With profound sadness, we announce the passing of Ricardas Zitikis, a distinguished professor and beloved mentor at Western University, who left us on April 12, 2025, at the age of 79. Ricardas was a man whose life was dedicated to the pursuit of knowledge, the advancement of mathematics and statistics, and the mentorship of countless students and colleagues. His impact on the academic world, especially in his field, is immeasurable, and the ripple effects of his work will continue to be felt by future generations of scholars and educators. His passing marks the end of an era at Western University, but his legacy of intellectual curiosity, generosity, and commitment to education will live on.
Ricardas Zitikis was an extraordinary educator, a respected mathematician, and a kind-hearted individual whose work in mathematics and statistics has left an indelible mark on his field. He was known for his dedication to both his craft and his students, always striving to make complex ideas accessible and understandable. Throughout his career, Ricardas played an instrumental role in advancing the fields of mathematics and statistics, contributing to various groundbreaking research that helped shape modern statistical theory. His work was not just about numbers and formulas, but about using mathematics to solve real-world problems and create new paths for future scholars.
What set Ricardas apart, however, was not just his intellectual brilliance, but his remarkable ability to connect with people. He was more than just a professor—he was a mentor, a guide, and a friend to those who had the privilege of working with him. His office was a welcoming place for students and colleagues alike, a space where ideas were nurtured, and where every question was met with patience and respect. Ricardas’s dedication to his students went beyond the classroom. He took immense pride in watching his students succeed and was always eager to offer guidance, whether in their academic pursuits or personal growth. He understood the importance of building relationships and fostering an environment of trust and encouragement, which allowed his students to thrive. Many of his students, who now hold prominent positions in academia and industry, continue to reflect on the invaluable lessons they learned from him—both in and outside of the classroom.
Throughout his career, Ricardas not only educated students but also helped shape the future of the mathematics and statistics departments at Western University. His contributions to the university were significant, and he was widely respected among his peers. Ricardas was a natural leader who played an important role in fostering collaboration among his colleagues, always encouraging the sharing of ideas and the pursuit of collective goals. His ability to collaborate and his willingness to mentor those around him made him a pillar of the academic community at Western University.
Beyond his academic and professional achievements, Ricardas was a loving family man who cherished his time with his loved ones. He often spoke fondly of his family, sharing stories of his children and grandchildren, and expressing deep pride in their accomplishments. Ricardas’s love for his family was evident in everything he did. He found joy in spending time with them and was a constant source of support, guidance, and love. His family meant everything to him, and his legacy will undoubtedly live on in the values he instilled in them.
Ricardas’s passing comes as a great loss, not just to his family and colleagues, but to the entire academic community. His work, his wisdom, and his kindness touched countless lives, and his absence leaves a hole that will be hard to fill. In the days following his passing, many of his colleagues, students, and friends have shared tributes, recalling the profound impact he had on their lives. For those who worked with Ricardas, he was not just a mentor or colleague, but a source of inspiration and strength. His intellectual curiosity was infectious, and his dedication to education was unwavering. He pushed others to strive for excellence while always offering encouragement and support along the way.
Ricardas’s legacy is not just one of academic achievement, but of the many lives he touched through his kindness, his generosity, and his unwavering belief in the potential of others. His work in mathematics and statistics will continue to influence generations of students and researchers, and his contributions to the field will remain an integral part of the discipline. But it is his personal connections—the relationships he built with his students, colleagues, and family—that will be remembered most fondly. Ricardas had an extraordinary ability to make others feel valued, heard, and appreciated. His legacy is one of inspiration, compassion, and an enduring commitment to making the world a better place through education and collaboration.
As we reflect on Ricardas’s life and career, we remember the ways in which he made us think, challenged us to be better, and showed us what it meant to be truly dedicated to one’s work. He was a teacher in every sense of the word, not just imparting knowledge, but also teaching us the importance of kindness, humility, and empathy. His dedication to his students, his family, and his profession is a testament to the kind of person he was—someone who cared deeply about others and who worked tirelessly to help them succeed.
While Ricardas may no longer walk among us, his memory will continue to guide and inspire those who were fortunate enough to know him. His teachings, both academic and personal, will remain with us as we move forward in our own lives. The lessons he imparted, the wisdom he shared, and the love he gave will continue to shape the way we approach our own work and relationships. Ricardas’s spirit will live on in the lives of the countless individuals he influenced, and his legacy will continue to resonate in the hearts of those who remember him.
In honor of Ricardas’s memory, a memorial service will be held for friends, family, and colleagues to come together and celebrate his life. During this time, those who were closest to him will share their memories, reflect on the impact he had on their lives, and offer their gratitude for the time they spent with him. Ricardas’s family has requested that donations be made to an educational fund in his name, supporting future generations of students in the fields of mathematics and statistics, continuing the work that he so loved.
We offer our deepest condolences to Ricardas Zitikis’s family, friends, and colleagues. As we grieve his loss, we also celebrate his life, his work, and his contributions to the academic world and to all who knew him. May his memory be a blessing, and may his legacy continue to inspire us all. Rest in peace, Ricardas. Your work and your spirit will never be forgotten.
