Robert BRUNDIN

BRUNDIN, Robert E.
December 10, 1929 - December 6, 2017
After a complete life filled with adventure, joy, and intellectual quests, Bob died surrounded by family December 6, 2017 at 87. He leaves wife, Gretchen Pauli Brundin; children, Michael (Tami Oliphant), Jennifer (Patrick Ryan), Peter (Angelina Baydala), and Rebecca (Charles Mather); grandchildren, Carl, Gabriel, Robert, Rashmi, and Phoenix; sister Cecily Seabourn; brother Clark (Judy) Brundin; and nieces and nephews.
Bob was born in Los Angeles and grew up on his family's orchard and greenhouses. Leaving the farm to pursue post-secondary studies, he earned an undergraduate degree and a Master of Journalism from UC Berkeley. He worked as a journalist on the U.S.-Mexico border before being drafted into the U.S. Army. After serving two years in Germany, Bob, a perennial student, studied at the University of Mexico becoming fluent in Spanish. He returned to UC Berkeley for both a teaching credential and a Master of Library Science. A bumping of elbows followed by a movie date with Gretchen quickly developed into a lasting love and a 59-year marriage. Bob began his library career at San Jose City College and soon became library director. With four children and a full-time job, he completed his PhD at Stanford University. In search of adventure and minus 30 weather, Bob and Gretchen boldly moved the family to Edmonton where Bob accepted an academic position in Library and Information Studies at the University of Alberta. A consummate professor, Bob was immensely dedicated to his profession and relished preparing his students for their future professions. He retired in 1995 as professor emeritus. Bob was an avid book collector, gardener, choir member and cyclist. He was a student of philosophy, politics and religion and embodied the principles of peace and social justice. An active volunteer in the community, Bob was often described as a lovely and decent man - gentle, kind, generous and compassionate. The family wishes to thank the staff on units 5AB and 8Y of Edmonton General Continuing Care for their care of Bob and for their kindness and support of Gretchen.
A Celebration of Robert's Life will be at 1:30 p.m. on Friday, January 5, 2018, at the Unitarian Church of Edmonton, 10804 – 119 Street, NW Edmonton.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to a charity of your choice or to the existing Brundin Scholarship in Library and Information Studies at the U of A.
To send condolences, please visit www.fostermcgarvey.com.