Dear Bob,  
It has been three years when you left us and went to the heaven.  Time flies and  I felt that it was just happened not long time ago...
During the three years I missed you every day especially when the time and thing occurred that I wanted to talk to my husband... I wished you were  still here with me to comfort me and to give your wisdom and advices....
Those great loving memories with you have stayed with me and will stay forever!
Mary and other kids are doing well.   
Rest in Peace Bob.
Love, 
Yan




Remembering ECE Department Head Dr. Robert Kolbas

- NC State  University Electrical and Computer Engineering 
(ECE) remembers Dr. Robert Kolbas, and exemplary teacher, department head, and a force behind the ECE MakerSpaces.

The link:
https://ece.ncsu.edu/2020/remembering-ece-department-head-dr-robert-kolbas/

In loving memory.   The ones we love never go away. They walk beside us even on this day. Unseen, unheard, yet always near. Still loved, still missed & very dear.                                                      

Professor Bob Kolbas was an incredibly generous and smart person with in-depth understanding of materials physics and solid state devices. He was a great colleague and personal friend. My DE courses were often scheduled after Bob’s courses, we got to chat a few minutes in between. He will always ask,what’s new in materials, Jay, it was always fun and exciting to talk to him. My MSE students loved to take Bob’s ECE courses and work under his guidance. Bob was very generous with his time, and my PhD students loved to work with him. We published many papers with Bob and his students, which have become Citation Classics. It is a great loss for the solid-state community, and he will be missed greatly. 
Jay Narayan

I took two courses with Dr. Kolbas.  You can tell he was incredibly intelligent but also extremely humble.  He truly made difficult topics easier to digest.  More importantly, he actually cared about us.  He would ask about our day and give words of encouragement.  He was just a lovely person.  I haven't cried in some time but news of his passing was too much to bear.  Condolences to his family.  The world has lost one of the good ones.

Teacher. Advisor. Mentor. Friend.  I was beyond lucky to have Bob as my Ph.D. advisor.  Bob’s passion for life-long learning, humor and positivity were contagious.  He sought to understand and was always willing to share what he had learned.  As one of his graduate teaching assistants, I fondly recall working with him on homework or exam questions that would enable his students to better understand complex concepts in fun and amusing ways such as describing your life as a photon or analyzing how to see into an alien spacecraft made of III-V materials.  And just the other day my son recalled the menagerie of turtles when we would clean and feed them while the family was away.  I remember that even as he or family members were challenged with medical issues , Bob was looking on the brighter side of life.  He was a calming influence and always had some little wisdoms to impart.  Bob’s creativity, passion, insight, and dedication to sharing knowledge continue in everyone who was fortunate to know him.  We miss you, Bob.

I am extremely shocked and sad to hear this bad news. I was Dr. Kolbas’ Ph.D. student between 1997 and 2001. I was also his post-doc for a brief year after graduation. After leaving NCSU in 2003, I was finally able to visit him again in the summer of 2018. At that time, I was happy to know that he was able to regain the health after severe illness for several years. During my visit, we talked about science projects in his home office. I felt like I was still a young Ph.D. student and we were talking about researches in his department head’s office in Daniels Hall. The difference was that no more incoming calls to interrupt our discussion. I was thinking about paying him a visit again this summer, which was stopped due to COVID-19. And then learn this bad news. Dr. Kolbas was always patient and willing to understand my English, which meant a lot for a young foreign student like me during my Ph.D. study. I am extremely thankful to have him as my Ph.D. advisor. I certainly will miss him forever.

I was a student of Dr. Kolbas in ECE 723 class in 2005 during my MS in Electrical Engg. He was a very approachable, kind and compassionate professor. I remember I used to spend many hours after the class with him and his TA understanding and completing the homework’s for the class. Although I had tough time going through the 700 level course I did manage to complete the course successfully eventually with my constant pursuance towards learning which was enabled by Dr. Kolbas patience towards me.

