Obituary of Robert Graham Bursey

Dr. Robert Graham Bursey of Herndon, Virginia died on Wednesday, February 1 at Sibley Memorial Hospital of advanced prostate cancer. Dr. Bursey was born on September 18, 1941 in Boston, Massachusetts to Arthur Herbert Bursey and Doris Hazel Bursey. He attended Georgia Institute of Technology, then received his BS in Biology and Chemistry from North Georgia College, his Masters in Human Anatomy from the Medical College of Georgia, and his PhD in Nutritional Biochemistry from Clemson University. Dr. Bursey began his career as a faculty member at North Georgia College and Clemson University before assuming a position managing the Nutrition, Toxicology, and Health Program at Kraft Foods. He later joined the National Dairy Board as Senior Vice President of their Nutrition and Dairy Foods Research Program. His most recent position was president of Ajinimoto Corporate Services LLC in Washington DC. Dr. Bursey also held leadership positions in worldwide industry associations such as the Calorie Control Council, Toxicology Forum, Glutamate Association, CODEX, IFT, and FEMA. Throughout the years, Dr. Bursey authored numerous articles in scientific journals and was an expert in regulatory and scientific affairs of the food industry. Bob and his wife, Betty Johns Bursey, would have celebrated 50 years of marriage later this year. He enjoyed close relationships with his daughters and sons-in-law Heather and Frank Lopane, and Tara and Phil Cooksey. He derived special joy from his four grandsons; Matthew Lopane (21), Andrew Lopane (19), Sam Lopane (17) and Graham Cooksey (3). During rare moments away from the office, he enjoyed cheering on the Clemson Tigers, outdoor activities, travel, wine and good food - especially vanilla milkshakes.