Very sad to hear this news. I studied with him at Iowa, and he had a talent for conveying passion for language, culture, and history to students. His views were always nuanced. He was collegial and funny. He very kindly allowed me to sit in on his translation sessions with Japanese writers, which was wonderful. Condolences to Kathy and the rest of the family.

We are so sorry to hear the news of Bob's passing. We have fond memories of him especially being a kind man with a big welcoming smile. We remember him teaching us about your garden and cats at the house on Grant Street. He was also the first to introduce us to Japanese culture . Sending prayers and positive thoughts to your family during this difficult time. Africa, Natalia, and Camila.

Bob was an exceptional man; at his core he was both an American and a Japanese man.

For me, knowing him was a privilege. I met Bob and Kathy when I was a new student at the UI - probably as part of an orientation program. They were very observant and considerate on every detail so that they could help us on the adaptation to the University life and living with two children in a married students apartment complex. I remember walking on a trail close to the apartaments and having a discussion with both where I was criticizing big companies and Bob and Kathy were criticizing the proliferation small ones, even street vendors. They concluded that my ideas were leftist. That did not affect our relationship.

I liked Bob because he was kind and funny, faintly aloof sometimes. While visiting their home I remember having fun playing catch with their son Jay. His devotion to the family and Japanese culture was demonstrated on his knowledge and each of its actions. He was a great man.

I won't forget him

Carlos

We've known Bob since graduate days at the U. of Michigan.While courting my sister, Kathy, he visited our home often, playing with the children, creating potent conversations with the adults, and always witty. Our lives would converge on family events like Kathy and Bob's lovely wedding in New Haven, Rich and Anne's wedding in Seattle, the Cannon Beach 50th anniversary for Kathy's parents, Charles and Shirley Cross, time with Rich and Anne in the N. Cascades (llamas, cousins, blueberries---), longer journeys to Seattle and the Cross family, short trips to St. Louis with Easter eggs, Zoo trips, family dinners, and, again, much laughter and conversation.

The arrivals of Jay, John, and Elizabeth brought the whole family much joy and excitement and Bob flourished too. His interest in and love of these children was easily seen as he spoke with them. Again, laughter and wit and understanding lit the room.

As a grandfather, Bob shone. His obvious affection and pride in Aaliyah and in Jocelyn can be seen in the photos. Once again, the Christmas tree, the trinkets, the stories arrived for Jay, John, and Elizabeth to experience again---this time in the company of their own children.

Bob's interest in everything encompassed history and literature, bird migration habits, and especially Japanese language, literature, art. Over the decades, Bob made delicate creations of miniature Japanese houses, beautiful Japanese paper covered boxes, re attached scrolls, turkey dinners! He drove hundreds of miles taking kids to lessons and practices and for his and Kathy's "job" of delivering papers. A busy man, that Bob

As Kathy's sister, I deeply thank him for the rich life they shared--as travelers, as explorers of cultures, as parents of 3 impressive children, and as a man, generous with his many talents. We will sorely miss him and we are thankful for all the good he did in his life and for the years we knew him. We know his legacy of curiosity, kindness, and family love persists.

Sincerely,

Ann Cross Edmonds and Pug Edmonds

Bob (or Uncle Bob, as our family referred to him for the past 43 years) will, indeed, be missed. His quick wit, delightful sense of humor, and wonderful way with words made so many interactions with him memorable. Our home is full of “Bob memories”, including Japanese prints he gave us, boxes he made and covered with fabulous paper, and even a red scarf he knit for one of the stuffed animals he made for our kids when they were young. And, of course, our hearts are full of memories as well. We are sending love to Kathy, Jay, John, Elizabeth and his granddaughters Aaliyah and Jocelyn, who were the center of his word.

Dr. Leutner was my professor at Iowa. He was a kind, decent, human being with a unique sense of humor and amazing intellect. I kept in touch via Facebook and he was still sharp as ever. My sincerest condolences to his family, who he loved very much. Very sorry to hear this.

Our condolences to the family. We appreciated all your guidance and advice as we started our family years ago. Thinking of you.

Sincerely,

The Leonard-Macpherson Family

We are deeply saddened to learn of Bob's passing. Our thoughts are with Kathy and the entire family during this time. 一切無常，節哀順變. Jing and South Coblin

Imran and I enjoyed Bob a lot. He was the first person to greet us when we moved to the neighborhood, and was so open and friendly. He will be missed.

Deb and I are very sorry to hear about your dad’s passing. He definitely made a big difference in your lives. John and Deb Dunkhase