Dogan Comez
November 21, 1955 – June 7, 2025
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With broken hearts and deepest sorrow, we announce the passing of Dr. Dogan Comez. Dogan was born November 21st, 1955, in the outskirts of Ankara, Turkey to a family of humble means and hardworking values. He worked many jobs, including in a local cinema, making and selling sleds to help his family while he was going to school.
Dogan’s mental and physical excellence then propelled him to the Air Force Academy from ages of 14 to 21. He proudly served in the Turkish Air Force flying NATO missions as a F-5 fighter pilot, an endeavor he was very proud of and talked about frequently to close friends and family. Dogan also participated in skydiving while in the Turkish Air Force, an experience he really enjoyed.
His dedication to serve opened up a world of opportunity with the Air Force Academy as he advanced to finishing an accelerated Bachelor’s and Master’s degree in mathematics at Middle East Technical University (METU). While at university, Dogan was running track competitively, skiing, mountain climbing and he was involved in many cultural activities.
After graduating with his master’s degree, he obtained a full scholarship to the University of Toronto, Canada where he pursued his dreams and passion for mathematics, subsequently earning his Ph.D. in 1983. While at UFT, he was very active in cultural activities including Turkish folk dancing; he continued to enjoy running and cross-country skiing. While in school, Dogan met many lifelong friends, including his best friend and the love of his life, Dana Gulej.
A dear friend of his suggested he consider an assistant professor position at North Dakota State University. This led him and Dana to move to Fargo, North Dakota, which would become their home for nearly 40 years. They had their first son Deniz in 1991, and then shortly after returned back to Turkey for a sabbatical. Upon returning to the United States, Dogan and Dana bought their home in North Fargo and had their second son Alexander in 1997. Dogan raised his sons with values of hard work, integrity, thrift, citizenship and so much more. He was also a dedicated soccer coach as well as a family man, friend and grandfather.
Dogan won many awards for his excellence in teaching and research, including the prestigious Robert Odney award in 2007 and the Distinguished Educator Award by the Blue Key Honor Society in 2016. Additionally, he founded GraSUS and also organized Sonya Kovaelvski Mathematics Day. He was a fine mentor for his multiple Ph.D students, chair of the department of mathematics twice, president of the NDSU senate (2008-09), referee for the National Science Foundation and published many research papers. Dogan also taught courses at the Governor’s school for advanced high school math students. He served on many committees at NDSU and was heavily involved in the governance and wellbeing of the university.
Dogan was a true Renaissance man whose intellect was boundless, not only in mathematics and science, but chess, geology, astronomy, history, geography, political science, music, poetry and literature. Dogan had also had a deep love of wine and sharing a drink with good company, often using his famous ironic toast: “May this be the worst day of our lives!”. He and Dana met even more friends at this point in life, many of whom he was very close with. Dogan loved to travel with his friends and family, making several trips to Turkey, the United Kingdom, Czech Republic, Holland, France, Slovakia, Bulgaria, Israel, Cyprus, Mexico, Chile, Vietnam, Thailand and all over the United States. Dogan deeply enjoyed spending time in nature, and loved to hike, camp and do rock climbing with his sons and friends. He was a humanitarian by heart, who had profound empathy for poor and marginalized communities.
Dogan will be remembered as a dedicated and exemplary husband, father, grandfather, colleague, educator and citizen. Dogan is survived by his wife Dana, older son Deniz, daughter-in-law Jaime, younger son Alexander, and his grandchildren Ari and Luna. His dedication and love for his grandchildren was immense; he spent lots of quality time with them. He had a reputation for having a tireless work ethic, strong sense of right and wrong, and so many other solid traits of a leader with deep integrity and honor. He motivated many and cherished his time as a mentor. As a family, we are so very proud of his life and legacy. While heart issues might have ended his life abruptly, his actions, values and vigor inspires us, and we know it is our duty to live according to his values and do what would make Dogan proud. There are no words we can say to describe our grief, there are no words to say how many lives he touched and how proud we are of his honorable life. At this time, we are tentatively planning a memorial service in late September 2025, our family very much appreciates your thoughts and goodwill.
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Pia says: My condolences to Dana and the rest of the family. So sorry for your loss, may he rest in peace.
