Solzman, David M. David Solzman, 83, passed away Monday, February 19, 2018 after a brief illness. Beloved husband of L. Rachel McKinzie, loving Father of Nancy (Tomas Alarid) Solzman, Andrea (Jon- deceased) Goldberg, fond ex-husband of Bamboo (Eli Lewis) Solzman, treasured brother of Michael (Donna) Solzman and adoring grandfather of Ariella Alarid. David received his bachelor's degree from UofC undergrad program before returning to Omaha and earning his master's degree at University of Nebraska, Omaha. Once again he returned to Chicago to earn his PhD from UofC in urban geography focused on industrial land use along the Chicago River and Chicago Sanitary and Ship Canal. Upon completion of his studies David joined the faculty of the University of Illinois at Chicago where he taught geography, meteorology, and astronomy full time from 1965-2000. During his tenure at UIC he received the prestigious Silver Circle Award 5 times. After retiring from full time teaching, he continued to teach a class or two for the Honors College of the University until 2016. An accomplished photographer, most recently 50+ of his photographs were made a permanent installation, The David Solzman Gallery, in the offices of the Friends of the Parks. There will be a memorial service at Rockefeller Chapel, 5850 S. Woodlawn Avenue, Chicago 60637 on May 11, 2018 at 1 PM. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in his name to Friends of the Chicago River, 411 S. Wells Street, Unit 800, Chicago, IL 60607, chicagoriver.org or The Greater Chicago Food Depository, 4100 W. Ann Lurie Place, Chicago, IL 60632, chicagosfoodbank.org. Arrangements entrusted to Unity Funeral Parlors, Inc. 4114 S. Michigan Avenue, Chicago (773-624-2703) unityfuneralparlors.com

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Published by Chicago Sun-Times on Mar. 6, 2018.

Memories and Condolences
for David Solzman

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11 Entries

Carolyn M Rodriguez

August 24, 2023

Tho I'm reading his Obituary years after his passing, I can only remember all of those wonderful classes I had the privilege of taking with Prof. Solzman, back at UICC, 1973-1977. He was such a wonderful educator!! Never bored in his classes!! Field trips to WI to go camping and see the total lunar eclipse, a trip to Yerkes Observatory to see Saturn, and every other memorable class with him. I had always wanted to take the River Cruise with Dr. Solzman, but unfortunately never made it. My deepest condolences to his family. I know so many students were touched by his generosity in education, culture, geography, astronomy and life! Thank you Dr. Solzman for leaving a lasting legacy with me!

Flat Rock

Sir Richard

May 9, 2018

May 08th 2018

I just finished watching American Rivers series about the Chicago River on KCET. ......Being a photographer myself made me want to perhaps look David Solzman up next time i was visiting a friend in the outter Chicago area and and go out and take some photos one day.
But sadly after looking up his name tonight ... i found his Obituary :-((
Well i assume he's somewhere where the photos he s taken in his lifetime .... no longer compare to :-))... R.I.P.

a fellow PHOTOGRAPHER .. in California :-)

Carney Minasian

March 12, 2018

David was an avid supporter of the Chicago Rainforest Action Network and good friend to many of the members.

We will all miss him and his contributions dearly.

Audrey D

March 7, 2018

Looking up to you, Professor Solzman. May you orbit peacefully. Thank you for your great contributions. Sending my deepest sympathies to your loved ones.

March 7, 2018

My condolences to the family. May you continue to be comforted by the love and support from family and friends during this difficult time. Proverbs 17:17

Daniel Spannraft

March 6, 2018

One of the best profs I had the good fortune to study under at UICC. I still remember the course I was able to take from him. I know his family will miss him, but he also will be missed by the people who had him as a teacher. RIP Professor Solzman

magda gociman

March 6, 2018

Wonderful man.
Sincere condolences !

Longs Peak - Your favorite place in the whole world

Nancy Solzman

March 6, 2018

Lift thine eyes to the mountains, whence cometh my help. Thy help cometh from the Lord, the maker of Heaven and Earth!

Keep looking at the mountains, Dad. Mike will be waiting at Longs to climb with you!

Love you!

Until we meet again.

March 6, 2018

Good-bye Dad

Andrea Goldberg

March 6, 2018

Thank you for sharing your amazing life and spirit with us Dad. I would say that I'm lost without you but being a geographers daughter, I can find my way to anywhere. I love you and will miss you everyday but I take pleasure in knowing that I can hear what you would say to me in most situations. Love is reflected in Love. And in the end the love you take is equal to the love you make. Your end came too soon but you live on in our hearts. I love you, Andrea

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