Celebrating the life of
Ronald Kolman
September 18, 1932 - December 01, 2009
Ronald Kolman FAIA
Ronald Kolman passed away quietly on Tuesday, December 1st. He was born in Savannah on September 18, 1932 and was predeceased by his parents, Barney and Eileen Kolman.
Mr. Kolman was an accomplished and highly respected architect and public servant. He graduated from Georgia Institute of Technology in 1957 and returned to Savannah to establish practice here that lives on as Lominack Kolman Smith Architects. Among his many achievements were his public service with MPC, Historic District Board of Review, Historic Savannah, Union Mission, many other civic organizations, as well as many city and county appointments. He was also a charter member of the Savannah Sport Fishing Club.
His service to his profession was unequaled. His professional achievements were many. He served as President of the South Georgia Chapter of the American Institute of Architects six times, received Bronze Medal AIA Georgia, the Kolman Award AIA Savannah, the Rothschild Award AIA Georgia, and became a Fellow in the American Institute of Architects in 2001.
Mr. Kolman enjoyed traveling and exploring the country with his wife and friends. He loved woodworking and was a member of the Low Country Woodturners. He loved his family dearly, was an advocate for those in need, volunteered tirelessly to bring joy to others, and worked very hard to make Savannah a better place for all of us.
Mr. Kolman is survived by his wife of 57 years, Anne Lee Tyree Kolman, two daughters, Anne Kolman Smith Edgar and Karen Kolman Gwinner, his sisters Bette Kolman Perry Edward and Dolores Kolman Beacham Franklin, grandchildren, Amy McKinney, Chris Gwinner, Ben Gwinner, Edgar Smith III, and Rosie Gwinner, two great-grandchildren and several neices and nephews.
Memorial Visitation: 5:00 - 7:00 P.M. Thursday at Fox & Weeks Funeral Directors, Hodgson Chapel.
Memorial Service: 2:00 P.M. Friday at Fox & Weeks Funeral Directors, Hodgson Chapel.
The family requests that donations be sent to any charity of choice.
We are so sorry to hear about Ron. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
- Wilma McBride, West Richland, WA
Mr. & Mrs. Perry, I am so sorry to hear about your brother. It's a bad time of year to lose anyone as you know. If you need anything, let me know, I can't do much but I will do anything that am able to. Jo & Art I know will take care of us both as she always does. I don't know if you knew this or not but there has been only Pidgeon's living in this house since the late 50's I think the Howes was the first build here. She was a real blessing when Charles came home from the hospital & the same with me 3 years ago. She is a Saint. Thank you Mr. Perry for letting me use the Power strip. You were a life saver that day. I will keep you both in my prayers as we all need each other now. Please come over & get some HOT peppers if you like & we still have Bell peppers putting out. So just come over anytime & help your self to anything that you need. Charles & Ronald are looking down on us now. And making sure that we are oK. God Bless You & yor family......
- Tina Pidgeon, savannah, GA
So sorry. Luckily we have our memories to last us forever.
- juli edwards, manchester, MI
St. Vincent's Academy Christmas celebration just won't be the same. We have come to love our own special Santa! My thoughts and prayers are with you.
- Sr. Helen Marie Buttimer, Savannah, GA
Dear Anne and Family, My cousin Helene Momma's niece just notified me of Ron's passing. I was so sad to hear this news. Ron was such a wonderful person, with great humor, intelligence, and a delight to have known...and the best of neighbors to my Mother. Peter so enjoyed getting to know Ron over the years and listening to the 'momma-stories'. Please know that you are all in our thoughts at this sad time. With love, Myrna & Peter
- Myrna Marcus Simpson, Minneapolis, MN
My heart goes out to your family in this time. I just recently lost my Pop and know what you guys are going through. Poppa was an awesome man, very loving and loyal to his family. He will be greatly missed and will always have a special place in my heart.
- Katie Macke Staley, Rincon, GA
Anne and Family, So sorry to hear of your father's passing. He created so many fairy tale memories as 'Santa'. He will be deeply missed by so many. You are in everyone's thoughts and prayers.