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Frederik Haring says:
Dogan will be greatly missed. Such a wonderful father and friend to our family. I recall when he told us about meeting Dana. Huge Condolences Sincerely The Haring Family
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Kay krupa says:
At a Slovak picnic a few years ago Dogan and Dana and Ted and Kat were dancing the Czardas in a circle and they asked me to join them. I was honored to meet Dogan then and he was a lovely man.
Dana please accept my deepest sympathy to you and your family. -
Nimet and Bora Inceoglu says:
Our deepest condolences Dana, Deniz, Alex and Jaime. Dogan was an amazing human being. We will miss him greatly. His talk of fine wines, his mathematics, his interest in everything and everyone. He left us too early.
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Tuval Foguel says:
My deepest condolences to Dana and the entire family. I’m so sorry for your loss—may he rest in peace.
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Katarina Gulej says:
A true Renaissance man for sure with talents and strengths in so many areas. He will greatly be missed by all of his family, friends and colleagues, but will remain in our hearts forever! 💕 Unfortunately, gone too soon! We love you Dogan!
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Lisa and Greg says:
We loved Dogan. We will miss him and always here the echos of “May this be the worst day of our lives.” Cheers mate friend. And love to you, Dana and family. ❤️🍷
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Tanya, Evren & Esena Akyuz says:
My heart goes out to all of you. Doğan was such an amazing friend to all of us and welcomed us into the Fargo Turkish community with open arms. We grateful to both of you for that. He will remain in our hearts always.
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Hella and Michael says:
Our hearts will never heal from the loss of Dogan but we will everyday be comforted by our cherished memories of him and Dana, and the boys as well as the tight-knit NDSU math community that he loved and loved him back harder! May we drink grape juice in his honor, always. May his memory be a blessing. –the Cohens
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Dana Kusnir says:
Dear Danka and family, my deepest condolences, I am so sorry for your loss. Thinking of you, you are in my heart during this difficult times.
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Julie and Bill Eikamp says:
Dana, Deniz, Jamie, and Alex,
There are no words to describe the loss Bill and I feel about Dogan’s passing. He was a true friend, one who always made us feel welcome and important. After having known Dogan for over 40 years, I feel a hole in my soul because of his passing. He was such a good, caring, wonderful friend and person. Although we always had some bantering about his Turkish machismo, we both knew a deep respect and love for each other. We cannot begin to fathom the loss you are feeling now, but we know he gave you all a fantastic foundation on which to stand and carry forward. He will always be a part of your lives and his presence will never leave you. He will be there to guide you and, at some point, comfort you. We know that now his loss feels immeasurable (even for us), but his love will be a constant in your lives. Please accept your sincerest condolences and love. -
Janel Messmer says:
Sorry for your loss . Sending prayers of hope and healing for your family ♥️
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Barbara, Suzan and Sera Sakarya says:
Heartfelt condolences to Dana and family. We were not able to meet Dogan that often during our 40+ year friendship, but when we did get together, Dogan’s zest for life always made it a special treat. We have wonderful memories of Dogan as a football buddy of Esh’s, as a kind uncle to baby Suzan and as a fiery and informed debater on many topics, but especially on Turkey. Dogan was a ‘one-off’ and will be dearly missed by all who knew him.
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Tadeusz Komorowski says:
We are so deeply saddened by Dogan’s passing. Please accept our heartfelt condolences.
It was an utmost pleasure to know him and experience his warm and welcoming personality. Our conversations with him were always memorable. Each time, we learned something new and interesting – whether about his beloved Turkey, politics, sports, or any topic he passionately shared.
What I will remember most is Dogan’s love for his grandkids. He radiated joy whenever he spoke of them, and it was clear he cherished every moment spent with them.
Rest in peace and we will keep him and his family in our thoughts and prayers. -
Hayriye Ibrikci says:
Deepest condolences to Dana and the children. Turgay and I felt so sorry for our lifelong dear friend Dogan. I remember those good old days in Fargo spent with Dogan and Dana; gathering, cooking, shopping, camping…. I never forget his blue car “dul dul” we were picked up for ride. He was a caring, great big brother for us in the very cold days of Fargo. Dogan, your peaceful soul will be with us.
