Robert Hastings Obituary (1929 – 2022) – Tucson, AZ

Robert E. Hastings, Jr. passed away peacefully at home on February 5, 2022, surrounded by his loving family. Bob was born on October 13, 1929, in Traverse City, Michigan to Dr. Robert E. Hastings and Bertha Anderson Hastings. He moved to Tucson in 1936 with his family. Bob attended Sam Hughes School, Tucson High, and University of Michigan, graduating with Distinction with a BA in Anthropology. He graduated from Northwestern Medical School and was elected to Alpha Omega Alpha. Bob’s Surgical Residency at the University of Michigan Hospital in Ann Arbor was interrupted by service to his country as a Captain and Chief of Surgery at Webb Air Force Base, Big Spring, Texas. He completed his General Surgical Residency at Denver General Hospital in Colorado and returned home to Tucson in 1964, where he practiced his chosen profession for 33 years. Bob was integrally involved with local, state and national medical organizations. He served as President of Pima County Medical Society, Tucson Surgical Society, American College of Surgeons Arizona Chapter, and as Arizona Governor at Large to the American College of Surgeons. He was on the Surgical Volunteer Staff of St. Elizabeth of Hungary Clinic for 25 years. Bob believed in contributing to his Tucson community as well. He served on the Boards of Arizona Sonora Desert Museum, Friends of the University of Arizona Libraries and St. Luke’s Home Foundation. In retirement he was a member of the Fort Lowell Historic District Advisory Board, Tucson Corral of Westerner’s and was a Research Associate at the University of Arizona Southwest Center.

Bob was a loving and devoted husband and father. He was an avid reader, historian, nature lover, and had a true knowledge and respect for all cultures. He passed these passions on to his children and grandchildren. The hub of most adventures was the little cabin in the woods in Pinetop, where the family enjoyed a host of outdoor activities, especially hiking, fly fishing, and skiing. There were backpacking and camping trips in the Southwest mountains, to the vacant beaches around Rocky Point and many visits to the Anasazi ruins. Bob’s hobby was photography and his keen eye recorded family travels and activities.

Bob was preceded in death by his parents. He is survived by his wife of 64 years, Ann; his children, Pamela Thompson (Doug), Susan Treiber, Robert III (Diana), Amy Derheim (Gary); grandchildren, Graham, Lauren, Coleman, Dillon, Aidan, Colin, Kendall, Katherine and Shea. His intelligence, wit, enthusiasm and love of life will be missed. In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial gifts be given to Tucson Medical Center Hospice or a charity of your choice.