Farewell my beloved professor,
I met Prof. Bob in 2016 when I took his class ECE723. He was also a member of my PhD committee and contributed significantly in a major part of my project. 
Prof. Bob was truly a special person in my life. Not only was he the most wonderful, dedicated and inspiring teacher I met in my life, but he was also a "marvelous" human being. In addition to what he taught me in class, he also gave me many valuable lessons in life. 
The most important one is to "live your day as if it is the last day in your life, trying to reach the utmost degree of accomplishment, benefit the world and help people." While he knew he had few years to live, he never gave up and continued to benefit the society and NCSU students, with a big smile and passion. He spread the feelings of love, courage, kindness, happiness, generosity and compassion. Whenever I met him, I had positive feelings because of the great aura surrounding him.  
Another important lesson I learnt from him is to "take good care of family, they are important" he wrote this when I emailed him that I was with my kids in the park. I understood from these words, that we should never neglect our family at the expense of our own personal success and achievements.
I visited Dr. Bob's house a couple of time, he was so hospitable, together with his lovely wife Yan, providing a warm and friendly environment. We had so many interesting discussions there and he gave me many advices. I felt he was just like my father, with the way he treated me. A rare person with a gentle heart. He had also an adorable dog "laser" that he loved so much. 
While you departed this world, I can feel you are around me, I feel your love, I feel your kindness, I feel your greatness. Your lovely memories have become part of my life. When I also leave this world, I hope our stardust will land in a common planet in this vast universe, hopefully in a better planet. Rest in peace my dear professor. Until we meet again. Farewell!

Although we never met, we know you raised a wonderful man. Your son Dan will marry our much loved neice, Meagan soon. You will be missed.

I was a Ph.D. student of Dr. Kolbas and worked as his TA/RA for years. He always has passion and commitment to the growth of students. I’m grateful for his mentorship that I still benefit tremendously at work and in everyday life after graduation. I cherish the memories of working with Dr. Kolbas in the labs on the 4th floor of Daniel’s Hall, 2nd floor of EGRC and the electronics lab at new engineering building. Lunch together in a Hillsborough Street restaurant or party in his home were still like from yesterday. I remember we could talk about everything from science history, education, kids, to life in general. When I called him early this year, despite his health condition, he was still talking about designing some mechanical parts for his legendary electronics lab class. It’s lucky to be Dr. Kolbas’ student and he really made difference in the lives of many people.
RIP Bob. I miss you.

I walked the halls of Daniels as a senior in ’85 but sadly never directly met Dr. Kolbas. This is going to sound corny, but just like you can’t see the wind you know it is there by its effect. His effect on my son was enormous. Nathan’s passion for electronics, for his studies and for life exploded over the last several semesters in large part to Dr. Kolbas and the Townsends. His wit made the classroom fun.  His passion for his student’s success made them learn.  I was hoping to meet him at the 2020 graduation but that was meant not to be, however, I did have the honor of meeting his wife Yan and lovely daughter Mary. As impossible as it seems, I miss a man I never met. 

Dearest Yan, 
I am so very sorry to learn of the passing of Bob.  Treasure your memories and the love you shared.  You and your family are in my prayers. 
Love, 
Diana

I am so saddened to hear about the passing of Dr. Kolbas.  I so greatly enjoyed working with him at NC State ECE and he was absolutely one of my favorite people.  He always had a smile and a kind word and was one of the most supportive faculty members of our electrical and computer engineering students.  He will be greatly missed as the beloved professor, faculty member, co-worker and friend, but mostly as a wonderful and generous person.  

Sending my deepest sympathies to the family.  
~ Trudi Brown 

Yan,

It was sad to hear about Bob.  I know this is a hard time for you and your family. May good memories bring you comfort. You and your family are in our thoughts. 

Penny and Mark Cheek 

I was deeply saddened to learn of Prof. Kolbas death and I would like to express my sincere sympathy to him and his family. As one of his Ph.D students, I remember him not only as a great man to his students, but also a visionary leader by anyone who ever worked him. His contribution to NC state university more than 30 years of dedicated and selfless service were many and varied, which would not be forgotten.
Please accept my heartfelt condolences at this difficult time and I ask to please pass these sentiments on to his family. Prof. Kolbas was a remarkable man in many ways. Knowing him as I did during my Ph.D program years, I am well aware of the difference he made in the lives of many people, both in the university and his private life. He will be missed by many.


With sincere sympathy.


