Book of Memories for Dr. John Olson Almquist

Condolence From John F. Almquist Jr. (no relation)

Wed, 31 Aug 2016 12:19:49 EDT

I unfortunately did not find this condolence page until now, and had only just read about Dr. Almquist's passing last October. To his family, I leave my sincerest condolences and brief but fond memories of a great man. As a child, I had always heard from my father, Dr. John Foster Almquist, no relation, of the famous OTHER Dr. John Almquist that shared our name. He was there from '68-'72, and after countless pints of Cherry-Quist and pictures next to the landmark sign by The Creamery, I, like my father, graduated from Penn State University in 2000. Always an avid golfer, he mentioned how he once noticed an article in the paper that read, "Dr. John Almquist sinks hole-in-one on Penn State Blue Course". He cut it out and proudly taped it to the door of his dorm room, vowing that he too would become a doctor. He earned his M.D. in 1975, but he never met the famous Dr. Almquist face to face. Fast-forward to the summer of 1997. While taking summer courses at Penn State, I happened to walk past Old Main one hot July evening and noticed a rather green University police guarding the door. I asked him what was going on inside, and he said it was an event for distinguished alumni. I then asked if Dr. John Almquist was inside, and he nodded and said, "He just went in, can I help you?" Showing him my ID, I told him I was his grandson, and he let me in - just like that - in my t-shirt, shorts, and sandals. Inside the door were 3 tall men in suits with their backs to me. So I coughed and said, "Excuse me, Dr. Almquist?" One turned around, and I stuck out my hand and said, "Dr. Almquist? Pleased to meet you - I'm also John Almquist, and have been hearing stories about you since I was a kid." He was so warm and accommodating, and after seeing my student ID and hearing about the stunt I'd just pulled, he laughed for a solid minute. But then, just as I was about to say goodbye and leave, he offered to have me over to his house sometime for some ice cream. I took him up on the offer a few days later and met Norma as well, spending the better part of an afternoon just talking and eating Cherry-Quist and grilled stickies. I recall that he called me "the black Swede" due to my Swedish-Italian heritage and dark brown hair. We wrote back and forth on a number of occasions, and I even sent him a postcard from Rome while I was studying there. I only saw him one more time after that, just before graduating in 2000. He was genuinely proud for not even being actually related to me, and shook my hand so hard, my only thought was to give him a big hug. Over the years, coming back for football games, I noticed that he was always mentioned amongst the most distinguished of Penn State alumni, but I rarely, if ever, saw Cherry-Quist on the sale board at The Creamery again. I hope that changes, and they honor his memory a bit more often, and patrons ask why, then lift their cones high in a toast to his memory. I know it's not much, and I barely knew him... but I will never forget my memories of Dr. John Olson Almquist.

Condolence From Steven P Lorton

Thu, 10 Sep 2015 14:38:53 EDT

My wife, Lynn, and I send along our sincere condolences to the Almquist family. Although I did not attend Penn State, I had the distinct pleasure to meet Dr. Almquist during a few visits to PSU and at various professional meetings. He certainly made significant contributions to Animal Science, and the AI industry in particular, via his research and his mentorship of graduate and undergraduate students.

Condolence From Rupert P Amann

Thu, 10 Sep 2015 10:58:33 EDT

Judy and John --- So sorry to learn of John's passing, although it probably is a blessing, after such a rewarding life, that he can join Norma. I have countless fond memories from the 1950s and 60s of John as caring and demanding mentor who concurrently allowed or even forced his students to explore areas outside his 'comfort zone' because he sensed they were important. These and other traits endured him to countless graduate students. Perhaps of even greater import was the effort and cutting-edge presentations of the newest concepts in animal reproduction he provided in DSc-431, a renowned undergraduate course. We stayed in touch after I left Penn State and found his mind still inquiring and alert when we last visited. My wife Ragna, and I, fondly recall the efforts Norma and John made to make Ragna welcome in State College and ease her adjustment from Denmark to America. Your grief over the loss of both parents -- Norma and John -- is shared. We would join you in State College to help celebrate their lives, but health precludes this.

Condolence From Michelle & Jocelyn

Wed, 09 Sep 2015 19:34:24 EDT

We loved Mr. John like family and always enjoyed our visits. He always showed interest in our interests and lives, and knew something about everything! We will miss him. Abbie's daughter and granddaughter, Michelle and Jocelyn

Condolence From John and Joan Parrish

Wed, 09 Sep 2015 10:52:26 EDT

Our deepest sympathy to the Almquist family. Dr Almquist was an innovator in the area of animal and human reproduction. More importantly, he was a generous and thought-provoking mentor.He has left his mark on the world through his ideas, his discoveries and his students.

Condolence From Bernadette Snyder

Wed, 09 Sep 2015 08:59:02 EDT

Judy & John I am so sorry to hear about your dad. I will always have such wonderful and warm thoughts of both your parents. I loved them dearly. Many hugs and prayers go out to you during this difficult time. Bernadette Snyder

Condolence From Bernadette Snyder

Wed, 09 Sep 2015 08:58:21 EDT

Condolence From Beverly Butler

Tue, 08 Sep 2015 20:07:36 EDT

Judy, John and family ~ I was sorry to hear of your father's passing. May God grant you all HIS peace and comfort during this difficult time.

Condolence From Joy Pate

Tue, 08 Sep 2015 15:54:49 EDT

On behalf of the Center for Reproductive Biology and Health at Penn State, we send our deepest condolences. John was an icon. He was a great man who left a legacy at PSU but throughout the world as well. His work had a profound effect on reproductive management of animal and human populations!

Photo shared: Dr. John Almquist.jpg

Tue, 08 Sep 2015 09:19:01 EDT