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Hayriye Ibrikci says:
Dear Dana,
Our deepest condolences for Dogan. Turgay and I are so sorry for our lifelong friend Dogan. He was a great big brother for me in Fargo; we shared many many good memories with you Dogan. I always remember our gatherings at your home having lovely time. Dogan was an amazing person for his family, friends, students and surroundings. His warm and peaceful soul will always be with you and with us. -
Susie Clift says:
Dearest Donna, I am saddened to hear of your deep and sudden loss of your dear husband Dogan, a caring family man and support for many decades. It may take many months and years to find peace after such a supportive relationship but please know I am thinking of you, sending prayers and love Donna,
Susie Clift (Katarina’s friend) -
Levi Perkins says:
Even though it has been many years since I have seen the Comez Family, I still talk about them to this day. What a great group of people who welcomed me into their home countless times as a child. I’ll always remember the delicious home cooked meals and the scholarly talks had at their kitchen table. I remember Dogan as a wise man who was soft spoken, smart, and passionate about the things he loved in life. I hope that the family is starting to heal and I am so sorry for their loss. It’s clear that many people will miss him, and I’m so proud to count myself among those he touched in life. All my love to Dana, Alex, and Denniz.
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Seetha says:
I am truly blessed to have crossed paths with Dogan and Dana. He stepped into my brother’s shoes seemlessly and he will always be my second brother. Can never repay him for all the great help he gave me when I was a grad student in Fargo. You will be sorely missed Dogan. My deepest condolences Dana, Deniz and Alex!
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Daniel says:
I was an undergraduate math student of Dogan’s at NDSU. He was an inspiration to me, and was instrumental in my path to becoming an academic mathematician as well. He was known for his energy and enthusiasm, and his lectures and seminars were always crackling with the joy of discovery.
I remember one day in class he admitted that he didn’t understand why he was paid to do the work that he did; he found it so rewarding that he would do it for free.
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Cody Nitschke says:
In about 2004, I began graduate studies in mathematics at NDSU. I was certainly not the best student, but Dr. Comez was warm and helpful; he saw something in me. He cared deeply about people and did his best to make us all feel welcomed and part of the mathematics community. For a fearful physics student wondering into mathematics, this was important to me.
I still have the textbook from the first class I had with him, my first venture into analysis. There is one memory that stands out from that experience. I asked about why we used one definition verses another. He replied that students learned better with the one he told us about in class and that they both were equivalent. It made me realize how much thought Dogan put into each topic. Several years later, I was given the opportunity to introduce him for an award he received. I don’t recall the specific award, but I do remember accepting the request without hesitation.
His enthusiasm for mathematics rubbed off on me (like many others). All these years later, I find myself a research mathematician, in part due to the spark initiated with Dogan.
I think it’s important to share our personal stories as we see our colleague and friend off into the sunset. The world will miss Dr. Comez, he was truly one of a kind.
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Keith Lehman says:
My name is Keith Lehman, and I am a 2017 NDSU Mathematics graduate. When I graduated from high school, I did not know exactly what I wanted to pursue as a major or career, but I did know one thing: I did NOT want to pursue anything related to math! In fact, I entered NDSU with the priority of picking a major that required a single math course so that I could be done with math forever. However, one thing led to another, and my Health and Physical Education advisor at the time encouraged me to pick up a minor in another content area to make myself “more marketable” as a teacher. So, I ended up pursuing a math minor, which landed me in Dr. Comez’s Math 270: Introduction to Abstract Mathematics.
When I started in the class, I was terrified. Math was a subject I was OK with during high school, but the thought of taking college math courses was something I didn’t think I could have success with. However, from day one, Dr. Comez assured me and the rest of the class that he was willing to match the amount of work that each of us was willing to put into the class, and he made himself accessible whenever we needed help (except, of course, on his infamous Thursday Research Days 🙂).
Dr. Comez demanded precision and accuracy from us in every way. In the moment, I sometime felt that it was a bit harsh, but by the end of the semester, I realized that I had learned more about math in the past few months than I had in my entire life up to that point. He showed me that if I was willing to step up to the plate and take a chance, oftentimes, I would reap the benefits of success.
It was because of his class that I switched from a Health and Physical Education major to a Math Education major. In fact, by the end of college, I had received a double major in Math Education and Mathematics. Freshman year Keith would not believe where I ended up, but I am eternally grateful to Dr. Comez for helping me realize where my passions lie and for helping me kickstart a lifelong career that I love.
