Dr. Ravindra "Robin" Amonker, 71, Springfield, MO passed away peacefully on June 20, 2013. He was born on September 3, 1941 to Gundu and Vasanti Amonker in Goa, India. Amonker graduated from Anglo-Portuguese Institute, Mapusa, Goa, with a high school diploma. After receiving a Bachelor of Science degree from Wilson College, Mumbai University, he came to the United States to pursue his higher education in Texas in January 1964. He received his Master of Education and Master of Arts degrees from Texas Christian University, Fort Worth. He received his Ph.D. degree in Sociology from St. Louis University and his areas of expertise included demography, human ecology, and quantitative methods. He began his career as a sociology professor at Southwest Missouri State College, Springfield, in August 1968 and retired as a Professor Emeritus, August 2008. After his retirement, he taught at Missouri State University (2008-2012) and Ozarks Technical Community College (2009-2012). During his 45 years at Missouri State University, Amonker influenced thousands of students through his sociology courses and honors sections, along with his frequent participation in the Missouri-London Program. He prepared many students for a career in social science research and numbers of his advisees have gone on to graduate study. In 2011, he received the Award of Appreciation from MSU Alumni Association. He was a past recipient (1986) of the Missouri State University Foundation's Excellence in Teaching Award and in 1999 received the Outstanding Teacher of the Year Award for his IDS 110 (Introduction to University Life) course. He expanded his international experiences by participating in scholar exchange programs in India, New Zealand, Brazil and Switzerland. He did considerable volume of quality demographic research work on India and Missouri. In addition, he did numerous contract and grant reports in the area of demography for the citizens of Missouri. His numerous demographic articles and population reports were used extensively in Jefferson City and throughout the state. In 2005, he received the Research Award from the College of Humanities and Public Affairs. Amonker served on variety of University, College and Departmental committees. He also served as the Treasurer of the Missouri Sociological Association and served as a member of the Population Projections Committee, State Office of Administration in Jefferson City. In 2006, he received the Service Award from the College of Humanities and Public Affairs. From 1984 to 2002, he was an Advisor to the Association of International Students, whose annual dinner and festival of entertainment benefiting student's scholarship program continues to be one of the most popular events on the university campus. In 2010, he also established Robin and Alka Amonker Scholarship in the Department of Sociology & Anthropology at MSU. He was an active member of the Asian community and served as the President of the Southwest Missouri Asian Association from 1975 to 2004. He served as the President of Planned Parenthood of Southwest Missouri from 1976 to 1979 and received the Outstanding Professional for Human Services award from the American Academy of Human Services in 1979. Amonker married Alka Parulekar from Bombay, India and they spent 46 wonderful years together. Two daughters, Bhairavi and Amita and their husbands Gary Kinder and Terry Lee survive him. Also surviving are four precious granddaughters Anna, Ella, Lauren, and Kaya. Amonker lived the life to the fullest by truly enjoying the company of his immediate family. He thrived on social events with family, extended family and friends. Memorial and visitation services will be at 10:30 am on June 29, 2013 at Gorman-Scharpf Funeral Home, 1947 E. Seminole. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Ravindra & Alka Amonker Scholarship Endowment Fund, Missouri State University Foundation, 901 South National, Springfield, MO 65897.