2023 surrounded by his closest family. Robert was born in Peoria, Illinois (1952), but he soon moved to Scottsdale, Arizona with his parents and older brother. In youth, Robert was active in theater, choir, and became a deacon at his church. He graduated from Coronado High School (1970) and from Arizona State with a Bachelors of Arts in Secondary Education (1974). He would later return for his Masters Degree in Educational Technology.
Robert used his intellectual gifts to foster understanding (and even
joy) in high school and college levels of mathematics. Throughout his career, he was recognized for contributions to the field, for working with students with disabilities, and increasing access for students from underserved populations. For decades, he was called "Mr. Meier" by thousands of students at the Phoenix Indian School, Horizon High School, and Paradise Valley Community College.
Robert met his wife at Scottsdale Presbyterian Church and wed in June 1977. Together, they dedicated more than 45 years to their daughters, each other, and to creating a meaningful life. They exemplified, a hard work ethic, persistence, selflessness, and resilience. After retiring from public education, he continued supporting his wife as co-owner and licensed agent in their insurance business endeavors.
To those closest, he was just Bob; an intelligent and out-of-the-box thinker. He had a passion for all things, science, innovation, discovery, ingenuity, and wholesome childish fun. With the support of family, he was active in community projects like creating holiday displays at Red Rock Fantasy for Boys & Girls Clubs of Northern Arizona or administering scholarships for trade organizations. Most notable, he spent two decades with Orpheus Male Chorus of Phoenix. In that time, he sang alongside fellow members and sat on the board as Treasurer. Likely most important to him, he helped to sustain a rich tradition of musical arts in the valley, his home.
Robert is survived by his wife, daughters, grandchildren, brother, and closest friend of more than 50 years, and his faithful dog. Although he endured chronic illness in his last years of life, Robert continued to enjoy his time with family, still went on vacations, laughed often, and lived with enduring optimism.
Memorial service will be held at Mountain View Presbyterian Church in Scottsdale, Arizona on Saturday, April 22, 2023, at 2:00 PM. It is open to those who wish to gather and honor his memory. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Orpheus Male Chorus of Phoenix at https://urldefense.com/v3/__https://orpheus.org/get-involved/__;!!M2D_dUfSiN4E!NfWIsFeeFYfJCmshzXZ5W0VOo-ag6efiniTE30kw36RWXVND5jdvUnhyg-jGmGEOHhxuWxiSXnm2CYY6ddwiOJO_g_riHuJA$ [orpheus[.]org]
COMPARTA UN OBITUARIO
v.1.9.5