Robert Hankin

Robert M. Hankin

Durham

Robert (Bob) Marvin Hankin, born in Brooklyn, New York, passed away peacefully at Duke Hospital in Durham, September 22 at age 91. He received wonderful care from all of his providers.

Bob was a dedicated student throughout his life, listening to news sources from many countries. He attended Cornell University for his bachelor's degree, majoring in French. Drafted in WWII, he worked in the Russian research branch of OSS, where he taught Russian classes. One of his students, Elisabeth (Betsy) Riggs, became his wife of 65 years. From 1946-1948 he worked for the US State Department in Moscow. For the rest of his life he had a love of Russia, the Russian people, the Russian language, and the color red. His wardrobe consisted of red caps, red socks, red shorts, red shirts, and red pants.

When he returned from Moscow, Bob worked on his PhD at Columbia University. Thereafter Bob was a simultaneous translator at the United Nations for several years. For most of his career he was a professor of Russian language, teaching at Columbia University, Williams College, New College, University of Alberta, and Duke University. After retirement he was a frequent translator of Russian poetry and short stories and served as a Russian interpreter for visitors at Duke University.

Bob had a love of classical music, listening by the hour while translating or preparing for classes. He loved jogging and walking the Durham City trails with Betsy, both dressed in red. He was dedicated to his daily exercises, kept up until the final days of his life.

Bob is survived by his children - David, Martha, Steven - and his grandchildren - Raven, Rainer, Moriah, Charlie, Dorae and Christopher.