Obituaries

Recent Obituaries
In Memoriam Archive

Robert Kent Putnam AMP ’44

Robert Kent Putnam AMP ’44, December 11, 2008, in Seattle, Washington. Bob enlisted in the Army Air Corps in 1941, trained in meteorology at Reed and Yale, and served in the South Pacific as a first lieutenant cryptologist until the war's end. “Reed professors went far beyond the 'call of duty' to try to get as many of us through the program as possible,” he wrote for his 50th-class reunion. “My 12 months at Reed had a very positive influence on my life. F.L. Griffin [mathematics 1911–56] was the best instructor I ever had.” Many connections made at Reed were lifelong, including that with Donald L. Shaw AMP ’44—his greatest friend. Bob received a BS in zoology and a BEd from Washington State University, and married Billie Mellis in 1953. He taught physics and biology at Highline High School in Seattle, retiring “gladly” in 1982, and turning his attention to family, gardening, computer, and the parish of St. Elizabeth Episcopal Church. Survivors include his wife, two sons and a daughter, seven grandchildren, two sisters, and a brother. One son predeceased him.

Appeared in Reed magazine: May 2009

comments powered by Disqus