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Clifford Kuhn Obituary
This Day in History: Read and hear Cliff Kuhn's Atlanta history stories on WABE.org
The family will hold a memorial service next month, according to the Oral History Association, which Kuhn headed.
Memories and Condolences
for Clifford Kuhn
70 Entries
Bernell Wesley
September 27, 2016
Dr. Kuhn was an excellent professor. I learned a lot about vetting primary sources from this man.
Janice Newson
December 27, 2015
This man is what a father, confidant, friend, attorney all rolled up in one.
I had the pleasure of his services and passed him on as not just an attorney but
as a loving person that you could put your
trust in and he treated you as if you were
a part of his family. I grew up in Metuchen
and discussed many things with him and the
fact he would always find time with you.
He was one of a kind, and well respected. I surely miss him for being who he is to us
all.
Millie Coleman
December 12, 2015
Cliff was a guiding light and a part of my thesis cte when I went back to GSU at age 65. He helped me put the 1920s tea room movement in a similar light as the civil rights lunchroom sit ins for blacks. Until the 1960s ALL WOMEN could be forbidden to dine in public.
Cliffs's wisdom and care for his students was priceless
Jamil Zainaldin
December 4, 2015
To his wife, his loving children and family, his students and colleagues, his friends and partners in the work - thank you for all you gave to Cliff, for he gave back every ounce of that caring to the rest of us.
Tammy Galloway
December 4, 2015
Cliff Kuhn was one of my favorite professors at Georgia State. His love for southern history, Atlanta history, labor history and Fulton Bag and Cotton was infectious. I enjoyed keeping up with him over the years since college as I listened to his pieces on NPR. I was deeply saddened to hear of his passing.
Edie Riehm
November 21, 2015
"He has taken his bright candle and has gone
Into a room we cannot find.
But anyone can tell where he has been
By all the little lights he left behind."
- Anonymous
Cliff Kuhn was one of the most generous, talented, kind, and inspiring people. He is already greatly missed.
My deepest condolences to his family.
November 20, 2015
My late husband and I were friends of Cliff's parents. We never met but knew all about him and admired him. A short time ago I saw him on TV and enjoyed watching him at a memorial programon Margaret Mitchell.
He was a remarkable son of remarkable parents giving them joy throught the years.
There is no consolation.
Agnes Sametz
Elaine Edwards
November 18, 2015
My deepest sympathy for your loss. Professor Kuhn was a superb instructor and human being.Colonel (retired) Elaine EdwardsU.S. Army
Jeanne Cyriaque
November 18, 2015
My fondest memories of Cliff are when we would tag team as guest co-lecturers in Georgia State heritage and preservation classes. Our last one was just this past September. He always referred excellent students to me for internships and I thank him for training public historians who will carry on this work. I first met Cliff during the commemorations of the Atlanta 1906 Race Riots and still refer folks to his walking tour. His style was engaging and spirited, yet always based upon an impressive grasp of history. Our world has a void now without him.
Bob
November 18, 2015
Cliff,
Thanx for all you did.
Pamela Dean
November 18, 2015
Where is Brother Blue when we need him? He could have found the words of praise and celebration Cliff deserves. I can't. Cliff collected and told the stories of the past. His own life was a great story, full of passion and commitment, love and laughter, and much good work; tell it to the children, they need to know there still are heroes in our world.
Susan Goodman
November 17, 2015
Cliff and I met in the 1970s. I always loved talking with him. He was kind, energetic and a great conversationalist. I'd stop what I was doing when he came on the radio. My heart goes out to his family. He will be missed greatly.
Southern Truth & Reconciliation - STAR, Inc.
Theophus "Thee" Smith
November 17, 2015
Dear Kuhn family,
Please receive these condolences from the members of our social change organization, Southern Truth and Reconciliation (STAR, Inc. www.southerntruth.net) with whom Cliff worked from 2004 through 2006 to organize our 4-day commemoration, September 21-24, 2006, as part of the Coalition to Remember the 1906 Atlanta Race Riot.
For that event we received along with Cliff the city of Atlanta's highest civic tribute, the Phoenix Award. Subsequently his scholarly acumen as a local historian, so key to our success, issued into his monthly 1906 Atlanta Race Riot Tour (www.atlantapreservationcenter.com/event_detail?id=1151); a now legendary contribution to fellow citizens and to numerous visitors to our town.