In more recent years, I would often see Dr. Comez out running or walking. He always…ALWAYS stopped to talk with me about how my teaching was going, how the kids were at school, and extended an offer to visit our school to put on math outreach events through our math club. After completing one of numerous marathons, Dr. Comez excitedly found me after the race to take a picture with me, expressing how proud he was of my performance. It always stood out to me that a man who worked with hundreds of students each year would make a point of staying connected with me years after graduating. He was the epitome of what it meant to be a true teacher: he was an excellent deliverer of course content, but even more so, he showed that he truly cared about each of us and our wellbeing. I am just recalling this now, but we got on the topic of Turkish coffee one time, and he brought me a big bag full of it to convince me that it was the BEST kind of coffee in the world, and he did convince me of that!
Hearing about Dr. Comez’s passing was devastating, and I extend my deepest condolences to his family and colleagues. To the family: I hope you all realize how much you all meant to him. He recently expressed complete ecstasy about being able to run a half marathon with both of his sons, and any time I saw him, he beamed about how much he loved being a grandfather. His is a legacy that will live on for many, many years, and I hope that each day, little by little, you all are given a sense of comfort.
You are in my thoughts,
Keith Lehman
AP Statistics, Pre-Algebra, Self-Contained Teacher
Head Girls T&F, Asst. Boys XC Coach
Department Chair – Fargo North High Mathematics
Work Phone: 701-446-2764 -
Mariangel Alfonseca says:
It has been completely heartbreaking to learn about Dogan’s untimely passing. We have worked together at the Math department since I was hired in 2006. Dogan was my first year mentor and he made everything possible to make me feel very welcome and part of the department: visiting my classes, discussing math in his office and in seminar (his research was closest to mine among all the Math faculty), inviting us to his home and introducing me to colleagues and friends. From the start he got me involved with Sonia Kovalevsky Day, which he organized at the time, and put me in contact with area high school math teachers.
Dogan did everything with the greatest enthusiasm. He transmitted his passion for Math and Ergodic Theory to countless students, undergraduate and graduate. He worked for the good of NDSU at all levels. He deeply cared about the preparation of high school math teachers and directed the successful GRASUS program during many years. His stories about flying, climbing, football were also full of his zest for life. Whenever he talked about his family, he was so grateful and proud of his wife Dana, his sons Deniz and Alex, his daughter-in-law and his beloved grandchildren Ari and Luna. Please know that my thoughts and prayers are with you all in this difficult time. I will miss Dogan more than I can express, and so will the whole Math Department.
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Sylvio May says:
It is heartbreaking to see Dogan gone. He was my best friend. Dogan and Dana met with Grit and me almost weekly. We talked about everything, enjoyed life and, yes, we were mindful that human existence is fragile. Together we went to classical concerts and art exhibitions, did cross-country skiing, hiked in local state parks, and so much more. Dogan was a wonderful person, and I miss him so much…
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Mesut Keser says:
I just heard the sad news, and it really saddened me. May his soul rest in peace. I’ll always cherish the great memories we shared, playing soccer and going on camping trips during my time at NDSU between 1988 and 1990. He had such a positive spirit and an energetic approach to life that I’ll never forget. My heart goes out to his family-Dana, his sons, and grandchildren. I wish them strength during this difficult time.
Mesut-Gönül -
İlhan@Aynur, Deniz ve Burak says:
Sevgili, Dana, Deniz , Jaime ve Alex,
Üzücü haberi ne yazık ki dün aldım. Öncelikle sizlere başsağlığı, sabır ve metanet diliyorum. Doğan tanıdığım en mükemmel insanlardan biriydi. Amerika’da bulunduğumuz dönemdeki yardımseverliği, herkesi koruyup kollaması, düzenlediği sosyal aktiviteler ile herkesin iyi vakit geçirmesini sağlaması unutamayacağımız güzel yanlarıydı. Voleybol maçları ve mangal partilerini özellikle anmam gerekiyor. Ama bizim için en anlamlısı oğlumuz Deniz’e matematik sevgisini O aşılamıştı. Bilsin ki Deniz de onu mahçup etmedi. Harvard Matematik bölümünü bitirerek onun emeğini boşa çıkarmadı. Onu özleyeceğiz. Nurlar içinde yatsın.
