Experimental Physics and
Industrial Control System

"Dalesio, Leo `Bob`" <[email protected]> · Mon, 5 Mar 2007 16:47:18 -0800

It is with a heavy heart that I forward this obituary. Coles was part of our community for many years and it is really hard to keep track of who has connected with whom in our work. Coles was one of those people that may have helped you out of some difficult spots. Just as likely, he may have helped you have a beer or two after a day of technical meetings. In any case, if you knew Coles, you would know that he was an outstanding engineer, a hard working colleague who was forthcoming with his knowledge and opinions,  and great company. All of us who knew him, will miss him.

......Bob

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Robert Coles Sibley III presently residing in Manchester MA and Clinton, TN died suddenly on February 25, 2007.  Coles has been a resident of Manchester most of his life, with his last years in Tennessee.     Coles graduated from Manchester High School in 1975 and received his degree in electrical engineering from the University of Vermont in 1979.

He loved his work and research that investigated the basic structure of matter and cancer treatment. Until recently, Coles was head engineer of the machine protection system at the Spallation Neutron Source, a major physics research facility at Oak Ridge National Laboratory. He had consulted for the Massachusetts General Hospital and recently moved back to Massachusetts to take the position of Director of Controls at Still River Systems to build a proton therapy system for the treatment of cancer.

Coles enjoyed being active in the accelerator engineering community, regularly attending and presenting his research at conferences, more recently being on the organizing committee of the 2004 Beam Instrumentation Workshop in Knoxville, Tennessee. He edited and published several books in his field and was internationally recognized for his work.

Coles had a great love for his family and was happiest when surrounded by a houseful of activity and excitement.   He was an avid Patriots and Red Sox fan.  He had a wonderful sense of humor and was admired for his giving heart. He also enjoyed skiing and fishing with his father and son.   

Coles is survived by his devoted wife Vicki of 26 years, his three children Randi  Carmody and her fiance Eric Hayes, Margaret Ann and Robert Sibley and five grandchildren Amber, Taylor, Matthew, Ashley and Kaelyn with two more on the way, his centurion grandmother Gladys Sibley of Rye NY, his father Robert Sibley of Manchester MA,.  Coles is also survived by four sisters and their spouses Dr. Thomas and Tabitha Tashjian of Oakham MA, Mitchell and Martha Sibley-Jett of Ashford CT, Stephen and Emma Griffen of Saratoga, NY and Sara Sibley of Peabody, MA and many nieces and nephews.  Coles is preceded in death by his mother Alys Sibley.  

Visiting hours will be held at Lee Moody and Russell Funeral Home in Beverly MA from 5-8 on Tuesday March 6.    All are invited to gather at Tucks Point in Manchester at 11:00 am Wednesday March 7 for a short service followed by a reception at the First Parish Church Congregational Chapel Building.  In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the North Shore Association for Retarded Citizens, 64 Holton Rd.  Danvers MA 01923.

Experimental Physics and Industrial Control System

Experimental Physics and
Industrial Control System