Please know that we grieve with you the loss of our friend and colleague as we continue to honor Cliff, his genius and his legacy.
For STAR and our 1906 Coalition partners,
Rev. Theophus Thee Smith, PhD, Cathedral of St. Philip and Emory Univ. Religion Dept.
Janice Sikes
November 16, 2015
We send our deepest condolences. Cliff came to Atlanta and to the 5th floor of the Central Atlanta Public Library. As curator of special collections I learned new ways to think about history because of Cliff. Thank you for sharing Cliff.
Bruce Barratt
November 16, 2015
I'm so sorry Kathy, Josh and Gabe, Nick and Jonathan, and Estelle. Cliff will always be my high school brother. We had some wonderful times, and I'll miss him forever.
Bratton Family
November 16, 2015
My sincere condolence to the family and friends of Clifford Kuhn. He was truly a person of great knowledge and wisdom. To embark on a journey of compassion, empathy, and kindness is truly a lesson in history. His name will be remembered not for his great work as a scholar but for being a great man of real love, for mankind.
This is one man that Jesus will remember to bring back to life, so mankind can continue to experience his love. 1John 3:8, we read that the Son of God was made manifest ... to break up the works of the Devil. Death is a work of the Devil, he caused it.
Mark Lindquist
November 16, 2015
Cliff and I were classmates at Princeton High School in Princeton, NJ, in the late sixties and have remained close through the years. He was the most caring person I have ever known, and when I was with him, I always wanted to be a better person. I last saw Cliff about a year ago, when the OHA had its annual meeting in Madison. We attended an opening event together, and then Cliff made the time to spend a day with my wife and me after the meeting ended on Sunday. We spent all the time engrossed in wide-ranging conversations and recollections, and I felt that I had to soak up everything that I could of my dear friend, because it might be a long time until I would see him again. I am so grateful that we had that time together. My deepest condolences go to Kathie, Josh, Gabe, Cliff's mother, Estelle, and his brothers, Jonathan and Nick. The world will not see the like of Cliff Kuhn again.
Leslye Joy Allen
November 15, 2015
This is a deep loss for us at Georgia State University and for me in particular. I am an Atlanta native and Dr. Kuhn took a particular interest in my perspectives about my hometown. Not only was he my current Dissertation Advisor, he and I officially met when Dr. Glenn T. Eskew introduced us due to the fact that my maternal grandmother, the late Lorena Wilkes Wilson, was a student at Clark Normal School (later Clark College) when the Atlanta Race Riot took place in 1906. Dr. Kuhn made me a part of the centennial commemoration of the Atlanta Race Riot in 2006. While I have received some supportive messages from GSU faculty stating that they will help me get through with my dissertation, it still feels surreal that the man who was directing my dissertation is now gone. I did not even get to tell him about my recent trip as an SREB Doctoral Scholar to SREB's annual Teaching and Mentoring Conference. Yet, I learned all the best ways to conduct Oral History interviews from Dr. Kuhn; and for that I will be eternally grateful.
W. Hines
November 15, 2015
It can be so hard to face the first year without your loved one, but the love of family and friends can carry you through.
Saudia Muwwakkil
November 14, 2015
You were wholly committed to your craft, inspiring many along the way. Thank you for your friendship.
Janice Sikes
November 14, 2015
We send our deepest condolences. Cliff came to Atlanta and to the 5th floor of the Central Atlanta Public Library. As curator of special collections I learned new ways to think about history because of Cliff. Thank you for sharing Cliff.
Denise Benshoof
November 14, 2015
I'm so sorry to hear about Cliff. He was a wonderfully supportive professor to me. He encouraged me to explore a subject I had never considered, and I found the people I'm studying now passionate about both what they do and sharing their knowledge. That was Cliff, too. He found the stories that connect our pasts to who we are today, and then used every possible way to share his voice and the voices of others. He was a profound teacher of not only GSU students but our world at large, and I am grateful for how he impacted my life.
November 14, 2015
Cliff's excitement and enthusiasm for life and learning are his treasured gifts to each of us who've had the good fortune to know him. His Oral History leadership and great teaching are rich legacies that will inspire many generations to come.
