I will always remember his smile when passing him in the hall.

Lloyd Moreland

To Chris Coburn and Family of Miles, We are very sorry to hear of Miles' sudden death. He will be missed.

The Brewers, BPC

I was terribly saddened to hear this news yesterday. Dr. Coburn was a great professor and great man. I am very glad that I had the chance to take several classes that he taught, and I believe that he made me a better person, both through my knowledge of science and my commitment to the environment. He will be missed. My thoughts are with his family.

Andrew Bernhard '07

Miles Coburn was a teacher, mentor and friend for the time I knew him in the late 1980s. We had since lost touch, but I'll never forget his sense of humor and the love for what he did. He instilled a true interest in me for what he was doing by his sheer enthusiasm (or I never would have crawled out of bed on cold autumn Saturday mornings to collect darters for our study-then preserve and photograph every fish. Those mornings wading through the river with him are some of the fondest in my life). I've long since finished medical school and been in practice as a pathologist, but I've always remembered Dr. Coburn for his guidance and help as well as for the knowledge he imparted.

Robert Koscick '89

Dr. Coburn was my ichthyology teacher while I was attending JCU for my graduate degree. He was a wonderful teacher - challenging but supportive. He was probably the smartest person that I ever met. Once I finished my classes and was returning to work on my thesis, I was always greeted with a warm smile and a hug. I can't imagine the biology department without him. He will be greatly missed, more than words can express. My heart is with his friends and family.

Lara Roketenetz '08

Dr. Coburn,
Thank you so much for your assitance to me and everything you have done for the University. You will be greatly missed. I regard you as the best professor I have ever had. Thanks so much.

John Skomra '10

Thank you Dr. Coburn for your guidance and friendship. You were a major contributor to my professional development as a biologist and teacher.Peg, Kevin, and Rosey my thoughts and prayers are with you.

John Spano '94

My wife and I were deeply saddened by the news of the death of Dr. Coburn. Dr. Coburn made a lasting impression on our son, Vinnie, who studied under Miles and received an MS several years ago. Vinnie had the utmost respect for Dr. Coburn. Vinnie continues his work towards a Ph.D. in fresh water fish at the The University of Minnesota and rides his bike to school every day regardless of the Minnesota weather. Our thoughts and prayers are with the Coburn and John Carroll families.

Al and Dee Hirt

I have always held Miles Coburn in high regard, because of the high quality of his contributions to fish biology. It was only in the last few years, when I joined Miles and an international team of researchers in the Cypriniformes Tree of Life Project, that I had the opportunity to develop a close working relationship with him. He was a consummate professional, always thoughtful and considerate, never allowing himself to become agitated when challenged. He exuded a confidence that came not only from knowledge of his discipline, but from respect for his colleagues. I came to love his warm smile and quiet demeanor. I will miss this as much as his contributions to fish biology.

Hank Bart

My deepest condolences go out to Dr. Coburn’s family for their tragic loss. I remember Dr. Coburn from my time spent as a graduate student at John Carroll University. Dr. Coburn served on my graduate committee, helping to guide my research, and taught the ichthyology and climate change class that I attended. What I remember most about Dr. Coburn is how approachable he was. He was genuinely interested in the people around him and always available for questions or to assist you when needed. I remember how passionately concerned he was for the global environment, and I was always moved by his conviction and dedication to conservation. He will be missed.

Christine (Whyde) Cook '06

I never had the opportunity to have Dr. Coburn in class, but I would always see him walking around in Dolan as I was studying, going to class, or doing research with Dr. Mascotti. Dr. Coburn would always smile and say hello. He will truly be missed. My thought and prayers are with his family and the entire JCU community.

Stephanie Hovan '06

I remember walking down the hall on the way to Dr. Coburn's class for the second day and he knew my name. That was really surprising to me because most professors need a couple of days but he made me feel special and he will be truly missed.

Channon Fair '08

I was in Dr. Coburn's general biology class while attending JCU. I was an education major, but took Dr. Coburn's class to fill core requirements. Even though I was not a biology major, I still felt comfortable in his class, as he treated each student with much respect. He was very dedicated to his career and passions. I was saddened to hear the news of his death and offer my condolences to his wife and children.

Kimberly Knoch (Cahill) '04

Miles was a graduate assistant when I returned to undergrad studies in biology. As an "adult" student I was filled with fear and trepidation. He always took time to help me with labs and other science classes he did not even teach. I knew he would make a wonderful professor and a great Dad. I am so sorry that he passed away so suddenly. John Carroll University now has a special angel watching over all. Three of our nine children graduated from JCU but none were lucky enough to have Miles for class. My deepest sympathy to his wife and children. God bless.

Renie Blakemore '75

So long ago - yet I remember him like it was yesterday. We were great friends during my sophomore and junior years at Notre Dame 1970-1971. His smile was ever present - even when times were rough in South Bend. He always made me laugh and his spirit was infectious. Always ready for an adventure or a "road trip" at the drop of a hat. He came home with me to Tillson, N.Y., during break one year and we partied forever - some say "legendary." Although we totally lost touch after college, he still occupies a big part of my memories of the Notre Dame experience. He was truly "one-of-a-kind" and if you met him, you would never forget him.

God Bless you Miles - You were a very special person and a true friend of mine. Our condolences to his wife, his children and his family. Your buddy, Zip

Dominic Zaccheo

I was very sorry to learn of the sudden and tragic death of Dr. Miles Coburn. My sincere condolences to Dr. Coburn’s family and his colleagues at John Carroll University. I was working as a secretary in the Arts and Sciences dean’s office at the time of his hire at JCU. For all the years I knew him he was always the most affable, friendly and kind person. I know he will be missed by all his friends and students.

Barbara Mahoney - Retired '06

I grew up with Miles over several summers at Brewster Park on Cape Cod. Even at an age when most of us were unaware of our place in the grand scheme or that there was anything much beyond our own immediate needs, Miles was always calm, respectful, thoughtful and kind. For the brief time we came together during those summer days Miles, in reflection, never was one to spend time idling away the day. The regular competitions were spirited and always fair, well played, if Miles was involved. Over the intervening years it is apparent that Dr. Miles kept that youthful spirit and focused his life on making his part of the world a better place. My heart felt sympathies go out to his wife and children and to the entire Coburn family. He was a good friend. I'm so sorry.

Don Bertsch

I don't even know where to start with explaining how much Dr. Coburn touched my life. He was my advisor, teacher, and a true inspiration during my time at JCU. He was one of those people who was so intelligent and had so much knowledge to share with us that he never once lost my attention in class. I was constantly begging my friends to take a class with him so they too could see just how neat a guy he was. Dr. Coburn was constantly pushing me to study hard and "never sell myself short." I can still, to this day, remember the look on his face when he would hand me back a test I did well on and how cool it was that he was always so proud of me. Being away at college was always hard for me, but I always felt at home in Dr. Coburn's classes. I was really looking forward to him keeping an eye on my little sister, as she's going to be a freshman Bio major this year at Carroll ... I know he would've touched her life the way he did mine. Dr. C, you'll be greatly missed but the impact you had on my life will remain forever!!

Louise Strohmenger