Birth date: Jun 22, 1945 Death date: Nov 1, 2024
Chapel of the Chimes would like to offer our deepest sympathies to the family during this difficult time. Once funeral arrangements have been made, we will be sure to update our website, if the family wishes. We will continue to k Read Obituary
I was a student in his Chem4 class in 1977 and it was most inspiring and memorable. Sending condolences.
I’m sad to hear about Pines’ passing. He gave his utmost respect to those around him, including those lowest on the totem pole. I learned much about human nature from working with him.
I taught the general chemistry class at Berkeley with him for several years. He brought out the best in all of us— the students in the class, the graduate students, and the other teaching staff— by believing in us and having high expectations and confidence that we would meet them. It felt like we were part of a bigger mission, to spread the word about how important and engaging chemistry is. It was contagious, and the students in the class felt like they were part of this intangible that was bigger than they were.
And he had a sense of humor too. One incident that still makes me laugh is a conversation I overheard between Pines and a student who is preparing for the first midterm. The student asks “Do I have to memorize PV=nRT?“ Pines response, without missing a beat, “No. Forget it!“
He will be remembered by some for the amazing work he did on the theoretical basis for NMR and exploration of the multitude of its applications to bettering our lives. But most of his students and coworkers will remember him for expecting the best of them, and by his expectation, making it so.
