EUGENE NICHOLAS KOZLOFF

1920 - 2017

EUGENE NICHOLAS KOZLOFF obituary, 1920-2017, Portland, WA

EUGENE KOZLOFF Obituary

September 26, 1920 -
March 4, 2017

Gene passed away on March 4, 2017, at Lighthouse Memory Care in Anacortes, Washington, at the age of 96.

He was born to Nicholas and Eugenie Kozloff on September 26, 1920, in Tehran, Iran, where his father was serving in the Russian Army that occupied part of Iran before and during World War I. The family immigrated to the United States in 1921, unable to return to their homeland after the 1917 Russian Revolution.

Gene grew up with his older brother Nick and sister Nina in Riverside, California, where his lifelong love of animals and plants began.

After attending Riverside Junior College, he married Anne Solomon on October 20, 1944, and the couple moved to Berkeley where Gene received his Master's and Doctoral degrees at the University of California. He then began a long career of teaching biology and invertebrate zoology, first at Lewis & Clark College in Portland, Oregon, and then after 1966 at UW Friday Harbor Laboratories. He also taught occasional classes for the San Juan Nature Conservancy, the North Cascades Institute, the Skagit Master Gardeners, and others. Gene (or "Koz" as he was affectionately called by students and colleagues) was an impassioned teacher and an inspiration to many of his students.

He was the author of several books, including "Seashore Life of the Northern Pacific Coast" and "Plants and Animals of the Pacific Northwest", and wrote many articles for scientific journals.

After moving to Anacortes in 2007, he continued to do research at Shannon Point Marine Center for several more years. "Retirement" was not in his vocabulary.

Gene had many hobbies and interests: he enjoyed playing the viola da gamba with friends, both in Friday Harbor and Anacortes; spent hours listening to opera and classical music; was an avid gardener, photographer, art and stamp collector; traveled abroad for work and pleasure; and gave talks on Post-Impressionist French painting.

In his last few years, his brilliant mind and wit may have been lost to Alzheimer's, but he never lost his kindness and graciousness; a true gentleman to the very end.

Gene is survived by his wife Anne, daughter Rae and her partner Jim Wells of Anacortes.

Memorials may be made to the UW Foundation (Eugene N. Kozloff Endowed Fund), Friday Harbor Laboratories, 620 University Road, Friday Harbor, WA 98250, by mail or online.

No services are planned, but there may be a celebration of life sometime in the summer.

Published by Anacortes American and Skagit Valley Herald from Mar. 6 to Mar. 15, 2017.
34465541-95D0-45B0-BEEB-B9E0361A315A

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Memories and Condolences
for EUGENE KOZLOFF

Not sure what to say?





Dr Kozloff was one of my very favorite professors in both my undergraduate (L&C) and graduate (Stanford) education. These many years later I still have a vivid memory of my experiences in his classroom. Again, deeply felt condolences to his dear ones.

James Fenwick PhD

School

February 28, 2022

Dr. Kozloff was a mentor, friend and neighbor during the years we spent at Friday Harbor in graduate school. He showed me how to find kinorhinchs in Argyll Lagoon and he provided insightful edits on my very first scientific papers. I virtually memorized his field guide to seashore life as an undergraduate, and was amazed when he also published a guide to terrestrial organisms. A truly great man.

Craig Young

Student

March 23, 2017

I knew of Koz but then met and got to know him when I moved to Orcas Island in 1991. I can feel in my heart right now the excitement I felt in his presence...whether a talk, a hike, just conversation...he was passionate, profound and funny. One of my favorite teachers in life. I will miss you Koz!

