Wednesday, July 11, 2018
I was saddened to learn of the passing of Bob Heisler for I had known him very well quite some time ago.
I came to Buffalo to begin my teaching career in the newly forming Department of Chemical Engineering in January, 1963. At that time, there were just about four or five faculty under the chairmanship of Professor Joseph Bergantz. Joe immediately introduced me to Bob who had, I recall, just recently been hired.
Bob helped me and dozens of graduate students and professors over a period of about 25 to 30 years. Needless to say, there are very few former faculty members now who would know him.
In the early years, the Department was located on the Main Street Campus, but around 1980, we all moved to Furnas Hall on the North Campus. Unfortunately, Bob's shop was now very isolated and away from the faculty and students. It was the only inhabited area on the entire 7th floor and it had no windows. And from then on, he worked alone. Bob quietly retired in the mid-90's I recall.
I believe my son and I went out to his home a year or two later for some “consultation" about a speaker system that my son was interested in. Bob shared my interest in classical music, though I think his interest mostly centered on opera.
I liked Bob a great deal. We talked often. He was very inventive and helpful. I regret that I never saw him again. I regret that I won't be able to attend the funeral service because I will be out of town.