Pia 
Frederik Haring 
Kay krupa 
Nimet and Bora Inceoglu 
Tuval Foguel 
Katarina Gulej 
Lisa and Greg 
Tanya, Evren & Esena Akyuz 
Hella and Michael 
Dana Kusnir 
Julie and Bill Eikamp 
Janel Messmer 
Barbara, Suzan and Sera Sakarya 
Tadeusz Komorowski 
Hayriye Ibrikci 
Susie Clift 
Levi Perkins 
Seetha 
Daniel 
Cody Nitschke 
Keith Lehman 
Mariangel Alfonseca 
Sylvio May 
Mesut Keser 
İlhan@Aynur, Deniz ve Burak
My condolences to Dana and the rest of the family. So sorry for your loss, may he rest in peace.
Dogan will be greatly missed. Such a wonderful father and friend to our family. I recall when he told us about meeting Dana. Huge Condolences Sincerely The Haring Family
At a Slovak picnic a few years ago Dogan and Dana and Ted and Kat were dancing the Czardas in a circle and they asked me to join them. I was honored to meet Dogan then and he was a lovely man.
Dana please accept my deepest sympathy to you and your family.
Our deepest condolences Dana, Deniz, Alex and Jaime. Dogan was an amazing human being. We will miss him greatly. His talk of fine wines, his mathematics, his interest in everything and everyone. He left us too early.
My deepest condolences to Dana and the entire family. I’m so sorry for your loss—may he rest in peace.
A true Renaissance man for sure with talents and strengths in so many areas. He will greatly be missed by all of his family, friends and colleagues, but will remain in our hearts forever! 💕 Unfortunately, gone too soon! We love you Dogan!
We loved Dogan. We will miss him and always here the echos of “May this be the worst day of our lives.” Cheers mate friend. And love to you, Dana and family. ❤️🍷
My heart goes out to all of you. Doğan was such an amazing friend to all of us and welcomed us into the Fargo Turkish community with open arms. We grateful to both of you for that. He will remain in our hearts always.
Our hearts will never heal from the loss of Dogan but we will everyday be comforted by our cherished memories of him and Dana, and the boys as well as the tight-knit NDSU math community that he loved and loved him back harder! May we drink grape juice in his honor, always. May his memory be a blessing. –the Cohens
Dear Danka and family, my deepest condolences, I am so sorry for your loss. Thinking of you, you are in my heart during this difficult times.
Dana, Deniz, Jamie, and Alex,
There are no words to describe the loss Bill and I feel about Dogan’s passing. He was a true friend, one who always made us feel welcome and important. After having known Dogan for over 40 years, I feel a hole in my soul because of his passing. He was such a good, caring, wonderful friend and person. Although we always had some bantering about his Turkish machismo, we both knew a deep respect and love for each other. We cannot begin to fathom the loss you are feeling now, but we know he gave you all a fantastic foundation on which to stand and carry forward. He will always be a part of your lives and his presence will never leave you. He will be there to guide you and, at some point, comfort you. We know that now his loss feels immeasurable (even for us), but his love will be a constant in your lives. Please accept your sincerest condolences and love.
Sorry for your loss . Sending prayers of hope and healing for your family ♥️
Heartfelt condolences to Dana and family. We were not able to meet Dogan that often during our 40+ year friendship, but when we did get together, Dogan’s zest for life always made it a special treat. We have wonderful memories of Dogan as a football buddy of Esh’s, as a kind uncle to baby Suzan and as a fiery and informed debater on many topics, but especially on Turkey. Dogan was a ‘one-off’ and will be dearly missed by all who knew him.
We are so deeply saddened by Dogan’s passing. Please accept our heartfelt condolences.
It was an utmost pleasure to know him and experience his warm and welcoming personality. Our conversations with him were always memorable. Each time, we learned something new and interesting – whether about his beloved Turkey, politics, sports, or any topic he passionately shared.
What I will remember most is Dogan’s love for his grandkids. He radiated joy whenever he spoke of them, and it was clear he cherished every moment spent with them.
Rest in peace and we will keep him and his family in our thoughts and prayers.
Deepest condolences to Dana and the children. Turgay and I felt so sorry for our lifelong dear friend Dogan. I remember those good old days in Fargo spent with Dogan and Dana; gathering, cooking, shopping, camping…. I never forget his blue car “dul dul” we were picked up for ride. He was a caring, great big brother for us in the very cold days of Fargo. Dogan, your peaceful soul will be with us.
