Robert M. Boynton
About Optica
In Memoriam: Robert M. Boynton,
04 September 2006
In Memoriam: Robert M. Boynton
Robert M. Boynton, a renowned member of the vision community and a Fellow Emeritus of OSA, died Monday, September 4, 2006 at his Del Mar, California home. He was 81.
Dr. Boynton was well known for his research on the neurophysiological processes in the eye and brain that underlie vision. His book, "Human Color Vision" is a standard text studied by others in this area of science. He also published more than 1,500 pages in his more-than-40-year career.
Born Oct. 28, 1924, in Evanston, Ill., Dr. Boynton received his undergraduate degree at Amherst College in Massachusetts and his Ph.D. at Brown University in Rhode Island.
He began his academic career in 1952 as an assistant psychology professor at the University of Rochester. In 1963, at age 39, he founded that university's Center for Visual Science. He joined the University of California, San Diego faculty in 1974 and remained with the University until her retired in 1991.
Dr. Boynton was a member of OSA and the National Academy of Sciences. He was the recipient of both the OSA Ives Medal, the highest award of the Society recognizing overall distinction in optics, and the OSA Tillyer Award for outstanding achievements in his field.
An active member of several different OSA committees over the course of his career, including the Edgar Tillyer Award Committee and the Advisory Committee the International Committee on Optics, Dr. Boynton always gave back to the field. His spirit of scientific collaboration and volunteerism was present in his teaching, as well as his own research.
He is survived by his wife, Sheleah; daughter, Sherry Contreras of Chula Vista; sons, R. Michael Boynton of Olive Branch, Miss., Neiley Boynton of Fort Worth, Texas, and Geoffrey Boynton of Del Mar; and five grandchildren.
A memorial service is scheduled for 11 a.m. Sept. 16 at St. James Catholic Church, Solana Beach. Donations are suggested to San Diego Hospice, 4311 Third Ave., San Diego, CA 92103.
