Robert Grant Albertson

Obituary Robert Grant Albertson 1922-2007 Dr. Robert G. Albertson died peacefully on February 6, 2007, in Tacoma. Born August 15, 1922, in Greeley, Colo., to Cyrus and Clara Albertson, he was the fourth of seven children. As a radio gunner on a B-25 bomber in World War II, his squadron flew routes between India and China, knocking out bridges and roads to impede the Japanese march across the continent to India and Burma. Following the war, Robert graduated with a degree in history from Northern Colorado State University. On June 14, 1947, Robert married Aileen Louise Dorr of Pasadena, Calif. Robert and Aileen moved to Chicago, where he attended the University of Chicago and the Garrett Graduate School of Theology. Later, as a Danforth Foundation Scholar, Robert completed a Ph.D. degree in philosophy of education at Claremont (Calif.) Graduate School. An ordained Methodist minister, Robert served as pastor of Asbury United Methodist Church in Tacoma until 1956, when he joined the faculty at the University of Puget Sound. He was a professor of religion there until his retirement in 1987. Robert helped found the honors program at UPS and twice served as its director. He also served as director of the Humanities division. Robert was a gifted teacher who had an uncanny knack for inspiring students to achieve more than they believed was possible. He instilled in them an appreciation for all faiths and cultures and encouraged them to view themselves as part of a larger world. Robert's experiences in Asia during World War II convinced him that young Americans should experience the world as students rather than as military personnel or tourists. While at UPS, Robert initiated the Pacific Rim-Asia Study Travel Program to combine the rigor of academics with real-world experience. Robert and Aileen led student groups to the region in 1973-74, 1977-78 and 1981-82. The program continues to this day. In 1985, Robert was honored as the Washington State Professor of the Year and as one of the nation's top ten professors. Following his retirement, Robert and Aileen traveled extensively to Japan, Switzerland and Virginia to visit family members. Robert was preceded in death by brothers James Albertson and Gene Albertson and sister Barbara Johnson. He is survived by his wife of 59 years, Aileen; daughter Marianne (Daniel) Spiegel; son Richard (Montatip) Albertson; sisters Audrey McKnight and Ruth Hicks; brother Richard Albertson; and granddaughter Anna Spiegel. A memorial service will be held at 2 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 11, in Kilworth Chapel on N. 18th and Puget Sound. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that memorial gifts be made to the Robert G. Albertson Scholarship Fund at the University of Puget Sound.