Boris Baltes Obituary
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Wayne State University and the city of Detroit held a special place in Boris's heart. He was passionate about the WSU mission as an urban research university, and he was proud to call metro Detroit his home. Those who knew him–whether in the classroom, in the halls of the university, or in daily life–were touched by his kindness, steadiness, and genuine care for others.
Boris was admired for his tireless work ethic and his ability to bring people together. He was the one people turned to when things needed to get done, and he moved forward with thoughtfulness and grace. His colleagues and students alike will remember him as someone who not only took pride in his own academic work but who also championed the success of others.
A dedicated educator and leader, he served Wayne State University with distinction as Professor of Psychology and Senior Vice Provost for Faculty Affairs and Academic Personnel. His academic journey reflected his discipline and determination: he earned his MBA from the University of Wisconsin in 1992 and his PhD in Industrial-Organizational Psychology from Northern Illinois University in 1998. That same year, he joined the Department of Psychology at Wayne State University, beginning what would become a lifelong career of scholarship, mentorship, and service.
A memorial service in his honor is planned for a later date.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be sent to the Margaret M and Paul B Baltes Foundation. Boris was a proud board member of the Foundation which supports outstanding scientific achievement and paradigmatic social initiatives.
He will be remembered as a remarkable leader, a devoted family man, and a man truly loved by everyone who had the privilege to know him. His legacy will continue in the countless lives he influenced through his love, friendship, and scholarship.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Katja Janson
September 2, 2025
I am a classmate of Boris's. I was always impressed by Boris's dedication to our class reunions, which took place every five years. I will always fondly remember his always open, cheerful demeanor and the conversations I had with him over drinks. I feel for the family, who have lost a very precious person.
Mary and Jay Saunders
August 27, 2025
Jay´s best friend since 4th grade. We are devastated and grieving with you, Dawn, Gavin and Kai. So very sorry.
David Hecker
August 27, 2025
As a representative of the American Federation of Teachers Michigan I had the opportunity to engage in contract negotiations with Boris. Let me just say this--I wish every employer's labor relations staff handled the job with the professionalism, thoughtfulness and respect for employees and their unions that Boris had. As a professor, department chair and labor relations staff, he made Wayne State a better university. Thank you Boris. David Hecker
Greg Bluem
August 26, 2025
I still can't fathom it - how you were ripped from our midst in the blink of an eye, barely a month after our celebratory reunion. We're left to ponder: why you, why now?
I will always cherish the countless memories from our decades of friendship, even (or maybe especially?) the farcical and seemingly inconsequential ones (bathroom twister!). And while remembering the times and places we shared will be painful, it's just as likely to bring a knowing smile to my face. Your generous and amiable spirit left a mark wherever you went, one that everyone who was privileged to know you will carry forward in their own unique way. I can't conceive of a better legacy as you depart this world.
The kindness and hospitality with which you, Dawn, Gavin and Kai welcomed the Bluem-Chens to OBX on so many occasions was a tangible expression of your character. Our shared experiences during these visits have helped shape our family identity, and we'll be forever grateful to you for enabling these precious moments.
R.I.P., my man - you were one of the great ones and will be sorely missed and never be forgotten. I'm honored to have known you and been your friend.
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Jo(Hannes) Ahrens
August 26, 2025
Herzliches Beileid an die Familie, speziell natürlich Dawn, Kai und Gavin.
Boris' passing deeply saddened me...and we only met very occasionally...so I do not even dare to imagine
the anguish that the closer circle of family and friends is enduring.
Ein letzter Gruss an Boris von Hannes aus Berlin.
Eric Heggestad
August 25, 2025
I am so deeply saddened to learn of Boris's passing. I knew Boris professionally, and made a point to find him and spend some time with him every chance I could at conferences or professional meetings. I always loved his warm and engaging smile. Our conversations always resulted in laughter. Boris was so full of joy and energy. Not long ago I took on a role at my university that is similar to the role that Boris was serving in. He was so gracious in provding me knowledge, insight, and ideas for how to take on the job. I am so greateful to be have been able to call Boris a friend, and I will miss him deeply. Wishing love and peace to his family and those closest to him.
Michael in Berlin
August 25, 2025
Boris and I shared a friendship that endured for forty years, beginning in ninth grade in Berlin. Our friendship was rooted in shared interests: role-playing games and basketball in youth, later sharing literary discoveries and vision casting. Yet more than hobbies, it was the long walks together that defined us-hours spent discussing "Gott und die Welt," debating, laughing, reflecting. Though we never agreed on metaphysics, Boris´s integrity and loyalty ensured that such differences never touched the heart of our friendship.
Even when life kept us apart, Boris remained present in my daily life. I would think of him when I encountered a compelling book, or when wrestling with an idea, imagining his counter arguments.
About 15 year ago, I chanced upon these lines, and for whatever mysterious reason, I sensed immediately that that they would accompany me when the day came I learned of the passing of Boris.
They told me, Heraclitus, they told me you were dead,
They brought me bitter news to hear and bitter tears to shed.
I wept, as I remembered, how often you and I
Had tired the sun with talking and sent him down the sky.
And now that thou art lying, my dear old Carian guest,
A handful of grey ashes, long long ago at rest,
Still are thy pleasant voices, thy nightingales, awake;
For Death, he taketh all away, but them he cannot take.
Boris was a remarkable and wonderful human being. He will be sorely missed. My deepest condolences go to all who grieve him, especially his beloved wife, sons, and sister.
Margaret Beier
August 24, 2025
Boris was such a kind, giving, and supportive colleague. He was also fun to interact with - just bounding with positive energy. I was impressed with him as an academic, administrator, and a person who could manage to balance work and family. He will be missed in the I/O Psychology community. My heart goes out to his family and loved ones. I am so sorry for your loss.
Laura Pineault
August 24, 2025
Over the past decade, Boris was a true mainstay in my life and career. He served on my dissertation committee, welcomed me as a TA in his graduate statistics course, and worked tirelessly with me and a group of WSU research power houses on not one but two NSF research grants, simultaneously.
Through his example, he instilled in me the power of work ethic and caring leadership. He will always hold a special place in my heart as the brilliant mind who helped shape me into the woman (and scientist) I am today, and for that I am deeply grateful.
He will be deeply missed. My love and heartfelt condolences go out to his family. Our community has truly lost one of its greats.
Caitlynn Sendra
August 24, 2025
Im so deeply shocked and devastated by the news of Boris's passing.
I feel so honored to had the experience of taking his graduate courses, as well as having him serve on my committee for both thesis and dissertation. His support and instruction were instrumental to my development as an I/O psychologist.
My memories of Boris were of someone who was somehow both lighthearted and humorous yet deeply passionate and caring.
I always looked forward to seeing Boris at SIOP the years he was able to attend, he will be deeply missed and always remembered.
Michael Kruger
August 23, 2025
As a graduate student in psychology and later full-time statistician at the school of medicine I knew Boris as a kind and energetic Individual throughout our time spent together primarily playing basketball at noon on Wayne's campus. I am really shocked and saddened to hear of his passing at such an early age.
Fred Oswald
August 23, 2025
Personally, I have known Boris as a colleague for 25 years, when I first got a job down the road at Michigan State University. Such a positive and supportive person, full of insights about research, and such a prime example of living a well-rounded life. He was always someone I looked forward to seeing at our annual professional conference (SIOP), and I'm sure I'm not alone in treasuring his life and memory.
Warm condolences to Boris's family, colleagues, and friends.
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