Del Mar Dr. Robert Underhill, age 81, passed away on August 25, 2018 in Kentfield, CA of pulmonary fibrosis. He was born on September 24, 1936 in Newton, MA, to the late Robert L.M. and Miriam O. Underhill. In 1958, Robert graduated with a history degree, and eventually received a doctorate in linguistics in 1964, both from Harvard University. He served in the Army from 1958 to 1960. Robert was a long-time resident of Del Mar since 1973, building one of the first homes on his cul-de-sac at the time. He was a professor of linguistics at San Diego State University for over 40 years, including time as department chair. He also chaired SDSU's Phi Beta Kappa academic honors society. He is the author of "Turkish Grammar" (MIT Press), a scholarly textbook still in use today. Bob gained nationwide media attention in 1988, for his article on the use of the word "like" in the English language.Robert was married for 54 years to music teacher/ soprano, Ayse Underhill. He was a volunteer at the Pacific Southwest Railway Museum. Robert is survived by his sons, Brian O. and Stephen H. Underhill; brother, Brian Underhill; and grandchildren, Kaitlyn, Evan, Owen and Aimee Underhill. Friends and family can pay their respects at the memorial service on September 22, 2018, at 4pm, in the family's Del Mar music studio.Donations in Robert's name are welcome and appreciated if made to the Sierra Club, La Jolla Chamber Music Society, San Diego Opera, Pacific Southwest Railway Museum or the California State Railroad Museum. Please sign the guest book online at legacy.com/obituaries/ delmartimes . Robert Underhill September 24, 1936 - August 25, 2018
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
I was an undergraduate student at SDSU in 2002 and took Dr Underhill's Intro to Linguistics course. It was my most challenging but favorite course at SDSU in due part to Dr Underhill's brilliance. He was a tough but very fair teacher and students definitely had to bring their A game to his class. I've always remembered Dr Underhill throughout the years because of how extremely challenging (and fun) the class was for me. I was actually very proud of my grade (B minus) as result even though it was actually the lowest grade I received at my time at SDSU.
In my random thoughts about Dr Underhill and his class, I did an internet search, and just learned that he passed away last year. To that, I want to send my belated respects and well wishes and thoughts to his family.
Herman Guimzon
June 1, 2019
My deepest condolences to Ayse and the entire Underhill family in your loss. I was privileged to have had Dr. Underhill as a professor in 1986 and again in 2002. He was absolutely brilliant, a gifted teacher, and one of my very favorite professors. We had many fun conversations about Tagalog and Philippine language grammar in 1986, just before he added Philippine Syntax to his areas of interest. I'm so sorry I learned of his passing too late to come to the memorial.
Bill Davis
December 9, 2018
My sincere condolences to the family,may you find comfort in the God of all comfort during this difficult time
October 16, 2018
Our sincere condolences to the Underhill family in the loss of your dear love one. Our prayers are as yours, that God provide his care and comfort you each day.
- Psalms 145:18,19
Your neighbor..
September 18, 2018
So sorry for your loss. When someone you love becomes a memory the memory become a treasure so treasure the memory.
Matt 5:4,5
BC~
California
September 18, 2018
Psalms 90:10 says that the days of our years are 70 years, And if because orf special mightiness they are 80 years. May the memories of the wonderful times you shared together bring a smile and joy in your heart.
September 18, 2018
YOU HAVE MY CONDOLENCES ON YOUR LOSS MAY YOU FIND COMFORT IN LOVING MEMORIES, AND STRENGTH IN THE SUPPORT OF THOSE WHO CARE,AND WITH HOPE EACH DAY BECAUSE GOD CARES 1 PETER 5:6 7
September 18, 2018
With my sincere sympathy to your family, may your treasured memories continue to provide a measure of comfort and peace to the family. Please be strengthened from (Isaiah 61:1,2) our God "binds up the broken-hearted and comforts all who mourn".
September 15, 2018
Dear Ayse,
So sorry to hear your dear husbands passing.
My heart is heavy with your sorrow.
Basiniz sag olsun. Allah sabirlar versin.
Aysem Nilferli
September 13, 2018
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