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Edward Stern Obituary
Dr. Edward Abraham Stern, 85, passed away on May 17. Dr. Stern is survived by his wife, Sylvia and daughters, Hilary Stern (Javier Gonzalez Alonso) and Miri Stern Rogers (Adam Rogers), grandchildren, Gabriella, Alex, Tyler and Jared and his brother Leon. He is preceded in death by his daughter, Shari (z"l). Dr. Stern was a world renowned physicist at the University of Washington and the father of X-ray Absorption Fine Structure spectroscopy. In the 1970's he worked tirelessly to free Soviet Jewish scientists from the Soviet Union. He was a beloved husband, son, brother, father, grandfather and professor who was always humble, loving and patient. He was a role model for his children and grandchildren and the many young scientists that he mentored. Shiva minyanim will be held at the Stern residence on Sunday May 22 and Tuesday May 24 at 7:30 pm. Contributions in his honor may be made to the Ed Stern Prize Fund to fund promising research in physics. Checks should be made out to "Friends of Physics-Stern Prize" and mailed to UW Physics Department; 3910 15th Ave NE; Seattle, WA 98195-1560.
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Memories and Condolences
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6 Entries
Robert Ecke
November 15, 2019
I was a graduate student in the condensed matter group in the late 1970's. Ed was always an insightful scientist with a kind personality. One thing I remember fondly about Ed is that he was remarkably consist at being late to seminars, almost always showing up 10 minutes late! And yet, he often asked the most difficult and probing questions of the speaker. I guess he just knew more than the rest of us! Good memories.
Victor POLINGER
November 18, 2018
Bright personality, a distinguished intellectual, and outstanding physicist, Ed Stern will be remembered and missed...
Kalpana Katti
March 1, 2017
What a phenomenal scientist. He served on my doctoral committee at the University of Washington. His deep perception of science and incredible mentorship will forever remain in my memory. I am privileged to have interacted with Professor Stern.---- Kalpana Katti, University Distinguished Professor, North Dakota State University, PhD. UW 1996
Jim McGroddy
July 19, 2016
While I celebrate Ed Stern's long and productive life, I am saddened to learn, only two months after, of his passing. I was one of Ed's first PhD students, in the early 1960's at the University of Maryland. His mind was rich in ideas, reflected in his later creation of the field of EXAFS to study the structure of materials. I am grateful for his role in my education, his guidance and patience. Ed was a great human being, his devotion to his family always evident. My deepest sympathies to his wife Sylvia, whom I met in Greenbelt, and to his whole family.
May 28, 2016
I was his postdoctoral associate (2003-2005). The news came as a shock to me. So many memories come back...
I will be indebted to him for the knowledge he imparted to me. My years with him were one of the best of my life. My best regards to wherever he is..
My sincere condolences to Sylvia and rest of the family.
Dr. (Ms.) Debdutta Lahiri (Deb), India
Petra Lopez
May 24, 2016
I was greatly saddened by the passing of Dr. Stern. He was truly an honorable man. I will always have fond memories of working with him at the University of Washington. With sincere sympathy, Petra Lopez
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