Donald McCollum

Nov. 6, 1930 - Nov. 25, 2024

Donald Carruth McCollum was born on November 6, 1930, in Baltimore, Maryland and died on November 25, 2024, in Portland, Oregon. A dedicated physicist, educator, husband, father, and friend, Donald lived a life filled with passion, curiosity, and love. Donald earned his PhD in Physics from UC Berkeley in 1960. He went on to teach physics at UC Riverside for 34 years, from 1958 to 1992, where he also served as Associate Dean for the Graduate Division. Donald was deeply committed to making physics accessible to non-science majors, a passion that earned him a teaching award from the College of Physical Sciences. He was also renowned on campus for his "Mr. Wizard" productions at annual open houses, which were enthusiastically attended and featured in local newspapers. It was at UC Riverside where Donald met his wife, Carol Resco, who was head of the UCR Physical Sciences Library. The two married in 1985 and remained devoted to each other for nearly 40 years. Together, they raised two children, Sarah and Paul, creating a home filled with love and laughter. In 1994, the family moved to Beaverton, Oregon, where Donald embraced his role as a stay-at-home dad. He dedicated himself to his children, taking them to tennis and music lessons, volunteering in the school library, and chaperoning field trips. Every evening, he read to them before bed, fostering a deep bond and a love of learning. Donald was a man of diverse interests. He enjoyed billiards, classical music, reading nonfiction and mystery novels, hiking and camping with his family, assisting Carol in their expansive garden, solving NYT crosswords and playing Scrabble and other NYT word games. Known for his gentle demeanor, kindness, and sharp wit, he always had a joke ready for any occasion. In his final moments, he remarked with his trademark humor, "Well, it's about time—I've almost run out of jokes." Donald leaves behind his loving wife, Carol; his daughter, Sarah, and her husband, Nicolas; his son, Paul, and his wife, Helen, and their children, Liliana and Penelope. Donald will be dearly missed by his family and all who had the privilege of knowing him. His warmth, intelligence, and humor left a lasting impact on everyone he met, and his legacy will live on in the hearts of those who loved him.