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BORN
1948
DIED
2022
Ronald Probst Obituary
Ron was born to Ernest and Mary (Gegner) Probst on Nov. 23, 1948 in Crawfordsville, IN and grew up in Plymouth, IN where he graduated from Plymouth High School. He earned his bachelor's of science in Astrophysics from Indiana University, and his master's and Ph.D. in Astrophysics from the University of Virginia. While attending IU, he met Judith Miller in the Astrophysics program, whom he married on July 8, 1972.
In 1983, Ron moved to Tucson, AZ to take up an infrared astronomer position with the Kitt Peak National Observatory. His astronomy work took him on trips to observatories in Chile, ultimately bringing his wife and children on an extended sabbatical from 1995 – 1999. He used this time to travel the length and breadth – mostly length – of the country. He also picked up Spanish, but always joked that he spoke like a Chileno fishmonger.
Ron was committed to science education. He helped design an astronomy course for school children in Chile and participated in educational outreach efforts through his office and through the Tucson Amateur Astronomy Association, of which he was an active member.
He was an avid conservationist, hiker, backpacker, and kayaker, a hobby he developed in Chile and continued in the rivers and lakes of the U.S. Mountain West with the Southern Arizona Paddlers Club. Ron's hobbies also included philately and woodworking, including constructing a personal observatory in the backyard of his Tucson home.
Ron was an active reader of history, popular science, mystery, fantasy and science fiction, and stayed informed on current affairs. He was a lifelong learner and encouraged the spirit of discovery in his family and friends. His mischievous but good-natured sense of humor delighted (and exasperated) all who knew him. He was a kind friend, a loving husband, and a devoted father.
Ron is survived by his wife of 50 years, Judy Probst, and their children Matthew Probst and Elizabeth Probst of Tucson, AZ; his sister Janet Probst (Karen Wells) of Berkeley, CA; and his brother James Probst (Nancy Beadle) of Bozeman, MT.
Ron is preceded in death by his father, Ernie. His mother, Mary, passed away on Dec. 11, 2022.
Memorial donations may be made to the American Cancer Society (www.cancer.org). A celebration of life will be held at the Tucson Botanical Gardens on Sunday, Jan. 29, 2023 from 2 p.m. – 4 p.m., at 2150 N Alvernon Way, Tucson, AZ.
The family would like to thank all our friends and community for your support during this difficult time.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Ronald Probst
Steve Ridgway
January 29, 2023
Every time that I crossed paths with Ron, the day was a little better for it and often memorable. I still recall the first time, in the KPNO library, and the last time at a science coffee zoom. From first to last, he brought new information or shared a different perspective.
Knut Olsen
January 24, 2023
Ron was a natural Viking. Miss your unique spirit, Ron!
Cesar Briceño
January 23, 2023
Ron was a key player in the development of Kitt Peak and NOAO for many years. His legacy will endure in the instruments and capabilities he helped enable for the astronomical community.
Dale & Donna Schrage
January 23, 2023
Ron was a co-worker at Kitt Peak. He was a good guy and will be missed. We offer our condolences to the family.
Steve Pompea
January 21, 2023
When I worked in Tucson, Ron´s office was down the hall from mine. When I first met Ron, I loved how his office walls were decorated with very large and beautiful maps of Chile. The maps were impressive and inviting, and they symbolized to me his love for Chile and Chileans, and for Chile´s geographic and cultural gifts to those of us who came from the north. He was active in starting the initial astronomy education efforts in Chile and always provided encouragement and support for new and expanded ones. He approached every project or project idea with a "let´s get started and see what happens" attitude.
We shared a love for amateur astronomy and telescope observing, building things, and Kurt Vonnegut. Ron was a creative scientist and instrumentalist who shared his fascination with astronomy with many others. He inspired them and us with his enthusiasm, honesty, and humanity as he showed off the wonders to be found in the beautiful canvas of the night sky. Thinking of Ron, the words of Vonnegut come to mind:
"What is it artists do?" And I mumbled something. "They do two things," he said. "First, they admit they can´t straighten out the whole universe. And then second, they make at least one little part of it exactly as it should be. A blob of clay, a square of canvas, a piece of paper, or whatever."
Ron was good at helping us and many others make our lives as they should be. I will miss his gentle approach, penetrating humor, ironic perspective, and most of all, his largesse.
Bob Blum
January 20, 2023
Miss you Ron! So many good times in Chile and on the trail in the south west.
Katy Garmany
January 17, 2023
Ron was a brilliant scientist with a wicked sense of humor, and an incredible ability to explain science concepts to the public. I knew him since he was a graduate student at UVa - he gave me the best recipe for granola I ever found.
Ren and Beverly (White) Van Gilder
January 14, 2023
Ron was "one heck of a great guy". He was so very smart. Sometimes, when we were talking, I thought wow, what did this guy just say!!! He was a lot of fun to be around and came from a wonderful family.
We send you our deepest sympathy. Beverly Van Gilder, Class of 1967, and husband Ren, Class of 1966
Linda J. Myers
January 14, 2023
Ron will be greatly missed by all. His PHS class of 67 will remember our times together at our reunions, such good memories. Especially, as Ron enduringly referred to us as "The Ladies of The Lake"-(Pretty Lake)
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