Bertram J. Cohler

It is so good to see his face again. I learned from much from him when we were graduate students at the same time. So kind, thoughtful, helpful and smart, so mark but modest that is was a gift to know him those many years ago,

Bert was my psychotherapist for 6 years. I so loved his insight and sense of humor. Saddened by his loss but blessed to have had him be such a strong influence on my life and happiness.

I knew Bert as an HD grad student in the late 70s.... His genuine care for his students taught me reverence for and the power of relationships in every context. Far more important than what to teach, Bert taught me how to teach.

Bert was a wonderful colleague and friend during our days at Boston Psycho. I learned a great deal about open-mindedness, friendship and caring from him. A wonderful person.

Bert was one of the wisest and most youthful men I have ever had the pleasure to know.

I suspect that everyone who knew Burt Cohler has tales of his emtional generosity. Mine goes back to when I flew to Chicago to be examined on an adult control case. It was a Saturday morning and the committee members were straggling in. The Committee chairman was brusque and dismissive. Burt suddenly asked me if I would accompany him to bring back coffee for everyone. The Commitee Chairman announced emphatically, "She has to stay here!" Burt replied, "We'll be back in ten minutes." ...

It was my extreme pleasure to have Bert as my adviser for my M.L.A. in '05, and as my professor in Advanced Social Science Theory. I was within three months of his age. He was marvelously helpful, brilliant, and a deeply kind person who always reinforced student efforts. His general knowledge was vast and he made great comments that provided additional depth. I was counting on seeing him and several other U of C faculty again during Alumni Weekend, bringing six NIU Delta Upsilon seniors...

Bert was such a gifted, insightful and, above all, kind teacher and human. So much for us to be grateful for in having him with us. I took Bert's class on "Mourning" and I still remember his gentle reflections on loss and human capacity. My thoughts and prayers for his family.

Bert was my most important mentor when I was graduating from the college and in my early professional years. He was so insightful, caring, good humored and so very generous.

I am so sorry for your loss.