiologists and Speech-Language Pathologists of Ontario (CASLPO) for his service as a professional member (SLP) of the College Council. Beginning in 2010, Bob served three terms, totaling nine years, on the College Council, including two years as President. He brought exceptional professional insight and commitment to his work for the College. Whether as a committee member, committee chair, or as Council President, he consistently brought his positive leadership style to the work of the College, leaving a lasting impression on those who worked with him. Bob learned about this well-deserved recognition just recently.
There is a theme of gratitude in the messages honouring Bob that SSI has received: those who feel that their lives were made better by knowing Bob, that their training was improved by learning from Bob, that their careers were touched by his support and influence, that our professional and scientific communities benefited so much from his contributions. All of us at The Speech & Stuttering Institute will also be forever grateful for Bob’s role in our lives.
Bob is survived by his wife Fiona, his sons Aaron (Aditi) and Noam (Jen), his grandsons Ari and Mickey, his brother Allan (Dorothy), and Michelle, Cameron and Devin. A private family service was held on Thursday, March 18th, 2021. Those who knew Bob and would like to watch the service and/or share a personal message with his family can contribute to the online memorial book here:
https://www.benjaminsparkmemorialchapel.ca/ServiceDetails.aspx?snum=137389&fg=0
We thank all those who have donated to SSI’s Bob Kroll Subsidy Fund in Bob’s memory, and will notify the family of your generous gesture. Your donations will help to extend Bob’s legacy at SSI, where he served as Executive Director, Board Chair, clinician, and teacher over the years.
