Paterson, Robert Andrew
Dr. Robert Andrew Paterson, of Blacksburg, died on Wednesday, May 14, 2008, at his home. He was born on January 23, 1926, in Reno, Nev., to the late Chester A. Paterson and Verna S. Paterson.
Dr. Paterson was preceded in death by his wife of 51 years, Marion B. Paterson. After high school, Dr. Paterson enlisted in the United States Navy during World War II, and served as a medic at the San Diego Naval Hospital. After being discharged in 1946, he continued his education and received his Bachelors Degree from the University of Nevada-Reno in 1949. He received his Masters Degree from Stanford in 1952, and his Ph.D. from the University of Michigan in 1956.
After his education, he became Professor of Botany at the University of Maryland, and did research at the University of Michigan Biological Station at Douglas Lake from 1961 to 1967. He then became the Head of the Department of Biology at Virginia Tech in 1967. After 12 years as biology head, Dr. Paterson served as the Dean of Arts and Sciences as well as the head of the Center for the Study of Science in Society. Dr. Paterson retired as Dean of Arts and Sciences in 1994.
During Dr. Paterson’s tenure at Virginia Tech he served as coinvestigator of the United States Antarctic Research Program for the National Science Foundation from 1972 to 1977, and did research on Chytrids in Antarctica from 1972 to 1974. Dr. Paterson was a board member for the Smithfield Plantation and an active member of the Sons of the American Revolution. He was also a member of the OWLS and the Retired Deans. Dr.
Paterson is survived by his three children, Robert A. (Drew) Jr. and wife, Shaw, of Winchester, Va., Virginia B. Hanning and husband, Rich, of Fountain Inn, S.C., and John A. and wife, Sandra, of Blacksburg; and six grandchildren.
The Paterson family would like to thank Comfort Keepers and Good Samaritan Hospice for their help and kindness during Dr. Paterson’s illness.
A memorial service will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, May 17, 2008, in the Blacksburg Presbyterian Church. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Dr. Robert and Marion Paterson graduate scholarship fund at Virginia Tech. Please make checks payable to the Department of Biological Sciences, Virginia Tech (0406), Blacksburg, Va. 24061. Arrangements by McCoy Funeral Home, Blacksburg, Va.