Ronald Baumgarten Obituary

RJB was my all time favorite professor for more reasons than I can list here. When I started teaching, I always kept in mind how fun and engaging he was, as well as how clear and understandable his lectures were [which was remarkable for organic chemistry... lol], and did my best to be the same... big shoes to fill--big personality... but I like to think I'm at least kind of close now some ~28 years later in my teaching career. I think of him often, and today, paused to Google him and came across this page and paused a little longer to say RJB still stands out in my life as someone I cannot forget and someone I still look up to! And again, he stood out for so many more reasons, but I am sure everyone watching this page knows these reasons and sees him in the same light.

Hi Ron (and friends), I think of you often and miss our chats. You were a wonderful teacher, friend and human being. (Photo is of Ron getting up close and personal with the local fauna during his sabbatical in NZ.)

Hey RJB! Yep, it is that time again - and we all miss you! I just gave a lecture and Larry Kolar was in the audience and he mentioned you right away as his name was on a publication we all did. Thanks for all your guidance and fun and amazing way you taught!

Hey RJB!

Yep, that time of the year again. I cannot say what I have said any better than in my posts below. You are loved by many and missed as well. We all love you.

"Peace and Love"

Bob Pick

Ron profoundly influenced...no, inspired...me to become a professor, although I fell in with the wrong crowd and went into law instead of chemistry. His humor, humility, and genuine caring for his students made him the greatest teacher I've ever know. Ron's unique terminology ("orgies", not exams; "hot, erotic tips", not study guides) made his classes delightful rather than dreadful. What a wonderful person! God bless you, RJB, forever and ever.

Dr. Baumgarten was a caring, humorous , serious, knowledgeable, and informative chemistry professor. I thank him for teaching me organic chemistry and introducing me and other class members to the Mother Jones magazine. You are one of my human bridges and I will always remember you, Dr. Ronald Baumgarten.

Respectfully, Ms. Giles
Nov. 14, 2020

HEY RJB!

Well..yep - it is that time of year again. You meant so much to so many. You taught at a fun but serious level and were an early mentor for me. Larry Kolar and I talk about you often. Poor SUDs (Bob Suding) has passed Ron - watch for him - he sadly took his own life, so sad. I tell my Carmen about you often as I begin to scan old pictures to something called digital.

You would be proud of us all (that 1971-1972 Organic group that had you for all 3 courses). Herb Schwartz is Chairman of the Orthopedic Surgery Department at Vanderbilt. David Cohen a successful Veterinarian and has 3 children and a great Dad, Larry Kolar a successful dentist and family man. I think you would be proud of me too, as in 2014 I won the Northwestern Universality Merit Award - it is the highest award given by Northwestern (it is all your fault! LOL!)

Thank you again for all you did for me. RIP my dear friend.

I wish you were still here. You are missed by many.

Peace and Love,

Bob Pick

Was thinking about him and Organic Chemistry. Sad to hear. I learned very much from RJB!

I just recently learned of Ron's passing. I took his class in the mid '70's and I still remember some of the things he taught me. The greatest part about Ron was he made you feel as if he really knew you personally. I not only was one of his chem students (still just a lowly peon chemist) but a colleague at the radio station at Circle. I had the pleasure of subbing for him on several occasions when he wasn't available. Not only was ron a great teacher, but he was a true mensch.

Ron, RJB--More than the best chemistry professor, you were a mensch. You inspired a generation of scientists and scholars, and as I anticipate my own daughter's entry into her Chemistry doctoral program, I think of how your effect on my science worldview has been passed to her.

You turned us on to Morrison and Boyd right along with Barry Commoner.

I'll never forget how you allowed me to sing my "Chemistry Song--the Ode to Organic Chemistry" and then incorporate it into many exams for long after I'd graduated from UIC.

From listening raptly to your wonderful lectures about resonating bonds to cross-country skiing with you, Wes, Bob and my fellow chem undergrads you will not be forgotten.

RJB
A very simple man, but learned professor who knew how to teach and get students interested in relatively dry subject of Organic Chemistry. Last time I saw him was walking down the street on North Sheridan in Chicago. That image is now engraved in my memories forever. I will always remember him.

Dear Ron: Your earthly presence will be missed for some time. I take comfort in knowing you've been reunited with the elements about which you taught us so much.

Dear RJB,

I miss you so much! You taught me so much not only about Organic Chemistry but about life as well.

You have molded the way I teach my own residents more than you ever knew - I owe so much to you! As a poor high school student who was scared but motivated in college, I gelled and blossomed becasue of you.

There are so many memorable Thanksgivings that you shared with my family - they will never be forgotten.

You made learning fun and gave me experiences in academia that were the best - where else can you take an erotic orgy number 3 instead of a final!

All of us: David, Tom, Suds, Herb, Kelly and myself were quite a team for you to deal with - I hope we made your days go by with fun - as we had fun with you!

You will always be remembered by me - always!

Bob Pick

Professor Baumgarten was the best teacher that I ever had. He made organic chemistry understandable and memorable. I often think of him.

I remember Mr. Baumgarten so well from UIC. I learned a lot in his classes. He will be missed by many.