Professor Robert S.H. Liu (1938-2024)

It is with great sadness that we report that Robert S. H. Liu, son, brother, researcher, husband, father, professor, grandfather, teacher, and friend, passed away on January 20, 2024, at the age of 85.

Born in Shanghai his family fled during the Chinese Civil War to Hong Kong where he completed his early education, then emigrated to the United States to attend Howard Payne College, Texas, for his bachelor's degree, and the California Institute of Technology for his Ph.D. After working 4 years as a research chemist at DuPont in Wilmington, DE, he joined the chemistry department at the University of Hawaii in 1968 where he taught until the summer 2005 and ran his research program until spring 2009.

As a researcher he was a well-respected photochemist making many contributions to the field including the "hula twist" mechanism of photoisomerization of the rhodopsin chromophore.  As a professor he taught organic chemistry using pop culture, a showman's flair, and a wry sense of humor, endearing him greatly to his students then, and to this day.  In both roles, he was an extremely well-regarded mentor to countless students and colleagues.  Among his many awards and honors, he received both the University of Hawaii Board of Regents Medals for Excellence in Research (1986) and Teaching (1988); the number of people attaining both awards in their careers is in the single digits.

Outside interests included cheering on University of Hawaii athletics (especially women's and men's volleyball), photography, tennis, fishing, gardening, magic, cooking, and more.  In retirement he reignited his passion for playing competitive bridge, enjoying playing with innumerable partners at local and regional tournaments and online, accumulating enough master points to achieve the rank of Gold Life Master, and continued to teach the next generation of bridge players.

He is survived by his sister, Annette, life partner and loving wife of 56 years, Regina, his older son, Corey (Lucy), three grandchildren, and his younger son, Conan (Dora), as well as countless professional sons, daughters, and grandchildren.  The peoples' lives that he touched will all miss him but will all carry on his legacy.

Please contact the family (robertliufamily@gmail.com) to receive information on memorial services and plans to honor him.