It is with great sadness that we announce the sudden yet peaceful passing of Dr. Ross Judd (husband, father, popa, friend, colleague, mentor, and teacher) on Thursday, August 28th, 2025. He was in his 89th year.
Ross leaves behind his beloved wife Joyce (Swerdfeger) of 63 years. Cherished father of Mary Ellen (Charles) and the late David (Sandra). Ross loved his four grandchildren very much – Erik (Jaidynn), Ashley (Stephin), Andrew, and Thomas, as well as his cousins, nieces and nephews and the entire family of Mrs. Enid Mallory. Survived by his sister Carol (Hosking) and her children Fred (Patti), Robert (John) and Sonja (Wayne).
Ross will be deeply missed by his McMaster colleagues and friends, his church family, and his wonderful neighbours.
Ross was born in London, Ontario on June 3rd, 1936 to the late Frank and Grace (Cress). He is now reunited with them in heaven, as well as his son David (2018) and uncle Leonard (Cress).
Ross loved all holidays and traditions, especially when there were big family dinners involved. He was fond of working on the Christmas puzzle at the card table, or seated on the couch in the corner watching the flurry of activity. Wood working was a side hobby, and he also enjoyed a good game of bridge. Ross enjoyed going to plays with Joyce at The Shaw Festival in Stratford, and downtown Toronto, especially if he could sit, watch and feed the geese and swans. Watching CFL football was always enjoyed, especially if The Toronto Argos beat The Hamilton Tiger Cats. His radio station in his office was always set to either 1010 CFRB, or 96.3 FM, Toronto’s classical station.
Ross had a great faith with God through the United Church of Canada. In the early 60’s, Ross became a loyal member of Binkley United Church in Hamilton, where he enjoyed teaching bible studies, and became the Chairman of the Board. Binkley was his extended family. Coffee time after church was a wonderful place to sit and have a chat with his friends. When Binkley closed, Ross and Joyce joined St. Mark’s United Church in Dundas. Bible studies continued and were now done at the house. Ross was honoured to be a trustee at both Binkley and St. Marks. Ross loved to sing hymns, especially “Trust and Obey”, and Christmas carols.
Ross had a love for all dogs, especially the ones in the neighbourhood that would drag their owners up the driveway for a pat on the head, followed by a dog treat, and then allow a visit with their owner.
Growing up, Ross’s studies excelled in both math and sciences, which he took very seriously. He joined the 31st London Scouts, completing his scouting cords in 1951. He had a love for chickens, and even had a few in his backyard.
Dr. Ross Judd was a proud McMaster Engineering alumnus (M.Eng. Mechanical Engineering, ’63), and a dedicated faculty member from 1963 until 2023. He was a legend and an iconic figure in Mechanical Engineering. In 1958, he graduated from the University of Western Ontario and won the Gold Medal. In 1968, he obtained his Ph.D. in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Michigan and was hired as an assistant professor. He became a full professor in 1980, and retired in 2001, while maintaining active work with the department, teaching heat transfer and coordinating graduate student seminars. In 2002, Ross was inducted into the Order of Honour of the Professional Engineers of Ontario (PEO) for his long outstanding service. He completed two decades on the Academic Requirements Committee, where he chaired the committee for four years, and served in a number of other roles, including the National Framework for Licensure Task Force.
In 2014, Ross was awarded Officer of the Order of Honour. In 2023, a sugar maple tree was planted on the campus to commemorate his 55 years of service to Mac. Eng. During the event, Dr. Judd shared this: “If you do what you love, you ‘ll never have to work a day in your life. That’s how I feel. I love teaching heat transfer.” His legacy will continue to inspire future generations at Mac. Eng.
