U Inorganic-Chemist Robert W. Perry died Dec. 1 after suffering from a stroke on Thanksgiving.
Known for his work with boron and phosphorus, Perry joined the U staff in 1969 as a distinguished professor. He continued to teach at the U until 1997 and then worked as a professor emeritus until his death.
Perry was an active participant and leader in the American Chemical Society, coauthor of a high school chemistry textbook and teacher to thousands of students.
His dedication to his research resulted in his receiving many awards, including the prestigious Priestley Medal, the highest honor granted by the American Chemical Society for lifetime achievement.
“Robert Perry was one of the people that brought this department to pre-eminence,” said Peter Armentrout, a distinguished professor of chemistry. “It was his work that helped put Utah on the map in the field of chemistry.”