Dr. Robert Charles Colligan
Thursday, April 15, 1937
Date of Death:
Wednesday, November 9, 2016
Age:
79 years old
Visitation
Date: Sunday November 13, 2016
Time: 1:00 pm - 4:00 pm
Location: River Park Chapel at Macken Funeral Home [ view map ]
Second Visitation
Date: Monday November 14, 2016
Time: 10:00 am - 11:00 pm
Location: Mount Olive Lutheran Church [ view map ]
Funeral Service
Date: Monday November 14, 2016
Time: 11:00 am
Location: Mount Olive Lutheran Church [ view map ]
Burial
Robert will be donating his body to Mayo Clinic’s Anatomical Bequest Program
Burial will be at Bagley Cemetery in Bagley, Minnesota at a later date
Thursday, April 15, 1937
Date of Death:
Wednesday, November 9, 2016
Age:
79 years old
Thursday, April 15, 1937
Date of Death:
Wednesday, November 9, 2016
Age:
79 years old
Dr. Robert Charles Colligan
Dr. Robert C. Colligan, 79, died November 9 surrounded by his loving family after living with the diagnosis of glioblastoma multiforme for two years. Bob endured the losses and challenges of brain cancer with grace, calmness, confidence, curiosity, and cheerfulness. He died at home at The Homestead, where he was cared for by family and Mayo Hospice.
Bob was born on April 15, 1937 at home on his family farm near Bagley, MN to parents Charles and Luella (Rotzien) Colligan. He attended a rural school near Ebro, MN and graduated from Bagley High School in 1954.
Bob had a number of creative jobs in early life, including church organist, movie projectionist, grain elevator construction crew, ore boat deckhand and rural schoolteacher.
He graduated from Bemidji State College cum laude and then taught junior high science and math on Elmensdorf Air Force Base in Anchorage, Alaska.
Returning to Minnesota, Bob married Eva Jane Fletcher on August 4, 1962, and they lived in Minneapolis as he began his PhD work at the University of Minnesota, teaching 5th and 6th grade in Robbinsdale and serving as school psychologist for the Minneapolis public school system.
In 1969, Bob accepted a one-year position with the Department of Psychiatry and Psychology at Mayo Clinic. This trial position as a school psychologist consultant was viewed as successful and made permanent in 1970.
In his 30-year career at Mayo, Bob considered himself fortunate to have served as Head of the Section of Psychology for eight years, Professor of Psychology at the Mayo Medical School, and been involved with many roles of research, authorship and consultation. Bob published numerous articles in the areas of learning and learning disabilities, was gratified to publish research on autism and ADHD and, with his esteemed colleagues, made significant contributions as principle investigator for three reference works on the Minnesota Multi-Phasic Inventory (MMPI).
Over the years, Bob listened and helped ease the troubles of thousands of children and their parents.
Bob retired as a consultant in 1999, but remained active in Mayo research until two months before his death, a testament to his commitment to service and insatiable curiosity.
He was deeply grateful for the opportunities of his vocation and colleagues.
Bob is survived by his wife Eva of Rochester, son Richard Bruxvoort Colligan, daughter-in-love Trish and grandson Sam of Strawberry Point, IA; daughter Amy, son-in-law Bruce Tank and grand-daughter Emma of Mahtomedi, MN; brother Ross and sister-in-law Jeanette of Maple Grove, MN, as well as many nieces, nephews and cousins.
The funeral service will be celebrated Monday, November 14 11am at Mt. Olive Lutheran Church. Visitation will be Sunday, November 13, from 1-4pm at Macken Funeral Home and one hour prior to the service Monday. Robert will be donating his body to Mayo Clinic’s Anatomical Bequest Program. Burial will be at Bagley Cemetery in Bagley, Minnesota at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to Quarry Hill Nature Center, The Reading Center Dyslexia Institute, Channel One Food Bank, Paws and Claws, The Arc of Southeastern Minnesota.
Condolences
The family of Dr. Robert Charles Colligan has received the following condolences.
Eva, so sorry to read about Bob's passing. I remember how much my Dad and Uncle Alex talked about the Colligan boys and what good workers they were, and so proud that Bob was going to college to be a Dr.