Amanda Azous

March 23, 2017

We knew Dr. Kozloff was a special person when he was teaching at Lewis & Clark, so our sorority adopted him as our Delphi Dad. Gene, Anne and Rae became like family to us. Anne and Gene hosted our group of Delphi girls at their home--a special treat were Anne's crisp, delicious oatmeal cookies and I'm still using her handwritten recipe 55+ years later! Our connection with them continued after they moved to Friday Harbor and a number of us visited them there through the years.
It was always a joy to receive a note from Gene with news of his research, music, Anne and Rae's activities, etc. The Delphis were privileged to have Gene and Anne attend some of our reunions duirng the past 55 years. Even those of us who never had a class from him treasure our well-used copies of Plants and Animals of the Pacifi Northwest. And my husband will ever be grateful that he got a B in Biology rather than the lower grade he'd expected!
Gene was warm and witty, interested in so many things. He was a great example of how to live life fully, making a difference in the world through his intellect and in his interaction with everyone he met. Our thoughts are with the family and all those who have enjoyed knowing him.
Mary Ellen and Roger Fleck
Lewis and Clark Classes of 1960-61

March 16, 2017

As a "gung-ho naturalist" of the first water he wooed me from chemistry to biology as my major in 1958, then mentored me in research on Protozoa and urged me on to graduate school in comparative animal physiology. My career as an educator was continually inspired by him and it was such a treat to spend a year at Friday Harbor Labs in 1971, 10 years after my BA from Lewis and Clark.

Anne may know that the late John Belton and I had many happy reminiscences of Gene as we used our biology managing our separate family forest properties in Cacksmas County.

Gilbert Shibley

March 13, 2017

Dear family, just a note to share with you a story about Dr. Kozloff and his impact on my life. My father, Clifford Hamar, was a colleague of his at Lewis & Clark. As an elementary child, he inspired me to become a birder, a past time I enjoy to this day! He loaned me binoculars, gave me bird lists, and told me where I could watch on the campus. He took my interest seriously and to this day I am deeply grateful! Love and condolences, Rosalind Hamar

Rosalind Hamar

March 13, 2017

le 11 mars 2017
Ma chere Rae,
Je viens de lire les tristes nouvelles du passage de ton pere. Sache que moi et le Cercle Francais t'envoyons notre sympathie sincere pour cette perte. Quelle vie interessante ton papa a eue. De ses racines en Russie, a Tehran, ensuite en Californie, en Oregon, et finalement pres de chez nous maintenant. Et ses etudes! Ses avocations! Ses livres! Nous pensons a toi, ma chere Rae. Bises,
Susan
* * * * *

Susan REDD

March 12, 2017

I am so saddened to hear of Dr. Kozloff's passing. He has been an inspiration to me all my life as I have explored the plants and animals of my locations. His book Plants and Animals of the Pacific Northwest is sooo dogeared from all its use. I'll never forget our walks in the woods of Lewis and Clark College where the algae and moss would excite him and in turn excite us, his students. What an inspiration to us all.
Nancy Killian Lewis and Clark College '62

March 12, 2017

A beloved professor of mine at Lewis and Clark College. Deep condolences to his dear ones. He left an indelible intellectual impression on my life. He was a gifted professor.

James Fenwick

March 12, 2017

Gene Kozloff was my bacteriology instructor at Lewis & Clark College wat back when, and subsequently had several other classes with him. He was a wonderful teacher, actually one of my all-time favorites.
We often after class had interesting discussions on early instrumental composers, along with certain publishing editions, one better than the other. He was one of a kind, never forgotten. My sympathy to his family.

Marian Beckman

March 11, 2017

We were so sorry to hear of Eugene's passing. We always enjoyed talking with him, especially at the get-togethers at Ivan and Lenka's. What a fine and brilliant man, he will be missed. You will be in our prayers.

Syd Olausen

March 11, 2017

I'm so sorry to hear this. I still revere my copy of his field guide with keys for Puget Sound which is well worn from my marine biology studies at Western Washington U. It was so well written and usable in the field and laboratory.

Scott Morrison

March 10, 2017

I am so sorry to learn that Koz is gone. My sympathies to his family and friends.

He was one of my favorite visitors to the University of Washington Herbarium when I worked there (1988-2001), not only for his obvious passion for plants and photography, but for his wide-ranging conversation on opera, politics, Russian literature, and more. He used the herbarium a lot when he was working on his plant books.

