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Robert Olton Obituary
July 3, 1937 - March 25, 2014
Resident of Danville
Known as "Bob" to his many friends, Robert Olton was born in Hartford, CT but was raised in Richmond, VA. Bob earned his B.A. from Trinity College in Hartford CT, a Master's degree from McGill University in Montreal, and a PhD in Psychology from UC Berkeley. He then accepted a faculty position at UC Berkeley where he did teaching and research and was highly regarded by his students. Several years later Bob accepted a position as a Visiting Research Scientist at the Xerox Palo Alto Research Center. Eventually, Bob went on to become Manager of Behavioral Research at Atari and ended his career as Asst. V.P. of Research at Wells Fargo Bank. Those who knew Bob well fondly remember his "joie de vivre". It was always a pleasure to be in his company and to discuss anything with him, in part because of his enthusiasm, but also because he seemed so interested in others and their ideas. He is survived by his sister, Judith Mueller of McLean, VA and his two nieces, Liza Mueller of Atlanta, GA and Miranda Mueller of Rockville, MD. He will be deeply missed by his many friends and two "adopted" nieces Jill Spadia and Libby Odegaard and their children to whom he was always know as "Uncle Bobby".
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Memories and Condolences
for Robert Olton
Sponsored by East Bay Times.
David Johnson
May 26, 2015
Bob Olton took me on as a graduate student at UCB in 1971. I did my MA with him and he remained my mentor until 1975. Our article Olton and Johnson (1976) is still cited. I last visited Bob in 1994 and, no surprise, found him just as thoughtful, lively, clever, witty, and well-mannered as ever. Now retired, I had intended to look-up his telephone number--but found his watch had ended. Carpe diem, tempus fugit. Thank You Bob. We will have to speak again at a later time...
Geoffrey Saxe
February 4, 2015
Long ago, in 1969, I was an undergraduate and took a seminar with Bob in psychology at UC Berkeley. The following year, for a short while, he was my first advisor in a PhD program at UC Berkeley. I've wondered about what happened to him after he left Berkeley. Sad that I finally located him, but only after his death. Never did get to say "thank you". With fond memories from years ago...
Donald Clark
August 21, 2014
Dear Judy,
I learned of Rob's death only yesterday, 20 August, from Frank Kaylor. I am so sad. Rob and David and I spent great summers with "Uncle" Perce in Tamworth. Rob escorted David and me on the train from Richmond to New Hampshire one summer. I am sure Rob was glad when the trip was completed. I cherish those summers and the following attendance at Olton reunions. You are a special family and individuals. I am so fortunate to know you.
I am with you in this time of sorrow.
-Donny Clark
Raymond B. Wallace, Jr. (Ray)
April 22, 2014
Judy;
As in most of these experiences, I am shocked and saddened. We were only boyhood friends, but he was special, and apparently never lost that special humanity of his. We played in that back yard on Seminary Ave. Richmond, Va., and sang next to each other in the All Saints Choir for several years. The memory is sweet, the experience immeasurable. Take good care.
Ray Wallace, Jr.
April 22, 2014
Judy, we are saddened to read of your brother Bob's death. I remember him well, and know how hard it is to lose a brother. We are thinking of you and have you and your family in our prayers.
Sending our sympathy and love,
Polly and Robert Marshall
April 22, 2014
Judy, so very sorry for your loss. I remember him well, what an interesting life he has led. I know this is hard, a brother is a special bond that can never be replaced. Thinking of you and sending our sympathy and love.
Polly and Robert
Neptune Society of Northern California
April 10, 2014
Offering our deepest condolences during this difficult time.
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