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Donald Aitken Obituary
Donald W. Aitken Jr., Emeritus Professor and founder of the pioneering Environmental Studies Department at San Jose State University in California, passed away on February 27 at his home in retirement in Ajijic, Mexico at the age of 85. He was attended by his daughters Sarah Aitken and Katherine Aitken-Young and long-time companion Leslie Kingsbury. Born in Hawaii, he grew up in Wisconsin, graduated from Dartmouth College, and received his Ph.D. in physics at Stanford University.
Aitken co-founded Friends of the Earth and served in leadership of the Northern California Solar Energy Association, and the American and International Solar Energy Societies. Dr. Aitken was an invited keynote speaker in many international conferences, receiving many honors for his work. Aitken was affiliated with the Frank Lloyd Wright School of Architecture as an energy design consultant and for many years was the Senior consulting scientist for the Union of Concerned Scientists.
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Memories and Condolences
for Donald Aitken
Tom Graham
November 7, 2024
Don had a profound influence upon my education. One of the most inspiring classroom lecturers I've ever had the pleasure of witnessing in te classroom. I took environmental studies courses from him at San Jose State University and as a result devoted my life and career to protecting the environment. He and John Muir became my role models. I worked at the San Francisco Chronicle as a writer/editor for 22 years and taught at City College of San Francisco for 28 years in the Journalism Department amd much of my work reflected the lessons I learned from Don Aiken. A grateful student of his, Tom Graham
James Barton Fiebelkorn
March 3, 2023
Wonderful Professor, inspiring early environmental awareness and personal growth. I´m proud to have worked under his guidance on the first solar energy project within the California State University system.
David J Richards
November 2, 2022
I knew Don from the mid-1970´s when I was NCSEA newsletter editor, then as one of his SJSU Solar Energy students, and then from working with him on the 3rd National Passive Solar Conference. I hope my grandchildren will get to know someone like him in their lifetime. In this photo from around 1976 Don is taking the first "shower" on top of the new SJSU solar hot water tank. I believe this was the first day the system was running. Through the water he´s throwing over his head, you can see his happy smile.
Dennis Roberts
July 3, 2022
Don was my advisor at San Jose State in the Environmental Studies Department. I was lucky that I could spend many hours talking with him. He took me on trips where I met many of the leaders of the Environmental movement at that time. He encouraged me. He saw that I lacked self confidence since I was the first in my family to go to college. With his gentle guidance I managed to finish the program. He made a lasting impression and changed my life for the better. I haven't seen him for many years but the world feels sort of empty knowing he's gone.
Clint Kreitner
March 10, 2022
Don and I were very close as first cousins born the same year, We shared countless memories of times together throughout the years, including our challenging battles with prostate cancer. I am feeling a profound loss with the passing of this loving and accomplished man with whom I was privileged to share life in an up close and personal way. The photo is the two of us at age 11 on a golf course in Madison, Wis..
For Don's family, may you cherish the sweet memories of life with Don in the years ahead...
Donald E Osborn
March 8, 2022
Don was one of the GREAT Solar Pioneers. He played a major role in making this the Solar Century. He was a mentor, a colleague, and a friend. He truly made this a better world. He will be missed deeply.
Marlene Brown
March 7, 2022
Don was a wonderful part of the solar community. His presence will be missed. May his memory be a blessing.
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