Jeffrey Ersoff Obituary

ERSOFF WINSTON-SALEM Jeffrey Alan Ersoff June 21, 1946 - April 16, 2013 Dr. Jeffrey Alan Ersoff, Associate Professor Emeritus of Psychology at Salem College, died Tuesday, April 16, 2013, after a lengthy but determined battle with AL Amyloidosis. He was a gifted teacher and mentor. After completing his BA in Psychology at Cornell University, he spent three years in the Peace Corps in a small village in Malaysia teaching science to elementary school students, keeping their attention by occasionally blowing things up. One of his students came to the US to study and later became the Maylasian Minister of Agriculture. Jeff received his MA at Florida Atlantic and his PhD in Psychology at the University of Texas at Austin and after a one-year term at NDSU in Fargo, ND, dedicated his career to teaching psychology and mentoring students at Salem College for 34 years. He also initiated and taught the first computer science courses at Salem. Jeff derived deep pleasure from music, was an excellant cook, and an avid dog trainer. He loved his family and was very proud of his daughters. He and his wife were 30-year members of Better Marriages. He is survived by his wife, Caroline Davenport-Ersoff, and by his daughters, Rachel Elena Ersoff and Zarah Sophia Ersoff and her partner Lauren Steely, as well as by his "boys," Buzz, Jake and Tai, all of whom miss him deeply. He is also survived by his sister-in-law Xue-Qiao Zhao and brother-in-law Gordon Davenport, nephew Bobo Davenport, neice Caroline Davenport-Riggs (Brian) and great niece Aiden Riggs, long-time friends John and Sue Ureda, and by his sister Renee Lansat (Paul). He was preceded in death by his mother Helen Coopman and stepfather Sidney Coopman. He was a genrous man and will be greatly missed by all his friends, colleagues and students. The family thanks Dr. Francis Buadi of the Mayo Clinic in Rochester MN, Dr. Franklin Chen and Dr. James Dilley in Winston-Salem, as well as the nursing staff at Forsyth Memorial Hospital and at the Kate B Reynolds Hospice Home for their excellent care. Special thanks go to Jeff's good friend Mike Stauber as well as to long time friend Kavyo Motsinger who was with Jeff and his family throughout this final journey. A celebration of Jeff's life will be held at Las Estrellas restaurant on Saturday, May 11th at 3:00 PM. Memorials may be made to the Amyloidosis Foundation, Hospice, Salem College, Better Marriages, or to a charity of your choice.

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Published by Winston-Salem Journal on Apr. 21, 2013.

Memories and Condolences
for Jeffrey Ersoff

12 Entries

Denise Freeman

May 14, 2013

I first met Dr Jeff Ersoff at Salem College about 7 years ago in a Cognition Class. I thought he was an amazing professor who knew how to impart his knowledge. He was so good at keeping the attention of the class and he was articulate. I enjoyed his lectures.

He told me one day that he had worked in Malaysia and being Malaysian I decided to do the Malaysian thing-bring him some traditional food! I think I did this a few times, and even brought some Durian (very whiffy Malaysian Thai fruit). Then one day, when I had long ceased classes with Jeff, he invited me over along with another professor to meet his wife, Caroline. It was a lovely lovely day, and I felt so blessed to be invited to the home of a professor I so greatly admired. Caroline was warm and lovely and I remember seeing his amazing dogs and the place he built lovingly for them. I relocated to England with my partner and never saw Jeff again. But I never forgot to write to him periodically and update him about my progress.

Caroline, I am deeply sorry for your loss. I am sending you my love, for you and your family and hope that you read this, so you know that I have not forgotten the goodness that was Jeff and you.

Much love,
Denise (Doctoral Counselling Psychology trainee:-)

May 11, 2013

You are in my thoughts and prayers. I pray for peace and joyful memories as you move through the days ahead and I'm glad I had the opportunity to meet Jeff. He was a generous host and a very welcoming guy. Diana

April 29, 2013

I am still so overwhelmed at the passing of such a great man! Dr. Ersoff was a favorite professor of mine while I was a student at Salem and always loved babysitting his daughters! Such a loss for Salem and our community.

Much Love,
Cathy Duckwall Richardson

Karolina Smidowicz

April 26, 2013

I am so sorry for you loss. He has touched many lives. I was a psychology minor and always sought to take his classes. I will never forget his sense of humor and love of teaching.

Liz Stroup

April 23, 2013

Zarah & Rachel: From 1985 until 1989 I was your father's work study student and your babysitter (though I doubt you remember). Your dad was an awesome man who always challenged me to be the best that I could be(while also believing I wasn't living up to my potential). He was the man who introduced me to the Macintosh computer and taught me the basics of programming. I'm sure he would have been appalled that I became a fan of Microsoft instead of Apple, and couldn't write the simplest of programs now if my life depended on it. He was my Constant and my Calm during my Salem years and helped mold me into the woman I am today. I have thought of him countless times over the years, particularly when I got my Newfoundland, Brooke, because he always talked about wanting a Newfie. I will also never forget the times he let me borrow his Volvo wagon when I didn't have a car on campus, and his idea of opening Jose's Frozen Yogurt Shop. I'm sure it would have been a huge success if the idea had become reality.
Though it has been twenty-three years or so since I last saw Jeff, the impact he has had on my life continues on to this day. The world was definitely a better place with him in it.
I'm sure you both have grown into wonderful women, and have made your father very proud. I hope you find comfort in the love you shared together, and the knowledge that Jeff will live on in your hearts and minds forever.

Nikki Byers

April 23, 2013

My love to all of you, Caroline, Zarah and Rachel. Our lives have been so enriched by your family. Jeff's presence in this world will be missed!

Yoshina Gautam

April 23, 2013

Dr. Ersoff was my first year advisor at Salem. I still remember my first week at Salem, being an international student, it was difficult for me to adjust to a new country, very far from my family. But Dr. Ersoff encouraged me to try hard, give my best and be very strong. I have never forgotten him because he was someone really special. My heart goes out to his family!

Myrtle Ray

April 22, 2013

What a Beautiful way to begin and end his days here; by always helping others. With this we are all affected by the lives He has touched. Love & Prayer

Chris Kelsey

April 22, 2013

Such a remarkable family! Jeff made his life count in so many ways. Our love goes out to Caroline, Zarah and Rachel - they'll keep the light burning bright.

Susan Brittain

April 21, 2013

Caroline and Family--My thoughts and prayers are with all of you. Jeff really did fight the good fight. I imagine he and Sid Kelly are getting in to some kind of mischief even as you read this.

April 21, 2013

Our Sincered Condolences.
Muriel
Amyloidosis Support Groups Inc.

Julianne Thrift

April 21, 2013

Jeff was a master teacher and mentor. He taught each of us by his life so well lived. His face lit with a beautiful smile each time I asked him about his marvelous daughters. His advice to me was always kindly given and perfectly placed. We are left a better world because of Jeff's life.

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