Obituary of Robert Stebbins

At the age of 98, Dr. Robert Cyril Stebbins passed away peacefully in his sleep from age related causes, with Anna-rose ("Posie") his beloved wife of 72 years, at his side. He is survived by his son John (daughter-in-law Jo Ann), of Eugene, 2 daughters, Melinda Broadhurst (son-in-law Norman), of Adelaide, Australia, and Mary Stebbins, of Vernon, BC, sister Rosalie Darling, 6 grandchildren, and 10 great-grandchildren.From his youth, roaming the hills of Southern California, studying and sketching the wildlife he encountered, he developed a love for the creatures that surround us. It was there the seeds were planted that later blossomed into a career as an ecologist, herpetologist, and artist. That love, that interest, became the foundation for his life's work. He studied at UCLA, where he obtained his doctorate and then, with his wife and young children, moved to Berkeley for a position at the Museum of Vertebrate Zoology at the University of California. He was there until he retired. Later in life, to be closer to family, they moved to Eugene.He is recognized throughout the world for his research and scientific journals, and his extensive work to protect the natural habitat of the animals he loved. His field guides can be found in the bookcases and backpacks of both the scientific community and the amateur herpetologist. Well into his 90's, he was still painting and writing. His book, "Connecting With Nature" was published in 2009.He was a wonderful father and husband, and an inspiration to countless young people and students.He will be greatly missed and remembered with deep love and gratitude.A Celebration of Life will be held Sunday, September 29, 2013, 2:00pm at Living Hope Church, Eugene.