Emeritus Professor of Philosophy Robert H. Grimm

Robert Henry Grimm of Pittsboro, North Carolina, died March 27, 2016, at the age of 85.

Robert was born on June 15, 1930, in Elizabeth, New Jersey, to John J. Grimm and Elizabeth Klein Grimm. Like many of his generation, the G.I. Bill made it possible for Robert to be the first in his family to attend college and craft a career uniquely suited to his talents. After completing a PhD at Duke University, he continued his postdoctoral research and teaching at the University of Iowa.

Robert taught in the Oberlin College Department of Philosophy for 40 years, retiring in 2000. At Oberlin, he was a beloved teacher known for his patience and gentle humor. While he taught widely across the curriculum, metaphysics, theory of knowledge, and the history of philosophy were his particular interests. He was a key contributor over many years to the design and program planning for the Oberlin Colloquium in Philosophy, a nationally recognized forum for the presentation of new work in the field.

Robert was preceded in death by his parents as well as five brothers and sisters. He is survived by his wife, Linda Grimm, of Pittsboro; his daughters Vanessa L. Grimm of Brooklyn, New York, and Valerie L. Grimm of Frankfurt, Germany; and his son, David A. Grimm, of Brooklyn, New York. His brother Frederick Grimm and sister-in-law Dolores of Brick, New Jersey, also survive.