Oral pathologist and researcher Gorlin was world famous

The lecturer and University of Minnesota faculty member was sought by doctors from around the world. "He was a genius," one colleague said.

By Ben Cohen, Star Tribune

Last update: August 30, 2006 - 12:01 AM

Dr. Robert Gorlin of Golden Valley, a renowned oral pathologist whose research led him to discover more than 100 syndromes caused by genetic defects, died Tuesday in Minneapolis. He was 83.

"Bob Gorlin was one of the most famous faculty members of the University of Minnesota, and without question, the most famous oral pathologist in the world," said Dr. Michael Rohrer, director of the School of Dentistry's Division of Oral Pathology. "He was a genius."

Even in recent weeks, when Gorlin's mantle cell lymphoma, which was diagnosed about eight years ago, was making him very ill, the calls for consultation from dentists and physicians kept coming.

During his 50 years at the university, Gorlin studied and named more than 100 syndromes caused by genetic defects; six were named for him. For several of the 100 syndromes, he and colleagues isolated the gene responsible for the condition.

As more is discovered about the genetic makeup of humans, many things that Gorlin had speculated upon years ago have since been proven to be fact, Rohrer said.

One of his textbooks, "Syndromes of the Head and Neck," is a "bible" in the field, said one of Gorlin's former graduate students, Dr. Guilan Norouzi, a dentist in St. Louis.

"He was a force behind my professional life and [that of] so many others," Norouzi said. "He was a brilliant scientist and an absolute knockout of a teacher."

If a student was troubled or was struggling, Gorlin would fix the problems with his humble and friendly manner. "He used to bring them up and give them hope," Norouzi said.

Everyone has a story about Gorlin's amusing and intelligent ways, Rohrer said. Gorlin had pet names or jokes even for Rohrer. "I was Dr. Pickle, and my wife was Mrs. Pickle."

A few years ago, Gorlin -- who served in the Army during World War II and in the Navy in the Korean War -- received a military recruiting letter. It was met with a laugh and a return letter to the recruiting sergeant. "Know that you can count on me," Gorlin wrote, and as for rank, "I suggest at least colonel."

Gorlin, who officially retired in 1993, continued to work every day at the university. Among his honors: a Regent's professorship at the University of Minnesota and the Goldhaber Award from Harvard.

In 2003, Gorlin, who lectured in several languages, made a presentation on his research at a Nobel Foundation conference in Stockholm.

He graduated from the Washington University School of Dentistry in 1947 and earned a master's in oral pathology from Iowa State University in 1956.

He is survived by his wife of 54 years, Marilyn of Golden Valley; a daughter, Cathy of Golden Valley; a son, Jed of Hopkins, and five grandchildren.

Friends can gather from 6 to 9 p.m. today at 805 Park Terrace in Hopkins and from 6 to 9 p.m. Thursday at 1230 Angelo Drive in Golden Valley.

Ben Cohen • bcohen@startribune.com