Robert MATES

MATES - Robert "Bob" E. May 19, 1935 to November 3, 2011 Bob died surrounded by loving family after a short illness. Born in Buffalo, where he lived for 60 years, he graduated from Williamsville C.H.S., the University of Rochester and Cornell. After 35 years, he retired as Professor of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering at the University at Buffalo. He loved teaching and received the SUNY Chancellors Award for Excellence in Teaching in 1991. His research interests included coronary blood flow. He became a Research Professor of Medicine in 1986 and 3 years later was made Director of the Center for Biomedical Engineering, SUNY at Buffalo. Bob was an active member of the American Society of Mechanical Engineers and served in leadership roles for 25 years. He was elected a Fellow of ASME in 1984 and received the group's Dedicated Service Award 3 years later. Honorary Society memberships included Sigma Xi, Phi Beta Kappa, Tau Beta Pi, Phi Kappa Phi and Pi Tau Sigma. Volunteer activities focused on vocational and technical education in the Buffalo Public Schools, where he received several awards. He enjoyed the performing arts, bridge, tennis, sailing, water skiing, home building and remodeling, politics and travel. Yearly international trips took him and his wife, Gail, whom he married in 1960, to every continent except Antarctica. After both retired they traveled across America, enjoying National Parks and significant sites in nearly every state. They settled in San Diego in 2005, then moved to Coronado this year. Bob will be sadly missed by his wife, Gail (Paxson), children Robert E. Jr., Elisabeth A., and Steven P. and grandchildren, Canyon J. and Maxx H. Van LobenSels. A memorial service will be held on Thursday, Nov. 17 at 1:30 pm in the Chapel at Forest Lawn Cemetery, Delaware Ave. at Delavan. A reception will follow. Flowers are gratefully declined. Memorial gifts may be made to Heifer International, 1 World Ave., Little Rock, AR 72202 or the Foundation for Prader Willi Research, 5455 Wilshire Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90036.