Dear Dana,
Our deepest condolences for Dogan. Turgay and I are so sorry for our lifelong friend Dogan. He was a great big brother for me in Fargo; we shared many many good memories with you Dogan. I always remember our gatherings at your home having lovely time. Dogan was an amazing person for his family, friends, students and surroundings. His warm and peaceful soul will always be with you and with us.
Dearest Donna, I am saddened to hear of your deep and sudden loss of your dear husband Dogan, a caring family man and support for many decades. It may take many months and years to find peace after such a supportive relationship but please know I am thinking of you, sending prayers and love Donna,
Susie Clift (Katarina’s friend)
Even though it has been many years since I have seen the Comez Family, I still talk about them to this day. What a great group of people who welcomed me into their home countless times as a child. I’ll always remember the delicious home cooked meals and the scholarly talks had at their kitchen table. I remember Dogan as a wise man who was soft spoken, smart, and passionate about the things he loved in life. I hope that the family is starting to heal and I am so sorry for their loss. It’s clear that many people will miss him, and I’m so proud to count myself among those he touched in life. All my love to Dana, Alex, and Denniz.
I am truly blessed to have crossed paths with Dogan and Dana. He stepped into my brother’s shoes seemlessly and he will always be my second brother. Can never repay him for all the great help he gave me when I was a grad student in Fargo. You will be sorely missed Dogan. My deepest condolences Dana, Deniz and Alex!
I was an undergraduate math student of Dogan’s at NDSU. He was an inspiration to me, and was instrumental in my path to becoming an academic mathematician as well. He was known for his energy and enthusiasm, and his lectures and seminars were always crackling with the joy of discovery.
I remember one day in class he admitted that he didn’t understand why he was paid to do the work that he did; he found it so rewarding that he would do it for free.
In about 2004, I began graduate studies in mathematics at NDSU. I was certainly not the best student, but Dr. Comez was warm and helpful; he saw something in me. He cared deeply about people and did his best to make us all feel welcomed and part of the mathematics community. For a fearful physics student wondering into mathematics, this was important to me.
I still have the textbook from the first class I had with him, my first venture into analysis. There is one memory that stands out from that experience. I asked about why we used one definition verses another. He replied that students learned better with the one he told us about in class and that they both were equivalent. It made me realize how much thought Dogan put into each topic. Several years later, I was given the opportunity to introduce him for an award he received. I don’t recall the specific award, but I do remember accepting the request without hesitation.
His enthusiasm for mathematics rubbed off on me (like many others). All these years later, I find myself a research mathematician, in part due to the spark initiated with Dogan.
I think it’s important to share our personal stories as we see our colleague and friend off into the sunset. The world will miss Dr. Comez, he was truly one of a kind.
My name is Keith Lehman, and I am a 2017 NDSU Mathematics graduate. When I graduated from high school, I did not know exactly what I wanted to pursue as a major or career, but I did know one thing: I did NOT want to pursue anything related to math! In fact, I entered NDSU with the priority of picking a major that required a single math course so that I could be done with math forever. However, one thing led to another, and my Health and Physical Education advisor at the time encouraged me to pick up a minor in another content area to make myself “more marketable” as a teacher. So, I ended up pursuing a math minor, which landed me in Dr. Comez’s Math 270: Introduction to Abstract Mathematics.
When I started in the class, I was terrified. Math was a subject I was OK with during high school, but the thought of taking college math courses was something I didn’t think I could have success with. However, from day one, Dr. Comez assured me and the rest of the class that he was willing to match the amount of work that each of us was willing to put into the class, and he made himself accessible whenever we needed help (except, of course, on his infamous Thursday Research Days 🙂).
Dr. Comez demanded precision and accuracy from us in every way. In the moment, I sometime felt that it was a bit harsh, but by the end of the semester, I realized that I had learned more about math in the past few months than I had in my entire life up to that point. He showed me that if I was willing to step up to the plate and take a chance, oftentimes, I would reap the benefits of success.
