In memory of Dr. Robert Kell, 1967-2011

University of Alberta Faculty of Rehabilitation Medicine and Augustana campus are mourning the passing of a dear friend, respected colleague and valued professor. On November 10, 2011, Dr. Robert Kell passed away as the result of a vehicle accident.

Christopher Thrall and Holly Gray - 14 November 2011

The University of Alberta Faculty of Rehabilitation Medicine and Augustana campus are mourning the passing of a dear friend, respected colleague and valued professor. On November 10, 2011, Dr. Robert Kell passed away as the result of a vehicle accident. The news of his death came as a shock to faculty, staff and students, with the tragedy affecting everyone across the small Augustana campus where he worked. Dr. Kell is survived by his wife and two young daughters.

"Rob Kell's enthusiastic support for our Faculty had a powerful effect on our students and my colleagues," says Dr. Martin Ferguson-Pell, dean of the Faculty of Rehabilitation Medicine. "In particular, Rob's work with our new physical therapy program in Camrose helped to define a close camaraderie among the team there. We will sorely miss Rob's energy and leadership."

"Rob was passionate about his work," says friend and colleague Dr. Bob Haennel. "Perhaps the one thing I will remember most about Rob was his ever-present smile. He was an easy guy to like."

The University of Alberta's Canadian flags on Edmonton's North campus and Camrose's Augustana campus have been lowered in honour of Dr. Kell.

Students, colleagues and others whose lives have been touched by Dr. Robert Kell are welcomed to visit the shrine growing on the steps of Founders' Hall on the Augustana campus. Those with comments or memories to share are invited to post them below or visit the Faith & Life Lounge where a book of memories is available, which will be passed on to Rob's family. In addition, there will be a basket there to collect condolence cards for Mrs. Kell. An online book of memories is also available through Park Memorial, where visitors can light a candle or give a donation as well.

A celebration of Robert's life will be held at Park Memorial Chapel in Edmonton at 10 am on Thursday, November 17. Donations may be made to the charity of one's choice.

Dr. Robert Kell
Bachelor of Physical Activity Study (University of Regina, 1991)
M.Sc. (Central Washington University, 1996)
Ph.D. (University of Alberta, 2005)

Dr. Kell's involvement with the Faculty of Rehabilitation Medicine goes back to his PhD research under the direction of Dr. Yagesh Bhambhani. His research involved a comparison between healthy and low back pain subjects during static and dynamic contractions of the erector spinae.

Dr. Kell joined the University of Alberta's Augustana Campus in the Fall of 2007 and was both a tenured Associate Professor in Work Physiology and an Adjunct Assistant Professor with the Department of Physical Therapy in the Faculty of Rehabilitation Medicine. He was a willing contributor to the Department of Physical Therapy's expansion plans and once the PT satellite program was launched he was keen to provide electives in the area of clinical exercise physiology to MSc PT students.

"Rob was a most positive person to work with and will be missed by all how knew him," says Chris Zarski, clinical assistant professor in the Department of Physical Therapy. "He was very excited about our satellite cohort here in Camrose and was involved with taking students in student clinic electives. His knowledge of research, human physiology and athletic performance provided a great learning experience for our students."

Dr. Kell taught courses in exercise and human physiology, and his research involved musculoskeletal rehabilitation as well as athlete training and conditioning. Dr. Kell worked with amateur and professional athletes, as well as injured athletes, and those with chronic pain. He regularly presented at national and international conferences, and published and presented over 50 research papers. Dr. Kell's work has been acknowledged by Men's Health, Women's Health, USA Today, the LA Times, and Arthritis Today magazine and he was identified as an expert in several online journals, the Edmonton Journal and the Globe and Mail. He co-authored an introductory university text on Human Physiology, which saw its first edition published in 2010.

About the University of Alberta Faculty of Rehabilitation Medicine

As the only free standing faculty of rehabilitation in Canada, the University of Alberta Faculty of Rehabilitation Medicine balances its activities among learning, discovery and citizenship (including clinical practice). A research leader in musculoskeletal health, spinal cord injuries and common spinal disorders (back pain), the Faculty of Rehabilitation Medicine aims to improve the quality of life of citizens in our community. The three departments, Occupational Therapy (OT), Physical Therapy (PT) and Speech Pathology and Audiology (SPA) offer professional entry programs. The Faculty offers thesis-based MSc and PhD programs in Rehabilitation Science, attracting students from a variety of disciplines including OT, PT, SLP, psychology, physical education, medicine and engineering.