R obert "Bob" Ben- ton Stiles Jr., age 82, passed away on March 31, 2025, in San An- tonio, Texas, surrounded by family. Born in Victoria, Texas, on Dec. 18, 1942, Bob lived a life as big, bold and spir- ited as the landscapes he
J erry McBeath, an emeritus professor of political science at the University of Alas- ka Fairbanks who was a distinguished educator and scholar, dedicated public servant and be- loved member of his fam- ily, passed away Nov. 18,
Robert 'Bob' Stiles Jr. Dec. 18, 1942 - March 31, 2025 IN MEMORIAM
Gerald 'Jerry' McBeath Sept. 13, 1942 - Nov. 18, 2024 IN MEMORIAM
ing as President of Drven Corporation, Past President of Diamond Shamrock's Coal Division, Past President of the Alaska Coal Association and Past President of the Re- source Development Council. His work took him from the mountains of Montana to the rugged frontiers of Alas- ka, and across the globe to Japan, Chi- na, Korea, Taiwan, and Mexico, where he marketed projects with vision and enthu- siasm. Whether building bridges between cultures or forging deals in the boardroom, Bob brought unmatched energy, curiosity, and fearlessness to the task. Bob was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Deb Stiles; his parents, Robert Ben- ton Stiles Sr. and Rose Lavelle; his brother Doss Stiles, and his great-grandson, Henry "Hank" Haynes. He is survived by his sisters, Lisa Williams and Christine Frank (Chris); his children, Cindy Silverstein (Brad), Wendy Stiles (sig- nificant other Jeff Sill), Robert Stiles III (Lori), Scott Stiles (Marty) and his former wife, Sandra Kiolbassa, the mother of his children, with whom he shared a common bond.
of the Department of Political Science, serving as its chair on numerous occa- sions, and shaping it into a rigorous and respected academic department that prepares students for meaningful ca- reers in government, public administra- tion, law, business, education, and civil society organizations at the local, state and international levels. He held other leadership roles in his 38 years at UAF, including interim dean of the College of Liberal Arts, while also providing valuable service to the state and community. Jerry's legacy will live on through his family, mentees and students. He was a devoted husband, father and grand- father, whose generosity, analytic edge and commitment touched all who knew him. His life of service, dedication, and intellectual energies will continue to in- spire all who had the privilege of work- ing with him. He is survived by his wife, Jenifer Huang McBeath; son, Bowen McBeath (and wife Sara Bishoprick and their daughter Cora McBeath); daughter, Rowena McBeath (and husband David Zilkha and their daughter Ellie Zilkha); and brother, Bruce McBeath (and wife Dianne Aisenbrey).
2024, at the age of 82. Jerry was born Sept. 13, 1942, to Gordon Winifred McBeath and Astrid Hjelmeir McBeath of Minneapolis, Minn. In his youth, Jerry helped to run the family grocery store. It was there that his par- ents and local elders instilled in him the value of charity, by finding ways to help residents who were experiencing food insecurity and other material and social needs. He also gained an appreciation for being in nature, which stayed with him into adulthood. As an academic, Jerry's long and impact- ful career spanned 44 years. Before join- ing UAF in 1976, Jerry taught at Rutgers College and John Jay College (in the City University of New York). While at UAF, he played a vital role in the development
loved to explore. Bob was a dynamic leader and global ad- venturer whose professional achievements were matched only by his deep civic and spiritual commitments. A tireless volun- teer, accomplished international business- man, and devoted dog trainer, he brought passion, integrity, and a servant's heart to every corner of his life. A proud alumnus of Central Catholic High School (1961) and Texas A&M University (1968). He earned his degree from the School of Aerospace Engi- neering, where he served as the Chairman of the Student Branch of the American In- stitute of Aeronautics and Astronautics. Bob began his career in the aerospace in- dustry, but it was in the resource develop- ment sector that he found his calling-serv-
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