In Memory of Robert (Bob) Cook, 1938–2025
Robert Alan Cook MS’61 — a.k.a. Bob, Uncle Bob, UB, or Yoo-Bee — died peacefully in the presence of loved ones in his home in Palo Alto, CA, on Friday, June 27, 2025, at the time — appropriately for a mathematician – of 3:14:15 p.m. at the age of 86. He was born on November 11, 1938, in Saint Louis, MO, at Jewish Hospital to Katherine S Cook (d.) and Harold S Cook (d.).
He received his bachelor of arts degree in mathematics from Oberlin College in Oberlin, Ohio, in 1960, a master’s of science in mathematics from the University of Wisconsin–Madison in 1961, and a doctor of science in applied mathematics and computer science from Washington University in Saint Louis, MO, in 1966.
In 1973, Bob began his professional career at SLAC — now also known as the SLAC National Accelerator Center — and retired in 2005 as a computer systems specialist.
He volunteered for 18 years supporting victims of domestic violence, most notably as a guide who helped victims appearing in family court understand the legal system and the language of the court so they could make informed decisions. Bob also volunteered at the annual regional U.S. Department of Energy’s Regional Science Bowl for Middle and High School students, who compete in teams to solve STEM problems. Regional winners go on to compete in the National Science Bowl (NSB) finals in Washington, DC.
Bob played Trivial Pursuit with fellow enthusiasts from SLAC and continued playing throughout his retirement in person on Wednesdays; during and after the pandemic, he often played via Zoom.
Bob is survived by brother Charles J. Cook, sister-in-law Barbara Z. Cook, first cousins once-removed Amy Biegelsen and Sara Biegelsen, nieces Sally Kiehnau and Wendy Cook, nephew Bill Cook, and niece-in-law Cindy Cook, in addition to several grand nieces and nephews.
More Alumni Notes
Patrick L. Green ’80, PhD’88 has been recognized as Distinguished University Professor at Ohio State University. The award is the highest faculty h...