George Barlow Obituary

George Barlow

George Barlow Jr., 96, Professor Emeritus of Biology at Heidelberg University in Tiffin and Chairperson of its Department of Biology for many years, passed from this life Sunday, Oct. 8, 2023, at Friendship Village of Dublin where he and his wife, Marilyn, have lived since Dec., 1998.

George was born Dec. 13, 1928, in Springfield, Massachusetts, the son of George and Edith (Jones) Barlow, both emigres from England via Canada. He married Marilyn Irene Cheney on Aug. 18, 1951.

George grew up in Marcy, New York, where he attended a two-room elementary school, graduating from Whitesboro Central High School in 1944. He immediately joined U.S. Navy, earning the rank of Hospital Corpsman Pharmacist Mate III. While serving on the USS Burleson, APA 7, he participated in the first two Pacific Ocean atomic bomb tests at Bikini, performing hundreds of laboratory tests before and after each bomb explosion.

In 1950, George graduated with majors in biology and chemistry from the newly created Utica College of Syracuse University in Utica, New York, subsequently earning his PhD in Biology from Princeton University in 1953. He began his teaching career that same year at University of Tennessee College of Medicine in Memphis, Tennessee, teaching physiology and researching the effects of whole-body radiation using radioactive isotopes. The Rockefeller Foundation sponsored George for 14 months (1959-1960) to teach and conduct research in the Departmento de Fisiologia of the Universidad del Valle in Cali, Colombia, while advising clinicians in the teaching hospital on the proper use of radioactive isotopes. Returning to University of Tennessee, George continued his teaching and research, publishing many scientific papers.

In 1964, George changed the direction of his life by leaving graduate teaching and research and joining the Biology Department faculty at Heidelberg College (now University). He taught introductory to advanced undergraduate courses in physiology and anatomy and served as the department chair for many years. Teaching and advising all health science majors brought him much satisfaction and his positive influence on students has been expressed in many letters, visits, and a scholarship in his honor. Upon retirement in 1978, he realized that the "road less traveled" had, as the poet Robert Frost suggests, "made all the difference" in building a successful and fulfilling career.

In retirement, George authored a book, "Teaching the Natural Sciences at Heidelberg College: 150 Years of Biology and Geology," published in 2005, as well as a 250-page memoir for his family. He was a member of Kiwanis International, served in Coast Guard Auxiliary, and volunteered with Seneca Habitat for Humanity for 10 years. At Friendship Village Retirement Community, he served in positions of leadership and gave many popular talks. He enjoyed wood-working, especially enjoyed all family gatherings, Elderhostel adventures, family camping trips, sailing, and giving talks whenever he was asked.

George is survived by his loving wife of 72 years; beloved daughters, Deborah L. Barlow (Jacob Fisch) and Suzanne C. (Robert) Steensen; and much-loved grandchildren, Leigh Fisch (Sean Macrae), Alexander Fisch, Luke (Sarah) Steensen, Bonnie (Patrick) Nocheck, Samantha Steensen, and Casey Steensen. Everyone who has known George will miss his charm, ready wit, infectious smile, resonant voice, humility, inquisitive mind, and his listening ear and wise counsel.

He was preceded in death by two sisters, Edith (Vail) Fleischman and Ruth (Donald) Shult.

The family wishes to express their heartfelt appreciation to the nurses, associates, and medical staff of Waterford Place of Friendship Village of Dublin for their expertise and sincere affection in caring for our loved one. National Church Residences Hospice is thanked with deep appreciation for their compassionate and excellent care.

Shaw-Davis Funeral Homes is assisting family and interment will be at Worthington Presbyterian Church Columbarium, 773 High St., Worthington. A celebration of life will be at a later date.

Memorial contributions may be made to Friendship Village of Dublin, Residents' Benevolent Fund, 6000 Riverside Dr., Dublin, Ohio, 43017, or Dr. John C. & Eleanor L. Hoffmeier Biology Scholarship, Heidelberg University, 310 E. Market St., Tiffin, Ohio, 44883.