Robert Greenhouse Obituary in Fremont at Fremont Chapel Of The Roses

Robert Greenhouse

7/7/1947 - 7/8/2023

Obituary For Robert Greenhouse

A longtime resident of Newark, CA, Robert (known to some as Bob) passed after a long battle with cancer. He is survived by his wife of 38 years, Carolina, and his two daughters, Natasha and Paulette.

Robert spent 49 years as a medicinal chemist and is listed as Inventor for 34 patents and co-author on 35 scientific publications. Most notably, he served as one of the Principal Research Scientists on a team at Syntex, S.A., that led to the production of ketorolac (Toradol), a powerful non-opiate analgesic which has been in worldwide clinical use since 1990. He loved to work in the lab and served on the safety committee. He eventually became a consultant and Adjunct Professor at Stanford University and Medicinal Chemistry Advisor for Nanosyn.

He spent his life dedicated to music and songwriting, composing over 200 songs of his own. He participated in the choir at the First Congregational Church of Palo Alto for many years and eventually joined a network of local singer/songwriters, attending classes, house concerts, open mics, and more.

At the age of 50, he began running weekly and participating in at least 25 marathons, even completing some at the top of his age bracket. Don Edwards San Francisco Bay Wildlife Refuge, the Dumbarton Bridge Levee Trail, and Coyote Hills became favorite sites for running, which led to a passion in photography.

Not only was he smart and giving, but Robert was a loving and dedicated husband and father that believed in the importance of kindness. He will forever remain in our hearts.

Services

22 Jul

Celebration of Life

11:00 AM

Don Edwards San Francisco Bay Wildlife Refuge 2 Marshlands Road Fremont, CA 94555 Get Directions »

by Obituary Assistant

Photos & Video

Photos

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Tributes

10 Trees were planted in memory of Robert Greenhouse - 08/01/2023
Steve Krause planted 5 trees in memory of Robert Greenhouse . - 07/31/2023
Xiaochun Han planted 10 trees in memory of Robert Greenhouse . - 07/23/2023
The Matuszak Family planted 5 trees in memory of Robert Greenhouse . - 07/21/2023
5 Trees were planted in memory of Robert Greenhouse - 07/21/2023
Roland planted 5 trees in memory of Robert Greenhouse . - 07/20/2023
Veronica Jaime - 01/01/1970
5 Trees were planted in memory of Robert Greenhouse - 07/17/2023

Condolences

08/14/2023

Julie Dalla

I'm so very sorry to hear of his passing. Robert was such a pleasure to work with at Roche. He was a very kind heart and brilliant man. He will be very missed. To his wife and children, I'm so sorry for your loss.
08/02/2023

Neighbor

May you find comfort in God's promise of a resurrection. John 5::28,29
07/21/2023

Stephania Villar

No words, but so many memories. I especially remember this one time he talked about using purple nitrile gloves at work. I LOVED that as a kid. He's one of those people who shaped me into who I am today whether he realized it or not. I am forever grateful. Thank you...
07/20/2023

Roland

My connection to Bob was through work (Roche PA). Bob always had a ready smile and imparted good advice, whether it was a chemistry question, safety related (Dr Hazmat - the Roche safety officer) or really anything else. As a fellow runner (short distance only) I was impressed with stories of his training for marathons - he certainly had dedication and stamina. Bob was an outstanding scientist with an impressive record of success. He led a well rounded life and was blessed with a loving family and good friends. Sincere condolences to his wife Carolina and his two daughters, Natasha and Paulette!
07/17/2023

David N Finck

What I remember most about Robert is his smile. He was such a happy man.He loved his family, life and running. Happy Trails. Dave and Victoria
07/17/2023

Fernando Padilla

I'm lucky enough to be Robert's personal friend, an amazing person with multiple talents: a musician (wrote more than two hundred songs), recognized scientist (part of the team that discovered Ketorolac/Toradol), avid runner (completed 11 marathons (26.2 miles) and 6 ultramarathons (four 50 Km (31 miles) and two 50 miles races), cartoonist (unpublished work that was displayed on a board, outside his lab, featuring Dr. Hazmat, a character that Robert created and used to communicate important messages in a creative and comical way), perfectly bilingual (completely fluent in Spanish), a loving husband and father and above all, an awesome human being, a mentor and a friend. We pray for Robert's family during these sad and difficult times.
07/15/2023

Donna Till Trott

My condolences to Bob's family. I had been in touch with him after 55 years recently. He shared some family photos of his father and my mother that I had never seen. May he rest in peace
07/14/2023

Saul

He was a amazing scientist, very good friend, and more importantly Robert was a great man
07/14/2023

Brenda Buenrostro

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