Robert Louis Sugar Obituary

May 6, 2026

Richard Scalettar wrote a sympathy message

“I met Bob in Fall 1982 as my instructor in graduate Quantum Mechanics. He was a wonderful teacher. A year later he agreed to be my thesis advisor, along with Doug Scalapino. Bob was more than just a fantastic mentor. He was a wonderful person. I owe my career as a researcher to what he taught me and to the effort he put into helping me generally. I remember him too as exceptionally devoted to his family and with a wonderful sense of humor. Bob touched many lives in the most positive way.”

April 6, 2026

Andreas Kronfeld wrote a sympathy message

“Bob was a dear scientific collaborator for many years. He had authored many influential papers long before we started working together. I was impressed by his modesty (compared with accomplishments) and crystal-clear good judgment not just in science but in the business of getting science done. I remember the first time we met in person (a boat ride from Naples to Capri in 1989) but not the last (sometime at the KITP) because I didn't appreciate that we would not cross paths in person again..”

April 4, 2026

Gary Horowitz wrote a sympathy message

“Bob was a wonderful colleague at UCSB, always very kind and supportive. He helped the department (and the campus) in numerous ways. Bob was one of a small group of people, hired in the 1960's, who led the department from a small regional school to one of the top physics departments in the country. He will be missed.”

March 30, 2026

Carleton DeTar wrote a sympathy message

“Bob was a dear colleague and mentor. His gracious and conscientious leadership and scientific prowess helped the field of lattice quantum chromodynamics flourish in this country. As an early member of the MILC collaboration, which he helped found, I have always felt I couldn't have chosen a more congenial group of colleagues to work with. Bob played a large role in creating that warm collegiality. We will miss him greatly.”

March 29, 2026

James Langer wrote a sympathy message

“I am greatly saddened to learn of the passing of Bob Sugar. Ever since I arrived at UCSB in 1982 as one of the original permanent members of ITP, I have thought of Bob as one of the most thoughtful and effective participants in that highly successful project. I shall miss him greatly. Sincerely, Jim Langer”

March 26, 2026

Harry Nelson wrote a sympathy message

“Bob was an outstanding Chair of the UCSB Physics Dept, and a wonderful colleague. He is one of the team that made the UCSB Physics Dept was it is today and has been for some time: a department in the highest echelon of world physics research.”