Deceased September 28, 2017
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In Memory
In the class of 1953’s 50th reunion book, Bob Chipman wrote: “I have had a lot of fun, and I would categorize myself as having lived a good life.”
In the years following 2003, Bob continued to enjoy life accompanied by Edie Leckey, his partner and “soulmate,” until early September when tests showed he had developed terminal brain cancer and lung cancer. Bob was immediately moved to a hospice facility in his hometown of recent times, Fernandina Beach, Fla., where he died on Sept. 28.
Bob was born in New York City and grew up in Connecticut and New Orleans. He came to Amherst from Newman High School in New Orleans. At Amherst, he was treasurer of Phi Delta Theta and majored in biology.
His education continued at Tulane, where he earned M.S. and Ph.D. degrees in zoology, preparing him for a teaching career that included stints at the State University of New York at Plattsburgh, the University of Vermont and the University of Rhode Island. At URI, he was zoology department chair.
Upon retirement from teaching, Bob operated the Green Frog Garden Center in Bradford, Vt., a business he later restricted to growing perennials for the wholesale trade.
Bob loved to take long trips around the country in a large trailer, heading south to avoid Vermont winters. In Edie, he found the perfect companion for his many travels. After some searching, they settled happily in Fernandina Beach at the Georgia border.
Late in life, Bob developed a new hobby—creating stained glass windows.
Bob was twice a widower. He is survived two sons, Robert Jr. and Clay; a brother, David; four grandchildren; and a great-grandchild.
He was a free spirit determined to enjoy his life. He succeeded.
George Gates ’53