- Bryan, Kirsten, Keith and Marilyn Ray, Savannah, GA
Anne and Family Members, I had the good fortune to meet Ron 30 years ago and have some very fond memories of him that I would not trade for anything. Savannah and Chatham county has lost another of their outstanding citizens and he will be missed by many. I have you in my prayers and I pray that God would surround you and comfort you in the way that you will receive a double blessing from Him in days to come. Clyde Watson
- Clyde Watson, Pooler, GA
Anne- We were deeply saddened by the news of your father's passing. He was such a wonderful person and active in our city and industry in so many ways. I stil picture him pulling up on the jobsite in his camper! He was such a delight to work with. I pray for you and your family to know that he is at peace and hope you find comfort in knowing that the community and friends held him in the highest regard.
- Linda Jaeger, Savannah, GA
We weredeeply saddened to read this notice. We have fond memories of adopting bunnies from the Kolmans. they were sweet bunnies like their family and we always called them Kolman bunnies, even in successive generations. Katherine and Jamie Keena
- Katherine and Jamie Keena, , GA
I am sorry to hear of Ronalds passing. I had a great deal of admiration for him, as did my father Jim, Sr. Please accept my sincere sympathy for your loss.
- James M. Artley, Jr., Sylvania, GA
Dear Anne and Family, We will surely miss Ron at our motorhome rallies and listening to his entertaining stories. We have a lot of good memories that will live on.
- Walter and Evelyn Giles, Mooresville, NC
Anne, I send you my love and sympathy. I remember so many good things and good times with you and Ron. I shall miss him as I miss my guy. They were the last of a marvelous breed. Love, Willa
- willa jelks, macon, GA
I was very sorry to hear of Mr. Kolman's passing. My deepest sympathy to you and your family.
- Christopher J. Poulos, Savannah, GA
Ron loved the profession and he loved architects, and our gatherings will not be the same without him. His passion, dedication and contributions to AIA were significant, and he will always be a part of us. We will miss him, but know that he is in a better place.
- Michael Lowry AIA, Atlanta, GA
Dear Anne, I am so very sorry to hear of Ron's passing. He will be greatly missed by all of us who knew him. Our prayers are for your comfort durring your time of sorrow and pleasure in remembering your many years together. He was a remarkable person.
- Mark R. Lysett, AIA, Alpharetta, GA
Dear Anne, I was sorrowed to hear of your father's death. To me, you and your father sharing the same profession was always such a lovely thing. You must have so many wonderful life memories of working together, learning together, growing together. Life won't be the same without him; but he lives in your heart, your head, and your work. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family at this time.
- LaRaine Papa Montgomery, Savannah, GA
Ron's giving and caring spirit will always be an example for me. He was the first to offer a helping hand to us 20 years ago. May God bless and comfort the Kolman family and those whose lives he enriched.
- Forrest Lott, FAIA, Savannah, GA
Anne, I am so sorry that you lost your Father, Friend & Mentor. I know how close you were to him. As you know I lost my Mom 4 years ago, and time does heal. Remember all of the fun times and laugh. That is what he would want you to do. Take care and know that I am thinking of you. Camille
- Camille Puckett, Norcross, GA
Ron was an entertaining companion and a delightful camping friend.
- Frank and Susan Reynolds, Mooresville, NC
You will be missed.
- Leah G. Michalak, RID, Savannah, GA
We will miss Ron. We enjoyed traveling with him and Anne.
- Meriam Mckinney & Hollis Glover, albany, GA
Dear Anne and the Kolman Family,my deepest sympathy on your loss.Ron will always be remembered as a giver.He was always trying to improve the community by doing for others and thinking of ways to make Chatham County better.He will be missed.
