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Robert MacLachlan Obituary
He was a much beloved father, grandfather, clinical psychologist, professor, mentor, and trusted friend to many students, children, and those in need. He greatly valued people, and importantly, the insights, intelligence and humor of children. Their humor inspired his humor. His family has acknowledged the many heartfelt responses of those he helped. "He saved many lives," a friend said.
Born July 13, 1930, in Mansfield, he was the son of Marjorie (Snyder) MacLachlan and Robert F. MacLachlan, Sr.
In addition to his wife Patricia (Pritzkau) MacLachlan, he leaves behind three children, son John and daughter-in-law Karen Zwick of Williamsburg, son Jamie and daughter-in-law Lauren of Plymouth, and daughter Emily Charest and son-in-law Dean Charest of Stow. He especially adored his grandchildren Sofia, Ella, Nicholas, Harry, Anna and Lucy. He also leaves a brother Peter of Hamilton, Montana. His brother Bruce died in 2005. He also leaves many devoted nieces and nephews.
Bob graduated from Brown University after serving in army counter-intelligence during the Korean War. He earned a doctorate in psychology from the University of Connecticut. He worked in a child guidance clinic before opening a private practice. He taught for many years at American International College where he also counseled students.
A keen ornithologist, Bob often led bird survey studies and traveled extensively to see birds and the natural world. After his retirement, he created astounding gardens and specialized in Hostas where he kept hundred of species. His gardens are often visited and always seem to be in bloom. He was an art collector, enjoying the work of local artist friends and of artists as far away as Africa and Nepal where he traveled. A lifelong music lover, he loved opera and played viola in the Pioneer Valley Orchestra. He was an avid reader and did not believe there was such a thing as owning too many books. He was a renaissance man who possessed a wicked sense of humor.
A memorial service will be held Saturday, Nov. 7, at 1 p.m. at the Friends Meeting House, 43 Center St., Northampton.
In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to Safe Passage in Northampton.
To sign a Guest Book, express condolences, share memories and read other obituaries, go to www.gazettenet.com/obituaries.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Robert MacLachlan
Sponsored by Andy & LeAnne Marquis.
Charles walker
October 22, 2025
I know this message is long after the passing of Prof Mac however, It needs to be said. Professor Mac was one of the most incredible human beings that I've ever met. There isn't a day that goes by that I don't think of him, my mom and my dad. They were the three most influential people in my life. Professor Mac was originally forced upon me or me upon him to provide me with counseling. In a matter of time he became someone I grew to love as family and he opened his heart and home to me. A couple of years before he passed I was able to reconnect with him and his beautiful wife Patricia and express how much he meant to me and how he helped me become a better human being. There is so much more I can say about this man and I am sorry it took so long for me to write this. I love and Miss my mentor. Thank you Professor Mac. You will always be with me...
J
June 20, 2023
To this day, I still ask myself, "what would dad do?" when parenting. Happy Father´s Day, dad..and thanks.
Paul Quinlan
October 16, 2022
Still miss Bob and the time we spent together.
Andy Marquis
October 19, 2021
Seven years and much has passed. To pay tribute to you for all that you shared in your life. A former student of yours, who you remained so close with after AIC, (Louis B) and I connected recently. Louis was needing a friendly voice to speak with, a role you filled so many times for many. Just the mention of you and discussing your life, gifts and guidance brought comfort and warm memories of you. You were the instrument of that connection and so even after your passing, your work lives on. Thanks Doc..
Andy Marquis
February 26, 2018
Just watching TV tonight and came upon the movie "Ordinary People". Brings back fond memories of the man who took me to see this movie in 1980. An enjoyable night out with Doc, so many lessons he shared through that film, while all the while I thought it was just a good night out together. Could not help but get caught up in it again and to let you know how I think of you often and about those lessons, good times and the many more that we shared. You will always be remembered. Andy
Andy Marquis
April 12, 2016
Patty, John & Karen, Jamie & Lauren and Emily & Dean,
My condolences to all of you on Bob's (Doc's) passing.
