I had the privilege of knowing Bob as a professor, neighbor and colleague.

My freshman year I had intro to politics/American politics from him and it was an outstanding introduction to collegiate life.  Several episodes I recall with great clarity stand out in my mind.  The class was at 7:50 and one day it snowed – about 2 inches.  The class was about ½ full - - - Bob looked around when he walked in and said, “if any of your colleagues choose to run for office, they’ll never get votes in Chicago if they are staying home on a day like this.  Remind me not to vote for them - - let’s take attendance today.”   At one point we read Why We Lost the ERA.  During one of the discussions, someone in the class asked Bob if he was a feminist…..he said, “of course - - and everyone in this room should be too.”   Finally, I recall when Willamette was looking for a new professor and Richard Ellis interviewed and lectured to our class as part of his visit.   After he left Bob asked the class to provide some feedback – he said, this is your chance to “give this guy a life or send him off somewhere else – we’re actually giving the students some power here.”   I recall this with quite fondness, because, in fact we did feel empowered - - and liked Prof Ellis.

I had the chance to travel with Bob for admission work, we lived next door to him for a spell at one point and always liked watching basketball or other sporting events with him and Jerry Gray.  He was a great gift to Willamette and I’m sorry we’ve lost him.

Chris Simmons, 93