Robert Ghormley Parr: September 22, 1921–March 27, 2017

As one of the founders of quantum chemistry, Robert G. Parr (RGP) was an influential theoretical chemist of the last few decades. He made enormous scientific contributions to both wave function theory and density functional theory. He was also the founding father of conceptual density functional theory. RGP was both a devoted scientist and a family man. RGP met the love of his life, Jane Bolstad (who passed away on January 26, 2020, at the age of 97), at the University of Minnesota when they were graduate students. They successfully navigated 72 years of marriage with three children, Steven Parr of Tokyo, Jeanne Lemkau and Carol Lachenman, both of Chapel Hill.

Duke Scholars

Author Weitao Yang Chemistry