Robert B. Blizard ’44

Bob died Nov. 7, 2012, in Highlands Ranch, Colo.

A graduate of the Salisbury School, he majored in physics at Princeton, where he was active in the band, WPRU, and Terrace Club. His roommates were Henry Bonner, Bob Cheney, and Harold Watson. Bob earned a Ph.D. in physics from MIT.

For 20 years before retiring, he lived in Littleton, Colo. He worked for Sperry Gyroscope, Schlumberger Survey Co., and Martin Marietta, and later became an inventor, receiving several patents. He was a volunteer for Planned Parenthood, taught math to reform students, and was a leader in the local Unitarian Church. In 1988 he wrote a play called A Matter of Life and Death.

Bob and his first wife, Jane, to whom he was married for 31 years, had three children. He married his fourth wife, Frances, in 1982, and she brought her three children to the marriage.

Two years ago, Bob was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease and moved with Frances into Wind Crest, a continuing-care facility in suburban Denver. He is survived by Frances; his children Marjorie, Ruth, and Robert; and Frances’ children, John, Ann, and Julia. By proxy, Frances cast a presidential vote for him the day before he died.