作者:布莱恩·威廉·琼斯

(来自:StarTribune）

罗伯特·弗朗西斯·米勒(Bob)，明尼苏达大学神经科学和生理学名誉教授，于2021年3月1日去世。他的父母Irvine Miller和Ettie Paxman (nee Miller饰)和继父Rulon Paxman先于他去世，与他相爱52年的妻子Rosemary幸存了下来;他的儿子德里克和德鲁(Stefanie);姐妹辛西娅，凯西和她们的家人;姐夫里特(布伦达)，他们的儿子埃里克(蒂凡尼);嫂子斯蒂芬妮和她的女儿尼基(兰德尔饰)，以及他们的儿子萨姆和杰克;还有无数的朋友和同事。鲍勃1939年出生在俄勒冈州的尤金，在犹他州的盐湖城长大，从小就表现出同样的好奇心和热情，这决定了他的个人和职业生涯。小时候，他训练信鸽(由他父亲从遥远的爱达荷州放飞)，开始卖水族鱼的生意，(秘密地)给自己的马马厩，这一切都发生在他还没到刮胡子的年龄之前。在成为犹他州历史上最年轻的鹰级童子军后，鲍勃一路努力，成为了当时犹他州最好的餐厅之一芬恩餐厅的主厨。 He developed into an expert skier of Utah’s famed deep powder mountains as well as an accomplished golfer, both passions he would continue to pursue joyfully for the rest of his life. But it was in medical school at the University of Utah that Bob discovered his lifelong passion – scientific research. He spent the next half century dedicated to science, focusing his efforts on the vertebrate eye, his work resulting in significant contributions to our understanding of the retina. After receiving his MD Bob did postdoctoral work at Johns Hopkins University before joining the Navy as an officer, where he continued his research in Pensacola, FL. He was hired as a professor at SUNY-Buffalo two years later, beginning an illustrious career in academic medicine. At SUNY he played a pivotal role in establishing a vibrant basic science research program in the visual neurosciences, one that continues to this day. From there Bob moved to Washington University in St. Louis, MO, where he continued to conduct groundbreaking research. In 1988 he was recruited as 3M Bert Cross Chair and Department Head of Physiology at the University of MN, later becoming a professor in the newly established Neuroscience Department. He would remain in that position until his retirement in 2018. Early on Bob developed into an avid teacher and mentor, and he remained proud that his laboratory helped launch numerous successful scientific careers. After a career spent lecturing on his research everywhere from local classrooms to international symposia, Bob’s teaching and research efforts were both recognized with high honors: in 2008 he received the Association for Research In Vision and Ophthalmology (ARVO’s) Proctor Medal, which recognizes significant lifelong contributions to vision research. Throughout his life Bob remained a dedicated father and husband. His bond with his sons remained strong, and they continued to spend time together playing golf (alongside lifelong friend Steve Hall), snowshoeing and vacationing together. He and Rosemary traveled the world and saw friends even as Bob found intensive new pursuits later in life, becoming a prizewinning orchid grower and starting his own politically oriented blog. After caring for him through a difficult illness, progressive supranuclear palsy, his immediate family was happy to be by his side when he passed. Bob’s spirit, his intense engagement with his interests, his infectious sense of humor and much more are already missed. He will be remembered by friends, family and colleagues alike. An in-person memorial service will be held at a later date. Donations in Bob’s honor may be sent to the下午的基础或者ARVO的道林协会．也可向学院基金会．