Dr. Peter Jolivette
Dr. Peter Jolivette, who retired as a
professor emeritus of physics in 2001
after teaching at Hope for a quarter
century, died on Friday, Sept. 21, at
age 77. He was a 20-year survivor
of angiosarcoma cancer, and for the
last five years was the longest-lived
survivor in the United States.
He joined the faculty in 1976, and
chaired the Department of Physics
several times.
He was elected a Fellow in the American Physical Society in
2000, recognized for his leadership in developing undergraduate
research in nuclear physics.
Survivors include his wife, Cheryle “Cheri” of Tigard, Oregon, who
taught physics at Hope from 1977 to 2000; two daughters, Jennifer J.
(Kevin) Lair and Stephanie A.E. Jolivette; and two grandsons.
Peter Jolivette’s full obituary
Pete was born to Eloise (Lauson) and James Peter Jolivette in Madison, Wis. He graduated from the U. of Wisconsin with both a BS and a PhD in Physics. He taught and did research at the U. of Notre Dame. He was a professor at Hope College, Holland, Mich., for 25 years where he also did research in low energy physics. He became a Fellow of the American Physical Society in 2001 for involving undergraduates in physics research.
In retirement he moved to the Portland area. He enjoyed collecting coins and the PDX Coin Club. He loved bird watching and the coast!
Peter died of a gall bladder attack. He leaves behind his beloved wife, Cheryle Lynne (Evans) Jolivette; and their two daughters, Jennifer J. (Kevin) Lair and Stephanie A. E. Jolivette. He also has two grandsons, Ethan and Jonah Lair.
He leaves behind his brother, David James Jolivette; and several cousins. His parents predeceased him.