Robert Mears ’64

30 January 1995
Robert Mears

Class: 1964

Major: Mathematics

Residence: Kansas City, MO

Deceased: January 18, 1995

Alumni survivors: Ralph Brindle ’76 (Cousin)

Obituary

Bob was an exceptional person in many respects.  He demonstrated, and was even arrested, in his quest for peace and racial equality in the tumultuous sixties.  He earned his master’s degree in Mathematics and KU, and Carleton’s giant in mathematics,  K.O. May, invited him to come to the University of Toronto to work in his department.  Unfortunately Bob was also troubled by psychiatric illness, and his medical history caused him to be denied the right to emigrate to Canada.The methods of treating mental illness in the 60s and 70s did Bob some good, but also a great deal of harm.  After years of struggle, he passed away early in 1995 due to damage to his liver and kidneys.  Bob’s other great trait besides his intellectual prowess (I regarded him as genius) and his passion for justice was his sense of humor. It persisted almost to the end.

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Comments

  • 2014-01-03 21:32:08
    from Barbara Harris, sister

    Bob was an exceptional person in many respects.  He demonstrated, and was even arrested, in his quest for peace and racial equality in the tumultuous sixties.  He earned his master's degree in Mathematics and KU, and Carleton's giant in mathematics,  K.O. May, invited him to come to the University of Toronto to work in his department.  Unfortunately Bob was also troubled by psychiatric illness, and his medical history caused him to be denied the right to emgirate to Canada.  The methods of treating mental illness in the 60s and 70s did Bob some good, but also a great deal of harm.  After years of struggle, he passed away early in 1995 due to damage to his liver and kidneys.  Bob's other great trait besides his intellectual prowess (I regarded him as genius) and his passion for justice was his sense of humor. It persisted almost to the end.

  • 2024-04-01 15:14:04
    Alberta Handelman

    I am so sorry for your loss, Barb. I hope you get this message (April 1, 2024). Please contact me.
    Albertakh@gmail.com

  • 2025-08-01 06:37:02
    Mary Anne Cotter

    I was married to Bob Mears from 1973 until 1977. Bob was a good, kind, sensitive man. I was fortunate to have had Bob, his mother, sister Barbara, brother-in-law Jeff, and 2 delightful nephews in my life for 4 years. Rest in peace dear Bob. You made a difference.

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