Passing of archaeologist Robert Bull, former McMinnville resident

Robert Bull dies at 92

McMinnville N-R 9/3/2013 with minor editing by Mac News

Robert Bull, who was active in the McMinnville community during the tenure (1992-2005) of his wife, Vivian, as president of Linfield College, died Saturday, Aug. 31, of West Nile disease. He was 92.

The Rev. Bull was a professor emeritus of church history at Drew University in New Jersey. He also was a noted archaeologist and director of Drew's Institute for Archaeological Research.

He spent many seasons doing field work in Israel, including nine with the Joint Expedition to Caesarea Maritima. He wrote extensively about his archaeological work.

The Bulls came to McMinnville in 1993 when she was named president. They were both active in the United Methodist Church.

He spoke at Hillside Manor's learning series and led community prayer breakfasts. He also lectured at Linfield on topics in his field.

They returned to New Jersey in 2005. She is currently serving as president at Drew.

A memorial service is being planned in New Jersey.