Born in Los Angeles, California, Bob excelled in school and sports. He was a starting lineman on Piedmont High’s legendary 1941 football team and in the high school’s hall of fame. His nascent college career was interrupted by World War II. After graduating from the California Maritime Academy, Bob served in the merchant marine until the war ended.
A lifelong learner and teacher, Bob earned a bachelor’s degree from UC Berkeley, a master’s degree from Reed, and an EdD from the University of Georgia. In 1953, Bob discovered his true calling—as an elementary teacher—and met Patricia Anne Tazer, his wife of nearly 65 years. He taught at elementary schools and at Augsburg College, the University of Oregon, the University of Victoria, and the University of Portland. His adviser at the University of Georgia, E. Paul Torrance, remarked that Bob elevated teaching to an art, especially when it came to encouraging his students’ creativity. A devoted mentor and friend to his students. Bob wrote more than 50 books on creativity in education and pioneered the use of Idea Books in the classroom. He won the Outstanding Book award from Pi Lambda Theta for Creative Learning and Teaching, and the Golden Eagle from the Council on International Nontheatrical Events for his film Feather in 1973.
Bob was an avid sports fan, loved music, and enjoyed exploring the Oregon and California coastlines. He is survived by his wife, Pat, and his children, Kathleen McCafferty, Edward Myers, Margaret Myers, Hal Myers, and Karen Myers.
![Photo of Prof. Marvin Levich [philosophy 1953–94]](https://www.reed.edu/reed-magazine/in-memoriam/assets/images/2022/LTL-levich1.jpg)
![Photo of President Paul E. Bragdon [1971–88]](https://www.reed.edu/reed-magazine/in-memoriam/assets/images/2020/Bragdon.jpg)
![Photo of Prof. Edward Barton Segel [history 1973–2011]](https://www.reed.edu/reed-magazine/in-memoriam/assets/images/2020/Segel.jpg)
