Gayl Ness, professor emeritus of sociology, born March 19, 1929, in Los Angeles, died peacefully in his sunroom at home with family by his side July 4.
He is survived by his wife, Kathleen Bohn-Ness (nee Sheridan); four children: Marc Ness, Eric Ness (Sue Ness), Yan Ness (Judith Spaly-Ness), and Shanta Layton; six grandchildren; as well as Kathleen’s four children, seven grandchildren and three great-grandchildren. Gayl’s first wife, Jeannine Ness, preceded him in death in 2004.
At age 15, Gayl worked at a fire lookout station in Glacier National Park, an experience that instilled in him a deep appreciation for the outdoors. He cherished activities such as canoeing, sailing, camping and chopping wood for fires, around which he would share captivating stories. Gayl served in the U.S. Army during the Korean War, stationed in France, where he met and married his first wife, Jeannine.
Gayl dedicated his career to academic sociology, focusing on the intricate relationships between global population growth, economic development and environmental change.
He earned Bachelor of Arts, Master of Arts and Ph.D. degrees in sociology from the University of California, Berkeley in 1952, 1957 and 1961, respectively, and a graduate diploma in agricultural economics—cooperatives from the University of Copenhagen in 1955.
His research journey began with the Institute of Current World Affairs in Southeast Asia, sparking a lifelong interest in the region.
In 1964, Gayl joined the University of Michigan Department of Sociology, where he spent his entire academic career. He contributed significantly to sociology, the College of Environment and Natural Resources, the School of Public Health, and the Center for Southeast Asian Studies. He also served as chair of the Faculty Senate for a year.
His academic and technical contributions extended beyond national boundaries. He worked in the 1970s providing technical consultation for the Population Division of the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific in Bangkok to help strengthen population and development programs in Asian countries. He also served for 10 years as an adviser for the United Nations Population Award to help assess nominees for the award.
Throughout his career, Gayl authored seven books, including his final work, “An Ordinary Life at an Extraordinary Time,” which he completed in his later years. This book beautifully weaves together his professional insights with personal anecdotes, highlighting themes such as the American Dream, demographics, international public health, and the joy of travel and family.
Gayl embodied optimism and enthusiasm throughout his life, was quick to offer toasts, share dad jokes and recount witty stories. His presence uplifted those around him, whether in the classroom, at the dinner table or around a campfire where he discussed climate change long before it became a widely recognized issue. His profound knowledge and intellect were matched only by his generosity in sharing them.
— Submitted by the Ness family
