Robert G. Werner (Bob) passed peacefully Sept. 13, 2020, surrounded by family after a brief battle with cancer. Born March 6, 1936, in South Bend, Indiana, he graduated from Purdue University, married his beloved wife Jo (Hite) and spent two years serving in the Marine Corps. He went on to get a master’s degree from UCLA and a PhD from Indiana University. In 1966 the family moved to Syracuse, where he began teaching at the SUNY College of Environmental Science and Forestry. His specialty was ichthyology and limnology. He also spent two years at Cornell University before returning to ESF and moving to Skaneateles, where he has become a champion of Skaneateles Lake. He was actively involved in the Skaneateles Lake Association and the Finger Lakes Land Trust. He contributed to the science behind managing invasive species and caring for the general health of the Finger Lakes, the Great Lakes and the surrounding area. He was the go-to person for the local news media when it came to the recent harmful algal blooms.
Additionally, in 1978 Bob spent six months in Oban, Scotland, working with the Scottish Marine Biological Association and in 1988 Bob and Jo went to Argentina under a Fulbright Scholarship.
Bob’s love for the Finger Lakes and the community of which he was a part was superseded only by his love for his family. He was an inspiration to many not only in his intelligence and scientific knowledge, but also in his charitable, patient and modest way. A lifelong learner and teacher, many benefited from his wisdom and advice. Bob leaves behind his loving wife of 62 years, a daughter Kitty Robinson (Andy), a son Kurt, a sister Anita (Richard) O’Toole, and a brother Michael (Virginia) Werner and five grandchildren; Jeff (Jamie), Corey and Haley Werner, Rachel and Anita Robinson.
There is a CaringBridge website for Robert Werner where we will post information on a memorial sometime in the future. You can subscribe to the site to receive e-mail updates.
Donations can be made to Skaneateles Lake Association or Finger Lakes Land Trust.
To send condolences, visit robertdgrayfuneralhome.com.