Kathie, Josh and Gabe - We are so sorry for your loss and trust that Cliff's exuberant spirit, kind heart and inspiring wisdom will always be with you. You are in our hearts and our thoughts.
Tony Terranella and Fran Burst, Atlanta GA
Joe Terranella & Ava Dawson, New York NY
Les Hough
November 14, 2015
Cliff was a treasure in the lives of all of us who knew him. Just as distinguished was his invaluable work on the history of our city and region. He will be sorely missed.
Alice Lovelace
November 14, 2015
Just learned today of Cliff's passing. He was a friend and someone I greatly admired. First met him at WRFG working on a radio excerpt from his book "Living Atlanta". The last time I worked with him was on the commemoration of the Atlanta 1906 Race Riot...he led walking tours through the affected neighborhoods sharing his deep love and understanding of Atlanta's history. Never heard him raise his voice or say a cross word. Will miss him. Condolences to his wife and family.
Ramona Ellison
November 14, 2015
Kathy Newfont
November 13, 2015
I am staggered by the too-soon loss of wonderful Cliff Kuhn. My deepest condolences go to his family.
Cliff's warmth and generosity infused everything he did. He was a friend and role model to me and I will miss him so much.
Cliff brought remarkable vision and dedication to his pioneering role as the Oral History Association's first Executive Director. He was one of the most important national leaders his beloved field of oral history has ever had. We are all stunned and impoverished by his loss. The wise counsel, far-sighted vision, and sheer joy he brought to the work he loved cannot be replaced. But his bright fingerprints on the organization and in the field are indelible. I am grateful for that, as well as for his larger life.
Steve Goss
November 13, 2015
Since we began our monthly collaboration on Atlanta and Georgia history on WABE 8 years ago, you have taught me so much about our adoptive hometown. Frequently, as I drive through Atlanta's different neighborhoods, I'll recall an interesting--often little known--aspect about that particular section of town that you shared on the air. You've made mine and many others' lives so much richer. Thank you Cliff, for being such a wonderful teacher and friend.
Neil Shorthouse
November 13, 2015
Cliff and I first met in the mid-1970s when we (Communities In Schools then know as Exodus, Inc.) and the Atlanta Public Schools ) hired him to be a teacher at the St. Luke's Academy, a non-traditional school supported by St. Luke's Episcopal Church, the APS and CIS. Cliff was like magic with kids because he was so genuinely interested in their personal stories and goals; the kids sensed that immediately and were drawn to him. These were the same kids who had dropped out or had been kicked of schools and as a result learned to be wary of teachers, but with Cliff it was the opposite. Through the years I was able to keep up with Cliff. At one point with two of my grandsons at Grady High School, I was seeing Cliff at the Friday night football games - also curious and caring about me and so many others. Am so grateful I knew him pretty well way back ... that when his wonderful and so knowledgeable voice enlightened me on the radio, a big smile and great memories took over my mind. Cliff was a joy-filled blessing to so many people. He gives us all more to shoot for in the way we feel and act towards friends and strangers.
Howard Romaine
November 13, 2015
Cliff was a gifted teacher, writer and great friend, and all of us will miss his presence, Howard M Romaine
Mark, Rita, Danny & Michael Sampson
November 13, 2015
My boys and I knew Cliff as "Coach Kuhn". He managed our little league baseball team at Medlock Park some 20 years ago. The boys still remember him with great affection, as do my wife and I. Thanks for the generosity of your time Coach, you made the world a better place and touched a lot of lives.
Leslye Joy Allen
November 12, 2015
Not only was Dr. Clifford M. Kuhn my current Dissertation Advisor, he and I officially met when Dr. Glenn T. Eskew introduced us due to the fact that my maternal grandmother, the late Lorena Wilkes Wilson, was a student at Clark Normal School (later Clark College) when the Atlanta Race Riot took place in 1906. Dr. Kuhn made me a part of the centennial commemoration of the Atlanta Race Riot in 2006. While I have received some supportive messages from GSU faculty stating that they will help me get through with my dissertation, it still feels weird that the man who was directing my dissertation is now gone. I did not even get to tell him about my recent trip as an SREB Scholar to its annual Teaching and Mentoring Conference. And I recently learned from newly minted Dr. John E. Williams that whenever he and Dr. Kuhn were discussing research that Dr. Kuhn would bring up my name and the research I was doing. I recently served as an Oral Historian for the GSU Digital Library's Planning Atlanta Project due to Dr. Kuhn's recommendation, and was glad when he told me that they had nothing but good things to say about my abilities at conducting Oral History interviews. I learned all the best ways to conduct Oral History interviews largely from Dr. Kuhn; and for that I will be eternally grateful. I extend my deepest condolences to his two sons Josh and Gabe, and to his life partner Ms. Kathie Klein, and all members of his family. You all will remain in my thoughts and prayers.
