Message from SPIE - read at FDA Tribute for R. F. Wagner - August 13, 2008

One could point to Bob Wagner’s archived scientific papers, both in journals and proceedings as evidence of his contributions to the scientific community. His first contribution to the SPIE literature was in Proceedings Vol. 35 Application of Optical Instrumentation in Medicine; Chicago, IL Nov. 29-30, 1972. "An Assortment of Image Quality Indexes for Radiographic Film-Screen Combinations—Can They Be Resolved?” by Robert Wagner and Kenneth Weaver.and he continued contributing papers up to 2006. However these papers, though important only give a glimpse of his true accomplishments. What he did to build the imaging community, and how this so positively influenced the field, were much much more than published papers. As one of the ‘founding fathers’ of the SPIE Medical Imaging Symposium held in Chicago in1972, Bob helped build the community that is SPIE and he helped steer it to the benefit of us all throughout his long career at the FDA. SPIE, and the community we serve, have been fortunate to benefit from Bob’s leadership as well as his love for mentoring and teaching. Bob’s collegiality and unstinted support influenced many lives for the better. Making contributions to the field of image quality was very important to him, was beyond any personal ambition, but above anything, he cared about people.

At Bob’s passing we viewed the video produced by Sue Davis and conducted by Murray Loew and were reminded of what a giving, caring and fun man Bob was. The video was produced as one of a limited series to capture the thoughts and personalities of “SPIE Pioneers” of which Bob was certainly one. He quipped in the video that he holds a Charter Member Badge of SPIE and carries it with him from the first meeting in 1972. We were struck by how sincere he was as well, as how quick to give others credit. He actually shied away from talking about himself while wanting to tell stories about those he considered heros, great friends, and those he called ‘just a jewel’, a term that could have been used to describe Bob.

Throughout the years at Medical Imaging Bob saw many different SPIE staff and although he loved working with Sue Davis and Joe and Anita Yaver, as they were the ones who helped get Medical Imaging off the ground along with the volunteers, Bob always greeted the staff “newbies” and made them feel welcome and at home. No day went by that Bob didn’t greet us at the registration desk with a cheery “Good morning” while he walked quickly past as he was always on his way to hear one of the ‘best talks of the day’. He radiated encouragement; and we were amongst the lucky recipients.

We will miss Bob greatly, both as a favorite personality and as a leader in the field of medical imaging. We offer consolation to his family and good friends and want them to know that we find great solace in the good he accomplished.

Eugene Arthurs, SPIE Chief Executive Officer

Bonnie Peterson, SPIE Event Manager