- Tom Mahoney, Savannah, GA
BEEN LIKE A BROTHER, WILL MISS YOU VERY MUCH. SEE YOU WHEN WE GET THERE. MAYBE YOU CAN JOIN A GOOD CAMPING CLUB. GOD BLESS EDWARD
- EDWARD & BETTE PERRY, SAVANNAH, GA
Dear Anne, and Anne, and family, As an attorney, I worked with Ron on many projects for mutual clients.He was such a genius.Once we applied to rezone a vacant lot on Abercorn, which was between two very large apartment complexes. We wanted our clients to be able to build an office complex, to allow owners and clients/patients to live next door and walk to work instead of having to drive across town. MPC unanimously rejected it. The City Council with Mayor Rousakis could not believe MPC did that. Rousakis raved at the quality of our presentation, and then voted unanimously to grant our petition, giving us many compliments. Ron was so much fun to work with. I am weeping at his demise. This is a great loss for you and for Savannah. Much love, Michael Graham
- Michael H. Graham, Savannah, GA
Rosie, we were very sorry to hear of the passing of your Grandfather. You and your family are in our prayers at the HOP. We love you.
- Mike McConnell, Macon, GA
Dear Anne Lee, Anne, Karen amd family, We are so saddened to receive the news of Ron's passing. He was a wonderful person and will be sorely missed. We will always remember the great times we had with you all in Savannah and your trips here. He was always a very gracious host. Our thoughts and prayers are with you, Love, Graham & Ellen
- Graham & Ellen White, Norfolk, VA
All my love and sympathy to 'Big' Anne,'Little' Anne, Karen and famlies. My thoughts and prayers are with you. Love Donna
- Donna Coulter, , GA
Our deepest love and condolences are with you. Our family has FOND memories of all of the family and Mr. Kolman won't be forgotten!
- Lori McIntyre, Spruce Pine, NC
Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
- Albert Epstein & family, Savannah, GA
The 'Virginia Cousins' are deeply saddened by the news of Ron's passing. Our thoughts and prayers will be with you, Anne, and the rest of the family throughout this difficult time. We treasure the time we were able to spend with him. I know he will be watching out for all of you from above.
- Gwen, Gary & Abbi Sigler, Virginia Beach, VA
Anne, you and your family are in our prayers. Thank you for one of the best Guroo Rallies of all time! I can't think of Savannah without thinking of you. May God bless you.
- Will & Cill, Lexington, NC
Santa clause will truly missed. We loved seeing his pictures of him playing Sanata.
- jean/ray niblett, milledgeville, GA
We will miss Ron very much. We only had the pleasure of knowing Ron for three short years,traveling and camping with he and Anne. He was delightful to talk with and I learned from him. You are in our hearts and prayers. Bruce
- Bruce and Dawn Luntsford, Lawrenceville, GA
Always fond memories of a man who I admired and often 'just stared at' when listening to him talk or watching him demonstrating his craft. Ron leaves me with many smiles that I will cherish all my life. What a wonderful sense of worth he has left with all of us and how he has made me feel proud to be an Architect also.
- Michael Griffith,AIA FARA, Bluffton, SC
Ron, you were an inspiration to a generation of architects. Your legacy will live on.
- Anne Melanson, Atlanta, GA
I share in your loss and have nothing but the fondest memories of Ron Kolman as a mentor, colleague, and most importantly, a dear friend.
- Shedrick Coleman, AIA, Savannah, GA
He was a good friend and Mentor, He will be greatly missed.
- Gerry and Sally Cowart, Savannah, GA
We are so sorry to hear about Ron. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
- Wilma McBride, West Richland, WA
Mr. & Mrs. Perry, I am so sorry to hear about your brother. It's a bad time of year to lose anyone as you know. If you need anything, let me know, I can't do much but I will do anything that am able to. Jo & Art I know will take care of us both as she always does. I don't know if you knew this or not but there has been only Pidgeon's living in this house since the late 50's I think the Howes was the first build here. She was a real blessing when Charles came home from the hospital & the same with me 3 years ago. She is a Saint. Thank you Mr. Perry for letting me use the Power strip. You were a life saver that day. I will keep you both in my prayers as we all need each other now. Please come over & get some HOT peppers if you like & we still have Bell peppers putting out. So just come over anytime & help your self to anything that you need. Charles & Ronald are looking down on us now. And making sure that we are oK. God Bless You & yor family......
- Tina Pidgeon, savannah, GA
So sorry. Luckily we have our memories to last us forever.
- juli edwards, manchester, MI
St. Vincent's Academy Christmas celebration just won't be the same. We have come to love our own special Santa! My thoughts and prayers are with you.