Brent Glass
November 11, 2015
Cliff was a pioneer in oral history research and a gifted teacher. I was fortunate to be in his company when we were graduate students at UNC. We have lost a true leader in our field.
Naomi Grishman
November 11, 2015
Sending my condolences to Kathy, Josh, and Gabe. Cliff and Kathy raised two fine sons who I enjoyed working with at Grady High. I always appreciated hearing Cliff's dialogues on WABE and often saw him bicycling along North Highland. He will be missed.
Cliff Kuhn
Brian O'Shea
November 11, 2015
Sam Collura
November 11, 2015
My heart goes out to Kathy and family, and all of Cliff's legions of friends. He was full of life, laughter, so positive about everything. He was always such a good and warm soul over the 26 years I called him friend.
My heartfelt condolences go out to his family and all those so close to Cliff.
Andrew Levison
November 11, 2015
We were fortunate to get to know Cliff and his family through years and years of Morningside, Inman and Grady pot luck dinners and intown soccer practices and never failed to enjoy his boundless energy and enthusiasm for everything he did and his committment to his ideals. Our deepest sympathies and wishes go out to his family. He will be missed by his many friends and remembered fondly by everyone who knew him.
Andy, Judy, Tony and David Levison
Barbara McTyre
November 11, 2015
I took two classes taught by Dr. Kuhn and I loved them. He exhibited so much enthusiasm for history and he was anxious to help his students. He was a joy to talk with and the conversation always included interesting information. You are gone too soon and will be sorely missed.
Debra Snell
November 11, 2015
I always loved listening to Cliff on WABE; I learned a lot of Atlanta history from his stories. Then I met him as a fellow GSU bike commuter. I am hoping the group of GSU bike commuters will be able to honor him by obtaining better bike facilities at 25 Park Place. My condolences to his family.
Harriette Grissom
November 11, 2015
My thoughts are with you Kathie, Josh, and Gabe. Cliff will continue to be an inspiration and a source of insight.
November 11, 2015
I am so sorry for your loss,but God promises to bring death to nothing @1Co15:26.
CW Forest Park GA.
Mike Stewart
November 11, 2015
This is so difficult for all Cliff's family and friends. People everywhere who value community have lost a champion.
Dee R. Mitchell
November 10, 2015
Vaya con Dios, Cliff. Have fond memories of you from grad school and working on the GA governors oral history project with you. You left this world far too soon. Peace to your family.
Bill VanDerKloot
November 10, 2015
Cliff - Section 401 of the Braves stadium will be a bit quieter next season. Cliff, we'll miss you.
David Glassberg
November 10, 2015
Cliff will be missed not only by the folks in Atlanta, but across the country in the community of oral and public historians. As well as being a friend, he was especially helpful to me in tracing down the history of my mother's hasty departure from Atlanta in the late 1940s.
Jane Shalhoub
November 10, 2015
He was a mentor and great teacher.
I will miss him so much.
Mike Goodman
November 10, 2015
Cliff was one of our regulars at Intown Bicycles.
For him a bike shop was a nostalgic thing. It took him back to warm memories of his childhood. Beside the bicycle stuff, it was a place to hang and to converse.
For us, Cliff was one of our favorite guys. We always enjoyed seeing him.
We will miss him terribly.
Candace Overton
November 10, 2015
It was such an honor meeting Cliff earlier this year when Kathie and he were in St. Augustine. What a wonderfully, generous man. My thoughts and prayers are with you, Kathie, and your sons. He ALWAYS made an impact and will continue to do so in our memories.
