Bert R. Staples, 88, of Sun City Center, Florida, passed away on May 29, 2024, with his daughters by his side. Born in Hazleton, Pennsylvania, in 1935, Bert grew up in Kenmore, New York, and Detroit, Michigan. He spent the last 23 years of his life enjoying the warmth of Florida, far from the cold winters of his youth.
Bert was raised by his Aunt Ruth and Uncle "Bud" after the death of his mother when he was six years old. In his preteen years, he returned to live with his father, stepmother, and two half-brothers, though he remained close with his aunt and uncle throughout his life.

A graduate of Kenmore High School in 1953, Bert excelled in rifle competitions, earning various accolades at local, regional, and national levels. In 1957, he obtained a Bachelor of Science from the University of Buffalo. He went on to serve as a 1st Lieutenant in the United States Air Force from 1958 to 1961, continuing his competitive marksmanship while in the military. After completing his military service, Bert returned to school to earn a Master of Science and PhD in physical chemistry from the University of Maryland in 1965 and 1967, respectively.

Bert began his career in 1961 as a chemist with the National Bureau of Standards (now the National Institute of Science and Technology), where he would work for over 20 years. In 1983, he accepted a position as a research chemist with the U.S. Bureau of Mines at the Albany Research Center in Oregon. Throughout his career, his research focused on aqueous solutions and thermodynamics, and he was invited to present at various international conferences throughout Europe. He published numerous scientific papers, including, "The Activity and Osmotic Coefficients of Aqueous Calcium Chloride at 298.15 K" and "Activity and Osmotic Coefficients of Aqueous Alkali Metal Nitrites," both published in Journal of Physical and Chemical Reference Data. He was a member of the American Chemical Society, The Faraday Society, and The New York Academy of Sciences. In 2000, he retired from the U.S. Bureau of Mines (now the Department of Energy) after 42 years of dedicated federal service.

Loving father to his daughters, Rebecca and Ariane, Bert was always eager to help with homework, especially when it came to sharing his love for math and science. While chauffeuring them to their many activities, he introduced them to classical music and opera, often choosing his favorite radio stations to play along the way. In the morning, you could find him at a local café, enjoying coffee and pastries—preferably those with chocolate. In addition to a good meal, he loved fishing, playing cards or chess, solving crossword puzzles, and reading a good detective novel, particularly those by Tony Hillerman.

Bert is survived by his children, Rebecca Staples and Ariane (Staples) Glover, and his half-brother, Rodney H. (Susan) Staples. He was predeceased by his mother, Mary (Laurie) Staples; father, Bertram E. Staples; stepmother, Florence H. (Getsfried) Staples; half-brother, Ronald B. Staples; his aunt and uncle, Ruth (Staples) and Clarence Meiss; and son-in-law, Matthew Glover. Celia (Trabosh) Staples, of Overland Park, Kansas, the mother of his children, remains an important part of his family's story. Bert's family and friends will forever remember his intellect, kindness, and gentle demeanor.

Services will be held at the First United Methodist Church in Albany, Oregon, on September 8, 2024, at 3:00 p.m.