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Robert McMaster
ROBERT KEITH MCMASTER
Cedar Rapids
Robert Keith McMaster, Ph.D., died March 1, 2018, from complications of Parkinson's disease at the age of 72. Bob donated his body to the University of Iowa Deeded Body Program and a celebration of life will be held at a later time.
The oldest son of Robert and Beverly McMaster, Bob was born Jan. 16, 1946, in Chicago. He married Louise McEvoy in August 1970 and in 1972 moved to Cedar Rapids to teach philosophy at Mount Mercy College. He is survived by his wife, son Jason and daughter Erin of Cedar Rapids. He also is survived by his sister, Doloris (Dave) Wyrobek of Roswell, Ga.; brothers, Ken (Brenda) McMaster of Wilmington, Ill., and Mark (Pam) McMaster of Naperville, Ill., sisters and brother-in-law, Julia (Mike) McComiskey of Brooklyn, N.Y., and Sue McEvoy of Decatur, Ill.; and 13 nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents and grandparents, notably his loving grandmother, Mildred "Donnie" Latimer; in-laws, Mark and Frances McEvoy; and brother-in-law, Mark McEvoy.
Bob received his bachelor's in philosophy from Quincy College, his master's in philosophy from Loyola University-Chicago, and his Ph.D. in philosophy of higher education from the University of Iowa. Bob had a love of learning and a strong belief in the value of a liberal education. He was fortunate to spend 32 years at Mount Mercy pursuing his avocations of teaching, writing and research. Bob's favorite philosopher was Bertrand Russell, and Russell's book, A History of Western Philosophy,was an important influence on his life.
At age 30, Bob was diagnosed with Parkinson's disease. This impacted but did not define his life. Bob had a great sense of humor and loved entertaining others - never one to take life too seriously. He pursued many joys in life, among them exercise, magic, music, chess, hiking and biking. Above all, Bob found great joy spending time with family and friends. Bob was thoughtful and patient beyond measure and approached new ideas with enthusiasm. He was able to see strength and abilities of others and worked ardently to support their endeavors.
Bob and his family are grateful to the medical professionals, the staff at Milestones, and the St. Luke's Palliative Care and Mercy Hospice teams who helped him in his life's journey.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Bob's honor to Mount Mercy University, www.mtmercy.edu, or the Cedar Rapids Metro Parkinson's Association, P.O. Box 9412, Cedar Rapids, IA 52409.
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