Robert Schimke Obituary

Robert Tod Schimke

Professor of Biology, Emeritus, at Stanford University, died on September 6, 2014, at age 81. Born in Spokane, Washington, he received A.B. and MD degrees from Stanford University. He served in the Public Health Service at the National Institutes of Health (NIH) in Bethesda, MD, from 1960 to1966, after which he returned to Stanford in the Pharmacology Department in the School of Medicine, serving as chair from 1970-73. He then moved to the Department of Biological Sciences, which he chaired from 1978-82, and became American Cancer Society Research Professor of Biology in 1983.
Schimke made pioneering discoveries in biochemistry and molecular biology. He was recognized for these discoveries with numerous awards, including election to the American Academy of Arts and Sciences, the National Academy of Sciences, and the Institute of Medicine. Schimke was a member of numerous national advisory and editorial boards and served as President of the American Society for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology from 1988-89.
Schimke's life changed dramatically in 1995 when he was hit by a car while bicycling, leaving him a quadriplegic. He became emeritus professor at Stanford and turned to his other life passion, painting, experimenting with the dynamic interaction of various materials and their textures. He has produced over 400 works of art, which have been exhibited at universities and corporate headquarters.
Bob Schimke approached all phases of his life with passion, creativity, and courage. He will be greatly missed by his family, friends, colleagues, and former lab members. He is survived by his wife Patricia Jones, Professor of Biology at Stanford, his daughters Caroline Schimke, Cynthia Ames, and Allison Powers, five grandchildren, his sister Barbara Bazemore and two nephews. Donations in lieu of flowers may be made to the Robert T. Schimke Graduate Fellowship Fund, Department of Biology, Stanford University.

Published by San Francisco Chronicle from Sep. 12 to Sep. 14, 2014.
34465541-95D0-45B0-BEEB-B9E0361A315A

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Memories and Condolences
for Robert Schimke

Not sure what to say?





2 Entries

September 7, 2020
My late husband, Jim Thomas, knew Bob from childhood in Spokane. They both attended Stanford. It was about three months after Bob's passing that my husband succumbed to cancer. I felt fortunate to have met Bob and his wife Pat, and have the opportunity to view Bob's works of art and jewelry. Although I didn't know him well, he certainly found a place in my heart which I'll always cherish.
Jan Thomas

Jan Thomas

Friend

September 7, 2020

Dear Pat,
Our deepest sympathy for your loss of Bob. You gave so much.
I have fond memories of Bob growing up in Spokane over seventy years, from Hutton School, LC, through Stanford, Chi Psi, Boston and Palo Alto. Always my pal and my hero...Jim
Loving thoughts and warm memories of our good times together with you, Pat and Bob...Jan and Jim

Jim and Jan Thomas

September 18, 2014

Showing 1 - 2 of 2 results

Make a Donation
in Robert Schimke's name

Memorial Events
for Robert Schimke

To offer your sympathy during this difficult time, you can now have memorial trees planted in a National Forest in memory of your loved one.

How to support Robert's loved ones
Commemorate a cherished Veteran with a special tribute of Taps at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.

The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.

Read more
Attending a Funeral: What to Know

You have funeral questions, we have answers.

Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?

What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?

Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?

We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.

Read more
Resources to help you cope with loss
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Estate Settlement Guide

If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.

Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast

Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.

Read more
The Five Stages of Grief

They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.

Read more
Ways to honor Robert Schimke's life and legacy
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Obituary Templates

These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.

Read more
Obituary Examples

You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.

Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?

Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.

Read more