Jung-Hee Lee


I only met Professor Kolbas in the fall semester of 2019, but I wish I had known him for longer.  Despite the state of his health, he went above and beyond every day to teach the most excellent course I have experienced in all my years of schooling.  His comprehensive technical knowledge and passion for physics and electronics were unparalleled, while his charming personality and wit made every interaction pleasant and memorable.  Although our class only lasted about two hours on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays, Bob would regularly stay for an additional three hours (sometimes as long as five hours!), to help us individually or chat about physics, movies, or just life in general.  He would even come in on the off days to help us.  In that way, he was as much of a mentor and friend as he was our professor.  His guidance has instilled a joy for experimentation and tinkering that will follow me throughout the rest of my life.

Everything about Professor Kolbas demanded my utmost respect and admiration.  His academic lineage is legendary.  His personal interests are fascinating.  He even has an optics lab in his house (what a legend)!  But above all, he spoke highly and often about his love for his family.

I have read all of the contributions on this memorial page, and found comfort in seeing the great impact that Professor Kolbas has had over his many dedicated years of work.  He will not be forgotten.

Rest in peace, Bob.  We miss you.

I was shocked to hear the bad news from my upperclass man Dr. Ken Hsieh today.  I was a Ph.D.  student of Dr. Kolbas from 1988 to 1992 under his MBE team.  I feel really sad about his sudden pass-away.  Dr.  Kolbas has always been my most admired professor.   I have been proud of being a graduate from his group.  Dr. Kolbas, you are always on my mind and I will miss you forever! 

Uncle Bob is a proper educated, caring, life-loving, party-hosting, barbecue-barbecuing leader. He heavily influenced my 'southern side' with his hospitality and genuine kindness. 

Uncle Bob is an embodiment of what it means to be a good southerner and leader of the pack. I'll miss you.

I first met Bob in 2018 and was struck by how much he loved teaching and his family.  As a NCSU alumnae myself (2002), he would update me on how campus had changed since I was there and the current goings-on.  I’ve seen the memories of some of his former students and I wanted to let you all know he loved nothing more than teaching and helping you learn new things...his face lit up every time he talked about it.  What bothered him most about his health was that it prevented him from giving you the time and energy he felt you deserved.
He also loved talking about how proud he was of his kids and how much he loved you Yan and the wonderful care you took of him throughout his illness (and of how much Laser liked you better than him 😉).
Thank you Bob, Yan, Mary and family for inviting me into your home and the privilege of knowing you.  While the world will continue spinning, it will be less bright without Bob.

I remember Dr. Robert Kolbas being one of the most approachable professors in the ECE department. He was truly a nice man that cared about students and it showed with his behavior and demeanor.  

I remember meeting him when I was an undergrad but I had more interaction when I came back for my PhD. I was thinking about switching advisors and he gave me some great advice and I ended up being Dr. Muth's first PhD student mainly because of my discussion with him.  Hopefully Dr. Muth thinks that was a good decision as well.

I always remember him being positive and smiling which means a lot. Just walking down the halls of Daniels Hall and passing him by was always a pleasant experience and chatting with him and his positive spirit was always a highlight of the day.

 

When I first met Bob, he was only 15 yrs old and had made a robot , which now is common but this was in the 1960’s.  I thought this kid is really intelligent as we see he was.  He was also very caring to his family and friends and had a great sense of humor. He will definitely be missed by a large number of people. He has touched many lives.
My thoughts and prayers are with all his family.
Love, Linda(Kolbas) Nagy and family

I will forever miss Professor Kolbas as a scientist, advisor, teacher, mentor and friend.  His professional guidance, his keen sense, his loving humanity and his funny jokes will be with me and my family for life.  Please rest in peace, Professor Kolbas.


Bob reminds me a beam of laser light: bright, focused, brave and humble.

Bob has a knack for explaining the most technical solution in a simple way understandable by a layman.... 

Bob had the most courageous fight for life over the last few years by methodically putting everything of importance in order, leaving the world without regret.  

I hope our tears will heal and memories will comfort. I am immensely grateful for knowing Bob as a brother, a mentor, a dear friend and just an understated human. 

Bob's love of his family, students, and Wolfpack lives on forever. 

Will miss you in this world......

The lattice ripples,
Charged matter falls home—
Light escapes dark.

I was Bob's Ph.D. student and graduated in 2000. Bob’s mentorship guided me throughout my years in Raleigh as a foreign student eagerly exploring this land. His creativity, kindness, and positive perspective continue to be my inspiration as I go through the ups and downs in my life. The conversation with him on the 4th floor of Daniels Hall and in his office still feels like it was yesterday. Thank you, Dr. Kolbas. I miss you.

