A Sept. 20 memorial service has been scheduled for G. Robinson (Bob) Gregory, a School of Natural Resources and Environment (SNRE) alumnus, longtime professor and respected natural resource economy.

Mr. Gregory died Aug. 29, two days short of his 93rd birthday.

He was born in Michigan and grew up hunting, fishing and iceboating in numerous small towns across the state - experiences that no doubt informed his revolutionary thinking regarding forests, ecology and conservation.

He would earn two degrees from the University of Michigan in 1940 and returned 12 years later to begin more than three decades of teaching and research at SNRE. "Bob will be missed by many friends and former students as well as his family," said David Allan, SNRE professor and acting dean.

He earned a second bachelor of science degree (his first was from Central Michigan University in 1938) and a master's degree in forestry from U-M. He then worked briefly for the U.S. Forest Service in Oregon and conducted statistical analysis at Duke University and also in Maryland. Then came Pearl Harbor and World War II. Mr. Gregory enlisted and flew airplanes for the U.S. Navy. When the war ended, he again worked in the forestry industry for a few years but then used the G.I. Bill to earn his Ph.D. in economics at the University of California-Berkeley in 1952.

He began his U-M teaching career the same year, and became one of the first researchers to combine forestry and economics; in fact, his first U-M appointment was split between economics and the School of Natural Resources, as it was then called. By the time he retired in 1983, he had held for many years SNRE's endowed George Willis Pack Professorship of Natural Resource Economics.

Mr. Gregory was a pioneer in the emerging field of forest economics.í‚   His theories about multiple use and natural resources policy greatly influenced forest management of public lands throughout Michigan and United States. His book, "Forest Resource Economics" published in 1972, immediately became the best-selling forest economics textbook in English. It was still widely used 15 years later when he published a revised edition under the title, "Resource Economics for Foresters."

While at the University of Michigan, he chaired committees for 34 Ph.D. students and 30 additional master's students.

In the latter half of his career, Mr. Gregory focused on development of forest resources in developing nations, work inspired by two years spent with the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations.í‚   He worked in and consulted with governments in more than 30 countries.í‚   Bob was known as a thoughtful, intelligent and caring teacher.

In retirement, he and his wife Ann enjoyed extensive travel, including more than 20 Elderhostel trips and visits with former students around the world. At home in Ann Arbor, they enjoyed friends, woodland walks, gardening, golf, tennis and writing.

He is survived by three children: Bonnie Ann Inouye; Robin Scott Gregory, and Sharolyn Kay Gregory; a brother, John; six grandchildren; and one great -grandchild. He was preceded in death by his wife, Ann; parents Erna and William; sisters Gladys, Carolyn and Miriam; and brother, William.

The 11 a.m. service Saturday will be held at Green Wood Methodist Church, at 1001 Green Rd., Ann Arbor.í‚   A reception follows at the same location. All who knew him are welcome. Planning the event were his daughters Bonnie (of College Park, Md.) and Shari (of Lansing, Mich.).

Contributions in lieu of flowers may be made to the Alzheimer's Association, 310 N. Main St. Suite 100, Chelsea, Mich., 48118, or to Motor Meals of Ann Arbor, 1000 Wall St Suite 1311, Ann í‚  Arbor, Mich., 48109.

A scholarship fund in Bob and Anní¢â‚¬â„¢s name is being established as well. Please contact the Gregory family for information (s.gregory@comcast.net).