As a psychology professor at AIC in the late 1970's, Doc taught me from his books and experiences, he was my favorite professor. Out of class he became much more to me and as a father figure in my life he taught me by his example with his timeless friendship that has spanned 37 years. He taught me how to love and role-modeled how be a good husband through his example with Patty. I remember as a student one evening after talking late we went to his home for dinner, he had to stop, even though we would be even later, to get some flowers for Patty. He showed me the importance of expressing your appreciation for your spouse. To this day whenever I bring my wife flowers I think of his example. He taught me how to be a good father through his example with you, his children. He was always speaking of each one of you, he was so proud of each of you, he taught you how to stand up and stand out in the things you choose to do. His favorite story to tell was when he was in Japan on a trolly and was able to see over all the heads standing on the trolly, that had never happened to him before and it made him feel tall. What he was really teaching is no mater your stature, stand up tall and be confident. His passed on his love of the Red Sox, playing wiffle ball with Jamie/John. He encouraged your passions and passed on his thirst for knowledge/acceptance. He was so proud of the spouses that each of you married, so proud of your careers and so, so in love with the grandchildren you gave him. We spoke or wrote a few times a year to stay in touch and catch up, no conversation was ever forced they all had depth and meaning. I was honored to have visited/stayed with him in 3 of his homes and to have him attend my wedding. I was blessed to have had his counsel while raising my kids and appreciated that he gave me so much of his time making me feel as the "only one" when he really had so many, many people that he cared for and mentored that came before and after. He used to say that relationships are like savings accounts and that each relationship deposits and withdraws with every interaction and that he chooses to be in the ones that would always have the compassion to give back and appreciate what was given. Never being drained allowed him to always be able to give. Seeing all of the other comments in his guestbook and knowing about so many of the lives he impacted he was truly a remarkable man who lived a wonderful life giving so much more to so many than can ever be measured. He will be missed but he does live on in each of you through his never ending life lessons and teachings. RIP DOC, it will be a bit easier to talk more often now.. Andy Marquis AIC 1982
Bruce W. Grunwald
November 16, 2015
Dear Patty,and family; my words fall short. I knew Robert as an undergraduate student at AIC (1988), and then on to Graduate school.(1990) He was my clinical professor for counseling and assessment. He was instrumental in helping me launch my career, and to this day, I can hear his guidance and kind words. Countless times over the past twenty six years in my professional practice I've remembered and put to the test, lessons he taught me, and you know, they have stood the test of time. At the time I did not understand but now I can see that Robert represented an unbroken chain of knowledge and learning and decency which seems to be getting rarer every day in this world. Finally, he helped me during a time of great personal trial, something I have never and will never forget for which I hold Robert in my heart and thoughts tonight. Sincerely, Bruce W. Grunwald
Paul Quinlan
October 27, 2015
Dear Patty, Bob and I were partners for more than 25 years and never had a single disagreement. It seems like only yesterday we were moving furniture into 380 Union St. He was an amazing clinician and an even better friend. Terry and I will miss him greatly and cherish the fond memories with which he left us.
Esther Depalo
October 26, 2015
Patty & Family,
I was very sad to hear of Bob's passing. He was one of my favorite people when we worked together at AIC.
Always a smile on his face.
Barry Steeves
October 24, 2015
Patty, John, Jamie, Emily, and all the other close family:
We just learned of Bob's passing and want you to know how sorry we are for your loss. It really is a loss for everyone in the community. The last time I talked with Bob, I was returning from a day at Berkshire East and saw him waiting on the school bus to pick up Ella. We talked of the good time we had in an earlier winter skiing together, along with many encounters at La Cazuela and around town. Each spring we think of Bob and Patty upon first bloom of the large collection of daffodils they gave us when we moved into our new house. Its easy to have many positive thoughts for a totally positive guy. Bon Voyage.
Kim Scoggins
October 24, 2015
I am shocked and saddened to learn of Bob's passing. He was my professor at AIC in the early 70's. He was the first person to tell me i was smart. He had a profound affect on me. We became good friends and stayed in touch ever since. We skied together. i visited him many times at his home in Williamsburg. He went out of his way to visit me in NH. He was first my teacher who then became my mentor, confidant and good friend.
Oh how I will miss him.
Bob Gorman
October 24, 2015
We'll all miss you & your guidance Bob.
Paul Coleman
October 23, 2015
Very sad to hear of Dr. Maclachlan's passing. But such a wonderful person and wonderful life! He was my psychology professor at AIC in the 1970's and was always inspiring. I recall a party he and Patricia gave for students at their home in Florence. What a blessing his life has been. Thoughts and prayers to him and his family. And thank you Dr. Maclachlan for all you have done for me and others.
October 22, 2015
RIP and thank you for saving our marriage
Christine Barbuto
October 22, 2015
Patty,
I was so sorry to hear of your loss. My deepest sympathy to you and your family.
Candy Smith
October 22, 2015
Though I did not know him well, I will not forget his basket day with us a few years ago. RIP
October 22, 2015
WE are so saddened about Bob's passing and extend to his family our deepest sympathy. He was the finest. ....always concerned about others, interested in everything and filled with good humor. It was a privilege to have known him and this giant of a man will be very much missed. He touched so many with his winning ways. Mary and Ron Grimm
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