Robert Stafford Byars

Robert Stafford Byars, a dedicated husband, father, and citizen, passed away on February 7, 2025, at the age of 87 in Phoenix, Arizona.

Born on November 17, 1937, in Port Jefferson, New York, Bob obtained his Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of Arizona and subsequently pursued graduate studies at The University of Illinois, where he earned his Doctor of Philosophy in political science.

Bob’s professional career commenced in 1968 when he was appointed Associate Professor of Political Science at the University of Illinois. His tenure there was marked by his popularity among students and his unwavering stance against the Vietnam War and his advocacy for the Civil Rights Movement and other contemporary issues.

Regrettably, Bob’s political views led to his denial of tenure, based on unfounded allegations of insufficient academic publications. This decision was, in fact, a pretext for the university to terminate his employment due to his differing political perspectives.

In response to this injustice, Bob’s students organized a series of protests, culminating in a symbolic funeral procession for “Bob’s Professorship.” The procession featured an actual coffin and concluded at his classroom. A local folk artist, Kristen Lems, composed the poignant ballad “The Ballad of Bob Byars” as a tribute to his struggles and the impact of his dismissal.

In a protracted legal conflict that endured for seven years, Bob initiated a lawsuit against the university, which ultimately resulted in his defeat. However, many years later, his alma mater’s newspaper expressed remorse for his treatment and established the “The Bob Byars Scholarship for First-Generation College Students” in his honor, specifically with the intention of supporting future political scientists.

In 1975, Bob relocated his family to Tucson, Arizona, but they ultimately settled in Tempe.

Bob held various positions within the state government, including the role of speechwriter for Governor Raul Castro and administrative and advisory roles.

He provided consulting services to the Office of Economic Planning and Development (OEPAD), where he authored the waiver that governs the Arizona Health Care Cost Containment System (AHCCCS) to this day.

Bob served on the Arizona Board of Regents at Northern Arizona University and provided consulting services to various state agencies throughout his career.

As an individual with a free-spirited nature, Bob occasionally deviated from conventional work routines to pursue more fulfilling and meaningful endeavors. He engaged in activities such as baking bread and crafting wind chimes at Arcosanti, a renowned architectural community designed by Paolo Soleri. Additionally, Bob dedicated time to volunteering with the Jesuits, where he participated in vigils for death row inmates, advocated for pardons, and actively worked towards the abolition of the death penalty.

One of Bob’s most notable associations was collaborating with the internationally renowned and esteemed researcher in the field of natural anticancer compounds, Dr. George R. Pettit II, at the Cancer Research Institute at Arizona State University. This collaboration culminated in Bob dedicating countless hours to interviewing the then-retired Dr. Pettit as a source material for his book titled “Waging War on Cancer: Dr. Pettit’s Lifelong Quest to Find Cures.”

Although Bob was not a religious adherent, he possessed a deep spiritual essence and identified as a Christian. He also drew significant philosophical principles from Eastern religions, particularly Buddhism. Occasionally, he would participate in services at the Unitarian Universalist Church.

Bob is fondly remembered by his family, friends, and colleagues, as well as by those who had the privilege of knowing him.