For generations of Mechanical Engineering students, Dr. Judd was synonymous with Heat Transfer. His passion for fundamental research in nucleate boiling and heat generation was unmistakable, and his commitment to excellence left a lasting impression on all those who learned from him. He started in the department in 1963 as an instructor, and taught heat transfer from 1968 to 2023. Almost every undergraduate who passed through Mechanical Engineering up to the graduating class of 2024 took Heat Transfer from Dr. Judd. He is well known for his booming voice. He provided extraordinary service to the Department of Mechanical Engineering.
Forever in our hearts and always in our prayers.
Friends and family are invited to a visitation on Friday, September 5th, 2025, at Turner Family Funeral Home, 53 Main Street, Dundas, from 2:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m. and 7:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m. The funeral will take place on Saturday, September 6th, 2025, at 1:30 p.m. at St. Mark’s United Church, 1 Lynndale Drive, Dundas, with a reception to follow.
The Judd family would like to extend sincere thanks to the many doctors, nurses and caregivers over the past year from St. Joseph’s Hospital, the General Hospital, St. Peter’s Hospital, and most recently, the Able Living team in Binbrook. A special thank you to the Turner Family Funeral Home for their guidance and support.
In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that donations be made to either St. Mark’s United Church in Dundas, a charity of your choice, or the Ross Judd Memorial Fund at McMaster University in honour of his enduring legacy and commitment to Mechanical Engineering.
Dear Joyce,
I send my condolences to mark the passing of Ross. I recall his kindness and leadership at Binkley UC.
Sincerely, Joyce Gedcke
Dr. Judd taught me Drafting in 1974/1975 and was one of my favourite professors while at McMaster.
I was very saddened to hear of the passing of Dr. Ross Judd. As a graduate student in the early 70’s I was impressed with the iconic Dr. Judd. In 1986 as a faculty member, I learned of Ross’ unwavering commitment to both the department and the university. I could always depend on Ross for an honest opinion and sage advice. I recall with great fondness a weekend with Ross Judd and Dave Weaver at Dave’s cottage. Ross and Joyce generously opened their home for many years to the department for Christmas parties with wonderful food and the friendship of colleagues. McMaster University and each of us has lost a cornerstone of our department and a friend.
With love and condolences to Joyce and the family,
Mo & Marilyn ElBestawi
My wife, Dr. Hoda ElMaraghy, Distinguished University Professor Emerita, and I, Dr. Waguih ElMaraghy, Professor at the University of Windsor, extend our heartfelt condolences to Joyce, the entire Judd family, and friends on the passing of Dr. Ross Judd, Professor Emeritus, McMaster University.
We first met Ross at McMaster 55 years ago. Hoda was his colleague in the Department of Mechanical Engineering for nearly two decades, until our move to the University of Windsor in 1994, when she became the first woman Dean of Engineering in Canada. For my part, I was fortunate to share Ross’s fellowship for over three decades through our long service together on the Academic Requirements Committee (ARC) of Professional Engineers Ontario. Ross chaired the ARC with great dedication for four years; I later had the privilege of following in his footsteps as Chair, and now serve as immediate past-Chair. As the longest-serving member of ARC, Ross was its steadfast anchor and will be deeply missed.
Ross was also a friend and mentor to many on the committee, including the current Chair, Dr. Judith Dimitriu, and Vice-Chair, Dr. Jim Lee. As they are both away, they have asked me to also convey their condolences, along with those of ARC, to Joyce and the entire family.
I regret that I am unable to attend the visitation today, Friday, September 5, but I plan to be present at the funeral tomorrow, Saturday, September 6, 2025, at St. Mark’s United Church in Dundas, Ontario.
Dear Joyce,
Sincere condolences to you and all family on the passing of Professor Ross Judd. May he rest in peace and may his memory be a blessing.
Hoda & Waguih ElMaraghy
Joyce, Mary Ellen, and family thinking of you during this time. Ross was a wonderful man. He loved talking about his family, career, and daily bird visits at the bird feeder in his window. He will be missed and also seeing you all on weekly visits with him. My deepest condolences during this time.