Seattle, WA - Robert (Bob) Vandenbosch, 91, of Seattle, passed away the first week of August, 2024. Bob was born to Amry and Mary Belle Vandenbosch and raised in Lexington, KY. He met his wife, Susanne, while attending Calvin College in Grand Rapids, Michigan.

After earning a PhD in Chemistry from UC Berkeley, he was awarded a Fulbright scholarship to conduct research at the Niels Bohr Institute (Copenhagen, Denmark). He worked at Argonne National Laboratory in Illinois before moving to Seattle in 1963. He was a Professor Emeritus of Chemistry and former director of the nuclear physics laboratory at the University of Washington, having taught and researched in these departments for over three decades.

In 1981 he was awarded the American Chemical Society's Glenn T. Seaborg Award for Nuclear Chemistry. He co-authored two books: Nuclear Fission, with John R. Huizenga, and Nuclear Waste Stalemate: Political and Scientific Controversies, with his wife, Susanne.

Bob was an avid reader, outdoor recreationist, and observer of nature. Upon retirement, he especially enjoyed observing insects and birds in the wetlands at Seattle's Magnuson Park and exploring California's Anza-Borrego Desert State Park. He analyzed the impact of climate patterns on seabirds and butterflies and published his research. Bob was a kind, gentle, frugal, and clever man who was committed to conserving natural resources. He commuted to work by bicycle for many years.

Bob is survived by his wife, Susanne; children Mary (Jeff Erickson) and David (Tina); sister, Margaret Meeter (Duane); and grandchildren Ben and Hailey.

The family is deeply grateful for the compassionate and respectful care provided by Dr. Sue Paik.

Memorial donations may be made to The Nature Conservancy, the Seattle Public Library Foundation, or the University of Washington.