Leonard Wolf

I took his Chaucer class as a graduate student in 1967 at SF State and it was a wonderful course. He was a charming charismatic teacher, inspiring and kind. Ricky Zurif

Dr. Leonard Wolf changed the course of my studies and my life. As an undergraduate majoring in Psychology at SFSU, and a writer of poetry, I had the opportunity to take his course in Chaucer as an elective. Dr. Wolf's passion for languages, Middle English, The Canterbury Tales, and poetry was contagious. In that class, at his recommendation, we researched the meanings of our given names, finding compelling clues to our destinies. My name, which means to me that I am a gatherer of knowing...

I met Leonard in 1995 in China. We participated together in a trip to the Tibetian Plateau where we rode horses for 10 days with a group of eight fellow travelers. Riding horses was a new thing for Leonard and exemplified his love of learning new things. He taught me one of my most important lessons - to not assume that my way of living life was better or right for someone else. I was in my early thirties with much to learn about life. I think often of the night that he pointed out the...

I have fond memories of his courses on "Dracula" and "Frankenstein" that I took at SFSU back in the mid '70s. He was a great teacher. I was always impressed by his obvious erudition and passion for the Shelley and Stoker masterpieces. I remember him chastising me, the "poli sci major," for using the trite term "input"! He was gentle about it, however. My condolences to his family and friends. R.I.P., Professor Wolf.

I met Leonard while taking an Oxford-style tutorial in non-Chaucerian Middle English from his office mate, Dan Knapp. This was at San Francisco State University while taking my M.A. in English c. 1970. Both taught Chaucer and I got the benefit of both of them critiquing my weekly paper while offering up wise insights into the author of the day under consideration. With his still dark features and arresting delivery, Leonard was a memorable raconteur. Great times.

I worked for Leonard as his student assistant and then graduate assistant in '65,'66,and '67. I learned many valuable things from him, including the value of a life of the mind, a life of integrity, a life centered around a great love, a love of language, and the meaning of dignity. 96 years--a beautiful life. Thank you.

I knew Leonard was a brilliant and prolific author, but had no idea how many awards he had won. I believe we last met when I was still in school, and his children were quite small. I am sorry I didn't get to know him better.
My condolences on your loss.

Geoffery Engel, M.D.

I have fond memories of your dad at Beth Shalom from when we were kids. He was a great man! Sending you all much love on this sad occasion.

Dr. Wolf was the finest teacher I ever had the good fortune to know. I have thought of him often over the years and am so grateful for the encouragement he gave me as his student. My heartfelt condolences to his family and friends. He was a warm and wise man, and there will never be another like him.