Robert Whitlatch

Hi, All. Just learned and I am sad to hear of the passing of Dr. Whitlatch. He was my undergraduate professor of marine biology at UCONN in the early 80's, and I relished time spent with him in the field. I just returned from taking my teen daughters out to UCONN Storrs as well as to Mystic and my rocky intertidal haunts on the Watch Hill shoreline. I told my kids about Bob and his class, and how I learned to love ever more the invert species and community assemblages of the CT (and RI) shoreline through his teaching. I wish all of you well - his family, friends, colleagues, and students... Here's to Bob! Best, AlexK, BA (ethology) / BS (marine zoology), UCONN, 1984

Twenty years ago, Bob was my post-doc co-supervisor. First time I went to Groton to test a recruitment device, my flight was delayed about 2 hours and baggage was lost when I arrived to Washington. By the time I reached Providence I had no baggage, was running late and had no way to contact Bob. Soon I was informed my baggage was waiting for me in a deposit. When I took the electric stairs down, Bob was there to greet me, alone in the hall. He said 'I usually bring my papers to read, this time I didn't'. I wouldn't have guessed because he was very calm, polite and cheerful. I got to ride in his Z3. And I still have my Team Benthos shirt! It was nice to work with you, Bob! My condolences to the family. I'm sure you are watching for them.

Although I was much saddened by the news, most of my thoughts continue to center on all the great memories that were created through my interactions with Bob and all the other grad students in his lab and his colleagues. He was the person that gave me the shot to have an opportunity to pursue what I wanted to pursue in terms of career, first as a grad student for my Masters and then taking me on for Ph.D. and indeed working together through postdoc, all the time being very understanding of the geographical limits that I had placed on myself in terms of family etc.. For that I will always be grateful. Bob had a significant impact on benthic ecology as can be attested by his many papers and citations, and his collaborations all over the world, and the many students under his mentoring that are now out in the world doing science. Apart from science i also have fond memories of introducing him to golf and the many many rounds we played (many with Joe Vozarik) and how he eagerly took up the game and got quite good at it.

Roman Zajac

Bob was an amazing mentor for me and helped give an incredible boost to my career. I will always remember his generosity and his willingness to share his knowledge and experience with me. My memories of working in the Benthic lab are some of my most cherished.

Bob was my advisor from 2005-2010 at UCONN. Bob always knew the value of hard work and perseverance, but that seemed easy when his passion for marine biology was so deep. He also appreciated making time to hone his golf game or spending time talking about baseball. He was a lifelong Yankees fan despite being from Idaho.

I most enjoyed talking with Bob about new ideas for studies and getting into conversations about recent research. As long as you got your work done, Bob gave a long leash to his students. I was very appreciative of my ability to explore a broad range of topics while working with Bob.

My condolences,
Jamie

Bob and I (along with Roman Zajac) worked together during several joint cruises aboard the RV UCONN. He was always supportive of our efforts to map the sub surface, and surficial, geology of LIS. And he gladly shared his knowledge with us. It was always a pleasure and a rewarding experience to work with and learn from him..

Ralph Lewis
State Geologist of Connecticut, Emeritus

I was hired under Bob Whitlatch as an Assistant Professor in the Department of Marine Sciences at UConn. Bob was highly supportive of me during his tenure as Department Head. He was instrumental in growing the Department, recruiting great faculty talent, and looking after the students' interests. Bob was also a serious researcher and scholar and a dedicated mentor to his students.

God bless

Sincere condolences to your family .
The Yorio family

Rest in Peace Professor

I began working for Bob in 1987. As I was a single mother, he was a perfect boss. I never missed a game for either of my sons as he allowed me to leave early to see those games. I worked for him 16 years and he was a great boss and friend. I appreciate you Morgan and Hilary for making me a part of this group. Joyce Glenney

I am very sorry to hear about Bob. I first met Bob when I interviewed for a position in the Department of Marine Sciences, UConn. He was the Head of the department. After the interview process I was hired as an Assistant Professor (1997). I work on benthic suspension feeders so our interests were similar. Bob and I were on a couple of equipment grants together but I never had a research project with him. Nonetheless, he was always supportive of my work and provided good advice to me as a junior faculty member. I ended up being awarded tenure and promotion, eventually to full Professor, and was appointed the Head of the department several years ago.

I would like to pass on my condolences to his family and friends.

Sincerely,
J. Evan Ward