Retired BYU-Hawaii biology Professor Robert Newell Winget passed away on April 13, 2016 at the age of 73 in Utah. He is remembered fondly by students for his intellect and teaching prowess, plus his mentorship and wise counsel during the 22 years he worked on campus.His funeral services are scheduled for April 19 at 10 a.m. at the Payson Utah 7th Ward Chapel, 1120 East 100 South.
A viewing will also be held from 8:45 to 9:45 a.m. at the chapel, and the evening before from 6 to 8 at the Walker Mortuary, 587 South 100 West, Payson. Burial will be in the Monroe, Utah Cemetery, which is where Winget grew up on a farm and working at his father’s grocery store, says his obituary in the Deseret News.He married Linda Beth Nordgren in 1964 in the Manti Temple, it says, after returning from the LDS Gulf States Mission.“
He is survived by his eternal companion and sweetheart Linda,” continues the obituary, “and his seven children: David Winget (Molly), Hong Kong; Brian Winget (Inday), Payson; Gordon Winget (Lena), Pleasant Grove; John Winget, Broomfield, Colo.; Roger Winget (Jackie), Lehi; Michael Winget (Kahi), Provo; Heather (Jake Atwood), Orangeville; and 15 grandchildren and 2 great-grandchildren.”
Winget came to BYUH in 1985 after earning bachelor's and master's degrees in zoology and entomology, and his Ph.D. in biological sciences — all from the University of Utah, according to university information. He began teaching and did fulltime environmental research at BYU in Provo before joining the BYUH faculty.
He was the David O. McKay Lecturer in 2004, speaking on the topic of “Worthy of Serious Study” where he discussed the need to seriously study and test out hypotheses before people accept or reject them.
In an excerpt from his lecture, Winget said: “President McKay was frequently involved in trying to prevent or ease contention between scientists and church leaders, and between church leaders themselves, as they argued such topics as the age of the earth, death before Adam, organic evolution, and other related topics.
His response to a request for a clarification to one such situation illustrates his frustration: ‘Until the Lord speaks directly upon the matter, or until the scientists are able to say that they have the ultimate truth concerning these matters, it would only be confusing for the First Presidency to make any statement regarding such things’ (Bergera and Priddis 1985, p. 158.)“
President McKay was tolerant of those with differing feelings and beliefs, and looked forward to those times when new information would be made available. I am reminded of one of my favorite scriptures regarding the Second Coming of Christ, a scripture frequently quoted by those on both sides of the arguments between science and religion:
‘Yea, verily I say unto you, in that day when the Lord shall come, he shall reveal all things--- Things which have passed, and hidden things which no man knew, things of the earth, by which it was made, and the purpose and the end thereof---Things most precious, things that are above, and things that are beneath, things that are in the earth, and upon the earth, and in heaven’ (D&C 101:32-34.)”
Winget concluded his lecture by saying: “We often won't know what is true and what is wrong with an idea or hypothesis without putting them to the test. Let's follow President McKay's advice and be open to putting worthy subjects to ‘serious study’ before accepting or rejecting them. Science is self-correcting. “Remember what [Henry] Eyring said: ‘If a thing is wrong, nothing can save it, and if it is right, it cannot help succeeding.’”
During his time at BYUH, Winget was active in Scouting, school and community organizations, says the BYUH website, “and he enjoyed gardening, photography, reading and dart throwing. All seven of his children have attended BYU-Hawaii, five of them graduating from the university.” He retired in 2007.
After his daughter, Heather Atwood, posted a message on Facebook about her father’s passing, alumni and friends left comments about the impact Winget had on their lives.
Arlene Carillo said Winget was “one of my favorite professors at BYUH. His field trips were the best. His wise words of counsel profound. He will be missed.” Kaulana Finai wrote, “So sorry for your loss. As a biology major, I have sincere gratitude and admiration for all the bio professors.
Bro. Winget was a wonderful and caring person!”Amy Gold, the wife of a BYUH biology professor, said of Winget, “When my husband started in the Biology Department 12 years ago, Dr. Winget was so helpful. We enjoyed his great company and mentorship until he retired. Our love to your family at this time.”
Brian Te'o added, “Heather, your dad is an amazing man. I was blessed to have had him in my life. He mentored a young and naive teenager that needed his kind of guidance. Thank you for sharing him with us.”
Liana Kongaika Kinikini said, “Condolences to you and your family. Your dad was a wonderful professor and mentor to so many!”
Kahale Pali commented, “Your dad (and Phil Bruner) taught me one of the most valuable lessons that has made me into the biologist I am today: ‘Question everything. If the evidence supports, accept. If the evidence does not support, reject.’ As a biologist, I live by it. As a member of the church, I live by it. Mahalo nui to you and your ohana for allowing us to learn from, respect and be inspired by your father. He will be missed but fondly remembered.”