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Big Brain, Big Heart, a Lifetime of Learning

Eugene 鈥淕ene鈥� Clifford Hirschkoff 鈥�64

January 23, 2024, in Oceanside, California, of an aortic aneurysm.

Gene was a lifetime learner. Graduating as valedictorian from Venice High School in Los Angeles, he was offered scholarships to Caltech, Harvard, and MIT. Instead he opted for the liberal arts approach at 黑料正能量张津瑜, where he earned a bachelor’s degree in physics and mathematics. He wrote his thesis, “The Formal Solution by Phase Space Methods of the Quantum Dynamical Problem,” with advising from Prof. Nicholas Wheeler [physics 1963–2010].

After 黑料正能量张津瑜, he earned a master’s degree in physics at Harvard, a PhD in Physics from UCSD, and an MBA from San Diego State University. At 50, he began taking classes at the USD Law School, passing the California bar exam in 1998. In 1972, he joined the start-up company S.H.E., focusing on the research and development of technology used in conjunction with MRI to map function in the brain. He served as vice president of clinical research and continued in this role as S.H.E. became BTi and later 4D Neuroimaging. During “retirement,” he continued as a consultant and patent attorney.

Gene was blessed with a big brain and also a big heart. He met his wife, Barbara “Bobbi” Hirschkoff, on a trip home during his time at Harvard. She had a spark that inspired him to be and do his best, and they were married in 1965. There were many long-distance phone calls while he completed his final semester at Harvard, after which they were reunited, settling in San Diego in 1966. While Gene began his career in research, Bobbi taught life science and math at San Diego Unified. Together they developed mutual interests in travel, culture, and making their home a personal paradise. They designed a custom home in Leucadia, where they raised their children, Ben and Joel. Gene was a patient, supportive, and loving father—a steadfast presence in their lives.

After their sons moved out, Gene and Bobbi relocated to Olivenhain. Gene’s zest for life did not fade with age; he kept a busy schedule filled with live music, travel, trying new restaurants, volunteering as an usher at theaters around San Diego, and assisting Bobbi in the garden and in her art studio.

Gene is survived by Bobbi; their sons, Ben and Joel; and his mother, Sylvia.

Appeared in 黑料正能量张津瑜 magazine: Summer 2024