Jeff Arthur

July 28, 1952 - November 12, 2017

Jeff Arthur, 65, passed away November 12th surrounded by loved ones.

He was born in South Bend, Indiana to Mary Jane and James W. Arthur.

He attended Purdue University and received his Bachelors in Mathematics, and Masters and Doctorate in Operations Research. He then shared his knowledge and passion as a professor in the Statistics Department at Oregon State University from 1977 through 2011.

Jeff spent his retirement traveling the world with his wife Becky and enjoying life to the fullest. He especially enjoyed food and the arts; most of all, he loved experiencing them with family and friends.

He is survived by his wife Becky; son Kyle; daughter-in-law Emily; stepchildren Ellie and Seth; grandsons Julian and Jason; and brothers Mike and Robert.

Jeff Arthur
Jeff Arthur
Jeff Arthur
Jeff Arthur
Jeff Arthur
Jeff Arthur

As Jeff believed, memories are the best souvenirs; please contribute photos of him you love and/or a great memory.

Please email his son at contact@kylearthur.com with your contributions.
(Submissions will be added periodically)

Yanming Di

The attached is a photo of Jeff reading a limerick at Dan Schafer’s retirement party in June, 2011.

I first met Jeff when I was interviewed for a faculty job at Statistics Department of Oregon State University. Jeff took me out for lunch with another faculty member. After lunch, Jeff gave me a short tour of the neighborhood near campus. I remember he talked about his research on the environmental impact of city development. That was 2009 and I then joined the Statistics Department and became his colleague. Two years later, I remember we had dinner at Jeff’s house when we interviewed another faculty candidate. He had just retired by then, but still liked to share with young people his experience of our department and Corvallis.

Dan Schafer wrote a piece on the history of our department. It is now hosted on the department’s website:
History of the Stats Department

On that page, you can also find two photos with Jeff in them: one from 1979 and on from 2009.

Dad and I

Jeff reading a limerick - June 2011

Louise VanSlyke

Ol’ Blue Eyes…

Laura Seter

Tristan and Jeff

Ingrid and Jeff

Lisa Seter

Chuck, Kyle, Eddie, Bob, Jeff and Tristan

Mary Ann

A kind, old soul who positively touched more lives than any if us can imagine.

Robert Arthur
Dad and I

The Arthur family; Pat, Mike, Jane, Bob and Jeff - York, PA 1964

Dad and I

Mike, Bob and Jeff - South Bend 1983

Dad and I

Arthur brothers - Lake Michigan 2004

Dad and I

Jeff at "Arthur's Seat" - Scotland 2016

Kyle Arthur

There has been no other person I would rather have a beer with than my Dad. He was my biggest supporter and was always urging me to get out of my comfort zone and try new things. Dad is who taught me my love of cooking, traveling and my devotion to family and friends. No matter how hard life could hit, he was always there to listen and offer advice; usually, all while enjoying an amazing meal and drinks.

We had some amazing adventures together; from road trips to learning to drive stick, to trying to eat at all the best food spots in Portland, and countless others. And even if he is not physically there, Dad will always be there on my future adventures.

I am fortunate enough to see him in the mirror every time I look and for that, I couldn't be more grateful.

Love you Dad, cheers.

Dad and I

Dad and I at my wedding - Portland 2011

Dad and I

Dad and I - Virginia 1985

Dad and Mom

Mom and Dad - Corvallis 2006