- Sr. Helen Marie Buttimer, Savannah, GA
Dear Anne and Family, My cousin Helene Momma's niece just notified me of Ron's passing. I was so sad to hear this news. Ron was such a wonderful person, with great humor, intelligence, and a delight to have known...and the best of neighbors to my Mother. Peter so enjoyed getting to know Ron over the years and listening to the 'momma-stories'. Please know that you are all in our thoughts at this sad time. With love, Myrna & Peter
- Myrna Marcus Simpson, Minneapolis, MN
My heart goes out to your family in this time. I just recently lost my Pop and know what you guys are going through. Poppa was an awesome man, very loving and loyal to his family. He will be greatly missed and will always have a special place in my heart.
- Katie Macke Staley, Rincon, GA
Anne and Family, So sorry to hear of your father's passing. He created so many fairy tale memories as 'Santa'. He will be deeply missed by so many. You are in everyone's thoughts and prayers.
- Bryan, Kirsten, Keith and Marilyn Ray, Savannah, GA
Anne and Family Members, I had the good fortune to meet Ron 30 years ago and have some very fond memories of him that I would not trade for anything. Savannah and Chatham county has lost another of their outstanding citizens and he will be missed by many. I have you in my prayers and I pray that God would surround you and comfort you in the way that you will receive a double blessing from Him in days to come. Clyde Watson
- Clyde Watson, Pooler, GA
Anne- We were deeply saddened by the news of your father's passing. He was such a wonderful person and active in our city and industry in so many ways. I stil picture him pulling up on the jobsite in his camper! He was such a delight to work with. I pray for you and your family to know that he is at peace and hope you find comfort in knowing that the community and friends held him in the highest regard.
- Linda Jaeger, Savannah, GA
We weredeeply saddened to read this notice. We have fond memories of adopting bunnies from the Kolmans. they were sweet bunnies like their family and we always called them Kolman bunnies, even in successive generations. Katherine and Jamie Keena
- Katherine and Jamie Keena, , GA
I am sorry to hear of Ronalds passing. I had a great deal of admiration for him, as did my father Jim, Sr. Please accept my sincere sympathy for your loss.
- James M. Artley, Jr., Sylvania, GA
Dear Anne and Family, We will surely miss Ron at our motorhome rallies and listening to his entertaining stories. We have a lot of good memories that will live on.
- Walter and Evelyn Giles, Mooresville, NC
Anne, I send you my love and sympathy. I remember so many good things and good times with you and Ron. I shall miss him as I miss my guy. They were the last of a marvelous breed. Love, Willa
- willa jelks, macon, GA
I was very sorry to hear of Mr. Kolman's passing. My deepest sympathy to you and your family.
- Christopher J. Poulos, Savannah, GA
Ron loved the profession and he loved architects, and our gatherings will not be the same without him. His passion, dedication and contributions to AIA were significant, and he will always be a part of us. We will miss him, but know that he is in a better place.
- Michael Lowry AIA, Atlanta, GA
Dear Anne, I am so very sorry to hear of Ron's passing. He will be greatly missed by all of us who knew him. Our prayers are for your comfort durring your time of sorrow and pleasure in remembering your many years together. He was a remarkable person.
- Mark R. Lysett, AIA, Alpharetta, GA
Dear Anne, I was sorrowed to hear of your father's death. To me, you and your father sharing the same profession was always such a lovely thing. You must have so many wonderful life memories of working together, learning together, growing together. Life won't be the same without him; but he lives in your heart, your head, and your work. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family at this time.
- LaRaine Papa Montgomery, Savannah, GA
Ron's giving and caring spirit will always be an example for me. He was the first to offer a helping hand to us 20 years ago. May God bless and comfort the Kolman family and those whose lives he enriched.
- Forrest Lott, FAIA, Savannah, GA
Anne, I am so sorry that you lost your Father, Friend & Mentor. I know how close you were to him. As you know I lost my Mom 4 years ago, and time does heal. Remember all of the fun times and laugh. That is what he would want you to do. Take care and know that I am thinking of you. Camille
- Camille Puckett, Norcross, GA
Ron was an entertaining companion and a delightful camping friend.