He loved to propagate plants, and I have a special place in my heart and garden for the starts I received from him, as mentioned here (https://www.wnps.org/blog/red-flowering-currant/) and here (https://www.wnps.org/blog/five-i-appreciate/)

See you in the field, Koz.

Sarah Gage

March 10, 2017

I remember being inspired by Gene's deep knowledge and wisdom and his down-to-earth enthusiasm and generosity in sharing his knowledge and love for marine ecology and native plants. . .

Linda Storm

March 10, 2017

Our quartet in Friday Harbor celebrated "forgotten composers" and Koz always had the harpsichord tuned and the chairs ready when we arrived. He supplied the music, the humor, the biographies of these "forgotten composers", and at the close of our sessions, he and Anne served us tea and sweets and enthusiastic conversation. Those were very special days. My deepest sympathies to Anne and Rae. Phyllis Johnson Adelman

March 8, 2017

Gene was an extraordinary naturalist, scientist and man, as well as an iconic and much loved presence at Friday Harbor Labs. We have so many memories and stories of him - he led an amazing life and contributed to so many of us. When he learned that I had a job as professor of biology at Lewis and Clark, a position he'd once held, he was thrilled at the connection his supportive of me offered encouragement that I will not forget. His voice and presence will continue to echo through FHL and in our hearts. RIP Gene, we miss you and are forever grateful for what you brought to our lives.

Deborah Brosnan

March 8, 2017

I was blessed to be one of Gene and Anne's caregivers. I was in their home at least once a
week for the last three years.
My dog Zoe, also known as "baby kitty" and I became
part of the family. There home was always filled
with love and laughter.
I was so amazed at the number of visitors that
would come to visit. And share how "Koz" had influenced them and touched their lives.
I am a better person because of Gene, Anne, and Rae.
Until we meet again Gene!

Susan Marin

March 7, 2017

I never met Dr. Kozloff, but I was instructed by two professors (Megan Dethier at FHL and Joseph Pawlik at UNCW) who learned directly from him. Both of them had a wonderful theatric teaching style that captivated me. I already loved invertebrates when I took their classes, but they made me love inverts even more. Just this past year, I realized that Eugene had also written "Plants of the San Francisco Bay Region," a book that I was given by my partner, a botanist. I was amazed to learn that he was also an expert on plants. I am sad that I never met him, but I still feel like he had a major impact on my education and passion for biology and ecology. I am sure I am just one of many biologists who attribute their passion for the natural world to him! My condolences to his family, friends, and colleagues.

Andrea Dingeldein

March 7, 2017

He was a wonderful gentleman and a remarkable scientist. Helping him with the publication of his Plants of Western Oregon, Washington & British Columbia was one of my great pleasures at Timber Press.

Dale Johnson

March 7, 2017

I didn't know Gene very well, but when I first met him and his sweet wife; I knew right then that he was special and so was she. I didn't know he had done so many interesting things in his life. I wish I had met him sooner. My sympathy to his family and good friends. See you later Gene. With love from Susan's mom, Helen

Helen Chandler

March 7, 2017

Dr. Kozloff was a brilliant man who touched so many lives with his knowledge, wit and good humor. All of us at Friday Harbor Labs love him and his family and know that he will be greatly missed.

Billie Swalla

March 6, 2017

Showing 1 - 21 of 21 results

Make a Donation
in EUGENE KOZLOFF's name

Memorial Events
for EUGENE KOZLOFF

To offer your sympathy during this difficult time, you can now have memorial trees planted in a National Forest in memory of your loved one.

How to support EUGENE's loved ones
Commemorate a cherished Veteran with a special tribute of Taps at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.

The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.

Read more
Attending a Funeral: What to Know

You have funeral questions, we have answers.

Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?

What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?

Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?

We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.

Read more
Resources to help you cope with loss
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Estate Settlement Guide

If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.

Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast

Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.

Read more
The Five Stages of Grief

They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.

Read more
Ways to honor EUGENE KOZLOFF's life and legacy
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Obituary Templates

These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.

Read more
Obituary Examples

You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.

Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?

Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.

Read more