Carol Sandiford
November 10, 2015
In memory of an honorable man & gentle giant. His legacy will live on for many years to come.
November 10, 2015
It was always a pleasure to run into Cliff on campus. A lively conversation ensued in which he would inevitably share a fact or more, depending upon the time available, about Atlanta and its history. He will be missed. Kay Beck
Terri Wallace
November 10, 2015
I was saddened to hear of the loss of Cliff Kuhn. On two occasions, I had the opportunity of hearing him lecture on Southern history. His wealth of knowledge and ability to speak simply allowed many to learn history and be moved by it.
My condolences to his family and friends.
Anna Simonton
November 10, 2015
I still have a book about voting rights Cliff loaned me when I interviewed him for a radio segment on the Voting Rights Act. I also interviewed him at length for a documentary I made in undergrad. He was so generous with his time and knowledge, so willing to lend himself to projects big and small. I am very, very sorry to hear of his passing.
Kathleen O'Connor
November 10, 2015
To Kathy, Gabe, Josh, and Estelle, I send deepest condolences. Cliff was not only a major citizen of Georgia but a warm and vibrant human being. Kathleen O'Connor and the Griesmer family.
Lydia Ellington
November 10, 2015
Cliff was such an inspiration to all who came in contact with him, and he had a profound impact on all of his students. I am so sorry for the loss of a great champion of history and such a wonderful person.
Diana Honey
November 10, 2015
So very grateful to have known Dr Kuhn and been one of his students. He was an exceptional person whose presence will be sorely missed. Thank you Dr Kuhn for all that you brought to your students, to the academy, and to the Atlanta community.
Heartfelt condolences to his family.
November 10, 2015
I am so sorry to learn of Cliff's passing. I greatly respected him and his work. He will be missed by so many.
Spencer Crew
Jennifer Knox
November 10, 2015
The news of Cliff leaving this world is deeply saddening. Cliff was an individual of profound integrity and a rare expert in his field. He lived and breathed his work and always had time to selflessly share his gifts with others. His passion was contagious and will carry us for many years. You will be missed as a friend, neighbor and essential contributor to our community. My heart is with his family at this time. Warmest regards.
November 10, 2015
Cliff was a friend of mine. A really nice fellow with an infectious enthusiasm for life. He had a great laugh that he used often. Will miss him. Bill Swift
Linda Bell
November 10, 2015
I am so saddened by Cliff's death. There was just so much awaiting his attention in his important role as public intellectual, work for which many of us were very grateful. I always loved running into him and learning what he was working on. I so admired his intellect, his dedication to history, to learning, and to sharing what he had learned. I loved his short and penetrating looks back at the history of Atlanta on WABE. He'll be greatly missed by so many. I'll certainly miss him but am honored to have known him.
Sally Flocks
November 10, 2015
I'm grateful for all you've done to preserve Atlanta's history and to introduce Atlanta and others to the value and importance of oral history. You will be sorely missed -- but always remembered by those of us who had the pleasure of knowing you.
Lindsay Resnick
November 10, 2015
Dr Kuhn- thank you for all that you did for this city.
I had the privilege of being a student of his for one class at Georgia State and to have him on my exit interview committee for my master's degree just six months ago. He will sorely be missed by so many of us.
November 10, 2015
Thanks Cliff for all of the fine memories from WRFG. You are good soul. God Bless.
David Chamberlain
Elizabeth Wilson
November 10, 2015
Cliff Kuhn was an Atlanta treasure and his work will live one. I had the pleasure of getting to know Cliff through the GA State AFL-CIO, while writing and editing their newspaper. Cliff always knew the answer, and his books will remain an important part of my library. Because of him, the lives of a number of people who made up Atlanta's -- and the South's -- history will be preserved! Thank you -- and rest in peace, Dr. Kuhn. You -- and your wealth of knowledge -- will be deeply missed.
Lorraine Fontana
November 10, 2015
So very sad that brother Cliff has left us. What a treasure he was for the ATL and all who wanted to know our city's history. He was a genuinely nice human being also. We are much poorer for his sudden departure.
Kara Cooper
November 10, 2015
Thank you Professor Kuhn!
Hugh Hudson
November 9, 2015
A friend, a colleague, a true historian and credit to the profession.
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