Robert Poor

Poor, Robert, PhD

Bob died peacefully on 2/11 at the age of 93. He grew up in Lynn, MA, worked as a jazz musician in Boston and New York, and served in the Army during the Korean Conflict. His stint in the Army took him to Kyoto, Japan where he developed a deep appreciation for Asian art. He went on to study art history and received his Master's Degree from Boston University and PhD from the University of Chicago. Bob was a professor at Dartmouth College and, more recently, the University of Minnesota where he taught Chinese and Japanese Art History. Bob was a world traveler who circumnavigated the globe twice, collected art, served as a board member of the Minnesota Bonsai Club, and was a Fellow for Life at the MIA. He was also an avid sailor, trout fisherman, and golfer. Bob was witty, entertaining, and mischievous, and had an agile mind that could identify the artist for almost any painting or jazz recording. He is survived by his wife, Gerry Schmitt; sister-in-law, Jennie Schmitt; son, Christopher Poor and his wife Rachel; son, Jonathan Poor; son, Stephen Poor and his wife Lydia; and daughter, Jessica Poor. Bob will be honored at a service to be held at a later date.