Obituaries

Ronald Robert Goforth

Photo of Ronald Robert Goforth
Dr. Ronald Robert Goforth died in his sleep on April 13, 2012, at the age of 74. Born in Arkansas, where he spent most of his life, Ron was a man of diverse talents and boundless intellect. His career spanned disciplines and continents; after serving as the Director of Research and Environmental Affairs for Syncrude Canada, Ltd., he was appointed tenured professor of Computer Systems Engineering at the University of Arkansas. He was founding director of the UofA Center for Artificial Intelligence and Expert Systems; a Fulbright Fellow at the University of the South Pacific; and Professor of Computer Systems Engineering at the Suranaree University of Technology in Thailand. He founded Beta-Rubicon, Inc., a consulting firm specializing in technology assessment and business due diligence services. He also co-founded EquityNet, LLC, a web-based platform used by members of the entrepreneurial community to develop and capitalize young, privately held businesses. In his spare time, Ron could be found absorbed in a science fiction novel, learning a new art, or planning his next adventure abroad. A born teacher, he possessed an infectious curiosity about history, science, art, and the universe. Ron is survived by his brother, Royce Goforth and sister, Barbara Goforth Mullens; children, Carol Goforth, Robert Calvin Goforth, Robyn Goforth, and Sarah Goforth; and 11 grandchildren. In accordance with his wishes, no formal service will be held. Donations in his remembrance may be made to the Arkansas Academy of Computing (c/o U of A Department of Computer Science & Computer Engineering, 504 JB Hunt Building, 1 University of Arkansas, Fayetteville, Ark. 72701) or the Botanical Garden of the Ozarks (4703 Crossover Road, Fayetteville, Ark. 72764).

Published April 19, 2012

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