Ladies and gentlemen, family, and friends,

My name is Zane. I am one of Bob’s students and his last teaching assistant during his time at UC Riverside. Before I begin, I want to extend my deepest condolences to all those grieving the loss of our dear Bob. Today, I feel truly grateful to be here, remembering and honoring Bob – my dearest friend and mentor over the past decade.

Bob and I shared a connection rooted in a simple word – "Boring," the last name of Professor Edwin Boring from Harvard, the author of the textbook, "A History of Experimental Psychology." This book sparked my interest in Psychology during my undergraduate days. What I didn't know then was that when Bob first started at Harvard, Professor Boring took the time to sit him down, offering advice on improving his writing, even though Bob was already a published author. This mentorship tradition continued through Bob, who dedicated tremendous time and effort to nurture the next generation of scholars. In his office, Bob kept a small portrait of Professor Boring as a constant reminder of the debt he felt he owed to engage with students – a legacy he carried with pride.

 In academia, Bob was a giant of knowledge and a source of inspiration. His contributions were vast and impactful, but it is perhaps in the nurturing of young minds that his legacy truly shines. Bob was the embodiment of a true Pygmalion in the classroom – a remarkable teacher exuding warmth and encouragement, all framed within the backdrop of genuine integrity and humility.

Bob’s legacy lives on in the countless researchers he mentored and inspired. Many of us can attest to the transformative impact he had on our academic journeys. To me, being his teaching assistant was more than luck; it was a gift. Bob was always generous with his time, providing guidance on my research and teaching. We often chatted on Sunday afternoons at 4 pm, which were filled with Q & A sessions, collaborative projects, and enlightening stories. In 2021, when my academic career felt like a storm, Bob’s words were the anchor I most needed. He did the same for many of his trainees and junior colleagues over his long and successful career. At one point, he said, “What I am proudest of is having helped train more than 60 Ph.D. students over the years.” In fact, he has totally underestimated this number, as countless individuals have been shaped by his enlightening lectures, insightful books, and impactful articles. As we mourn his passing, let's also celebrate the enduring impact he had on the lives and careers of those fortunate enough to call him mentor and friend.

To me, Bob wasn't just a distinguished scholar; he embodied a vibrant spirit that embraced all aspects of life. In our conversations, he shared not only academic triumphs but also cherished moments with family. I could feel his profound love and gratitude for family, as he often affectionately mentioned his time with Mrs. Rosenthal and how much he missed her. He also spoke warmly about delightful dinners with family and friends. Bob often maintained a busy schedule yet always finding time for students and colleagues seeking his wisdom.

 The news of Bob's passing brings great sorrow. Bob, I find myself dearly missing our Sunday afternoon chats, and students long for your lectures and enlightening stories – which are far from boring! One of your former students told me, 'I can totally hear his voice in my head when reading Bob’s articles!' Your wisdom, guidance, and warmth will be dearly missed, but the light you ignited in each of us will persist, illuminating the path for generations to come. Thank you, Bob, for being our guiding star.

As we bid farewell, let’s honor Bob’s legacy with gratitude for the vibrant spirit he brought into our lives. Shine on, Bob!