Dr. Robert Isaacson, who was Professor of Psychology at UF from 1968-1977 passed away on August 10, 2015 in Binghamton, NY.
From Marc Branch: Bob was one of the big stars here when I was hired. He had been lured here as a senior notable, and had instantly raised the national reputation of the department. He was a good colleague and brought honor and prestige to our department until he was lured away again. Plus he was a really good guy.
From Greg Neimeyer: Bob Issacson taught me “Physiological Psychology” when I was an Undergraduate at UF. It was a demanding but thorough course and his passion for the area was evident. I still have the little green book we used for that course. Makes me want to flip through that book to see how much things have changed, and remind myself again of Bob’s significant contributions to the field he loved.
Timothy Jon Bartness died peacefully in his home on September 24, 2015 after a year of battling Multiple Myeloma. Born September 1, 1953 in Albert Lea, MN he spent most of his childhood in Faribault, MN. He subsequently received a PhD from the University of Florida and joined the faculty of Georgia State University in 1988. Tim was internationally recognized and celebrated for his research on obesity and mentorship of young scientists. He received his Ph.D. in the Psychobiology area of our Department in 1981, under the mentorship of Bob Waldbillig. After a year of postdoctoral work at UF with then new faculty member Neil Rowland, he went on to a second postdoctoral position at the Worcester Foundation the University of Minnesota before taking a faculty position in Biology and Psychology at Georgia State University. There, he rapidly rose through the academic ranks to Regents Professor.
Tim will also be remembered as a great teacher and mentor, and two enduring pieces of advice he gave to graduate students in a ‘Survival Skills’ class were:
- Work hard but remember to take time to think—thinking is all it’s cracked up to be. Be a human being, not a human doing.
- Give back to students…yours, other people’s and if they want to repay you tell them to do the same.
Dr. Benjamin Barger, 94, passed away on July 1st. He was born in 1920, in Belgian Congo, Africa, to medical missionary parents, Dr. Gervase and Myrtle Barger, the 3rd of 4 children.
He entered George Washington University in 1939 and worked for the Advertiser’s Art Studio with the Washington Post doing drawing, lettering and cartooning. In early 1943, he enlisted in the Army and served in France and Germany, earning a Bronze Star.
He finished his B.A. in Psychology at George Washington and then earned his Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology from Duke in 1952. Ben became Chief Psychologist at Ohio State University Medical Center, and later, Director of Psychological Services at the Columbus Psychiatric Institute. Ben was recruited to serve as Co-director of a preventive program of Student Mental Health Service at the University of Florida in 1959. He later became its Director and a Professor in the Psychology Dept. In his 25 years at UF, he wrote many grants, served on Dissertation committees, was a guest lecturer and consultant at other colleges and was active in professional associations. He co-authored several books and wrote many professional articles.
http://www.legacy.com/obituaries/gainesville/obituary.aspx?n=benjamin-barger&pid=175418640&fhid=6305#sthash.Y6TcpbGh.dpuf
Dr. Harry Allen Grater, Jr., noted psychotherapist and teacher of psychotherapists, died just after midnight on October 19, 2014 with family by his side. A 25-year survivor of cancer, Harry finally succumbed to cholangiocarcinoma and related complications. He was 87.
Harry enlisted in the U.S. Navy towards the end of World War II. After the war, he earned his BS and MS in psychology from Southern Illinois University, and his PhD in clinical psychology from Penn State. In 1966 Harry was awarded a Diplomat in Counseling Psychology.
After serving on the faculty at Michigan State University, Harry joined the University of Florida as full professor and Director of the Counseling Center in 1965. In his years at UF he served as Acting Dean of University College, Chairman of Behavioral Studies, Director of Training in Counseling Psychology, and in various other positions. Harry taught and supervised graduate students in the Counseling Psychology Department until his retirement as Professor Emeritus on August 7, 1997. He continued his work as a psychotherapist in private practice until 2009.
From Beverly Posa: For many years he was the heart and soul of the Psychology Department. I know that he is remembered by the many graduate students who were lucky enough to be mentored by, or to take a class with, Harry. He was a truly kind human being and an extraordinary teacher.
Richard Farkas passed away on July 6, 2015. He received his BA from University of Florida and his MBA from Central Michigan University. He was a retired U.S. Air Force Colonel working for the national command authority.
From Tom Pye: Richard and I served together in various volunteer projects. I still remember sitting with him in the president’s suite at a football game with him sharing stories about his earlier years before opening his investment firm. Richard spent years specializing in intercontinental ballistic missiles (ICBMs), space operations, and attack warning operations for the national command authority
http://www.legacy.com/obituaries/cantonrep/obituary.aspx?n=richard-farkas&pid=175249079&
Dr. Albert Van Dusen, 99, who was known as “Van” to his friends and family, died Dec. 18, 2014 at his residence at Friendship Village in Upper St. Clair. Mr. Van Dusen, a native of Tampa, earned bachelors and masters degrees from the University of Florida and a doctorate in industrial psychology from Northwestern University. After serving as a Navy officer during World War II, Mr. Van Dusen started his academic career at Northwestern in 1944 as an associate professor of psychology eventually rising to a Vice President at the university.
In 1957 he was recruited to Pitt by former Chancellor Edward Litchfield and served as assistant chancellor for planning and development, and assistant vice chancellor for professional schools and for program development and public affairs and as secretary of the university board of trustees. http://www.post-gazette.com/news/obituaries/2014/12/25/Obituary-Albert-C-Van-Dusen-Administrator-helped-raise-Pitt-s-international-profile/stories/201412230195
Dr. Lawrence G. Ritt, PhD of Sarasota, 75, passed away at his home Thursday, July 17, 2014. Originally from Nashville, TN, Dr. Ritt received his B.A. from Vanderbilt University and earned his doctorate in clinical psychology from the University of Florida. He moved to Sarasota in 1970 to become the first director of the Sarasota Guidance Clinic, after which he maintained a private practice in clinical and forensic psychology in Sarasota for 24 years. In 1980, he and his wife founded Professional Resource Press, publishing resources for mental health professionals. He served as president of the Florida Psychological Association, and was a state representative to the national council of the American Psychological Association. He served on many local boards, and was a volunteer in the Mote Marine Sea Turtle Conservation and Research Program for over 15 years.