William Corliss Obituary

CORLISS , William Roger On July 8, 2011, WILLIAM ROGER CORLISS, age 84. Mr. Corliss was a Navy veteran having served during World War II. As a physicist, he was Director of Advanced Programs in the Nuclear Division at Martins in the 1960's. Later, he became a prolific writer, authoring 57 books on atomic energy, space propulsion, scientific satellites, teleoperators, wind tunnels, and scientific anomalies in all fields of science. He was a loving husband to his wife Virginia for 61 years, and is survived by his wife; his four children, Cathleen, Stephen, Jim, and Laura McCudden; seven grandchildren, and one great-grandson. He will always be remembered for his devotion to his wife and for his sense of humor.
The family will be holding private services. Contributions in his memory may be sent to his alma mater at The Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute Gifts Processing Center, P.O. Box 3164, Boston, MA, 02241-3164.

Published by Baltimore Sun on Jul. 13, 2011.
34465541-95D0-45B0-BEEB-B9E0361A315A

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Memories and Condolences
for William Corliss

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I was looking over my books in the basement, which to keep and which to discard. My collection of Bill's anomaly reports is definitely a keeper. He did something unique, and his contribution will not be forgotten. Ron Westrum

He belonged to the Society for Scientific Exploration

Other

July 7, 2023

I think Bill's contribution to all of our collective knowledge was one of a kind. No one has replaced him, and we are all in his debt. His memory lives on.

Ron Westrum

July 7, 2022

William Corliss greatly contributed to the anomaly field because of his incredible contributions to the collective memory. I have two of the three sets of books he published, priceless clues to the total picture that he realized was very incomplete. Although we only met once, I was inspired by his fine work, unequalled by others. I recall giving him the first Dinsdale Award on behalf of the Society for Scientific Exploration. We know a great deal more about a dozen realms of inquiry because of Bill Corliss. His name should always be honored.

Ron Westrum

Other

July 7, 2021

I still have a baker's dozen of Mr. WRC's (I always addressed him as "Mr. WRC") books on my library shelves, and I still pick them up to read or refer to. He was a real pioneer in the field of scientific anomalies, and a very pleasant gentleman as well. A good man still missed by many.

Jon Harrison

Acquaintance

July 7, 2020

Corliss was a fine scholar and a great guy. I have many of his books in my library. In fact, just yesterday we took a look at his book on weather anomalies, as we were expecting a hailstorm. I was always pleased to see new work from him, and it's very sad to realize that no new books will be published. Rest in peace, WRC.

Jon Harrison

Acquaintance

July 7, 2019

I was sorry to hear of his passing. I have so many of his books, and I was a subscriber to his newsletter. I will miss him, but his work remain as a testimony to his great love of knowledge.

Ron Giuntini

February 7, 2012

Mr. Corliss was a singular proponent for the broadening of scientific understanding, and a profound early influence on my own comprehension of the natural world. His loss is keenly felt, but his impact on the field of phenomena studies in indelible. Thank you, Mr. Corliss.

Howard Kistler

January 18, 2012

A great loss to the world of science. He's one of the most prominent in trying to keep the whole business honest. His work will inspire generations to come. I hope others take up where he left off. God Bless You, William Corliss.

Jameske

October 26, 2011

I just found out about the death of Mr. Corliss... Very sad...
But he still lives in his books...

Andrei Ol'khovatov

September 7, 2011

I was shocked when I heard about Bill´s death. He was a great guy and a very good friend. He was kind enough to send me many of his books and newsletters that enrichened my knowledge about our inner and outer universes. The worldwide community of curious and clever thinkers have missed a beloved companion, but will never let his name fall in oblivion.

Philippe Piet van Putten
Belo Horizonte (Minas Gerais, BRAZIL)

Philippe Piet van Putten

August 25, 2011

Mr. Corliss's work was one of the bright spots in this world, a place where mystery, wonder & true inquisitiveness still lived. He inspired & supported my personal journey through science & history for 30 years, even though we had never met. With his departure, we've lost something irreplaceable from the intellectual life of our culture. My thoughts are with his family.

Wylie Cox

August 23, 2011

An amazing man. His books inspired much of my own research and understanding of the universe. His books should grace every library and school in the world. He will be much missed and the world is a poorer place without him. My condolences to the family.
D.Waddell MMCM(SS) ret.

August 15, 2011

A great and open mind that ranged over many fields of science. I read his source material on ball lightning and related anomalies and used it in research on this topic.

Peter Coleman

August 12, 2011

I discovered the work of William Corliss years ago in a library and it awoke in me a deep awe for the mystery of the universe. His work is required reading for anyone who values science. Though I never met him, I will miss him.

George Donovan

August 11, 2011

I have been reading Mr. Corliss's work for 30+ years, and have most of his books on my living room shelf (except for the one I keep on my kitchen table). I pray that his reverence for knowledge lives on in all of his readers.

Jacob Reeves

August 11, 2011

I own many of Corliss' anomaly books. We exchanged a few lines from time to time as well. He was a great figure in the anomalies field, and a fine human being. I will miss him..

Jon Harrison

August 8, 2011

My condolences for your great loss. A unique and able mind has left the world, and the world is lessened by it.

John Bogle

August 1, 2011

My condolences I have most of Mr. Corliss's books and I enjoy them, specially his archeology ones. He will be missed!

Michael Holly

July 31, 2011

Our deepest sympathy to Ginny, Laura and family. It has been a great pleasure to get to know Bill thru the years and to share many family events.
The McCudden Family

July 24, 2011

Please accept my condolences on the passing of Mr. Corliss. It was by chance that I picked up his book Unusual Natural Phenomena tonight to get some background material on ball lightning. I have had his book in my library for several years and have always respected his work in the field. When I went to check on his latest project on the internet, I learned to my dismay that he had died. Mr. Corliss gave anyone who is curious about the world a lasting gift -- M. Gryczan

Matthew Gryczan

July 23, 2011

So sorry for your loss. I think of Mr. Corliss every time I go into the woods,he taught me so much about nature.

hope Livezey

July 19, 2011

Mr. Corliss was the greatest anomalist since Charles Fort, bar none. He will be sorely missed by my father and I, as we have devoured his books together for years.

James Barnes

July 19, 2011

An extremely fine man, perspicuous, learned, and a true gentleman. His work in reporting and bibliography of anomalous events is unparalleled. He was encyclopedic, meticulous, and scrupulously honest. Nothing like his sourcebook project otherwise exists. We all owe him a great debt. May he rest in peace. Ron Westrum

July 13, 2011

I'm sorry for your loss....

Ann DeLisle Ault

July 13, 2011

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