Neil J. Salkind, 70, passed away from complications related to melanoma on Saturday at his home in Lawrence. The son of Harry and Irene Salkind, he was born in Newark, N.J., where he grew up and attended Weequahic High School.
He received his Ph.D. in human development from the University of Maryland, and after teaching for 35 years at the University of Kansas became a professor emeritus. After retiring he continued to collaborate with colleagues and mentor students.
Neil was a prolific writer and editor. He delivered more than 150 professional papers and presentations; wrote more than 100 trade and textbooks; edited several encyclopedias; was editor of Child Development Abstracts and Bibliography for 13 years; and aided many other writers in their search for publishers. He had at least three of his letters to the editor of the New York Times published, an accomplishment of which he was exceedingly proud.
Neil enjoyed letterpress printing, reading, running with the Mad Dogs and later swimming with the Lawrence River City Sharks, baking brownies, poking around old Volvos, and being with his family and friends. He volunteered with numerous local charitable organizations and served on a number of nonprofit boards.
Services will be at 2:00 p.m., Monday, November 20, 2017 at the Lawrence Jewish Community Center. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorials to Willow Domestic Violence Center, The University of Kansas Cancer Center, and the Lawrence Jewish Community Center in care of the Rumsey-Yost Funeral Home, PO Box 1260, Lawrence KS 66044.
Neil is survived by his wife, Leni; daughter, Sara, of Alexandria, VA; son Micah and son-in-law Ted, of Providence, RI; sister Phyllis and brother-in-law Seymour, of Dallas, TX; his sister-in-law Suara Welitoff, of Cambridge, MA; nephews, nieces, countless friends, mentees, associates, and his beloved golden doodle, Bella. His boundless energy and curiosity will be missed. So will his brownies and challah.
Dear Leni, Sara, and Micah,
My deepest sympathies to you. My heart is saddened to hear about Neil’s passing. He was a wonderful mentor and advisor during my years at KU. He impacted my life is so many ways. My thoughts and prayers are with you.
I would like to express my deepest sympathy to family and friends. May all your good memories outweigh your sadness during this difficult time. (Isaiah 25:8)
Dear Leni, Sara, Micah — Our hearts are with you.
With his warmth, exuberance, and positive energy, Neil was a blessing to all who knew him. We are so grateful to have been blessed with his friendship. We loved him and send our love and prayers to you.
Leni, Sara and Micah:
David and I were deeply saddened to learn of your family’s great loss. We pray that your healing will be graceful and that the blessings of his memory will fill with light, once again, the void his passing has left. If we can comfort you in any way, our phones are on, and our doors are open to you, always.
Our condolences to Leni, Sarah and Micah.
RIP Ironman
Leni: My “Maestro is gone”. I feel greatful to have known him and for being his student. He inspired a lot of people, including me and he lived for what he believed.
Saying goodbye to another dear person today. Grateful that Neil was part of my family of friends for as long as he was. Wish it had been longer. Condolences to his loving family.
I have had a here-and-there relationship with Neil and Leni for many years, seeing each other here and there, and always happy to do so. Neil always led with a smile, common sense, and a willingness to engage with interest. His legacy his great. Wishing peace and comfort to Leni and family.
I am sorry for your loss Leni. Seeing Neil always made it a brighter day.
Leniton, Kay and I are sad to hear of Neil’s death. We didn’t realize that he had melanoma. We admire what he accomplished in his life and send our love to you.
Neil was an extraordinary human being. A generous, creative, and loving soul who brought those qualities out in all he surrounded. Leni, John and I are so sorry for your loss. We are keeping you, Sarah, and Micah in our thoughts.
My condolences to the family. I came to KU about when Neil was winding down at KU. He was warm and welcoming and I fondly remember coming over for a shabbos dinner with my wife and daughter. Neil was a great human being and always fun to talk to. He will be missed by all whose path he crossed.
Neil was the first faculty member to greet me when I first came to KU in 1987. He was always there to ask how I was doing and to encourage me personally and professionally. One could not ask for a better colleague and friend. His loss is profound but my hope is that all of us who were touched by Neil will carry his hope, laughter, wisdom and love forward in our lives with him living on through us.
My deepest condolences to you Leni and your family.
Dear Leni, Sara, Micah, and Ted – So very sorry for your loss. Leni – you and Neil were my first friends when I moved to Lawrence in 1978. We have shared so much over the decades. My heart and thoughts are with you. May Neil’s memory be for blessing.
Our condolences to Leni, Sarah, and Micah.
Dear Leni and family,
Neil and I shared the unique experience of being the sole two faculty members of the School of Education who were trained in Child Development. And I recall that I knew Neil from the time he came to KU until I retired at the end of 1999.
We shared interests and debated professional views, attended family celebrations at the Jewish Community Center, embraced intellectual life, and cherished children, both personally and professionally. I will take away many cherished memories. Sincere condolences.
Leni, I am so very sorry for your loss. Neil was so very special to me and I will miss him so much. My sincerest condolences to you and your family.
Dear Leni, I am so sorry for your loss. My condolences to all of your family.
It was a real privilege to know Neil. I have fond memories of the time our family spent with him on our Shabbat visits to Lawrence. May you all find comfort among the members of the community.
I am very sorry for your loss, Leni. Please know we are keeping your family in our thoughts.
We send our sincere condolences to Neil’s family. We live in Indiana now that we are retired, so we are not able to be at the service. Neil was a fine person and we will miss him.
Neil will be missed. It has been a privilege to have him consider Beth and I as friends. Our most sincere condolences to Leni, Sarah, and Micah.