Robert H. March

Robert Herbert “Bob” March, 81 of Madison, WI passed away on August 4, 2015 at Agrace Hospice in Fitchburg, WI. He was born on February 28, 1934 in Chicago, IL, the son of Herbert and Jane (Grbac) March.

Bob had a long and fruitful career of more than 40 years as a professor of physics at UW-Madison, where he was a researcher on international high energy and astrophysics projects, taught a popular course called “Physics for Poets.” He authored a textbook with that title that has been published in six languages and has been read worldwide. He had a knack for explaining difficult concepts to a general audience, which made him a popular teacher and frequent commentator on science issues on Wisconsin Public Radio.

In 1980 he joined a team of faculty to revitalize the Integrated Liberal Studies Program and played an important role in designing the science component of its curriculum. He was curious about all disciplines and eager to collaborate with faculty from other fields. After retirement, Bob continued to work with students as a volunteer faculty member in the Bradley Learning Community, a residential program for freshmen. He made undergraduate teaching the focus of his efforts.

Bob was dedicated to and outspoken about human rights issues, peace and progressive causes which he pursued through membership in the Union of Concerned Scientists. He was an avid, banjo-playing folk musician, performed with Pete Seeger, was recorded on Vanguard Records, and was co-composer of a 1960s folk revival hit “The Ballad of Dr. Sigmund Freud.”

Bob read voluminously, traveled the world, engaged with people from all walks of life, and was a gifted raconteur. He was a docent for the Madison Museum of Contemporary Art, and served on the Madison Urban Design Commission. He could converse on an amazing range of subjects. He loved good food and was a talented cook. He had an outsized personality and an unflagging interest in the world around him. He was irreverent, kind-hearted, unconventional, and fun to be with. He lived a robust life and will be missed.

Bob was preceded in death by his parents and survived by two brothers William and Richard, his son Thomas and grandson Andrew. He was interred on August 7, 2015 at Nature’s Path Conservancy in Verona, WI.

All are welcome to join in a memorial and celebration of Bob’s life in the Varsity Room of Union South (on the UW Campus) on Sunday, September 13, 2015 at 1:30 PM.