It was because of his class that I switched from a Health and Physical Education major to a Math Education major. In fact, by the end of college, I had received a double major in Math Education and Mathematics. Freshman year Keith would not believe where I ended up, but I am eternally grateful to Dr. Comez for helping me realize where my passions lie and for helping me kickstart a lifelong career that I love.
In more recent years, I would often see Dr. Comez out running or walking. He always…ALWAYS stopped to talk with me about how my teaching was going, how the kids were at school, and extended an offer to visit our school to put on math outreach events through our math club. After completing one of numerous marathons, Dr. Comez excitedly found me after the race to take a picture with me, expressing how proud he was of my performance. It always stood out to me that a man who worked with hundreds of students each year would make a point of staying connected with me years after graduating. He was the epitome of what it meant to be a true teacher: he was an excellent deliverer of course content, but even more so, he showed that he truly cared about each of us and our wellbeing. I am just recalling this now, but we got on the topic of Turkish coffee one time, and he brought me a big bag full of it to convince me that it was the BEST kind of coffee in the world, and he did convince me of that!
Hearing about Dr. Comez’s passing was devastating, and I extend my deepest condolences to his family and colleagues. To the family: I hope you all realize how much you all meant to him. He recently expressed complete ecstasy about being able to run a half marathon with both of his sons, and any time I saw him, he beamed about how much he loved being a grandfather. His is a legacy that will live on for many, many years, and I hope that each day, little by little, you all are given a sense of comfort.
You are in my thoughts,
Keith Lehman
AP Statistics, Pre-Algebra, Self-Contained Teacher
Head Girls T&F, Asst. Boys XC Coach
Department Chair – Fargo North High Mathematics
Work Phone: 701-446-2764
It has been completely heartbreaking to learn about Dogan’s untimely passing. We have worked together at the Math department since I was hired in 2006. Dogan was my first year mentor and he made everything possible to make me feel very welcome and part of the department: visiting my classes, discussing math in his office and in seminar (his research was closest to mine among all the Math faculty), inviting us to his home and introducing me to colleagues and friends. From the start he got me involved with Sonia Kovalevsky Day, which he organized at the time, and put me in contact with area high school math teachers.
Dogan did everything with the greatest enthusiasm. He transmitted his passion for Math and Ergodic Theory to countless students, undergraduate and graduate. He worked for the good of NDSU at all levels. He deeply cared about the preparation of high school math teachers and directed the successful GRASUS program during many years. His stories about flying, climbing, football were also full of his zest for life. Whenever he talked about his family, he was so grateful and proud of his wife Dana, his sons Deniz and Alex, his daughter-in-law and his beloved grandchildren Ari and Luna. Please know that my thoughts and prayers are with you all in this difficult time. I will miss Dogan more than I can express, and so will the whole Math Department.
It is heartbreaking to see Dogan gone. He was my best friend. Dogan and Dana met with Grit and me almost weekly. We talked about everything, enjoyed life and, yes, we were mindful that human existence is fragile. Together we went to classical concerts and art exhibitions, did cross-country skiing, hiked in local state parks, and so much more. Dogan was a wonderful person, and I miss him so much…
I just heard the sad news, and it really saddened me. May his soul rest in peace. I’ll always cherish the great memories we shared, playing soccer and going on camping trips during my time at NDSU between 1988 and 1990. He had such a positive spirit and an energetic approach to life that I’ll never forget. My heart goes out to his family-Dana, his sons, and grandchildren. I wish them strength during this difficult time.
Mesut-Gönül
Sevgili, Dana, Deniz , Jaime ve Alex,
Üzücü haberi ne yazık ki dün aldım. Öncelikle sizlere başsağlığı, sabır ve metanet diliyorum. Doğan tanıdığım en mükemmel insanlardan biriydi. Amerika’da bulunduğumuz dönemdeki yardımseverliği, herkesi koruyup kollaması, düzenlediği sosyal aktiviteler ile herkesin iyi vakit geçirmesini sağlaması unutamayacağımız güzel yanlarıydı. Voleybol maçları ve mangal partilerini özellikle anmam gerekiyor. Ama bizim için en anlamlısı oğlumuz Deniz’e matematik sevgisini O aşılamıştı. Bilsin ki Deniz de onu mahçup etmedi. Harvard Matematik bölümünü bitirerek onun emeğini boşa çıkarmadı. Onu özleyeceğiz. Nurlar içinde yatsın.