— 4 — In memoriam: Joseph J. Kohut, 1938-2008 In memoriam: Thomas B. Stoel Joseph James (“Joe”) Kohut, professor emeritus and science librarian, died Oct. 10 as the result of a tragic accident while hiking in the Triple Falls area of the Columbia Gorge. Prof. Kohut, an experienced hiker and avid skier, had developed a close familiarity with the Triple Falls area, where he died after apparently falling from a cliff. His dog and hiking companion remained with him and attracted a rescue team, which regrettably could not save him. Family members and friends gathered for a celebration of life at the Old Church in Portland on Oct. 16. Prof. Kohut was born April 26, 1938, in Lorain, Ohio, and earned a bachelor’s degree (1960) in geology at Ohio State University. After serving four years as a United States Navy officer, he returned to Ohio State to earn a doctoral degree (1967). He completed a master’s degree in library science (1970) at Case Western Reserve University prior to launching his distinguished career as science librarian at Portland State in 1972. He was promoted to professor in 1976 and awarded emeritus status in 1998. His wide-ranging career achievements included instruction, research, and bibliographical supervision. Prior to coming to PSU he held a Fulbright Postdoctoral Fellowship (1967-1968) at the University of Oslo; served as assistant professor of geology (19691970) at Lawrence University, in Wisconsin; and, from 1970 to 1972, he headed the United States Geological Survey Library’s department of reference and circulation in Washington, D.C. His intellectual inquisitiveness prompted research investigations that enabled him to contribute refereed articles to at least 10 scientific journals. Post-retirement pursuits included studying Spanish and learning the Argentine tango. His departmental colleagues and academic faculty members who interacted with him universally regarded him as a worthy colleague whose contributions merited respect. He often provided guidance and assistance to various academic governance committees, notably the Graduate Council, which benefited from his competence in science disciplines and librarianship. Working with Joe was always a pleasant experience. Professor Kohut’s arrival at PSU coincided with the institution’s emergence as a comprehensive instructional and research university, and through diligence and attention he contributed significantly to that process. All of us who knew and worked with Joe owe him a debt of gratitude for his lasting contributions to a shared intellectual enterprise. Our organization extends its condolences to his survivors, including son, Anton, and daughter-in-law, Lara, Copenhagen, Denmark; sister, Louise Pousho, Fremont, California; first wife, Dorothy Anton, Portland; and second wife, Johanna Cummings, Portland. Moreover, we should remember his faithful Chow dog, Misha, who survives him. Remembrance contributions should be made to the Multnomah County Sheriff’s Office Search and Rescue team at www.mcsosar@gmail.com. —Victor C. Dahl, Professor Emeritus of History Editorial management for this journal, the official organ of the Pacific Coast Branch of the American Historical Association, has been established in the Department of History since 1996. The PSU community owes a debt of gratitude to the Stoel family for supporting this significant scholarly undertaking that enhances the institution’s national and international recognition. Our organization extends its sympathy to the Stoel family. Remembrances may be sent to the Oregon Community Foundation or the Lawyers Campaign for Equal Justice. —Victor C. Dahl, Professor Emeritus of History Thomas B. Stoel, husband of the late Professor Emerita of History Caroline Stoel, died at the family home on Sept. 27. An extensive obituary appeared in the Oct. 19 Oregonian. A celebration of Mr. Stoel’s life was held on Saturday, Nov. 1, at the First Unitarian Church in Portland. Professor Caroline Stoel and her husband, Tom, made an indelible impression upon Portland State University through their 2001 endowment of the Caroline P. Stoel Editorial Fellowship, supporting the engagement of exceptional History Department graduate students in scholarly editing of a major historical quarterly, The Pacific Historical Review.
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