Retired dean dies

Bob Toft, retired Grand Valley dean and director, died January 28. He was 81.

Toft joined Grand Valley in 1972 to serve as the founding dean of College IV. In 1975, he was named program development officer, then was named director of federal grants in 1987. He retired in 2000.

Toft graduated from Beloit College in 1955 with a bachelor’s degree in biology. He earned a master’s degree in physiology from Rice Institute and a doctoral degree in physiology/endocrinology from Rice University.

A memorial service is pending.

After he retired, Toft founded and coordinated the Gay Married Mens’ Association in Grand Rapids.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations to Grand Valley’s Milton E. Ford LGBT Resource Center or to Faith Hospice, Grand Rapids, be considered.