Gary W Kiefer '70 '70
Fellow Mudder
My memory of Bob is of his overwhelming warmth, sense of humor, and infectious laugh that light up a room! He always seemed to have a “Gotcha!” waiting in his next sentence. As an early Mudder I missed his scholarship, but never his presence or whit!
David Liao '05
Senior thesis advisee
Bob was my senior thesis advisor. Talking to him about quantum chemistry was a highlight of each week. I was dealing with a ligament tear as application deadlines were approaching during a very stressful period in senior year. Bob made sure everything was taken care of. He even offered to lend me his car to help me get around campus.
Grace Credo '96
Student
I enjoy reading about the ways Bob joyfully encountered everyone around him. It was the same with me. I looked forward to his gen Chem lectures, was thankful he thought to bring a summer scholar opportunity to my attention, was impressed he was involved with a Bible study on campus, was pleasantly surprised when he recognized me at numerous ACS Conferences, and honored to visit his office and chat with him after I delivered a Chem Dept seminar. He was so good in everything he did, it was unreal. He is an inspiration to do good and be good.
Blaine Hackman '01
Student
Bob was always there to lend an understanding ear or provide some much needed perspective, even long after I graduated. His belief in me always exceeded my own. Whenever I saw Bob we picked up like no time had passed and I cannot fathom visiting Mudd without hearing his booming voice and infectious laugh. I was so fortunate to know Bob and I miss him so much.
Eric Vinson '01
Student
There are so many good memories of Professor Cave. The one that comes to mind right now is him taking Jason and me out of the lab during the summer for lunch. It was my first time eating NY style pizza and I learned from him how to fold the pizza while eating it as one would in New York. He’s one of my mentors I will never forget and appreciate the time I had with him. May he rest in peace and his electrons travel ever so freely in the universe.