Max E. Gellert

Published: May 2, 2012

Max E. Gellert, beloved longtime friend of UW Bothell, passed away April 27th. He was 84.

The impact Gellert made on the UW Bothell community was profound, and will be felt by generations to come.

Gellert was among the earliest UW Bothell supporters. In fact, he was actively involved in establishing UW Bothell and UW Tacoma in the first place. UW Bothell Chancellor Kenyon Chan says he will fondly remember Gellert for his remarkable leadership and tremendous vision.

"UW Bothell is an exceptional university, in part because of Max Gellert, who was a brilliant and tireless advocate for education," Chan Says. "Students for generations will feel the effects of his kindness and generosity. He was a great man, who will be greatly missed."

Gellert was born in Prague, Czechoslovakia but spent most of his life living in the Seattle area. He graduated from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) in 1948 with a bachelor’s degree in engineering, and then went on to the University of Pennsylvania, where he earned a master’s degree in 1951.

For many years until his retirement in 1993, he acted as Chief Executive Officer (CEO) for Eldec Corporation in Bothell. For Gellert, philanthropy was a comprehensive and longstanding commitment. He shared his time, energy and resources with many charitable organizations.

He was a longtime active member of the UW Bothell Advisory Board, and also served on boards for several other organizations including: the Seattle Opera, the Pacific Science Center and MIT.

Not only did Gellert help create the UW Bothell Founder’s Fellowship, but also he set a generous example by making the first donation. The fellowship provides financial support to undergraduate students, giving them the opportunity to engage in independent research across disciplines.

Max Gellert was a co-recipient of the 2011 UW Bothell Legacy Award, given for his more than 20 years of service and support to UW Bothell.

Gellert is survived by children; Ruth Jackson (Darrell), Vicki Dodge (Mark), Chris Pilgrim, CiCi Pilgrim (MK Wright), Charles Pilgrim; grandchildren, Aaron Thacker (Dawn), Max J. Gellert (Jessica), Heather Gneiting (Shawn), Dalton Jackson, Trista Pessara (Edwin) and Charlee Pilgrim; great grandchildren, Henry Thacker, Jack Thacker and Maverick Gneiting and siblings, Robert Gellert (Rosa), Bridget Lyons (Bob) and Donald Gellert (Elaine Koss).

There will be a celebration of Max's life at 3 p.m., Thursday, May 3rd at The Rainier Club, 820 Fourth Avenue, Seattle. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Seattle Opera, P.O. Box 9248, Seattle.