Martin Paul Gouterman

I was entering my third year of graduate studies in the Harvard Mathematics Department, in September 1959 when I met Martin, at a Boston gay bar. I was confused and uncertain about my gayness, and Martin helped me see myself clear, through the several months of our association. He was thoughtful and patient, opening my vision and giving me a hope that was well fulfilled. I maintained contact with him over the years beyond the annual holiday card, and last saw him in Pasadena in, I guess,...

Martin brought his son to Philadelphia whenever Martin visited his mom. Martin and his son always made a point of stopping by to see my mom, Anne Solms. This visits she so enjoyed. Martin was proud of his son, and it showed in those visits. Martin stayed in touch with my mother even after he stopped coming to Philadelphia after his mom passed away. She lost touch with his son unfortunately.
My very belated condolences to Martin's son.
Barbara Solms Kurian

I just learned about Martin's passing. He was my cousin. Martin was close eo my Mom, Anne Molish Solms of Philadelphia. Martin every since he left Philadelphia would always visit my mom whenever he returned. Though I was much younger, Martin and I developed a relationship as I was a student at Boston University. When Martin was at Harvard he would often take me to dinner, giving me support for my academic pursuits and just listening to whatever I had on my mind. I spent time with him in...

A most kind man, and a great soul. His story about his Harvard lab is one of my favorite memories. I was just thinking today how special knowing him makes looking at a favorite tree of mine. Thank you for your time Martin, and what you gave to others.

April 22, 2020

I was Martin's last graduate student at Harvard from 1962-1972. Those dates tell a story about Martin's patient mentor-ship of me as I left Cambridge in 1964 to get married and then during the next 5 years to work at scientific journals and give birth to 2 sons. I eventually did receive my Ph.D. I am forever grateful to Martin for encouraging me and sticking with me all those years. During those years we published 3 well received paper in J. Chem. Phys. some of which...

I was Martin's last Harvard graduate student from 1961-1972. That tells a great deal about Martin. Namely, he had infinite patience with me as I left Cambridge in 1964 to get married and in the following 7 years give birth to two sons, all the while "working" on my thesis. I did indeed finish it and received my Ph.D. for which I am forever grateful to Martin. We published three widely-cited papers together, some of which are still cited today.

He was kind and gentle and...

When I entered the University of Washington as a PhD student (coming from Israel), Martin was one of the teachers I loved most. He was kind and extremely patient with his students. He was always available for anyone who wished to talk to him about science.
I learned from him stuff that became very practical for me and assisted me to finish my PhD and contribute some first rate papers. I mention this in my essays.

I felt genuine sorrow to hear about his passing away. I wish to add...

There are friends and there are mentors. Martin Gouterman was both for me. He provided guidance in turbulent times that had an indelible influence on my life. I am not alone, Martin touched many lives. Peace be with you my friend. Gone but never forgotten! Paul

Martin Gouterman was first cousins with my father Ralph Nesson (Ralph's mother and Martin's father were siblings) and they were very close. Martin was like an uncle to me. Martin visited our family in Arkansas when I was a child. Then later when I was a teenager, we went on a family trip to visit Martin in Seattle. I very much enjoyed Seattle, it made a big impression on me. After I'd graduated college and was working in Arkansas, I decided I needed to live somewhere else (in a city) and see...