Dr. Kolbas always kept a great energy in the class room even when he was ill. The way he cared for his students and shared his knowledge was deeply touching. Dr. Kolbas had a special sense of humor and I know his legacy will be remembered. 

I was Bob's Ph.D. student and graduated in 1993.  I have extremely fond memories of working with Bob in his lab on the 4th floor of Daniels Hall.  He was a teacher, mentor, guide, and friend to me as he was to so many of his graduate students.  There are so many fond memories that will always remain with me - perhaps the fondest is our meetings on Mondays - here we spent the first part analyzing the Star Trek Next Generation episode from the previous Saturday assessing the scientific viability of various scenes in great detail - it was a wonderful way to start of a week and brought out the best in Bob - his love of science, his sense of humor and his humanity.   I will miss him.  RIP Professor.

I first got to know Bob well when he and I had a joint research project with the Air Force.  Bob always spoke well of others.  He was kind and fair.  Bob was always optimistic, and could find the silver lining in every situation. I greatly appreciated his positive and upbeat perspective, and I will miss him very much.

Bob was a wonderfully creative and caring person. His passions were diverse and his curiosity spanned the spectrum from how to best take care of his turtles, to understanding how best engineer quantum wells for lasers and LEDs. Although his heath issues challenged him, Bob had a passion to contribute to the greater good. Even though it took a lot out of him physically, he continued to demonstrate his passion for excellence in education by finding better ways to teach and mentor undergraduates. He would spend hours sitting in a lab setting talking with the students connecting the theory of electronic devices to hands-on implementations and showing them how to troubleshoot and overcome the real-world challenges that engineers face. A leader within the university, Bob stood out in his fairness and willingness to listen to all points of view. He would always stand up for what he thought was right. As one of his PhD students, I benefited tremendously from his mentorship. As a person, I cherish the interactions I had with him and the personal growth he afforded me, and I will miss him deeply. 

Bob was such a caring man.  He always wanted what was best for the students in ECE at NCSU.  The electronics lab class Bob created was a favorite for many students and he loved working with them.  In addition to his family, that class helped take his mind off of his illness.  

The Kolbas MakerSpace is such an amazing gift to the students.  I remember going into Bob’s house and seeing a huge room stacked floor to ceiling with electronic parts and equipment.  His love for tinkering will always be a part of ECE with this MakerSpace.


Professor Robert Kolbas was one of the best teachers I had in my life. Bob was an exceptional scientist and a great man with a gentle soul. He was a member of my Ph.D. committee and I owe a lot of my understanding of semiconductor fundamentals and basics to him.

Farewell, Dr. Kolbas,
The first day of class, you wrote on the blackboard:
Only the curious to learn, and only the resolute will conquer the obstacle of learning.  
I put this sticknote in front of my desk for four years.  
I strived and managed to get the A+ in final exam, from the last place of the class in first mid-term exam. 
You are the one of the deepest memory of what US looks like to me, You  told us how you impressed John Bardeen , a Nobel prize laureate  for super-conductivity , your advisor's advisor.  You told us how exiton are a pair of electron and positron dancing together and dropped into quantum well and can never get out.
You said one day you want to explore dark matter and string theory. That's the way you inspired me.  
You termed it as a suiside when I told you I had 700 level class, optical properties of semiconductors, and phsical electronics, along with two other optics class, in the first semester of PhD. However, I insisted not dropping your class, the most difficult 700 level.  That's what PhD all about, to challenge oneself, to step out of comfort zone, to create miracle in my own battle field, despite of illness,  loneliness, homesick, breaking up with most loved one, sacastic drama of ex-boyfriend, depression, setback in experiments, seas of questions and homework, unsupportive advisor. Life is crazy, only physics and optics is with order. That makes me feel peace. 

At the end of my PhD, you are in heaven. I respect you, and see you as my light tower in the darkest period. 

RIP, Dr. Kolbas.

Dr Kolbas was - without a doubt - one of the best professors I have ever studied under.   He would never hesitate to take the time to explain (at any level of understanding) any topic.  He always made sure the course materials were presented in a clear and unambiguous way.   He was truly of great value to his family,  Engineering, NCSU, and to the students he instructed.  He will be greatly missed by everyone in his Wolfpack.

OBITUARY

Robert M. Kolbas

November 13, 1953 – June 7, 2020

Brown-Wynne Funeral Home

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