Dr. Joel Alderson Gwinn

1978 I was in Dr. Gwynn´s Astro-Physics class... and we were staring into a telescope gazing upon the Crab Nebula. I believe it was at Moore observatory. Dr. Gwynn told me it was the first time he had seen it. I felt pretty honored to be there at that same moment. He made was old-school with a tweed jacket with patches on the elbows, and I believe his assistant was named Craig. I wish I could tell him now how much I appreciated him back then.

I realize this is many years after Dr. Gwinn' s passing but I am sitting here reading my 16 year old daughter's physics book in order to help her with her homework. I struggled with physics and fondly remember Dr Gwinn always taking extra time with me to explain concepts and calculations. He was always so interesting and he never gave up until something would finally click for me. He would come up with multiple ways to explain something to me until he found the thing that helped me to...

We know Dr. Gwinn only through his daughter's wonderful stories and regret that we never met him. The affection and admiration she has always expressed are a precious legacy for any father. Our sincere sympathies are with his family at this difficult time.

Dear Erna, Marta, Katrina, Carl, and Rosa,
It is with deep sympathy for all of you for your great loss that I convey these expressions.
Joel was a tremendous person - family man, professor, colleague to many at U. of L., philosopher/physicist, humorist, and friend to so many of us. We will all miss him a great deal but have many fond and respectful memories of him.
With love to all of you,
Barbara Cooke

Dear Erna, Marta, Carl, Katrina and Rosa,

I was saddened to learn today of Joel's death. I always remember his wit, and his warmth. When I took an ancient phil. course with his friend, Prof. Greer told us how they had become friends: they were working registration at adjacent tables, and Joel leaned over and asked, "What does Philosophy have to say to Physics these days?" He was a wonderful person, and the loss to all is great; I wish you strength in coping with this huge loss.

I am blessed to have known Dr. Gwinn. On behalf of all the students Dr. Gwinn mentored at Ballard High School, we send our condolences to the Gwinn Family in your loss. Dr. Gwinn's contributions to the Ballard High School Science Community continue to give to all of society. Blessings to all of you in HIS name!
Nancy Daugherty
Ballard High School Teacher 1978-1990

There will be an informal memorial for my Dad on June 5th at the University Club, Belknap Campus, Mary Bingham Room, from 2-4pm. Thank you all for your kind condolences and messages.

We have enjoyed seeing Dr Gwinn when he came to Atlanta to visit his daughter and her husband. He was always interested in what was happening around him and had a special smile. We could tell he enjoyed life and know that he will be missed. Our sympathies to Marta and her family and to Mrs. Gwinn.

My deepest condolences to the Gwinn family. Dr. Gwinn was a great physicist, teacher and great human being. I find my self still quoting all his little sayings. He was also very happy and alas made us all happy.