I was incredibly lucky freshman year to live in a hall (first floor Hallowell) with remarkable people, none more so than Bob Shriver. Bob was thoughtful, kind, serious in his academic work but with a great sense of humor. Bob loved the outdoors and we would sometimes head out to the Appalachian Trail on the Trailways Bus (begging the driver to let us off near the trail head) and hike for a couple days when we had a chance. Whether it was rocky and rough trails in Pennsylvania or swarms of black flies in the Adirondacks, Bob was absolutely imperturbable and never lost his sense of humor. I wasn't surprised that he became an emergency room physician - any folks in western Massachusetts who got themselves in serious trouble would have been fortunate indeed to have Bob as their doctor. Nor was I surprised that he along with his wonderful wife Debbie raised two gifted and thoughtful sons. I miss him and wish he could be here with us to celebrate our 50th.
Ernie and I went to Bob's funeral. What impressed us was the teestimony ftom his emergency room colleagues and friends about his leadership in the hospital and his great gift of friendship as a grown man. I had mostly known Bob in college, from backpacking trips and from reunions. He led a life that was meaningful and served others.
Bob had this huge smile, which would light up his face and push you back a step in surprise. When you first encountered him, whether he knew you or not, he would stare at you intensely, a serious expression on his face. As you greeted him and started to talk he would continue to stare, taking it all in without making a gesture. When you gradually slowed and stalled he would suddenly smile, laugh and launch into a response, always on target, often funny, always kind. I knew him as climbing partner and friend while at Swarthmore and beyond. I will never forget his smile.
David Shilton
I was incredibly lucky freshman year to live in a hall (first floor Hallowell) with remarkable people, none more so than Bob Shriver. Bob was thoughtful, kind, serious in his academic work but with a great sense of humor. Bob loved the outdoors and we would sometimes head out to the Appalachian Trail on the Trailways Bus (begging the driver to let us off near the trail head) and hike for a couple days when we had a chance. Whether it was rocky and rough trails in Pennsylvania or swarms of black flies in the Adirondacks, Bob was absolutely imperturbable and never lost his sense of humor. I wasn't surprised that he became an emergency room physician - any folks in western Massachusetts who got themselves in serious trouble would have been fortunate indeed to have Bob as their doctor. Nor was I surprised that he along with his wonderful wife Debbie raised two gifted and thoughtful sons. I miss him and wish he could be here with us to celebrate our 50th.
Catherine Good (Abbott)
Ernie and I went to Bob's funeral. What impressed us was the teestimony ftom his emergency room colleagues and friends about his leadership in the hospital and his great gift of friendship as a grown man. I had mostly known Bob in college, from backpacking trips and from reunions. He led a life that was meaningful and served others.
Jim Coates (Coates)
Bob had this huge smile, which would light up his face and push you back a step in surprise. When you first encountered him, whether he knew you or not, he would stare at you intensely, a serious expression on his face. As you greeted him and started to talk he would continue to stare, taking it all in without making a gesture. When you gradually slowed and stalled he would suddenly smile, laugh and launch into a response, always on target, often funny, always kind. I knew him as climbing partner and friend while at Swarthmore and beyond. I will never forget his smile.