Robert Bruce, UW professor emeritus of medicine and pioneer of exercise cardiology, died Thursday, Feb. 12, at his Seattle home. He was 87.

Bruce is best known for developing the treadmill test that is now a standard in cardiology care. In 1950, he became the first director of the School of Medicine's Division of Cardiology, leading the division to its role as a world leader in cardiac research, teaching, and clinical care.

A native of Massachusetts, Bruce earned a bachelor's degree from Boston University and his M.D. degree from the University of Rochester in New York in 1943. He also completed an internship and residency in Rochester and was a fellow in medicine before coming to Seattle.

Bruce led the UW Division of Cardiology for more than 30 years, sharing the directorship with Dr. Harold Dodge from 1971 to 1981 before retiring in 1982. He was one of the first attending physicians at University Hospital, now University of Washington Medical Center, when it opened in 1959.

Bruce received an honors award from the American College of Sports Medicine and was named an outstanding graduate of Boston University in 1978. Bruce was a past president of the Western Society of Clinical Investigation and a founding member and president of the American Association of University Cardiologists. In retirement, he remained active with the American College of Cardiology and advisory groups on exercise and the elderly, in addition to community activities.

A memorial service for Bruce will be held at 3 p.m. on Friday, Feb. 20, at University Congregational Church, 4515 16th Ave. NE, Seattle. Remembrances may be sent to the Cardiovascular Fellows' Resource Center, Box 356422, University of Washington, Seattle, 98195.