Robert T. Jacobsen "Dr. Bob"

Bob was born in the Bronx on April 7, 1937, the beloved son of Ole and Thelma (Holby) Jacobsen.  He passed away March 17, 2018 after a courageous battle with cancer.  He is survived by wife, Elaine; children, Cheryl (Iowa City), Eric and his wife, Ayako (Tokyo); grandchildren, Jay, Hana, Sophia and Julia; former wife, Arlene; many cousins; life-long friend, Kurt Weiner; dear friends, Scottie Rae and Nancy Tierson.

When Bob received a chemistry set for his seventh birthday, his life course was chosen.  Following high school, he attended the U of R on a Navy ROTC scholarship which he supplemented working as a photographer.  As part of his ROTC training he sailed on the USS Iowa, an experience he cherished for the rest of his life.

He received a Master's Degree from Columbia, taught high school for three years and then continued his education at Clarkson where he studied with Dr. Milt Kircher and Dr. Egon Matijevic.  After receiving a PhD from Clarkson College he went on to study with Nobelist Dr. Peter Debye at Cornell.  By 1962 Dr. Bob was already working with computers. For his research he traveled to White Sands, NM to use their huge machine and  later created the first computer system for Sabin Metal Corporation.

 Bob worked at research and development for Sprague Electric in North Adams, MA, taught at Williams College, and was active in the Massachusetts Association of School Committees, eventually becoming President of that organization. During his long career he had numerous magazine articles published,  wrote papers and gave talks in many different places throughout the world and across the U. S.

In 1980 he joined the Sabin Metal Corporation as technical director and assistant to the general manager.  In 1987 he was named Vice President.  He became widely known throughout the precious metals recovery industry and helped Sabin open plants in northern Ontario, Canada, and Williston, ND.  His work required wide-ranging travel from South America to Asia, the Middle East, and northern Europe.

For over twenty years he was a driving force in the International Precious Metal Institute, receiving their first award for distinguished service and in June of this year a Posthumous Award at the Annual Conference.  Bob worked with the EPA to establish what was and was not hazardous waste.  He belonged to and was active in several professional organizations:  American Institute of Chemical Engineers, American Chemical Society, New York Academy of Sciences, and Sigma Xi.

Travel for pleasure was one of his favorite activities, ranging from Antarctica to the Arctic, a highlight being a trip to the Galapagos Islands and Machu Pichu.  He enjoyed fishing in the Amazon with Andy Sabin, catching and releasing Peacock Bass.

Bob was a skilled woodworker and builder, something he learned from his father and uncles who had lived in Norway.  He built the family a home in Williamstown, MA and did extensive work on their home in Pittsford.  Oak was his favorite wood and he created several pieces of Stickley style furniture.  Bob was also adept at cooking which is a "chemical process." 

 Bob had friends wherever he went.  He was interested in people, and life.  He had a wonderful sense of humor, and is deeply missed by all who knew him.  In lieu of flowers please make a donation to Development Operations,  Clarkson University, Box 5510, 8 Clark Avenue, Potsdam, NY 13699 or www.Clarkson.edu/giveback.  or to ENTHEOS HEARING CONNECTION,  a group which supplies hearing aids to children in third world countries.  All money goes for the purchase of aids and the techs pay their own expenses to deliver them.  Their address is PO Box 225, Leo, IN 46765-0225.  For further information contact info@entheoshearingconnection.org.

A Memorial Service will be held Saturday, August 18, 1:30 PM at the First Unitarian Church, 220 Winton Road South in Rochester. Additional parking is available across the street at Temple Beth EL.

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