Robert Straw

Robert Niccolls Straw, age 76, of Kalamazoo, MI passed away Sunday February 8, 2015 at Rose Arbor Hospice in Kalamazoo MI following a long battle with Parkinson's disease. Robert was born August 24, 1938 in Burlington Iowa, the first child of Robert Arthur and Marion Niccolls Straw. They both predeceased him as did his only sibling, Caroline Straw. Growing up on the banks of the Mississippi River, he graduated from Burlington High School then attended the University of Iowa from which he received a Bachelor of Science degree in Pharmacy, a Master of Sciences Degree in Pharmacology and a PhD in Pharmacology. Upon receiving his PhD, Bob moved with his young family to Kalamazoo to begin a long and prestigious career at the Upjohn Company. He thoroughly enjoyed that career where he played key roles in the development of several highly successful medicines, including preclinical, clinical and post-marketing responsibilities. He authored and coauthored numerous articles for a multitude of professional journals and was active in several professional organizations. He was awarded the prestigious W.E. Upjohn Award in 1980.Bob involved himself in the community as an active member of St. Lukes Episcopal Church and served as an usher and a term of Clerk of the Vestry. Bob served for many years as a board member of Kalamazoo Nature Center, serving a term as President of the Board. He shared his love of the sciences teaching part time at both Kalamazoo Valley Community College and Western Michigan University. Bob loved nature, sailing his Flying Scot, reading, traveling with Phyllis and the companionship of several feline adoptees. He was an accomplished cook and for many years compiled a collection of recipes for his family. In 1995 he was united in marriage to Phyllis Pylman Monique Straw who survives him. He is survived by his three children, their spouses and six grandchildren. Kathleen and Randy Clay of Gobles, MI their daughters Kristine Clay and Kalie Clay. Robert S. and Michelle Straw of Waterford, MI their daughters Lindsay Straw and Sydney Straw. Anne Elizabeth and Mark Wojcik of Gaylord MI their children James Wojcik and Grace Wojcik. The mother of Bob's children, Carol Straw, also survives. Also surviving are Phyllis Straw's children and grandchildren. Andrew and Eileen Monique their sons Jay Monique and Sam Monique of Farmington, MI and Claudine Monique of Boston MA. The family will receive friends on Friday, February 13, 2015 from 5:00 - 7:00 PM at St. Luke's Episcopal Church. A Memorial service will be held Saturday, February 14, 2015 at 1:00 PM at St. Luke's Episcopal Church, 247 West Lovell St, Kalamazoo MI 49007. Memorial Contributions may be directed to St. Lukes Episcopal Church or Rose Arbor Hospice. Redmond Funeral Home.