- Frank and Susan Reynolds, Mooresville, NC
You will be missed.
- Leah G. Michalak, RID, Savannah, GA
We will miss Ron. We enjoyed traveling with him and Anne.
- Meriam Mckinney & Hollis Glover, albany, GA
Dear Anne and the Kolman Family,my deepest sympathy on your loss.Ron will always be remembered as a giver.He was always trying to improve the community by doing for others and thinking of ways to make Chatham County better.He will be missed.
- Tom Mahoney, Savannah, GA
BEEN LIKE A BROTHER, WILL MISS YOU VERY MUCH. SEE YOU WHEN WE GET THERE. MAYBE YOU CAN JOIN A GOOD CAMPING CLUB. GOD BLESS EDWARD
- EDWARD & BETTE PERRY, SAVANNAH, GA
Dear Anne, and Anne, and family, As an attorney, I worked with Ron on many projects for mutual clients.He was such a genius.Once we applied to rezone a vacant lot on Abercorn, which was between two very large apartment complexes. We wanted our clients to be able to build an office complex, to allow owners and clients/patients to live next door and walk to work instead of having to drive across town. MPC unanimously rejected it. The City Council with Mayor Rousakis could not believe MPC did that. Rousakis raved at the quality of our presentation, and then voted unanimously to grant our petition, giving us many compliments. Ron was so much fun to work with. I am weeping at his demise. This is a great loss for you and for Savannah. Much love, Michael Graham
- Michael H. Graham, Savannah, GA
Rosie, we were very sorry to hear of the passing of your Grandfather. You and your family are in our prayers at the HOP. We love you.
- Mike McConnell, Macon, GA
Dear Anne Lee, Anne, Karen amd family, We are so saddened to receive the news of Ron's passing. He was a wonderful person and will be sorely missed. We will always remember the great times we had with you all in Savannah and your trips here. He was always a very gracious host. Our thoughts and prayers are with you, Love, Graham & Ellen
- Graham & Ellen White, Norfolk, VA
All my love and sympathy to 'Big' Anne,'Little' Anne, Karen and famlies. My thoughts and prayers are with you. Love Donna
- Donna Coulter, , GA
Our deepest love and condolences are with you. Our family has FOND memories of all of the family and Mr. Kolman won't be forgotten!
- Lori McIntyre, Spruce Pine, NC
Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
- Albert Epstein & family, Savannah, GA
The 'Virginia Cousins' are deeply saddened by the news of Ron's passing. Our thoughts and prayers will be with you, Anne, and the rest of the family throughout this difficult time. We treasure the time we were able to spend with him. I know he will be watching out for all of you from above.
- Gwen, Gary & Abbi Sigler, Virginia Beach, VA
Anne, you and your family are in our prayers. Thank you for one of the best Guroo Rallies of all time! I can't think of Savannah without thinking of you. May God bless you.
- Will & Cill, Lexington, NC
Santa clause will truly missed. We loved seeing his pictures of him playing Sanata.
- jean/ray niblett, milledgeville, GA
We will miss Ron very much. We only had the pleasure of knowing Ron for three short years,traveling and camping with he and Anne. He was delightful to talk with and I learned from him. You are in our hearts and prayers. Bruce
- Bruce and Dawn Luntsford, Lawrenceville, GA
Always fond memories of a man who I admired and often 'just stared at' when listening to him talk or watching him demonstrating his craft. Ron leaves me with many smiles that I will cherish all my life. What a wonderful sense of worth he has left with all of us and how he has made me feel proud to be an Architect also.
- Michael Griffith,AIA FARA, Bluffton, SC
Ron, you were an inspiration to a generation of architects. Your legacy will live on.
- Anne Melanson, Atlanta, GA
I share in your loss and have nothing but the fondest memories of Ron Kolman as a mentor, colleague, and most importantly, a dear friend.
- Shedrick Coleman, AIA, Savannah, GA
He was a good friend and Mentor, He will be greatly missed.
- Gerry and Sally Cowart, Savannah, GA
Services under the direction of:
Fox & Weeks Funeral Directors, Hodgson Chapel
912-352-7200

