Eugene Gollin Obituary

Eugene Simon Gollin, 92, of Boulder, passed away peacefully at home with family by his side April 5th. A private family graveside service will be held at Green Mountain Cemetery in Boulder. A celebration of Gene's life will be announced at a later date. Gene was born to Max and Sue Gollin, October 28, 1921 in New York City, New York. Eugene was preceded in death by his parents and brother, Alfred Gollin., His sister, Rita Courtney, lives in California. Gene served in the United States Army as an Aviation Cadet and was promoted to Captain as a Communication Officer during the Asian Pacific Campaign of WWII. Gene married Janet Sokoloff in 1950 and lived in Long Island City, NY, Glen Cove, NY, Minneapolis, MN, and Yellow Springs, OH before relocating to Boulder, CO in 1968. Gene, strongly influenced by his self-educated father Max, was always an avid reader of literature, science, history and politics. After leaving the Army, he received an undergraduate degree from City College, New York. His growing passion for science and developmental psychology lead him to Clark University to study with Professor Heinz Werner, A prominent researcher in the field. Gene received his PhD from Clark University in 1951. The primary focus of his research and teaching was in the theoretical implications of ethnicity, cross-cultural, and learning theories to development. He taught at several universities and retired a full professor from University of Colorado, Boulder at the age of 70. He edited 2 published books; "Developmental Plasticity" and "Malformations of Development" and authored many research articles. Gene loved teaching the undergraduates whose minds were open, eager and willing to explore all possibilities. Gene is survived by the love of his life and wife of 63 years, Janet, his daughter, Ann and partner Pam of Louisville, CO, his sons, David and his wife, DeAnn of Eden Prairie, MN, and Adam and his wife Theresa of Denver, CO as well as by his beloved grandchildren, Sam, Hannah, Max and Noah. His grandchildren were a source of joy and love throughout his later life. We will miss him very much. In lieu of Flowers, donations may be made to a children's charity of the donor's choice. Please share thoughts, memories and condolences at legacy.com/obituaries/dailycamera

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Published by Boston Globe on Apr. 20, 2014.

Memories and Condolences
for Eugene Gollin

6 Entries

Stuart Sadick

August 17, 2014

I just learned of Gene's death, and want to extend my condolences to Janet and his entire family. I'd heard of Janet and Gene for years, and finally met Janet when she was back in Worcester for a college reunion, I was a teenager at the time. I thought she was the coolest friend my mother could possibly have ever had. Years later I was in Denver on business and invited myself to Janet and Gene's for dinner. I was fascinated by Gene: such incredible intellect, I recall a very intense discussion about didactic learning. I am sorry to hear about his death, and am also feel very fortunate that I'd met him, even if only that one time.

Moira Powers

April 29, 2014

Gene was a fine teacher and a thoughtful mentor to those who sought him out.

Roni Johnson

April 22, 2014

I am so sorry to hear of Gene's death. I have many fond memories of the Gollin family at our Rainbow Way house, and even more stories that Dad told us about Gene. His brilliance, scholarship, and politics were always right on the surface - no one had to do any digging. I'll never forget his sabbatical and the Watergate hearings coinciding. Talk about fortuitous!

I know he will be missed terribly by Janet, the kids, and grandkids. My Dad, Gene's colleague, also found great joy in the grands, and loved watching them grow, develop and change. Ah, ever the developmental psychologists and individual differences guys! Were Dad still alive today, he'd be feeling the loss of his dear friend very deeply and would raise a toast to "dear Gene." Then he'd cry.

Aloha Nui Loa,

Roni Johnson

Carolyn Hodges

April 21, 2014

I will miss the man I never knew well, knowing he was a superlative person because he married such a kind and beautiful woman. My heart aches for the family and my thoughts are with them as they travel this hard path.

Jim Wolf

April 20, 2014

Gene was a friend and one of the smartest people I have known. His conversations were intellectually challenging, and his stories of his youth in NYC and in WWII were fascinating and often related with wit.
I grieve with Janet and her family for I, too, will miss Gene.

Amy Brown

April 20, 2014

Our thoughts and sympathies are with all of you . It was a pleasure to know Gene and his love of whismical little toys and gadgets. Our thoughts and care are with you .

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