Robert Groff Humiston

Humiston, Robert Groff

Robert "Bob" Groff Humiston passed away on Sunday, February 14th peacefully of natural causes in his hometown of Kalamazoo, where he basked in the love of his family who gathered from near and far. Bob was born on December 24, 1932 in Grand Rapids, Michigan, then spent his childhood in Marshall, Michigan. He received a B.A. in oboe performance from Oberlin College, then proceeded to get his masters and a Ph.D in Music Theory from the University of Iowa. He was a consummate musician, and spent his life pursuing his passion as a beloved and respected professor of oboe and music theory at Western Michigan University, where he served for more than 40 years. Prior to his tenure at WMU, he was a faculty member at the University of Iowa, Sacramento State College, and Texas Tech College. In addition to his work at the university, he held the position of principal oboe in the Kalamazoo Symphony for 33 years and was one of the founding members of Fontana Chamber Music. Prior to that, he held first chair in the Tri-City Symphony, the Cedar Rapids Symphony, and the Lubbock Symphony after launching his performing career by joining the Battle Creek Symphony while in high school. He enjoyed gardening, reading and vacationing with his family at Disney World, but his greatest pleasure in life was his music.

Bob is survived by Kathleen Humiston, his loving wife of 39 years, and their daughters Anna Adams, Gillian (Kjerstine), Laurel (Graham), and granddaughters Mira and Fiona. He is also survived by his first spouse, Dorothy Ruth "DR" and their children Paul, Sarah, Andrew (Denise), and Daniel and their granddaughter Valerie and grandson Alec, as well as his brother, Sonny (Gretchen). He was preceded in death by his parents, Paul A. Humiston and Nettie M. Humiston.

Immediate family will hold a private gathering to celebrate his life. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations to the Kalamazoo Symphony Orchestra and Western Michigan's School of Music. He always felt immensely fortunate to be able to teach, play and share music throughout his life, including with his daughters. He found deep joy in time spent with family at home, but was also blessed to look forward to work every day. Through his presence, attention and instruction, Bob touched the lives of countless young musicians.

Please visit Bob's tribute wall to leave a condolence, personal message, photo or memory of him.