Contributions to the tribute of Bernard Spilka

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Friday, May 30, 2025

I am very sorry to hear of Bernie’s passing. I started out as an English major at DU, but after a few weeks in Dr. Spilka’s Intro to Psychology class and a meeting with him – during which he enthusiastically introduced me to psychology faculty and staff, and showed me around the four vintage (read: much older than he was) psychology buildings on York Street - I happily changed my major to Psychology. The next year, when I told him my financial aid was reduced, he yanked open the desk drawer in which he kept his phone, made a call (“Spilka here”) and the next thing I knew, I was in the DU Honors Program with a scholarship. Later, when I told him I was applying to graduate schools, before I could even ask, he offered to write letters of recommendation for me. And when I received a fellowship to the Counseling Psychology program at the University of Minnesota, I’m not sure which of us was more thrilled. In more recent years, I became an employee of the University of Denver, and I often stopped in to say hello to Dr. Spilka – no, he insisted he was ”Just Bernie” now - on the days that he volunteered at the Book Stack in the Mary Reed building. In return, he visited me in my office, and upon learning that I shared his interest in paleontology, brought me a coffee can full of fossils. I have so many more warm memories of Bernie that make me smile. My sincerest condolences to his family.

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Estee Hamo posted a condolence

Monday, May 26, 2025

I was honored to be named a Bernard Spilka Scholar in Psychology at the University of Denver several years ago and had the great pleasure to meet with Bernie on a few occasions. He was so encouraging and kind and even gifted me a small fossil! I am so grateful for his dedication to helping psychology students. I was delighted to hear his insights and receive some great book recommendations, but he always seemed equally interested in what I was working on, my goals, and aspirations even at such an early stage in my career. Truly one of the greats! May his memory be a blessing.

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Sunnie Blomquist posted a condolence

Sunday, May 25, 2025

Ellen, you are s saint to put up with Bernie’s eccentricities. Bernie loved to show his extensive fossil collection. He’d say: this one is 360 million years old, give or take a half hour. He visited, counseled, and advocated for my late husband, Claude Johnson, and Claude’s brothers Al and Bob, who had been imprisoned. Bernie was an authentic feminist who insisted on women’s equality, arguing successfully to further their academic careers.Bernie was an original thinker. A thought leader before “influencers”. He was a giant and an inspiration to so many people. He loved and was loved by uncountable souls. With Love, Sunnie

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The family of Bernard Spilka uploaded a photo

Sunday, May 25, 2025

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Harley Baker lit a candle

Saturday, May 24, 2025

His was an important and guiding light in my career as a psychologist studying religion.

Bernard Spilka

1926 - 2025

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Burial

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