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Bob’s partner, Trina has always enjoyed the implications of a simple name like Bob.  Bob is two unique letters and spells the same thing frontwards AND backwards (yes, I KNOW it’s a palinldrome, but come on – we’re talking about BOB).  That enjoyment has trickled its way into the department, to the extent that when one wants to suggest something is overly simple, we say “It’s Bob”.

For myself, and I believe for Bob as well, the IDEA of wilderness is itself manifest; but it also provides wonderful metaphors for life – and is this much of a surprise?  Wilderness, in any of its evolutionary forms, was here before humans and given that our species has evolved and adapted to the circumstances of this environment, then we understand it not only forms us, but also forms our interpretataions of - everything.

If you have ever walked in the wilderness, and been attentive to the terrain, one can ascertain what has overlapped or intersected your path.  It might be some earth turned over by the snout of a boar, a branch bent by the breadth of a hiker, or the scat of bobcat left on the smooth flat top of a rock.  This is similar to how we have each, in different ways, intersected with Bob (well, maybe not the bobcat scat).  While it’s true that these overlaps have been initially through our professional obligations, my observation has been that they inevitably led to friendship.

Why we become friends with Bob is largely due his being an easy, and interesting conversationalist.  This attribute stems largely from Bob’s thoughtful reflections; he is my ‘go to’ guy when I’m thinking about ‘the big picture’ or there are deeper questions to consider.  Part of the enjoyment in speaking with Bob are not only his thoughts, but perhaps even more the care he takes with his answers because he values not only the power of words, but the art of their arrangement.

It is this relationship with language that compels Bob to write.  In particular, I was taken by his book – “Talking to Myself” in which a biologist keeps a running conversation in his mind.  It doesn’t take long, however, for the biologist to realize that perhaps this particular conversation is not with himself, but with a larger entity.  Filled with multiple analogies between earth, human, and biological systems the book is thoughtfully provoking.

Bob has been a member of the science department since 1982 teaching primarily subjects concerned with the life sciences.  In addition to his academic responsibilities, Bob has been a residential faculty member, cross country coach, Wilderness Prep coach, and senior class advisor.  Oh, he is also ‘dad’ to Penn (07) and Hali (08) and in recent years he’s been carpenter, painter, plumber and electrician on two significant housing projects downtown – his own residence and what has become a gallery for a variety of family crafted work.

Bob’s reinvention of the Biology Honors course has been significant and has led to the five different publications, over five years – each one written by every student in every Bio Honors class each of those years.  They are professional and they are peer-proofed.  In the end, kids are learning as much from each other as they are learning from Bob.

I have always felt that the primary mission of education is not about the content but rather to teach kids how to teach themselves.  As is said, “Teach a man to fish…”

In the context of the subject for which he has so much passion,  Bob has masterfully found a formula that attains this end.  It is what makes him – in my estimation, a master teacher.

Bob – you will be missed and my hope is that you don’t find the drive between downtown and the Hills too far to travel.

Greg Miller

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Congrats Mr. Greene on your retirement! 

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Congrats Mr. Greene on your retirement! 

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Biology has become the foundation of my career - I'm working for Bristol Myers Squibb on developing their CAR-T cell therapies for lymphoma and myeloma cancers, out in NJ :) Thanks for being a foundational part of my education! Wishing you the best!
David Mertz '11

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Dear Mr. Greene,
Thank you for being such a kind peaceful presence. I certainly did not retain much material from freshman year Bio H but I have definitely learned how to slow down and take note of often ignored everyday moments. -Sherrye ‘20

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I am a 1977 Kingswood alumni. I have had a lifetime of benefits from having been a student of so many brilliant scholars and gifted teachers. Although we have never met, I am delighted to have befriended your daughter, Hali. She is so passionate, insightful and articulate. I understand she shares these traits with you.
May the years ahead of you be as fulfilling as the years behind you. May you continue to create a community of inquisitive minds seeking expression.
Many blessings,
Catherine Fairley Wedge

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Bob, my time at CK was made sweeter by our weekly 1:1 coffees in the dining hall,  eye rolls at emails, and exchanges of writing, travels, and life musings. Please know that your impact as an educator stretched well beyond the students; you have been a fantastic colleague and mentor to so many. A new chapter awaits: more carpentry, gardening, running, exploring. I'm so very pleased for you and Trina.
Warmly,
Ash Weber

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Mr. Greene, I still use your “2 year Pure AGriculture”mnemonic for keeping purines and pyrimidines straight as a fourth year medical student. Thank you for being such an outstanding instructor! - Ali Mazhar, Class of 2012

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Congratulations on your retirement, Mr. Greene! Coming to Cranbrook, I never thought I would enjoy life science courses but, after taking AP Bio with you, I found myself profoundly interested in the field of biology. From this point, I felt encouraged (and very much prepared) to take more life science courses in college and pursue health sciences research. You have made such an impact on my life, both personally and academically. Thank you and I hope you enjoy this new chapter of life! - Linh Tran, CK '17

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While science was never my strong suit, your class was one of my favorite at Cranbrook; Ben Pappas and I still talk about that class, and it always made me smile seeing you in the hallway for our daily saying of “agouti”. Congratulations on your retirement, you will be missed at CK! Best, Leia Frankel ‘19

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Congratulations on your retirement, Mr. Greene!

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Congratulations on your retirement, Mr. Greene!

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What I appreciate most about having had you as a teacher is that you were always up front about your many interests outside of biology. As someone who was (and continues to be) nervous about committing to one path to the exclusion of others, you were proof that no one is ever just one thing! I hope your retirement provides many new passions and adventures!
-Tessa Huttenlocher, '10