WILLOW SPRING

It is with great sorrow that we announce that Robert "Bob" Olby passed away peacefully on the last day of 2020. Bob was born in Beckenham, England, on October 4th 1933 and lived through World War II to become an extremely successful historian of science, known particularly for his work on the discovery of DNA.

He is survived by his loving wife, Judy Olby and his children, Alastair, Louise, Natasha, Fleur and Peter and grandchildren as well as many other friends who joined his close circle along the way.

He lived a life of curiosity, hard work and joy. Together with Judy, he built an amazing home in Yorkshire, and in so doing, taught his children they could do anything in life. He loved his garden, he was a talented musician with a flair for the great romantics, he was an avid birdwatcher and privately, he was a wonderful artist. He was always active, walking or cycling miles every day, and taking up table tennis with great passion in his latter years.

He will be sadly missed by his family and friends. We are very grateful to all those who gave him friendship and love along the way. If so moved, we ask you to make a donation in his name to Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Archives.

Donations can be made at: give.cshl.edu

or mailed to: Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory

Advancement Office

1 Bungtown Road

Cold Spring Harbor, NY 11724

A memorial service will be arranged once COVID has loosened its grip. If you would like to be included at this service, please let his immediate family know.