Longtime WSU business professor Bob Bushnell dies at 81

Editor's note: This obituary was originally published in the Detroit Free Press, The Detroit News and other local publications on Apr. 24, 2016.

Robert Cook Bushnell, 81, retired professor at Wayne State University School of Business, passed away peacefully on April 10 in Venice, Florida.

Bob was born in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, and moved to Arlington, Virginia, graduating from Sidwell Friends School in Washington, D.C. in 1952. He attended Deep Springs College in California for three years before transferring to Oberlin College where he graduated in 1957.

Following five years in systems engineering with IBM Corporation, Bob studied for, and was awarded, a Ph.D. in Economics by Princeton University. He spent two years at Oberlin College as the first director of their computer center.

Bob taught at Ohio State University for four years before moving to Wayne State University where he taught for 27 years until retiring in 1998. At WSU he served on University Council, was Acting Chair of Finance & Business Economics, Associate Dean of Research, and Director of the Bureau of Business Research.

Bob is survived by Nan, his wife of 53 years; son, Brad (Judy); daughter, Stacey (Jeff); and grandchildren, Lindsey and Jason. Burial is private.

A scholarship in Bob's memory has been set up at the Wayne State University School of Business. Contributions may be made to WSU School of Business, Office of Development, 5201 Cass Ave., 217 Prentis Bldg., Detroit, MI 48202. On the check or envelope, indicate "Robert Bushnell Memorial."

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