Dear Colligan Family,
I am so sorry to hear of the passing of your father. When I think of your family I am always reminded of a photo I took at Trish and Rich's Wedding. I took it from the back and Rich, Mom , dad and sister all were holding hands. It wasn't a quality photo but in my mind and Heart it sure was a sweet one. So I hold your family close at heart and hope for some light and I know there will be much love in your time of sorrow at your loss. Sincerely, Renee
PS - LOVE The Daughter - in- love - that speaks volumes
Dr. Colligan left a lasting impression on me. His dedication to patient care and his zeal for his work were infectious. Creating software for him was like buying gifts for a kid at Christmas. He was always so appreciative and excited to hear about any software or system enhancement. I’m glad my life included doing some work with him. He was an exceptional person all around. He will certainly be missed by all that knew him.
Wishing you peace to bring comfort, courage to face the days ahead and loving memories to forever hold in your heart.. I have many memories of RCC from working with this loving, caring Doctor for 19 years. I think of the lives he touched and change so many kids futures. Rest in Peace Dr. Colligan
So saddened to hear about Dr. Colligan's passing. I was his hygienist for the last 10 years and it was always a delight to see him. He was always a calming presence and was so caring. Even the last time I saw him in October he was still positive in spite of all he was going through. He is a true kind soul and he will be truly missed. Prayers and thoughts are with your family.
Condolences for the family of Robert C. Colligan
from Mark S. Schwartz
Remembering and talking about all the wonderful and impressive facts, shared experiences and impressions about Bob is helping deal with his passing. Stories about how wonderful and impressive Bob was could fill a book.
He and I joined together in 1970 and started a treatment program for bedwetting. He had been at Mayo 1 year and I, 3 years. Yet his wise and kind counsel, his humble nature, and his already impressive relationships with Pediatrics and other specialties were crucial for us, as these attributes continued throughout his life.
From his earliest days, he was the warmest, kindest, and most dedicated colleague in Psychology. He was the first to come to work and the last to leave. He was there more on weekends than all the rest of us put together. His office corkboard was full of mementos, including his patients, who were among his many priorities. His patience, tactful style, and persistence always transcended the challenges he faced.
Without him in my life at many junctures, many successes in my life would not have occurred.
And Eva, your presence, grace, warmth, and patience with his work ethic were always the compliments and strengths at his side. My children grew up knowing and revering “Dr. Colligan” and his wonderful family and “have so many wonderful memories of him and his family” and note accurately that “he was a very kind man.”
Eva, Richard, Amy, and your families, please feel my hugs and deepest condolences.
I love you Bob, my dear friend, and colleague. And now I can’t hold back my tears but grateful that he lived so that others could cry at losing him.
Mark
Mark S Schwartz, Ph.D.
Bob had a wonderful way of including and appreciating everyone around him. He valued friendship, knowledge, and integrity. It was truly my honor to work with him. Though his voice will be missed, I can still hear his kind, calm, and wise words. Bob's personal guidance and professional work goes on, both in my heart and in the lives of countless others.
Bob Colligan was a great psychologist. When I was a new psychiatrist on the Mayo Staff, he reached out to me with great kindness. Over many decades he was a superb and helpful colleague. I shall miss him greatly.
I offer our deep condolences to the family of Bob Colligan. I've known him as a colleague and friend for more than 40 years. He faced his diagnosis with dignity and courage. I will miss his occasional visits to my office (usually bearing chocolate truffles), and his stimulating questions which always stretched my mind. He made a huge difference.
I was a young school psychologist new to Rochester in 1989 when I first met Bob - Dr. Colligan. He made a huge impression on me with his calm, gentle manner with everyone, in every situation. I had the pleasure of speaking with him often about specific children we shared and he was instrumental in establishing a collaborative relationship between Mayo Clinic psychologists and the school psychologists in Rochester. After I had been in Rochester for a few years, a colleague asked me - somewhat jokingly - what I wanted to be when I grew up. Without hesitation, my sincere reply was, "I want to be Bob Colligan!" To this day, I strive to be the calm, caring person and psychologist that he was. I feel privileged to have known him!
Hugs to you Eva!
Kathy
Bob's death leaves all of us who knew and worked with him with great sadness in our hearts. His insight, commitment, outstanding contributions, and generous spirit will be sorely missed. He was an amazing colleague and a truly wonderful human being. Our prayers and thoughts go out to Eva and the family.
Cindy
Richard and family,
So sorry to hear of Bob's passing. Thoughts and prayers will be with you during this difficult time. Love and hugs.
Eva we are so sorry for your loss. I will always remember Dr Colligan for his lovely gardens.