Bruce Nolf, who taught geology, math, and physics for 28 years at Central Oregon Community College (COCC), died May 8, 2018, from complications of multiple myeloma. He was 86.
Nolf graduated in 1954 from the University of Iowa, majoring in math. He added geology courses to his math studies and discovered his lifelong passion. He earned a master’s degree in geology in 1955 from Cal Tech.
He then started teaching at the University of California, Santa Barbara, and Fresno State. Nolf was invited by Dr. William Taubenek of Oregon State University to map and study the metamorphic rock in the Wallowa Mountains of northeastern Oregon. Over the next 10 years, Nolf mapped the geology of the northern Wallowa Mountains from spring snow to fall snows.
After completing his Wallowa studies, Nolf took his field notes with him to Princeton and earned a Ph.D. in geology in 1966. He joined the faculty at COCC, where he was awarded the first faculty achievement award for teaching excellence. The college provided him with the resources to take his students from the classroom and lab to field studies.
Nolf was predeceased by his wife, Penny Jane. He is survived by two daughters, three granddaughters, and one great-grandson.
Graduate memorials are prepared by the APGA.