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Richard Olney Obituary
The University of California, San Francisco announced Monday that Olney died Friday at his Marin County home.
He had spent nearly his entire 25-year research career at UCSF, the last 18 investigating amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, or ALS.
Olney launched the UCSF ALS Center in 1993 to pursue treatments for the disease, which causes patients to gradually lose control of their muscles. It now serves 375 patients.
Olney resigned from the center in 2004 to attend to his own health. He enrolled as the first human subject in a test he helped design of a drug used to combat cancer and the other for AIDS that showed promise in slowing ALS' progress. He adhered to the experiment's rigid guidelines and didn't seek to determine if he w as receiving the drugs or medically useless placebos until the end of the test.
"It was typical of Rick to put the value of the medical research before himself and not take the drugs outside the boundaries of the trial," said Dr. Catherine Lomen-Hoerth, an Olney protégé who took over leadership of the center. "He knew it was highly unlikely that a treatment would be found during his lifetime, but nothing was going to stop him from doing whatever he could to advance the research."
Olney was in the group that received the actual drugs.
"It may have helped," Lomen-Hoerth said. "It's hard to know. Early-stage clinical trials like this involve low doses that are designed to test drug safety, as opposed to efficacy."
Some 30,000 Americans have ALS, a small number when compared to other brain diseases.
About 10,000 new cases are diagnosed every year. And while about 10 percent of the cases have genetic roots, it's not known how the other 90 percent occu r. It's not contagious and much of current research is focused on genetic and environmental factors of disease that still mystifies experts today as much as it did when New York Yankee slugger Lou Gehrig died of it in 1941.
Olney graduated Phi Beta Kappa from the University of Oklahoma with a bachelor's degree in 1968. He received his medical degree from Baylor College of Medicine in Houston in 1973.
He is survived by his wife of 38 years, Paula; two children and a grandson. A private memorial is planned. The family asked for donations to be made Olney's name to the UCSF ALS Center.
PAUL ELIAS/Associated Press
Copyright © 2012 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
79 Entries
Diane Karnes
April 16, 2012
My condolences to Dr. Olney's family, friends and patients. My husband was a patient of his after his diagnosis with ALS and we have never found another doctor as kind and concerned as Dr. Olney. Thank you Dr. for making a horrible situation better.
Joan Kunz
February 13, 2012
My husband was a patient of Dr. Olney for many years, not for ALS but for another neurological disease. Although his passion was ministering to those with ALS, he showed the same interest and gave the same tender, conscientious, heartfelt care to each patient regardless of the nature of their disease. My heartfelt condolences go to him and all of his fine family.
Lynda Zakucia
February 5, 2012
I would like to thank Dr. Olney for all his work with ALS and send condolences to his family. I lost my son to this disease and it is only through the hard work and dedication that Dr. Onley pursued that a cure will be found. So sorry for the loss of such a great man.
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Shelly Hansen
February 3, 2012
I had the please to work with Dr. Olney for 4 years while he was active with the AANEM and the American Board of Electrodiagnostic Medicine. He was a dedicated physician and I know that at some point there will be a cure for this awful disease. My sympathy to all of the family and friends of Dr. Olney
Lesli Magann
February 2, 2012
The Clinic he created, the knowledge he gained and shared, and the courageous battle he fought, what a fantastic man and soldier of uncharted territories he truly was! May your family be at peace knowing you suffer no more and your legacy will be forever treasured by the patients and families of your founded clinic at UCSF.
Thank you from the bottom of my heart! As our journey has just begun with my husbands diagnosis on 12/02/2011 by your protégée Dr.Lomen-Hoerth
Wayne Shen
February 2, 2012
Dr. Olney was a colleague I could turn to for help with my patients and he was also a faithful colleague who was willing to come to my aid in my time of need... a very knowledgeable, yet humble person. He is greatly missed.
Sidney Kramer
February 1, 2012
My wife Gloria died 5 years ago from ALS. It is I believe the most horrible disease a person can get.thank you Dr. Olney for all your work. hopefully soon we will find a cure. That will happen, once we find out what causes it.
February 1, 2012
I recall the wonderful Olney family who were friends of our family in Norman Oklahoma. I especially remember the Olney boys who were so earnest and intelligent. We extend our sincere sympathy to Rick's family.
Paula (Scheffer) and George Lader, Daniel and Mark Lader
Morgan Vilchock
February 1, 2012
My Deepest Sympathies & Heartfelt Condolences Go Out To The Family Of Dr. Richard Olney. What A Wonderful, Courageous, & Highly Intelligent Physician & Researcher Who Worked Tirelessly On Finding A Cure For This Terrible Disease. May God Bless His Soul Now & Forever For He Is Most Certainly With God & His Angels Now. Very Sincerely, Morgan Vilchock (Pa)
W. Rogers
February 1, 2012
Thank you Dr. Olney for all of your research into this awful disease. My mother died in 2010 after a 10+ year battle with ALS. She fought so hard but in the end, as is always the case, ALS won. I hope that someday there will be a cure so no one else has to suffer. Dr. Olney, may you rest in peace in the presence of God. May your family find comfort in their memories of your life and your life's work.
Darlene Schmidt
February 1, 2012
My mother passed away in 2000 at the age of 62 with ALS. Her father also passed away with ALS..This is the most awful thing to die with. I thank him for all he has done and may he rest in peace. - Darlene Schmidt, Huntington TX
Vicki Crommett
February 1, 2012
My dear husband died of ALS at age 58. Thank you to Dr. Olney for his years of research to find a cure. One day his efforts will pay off. My sympathy to all of the family and friends of Dr. Olney.
Paul Seery
February 1, 2012
I first read of Dr. Olney's courageous battle against ALS in a copy of People magazine. I just happened to pick it up at the Lahey Clinic. He has been in my thoughts and prayers ever since. I had just been told that I had Cancer of the Prostate. They also told me, "This is how we will fight it." Forty five radiation treatments later, traces of the cancer were gone. I also thought of an unknown person who, on that same day, was heading home after being told they had ALS. They were told to get their affairs in order, there is no cure. Some day, through the efforts of Dr. Olney, and others like him, those with ALS will also hear, "This is how we will fight it." God bless Dr. Richard Olney, his family and fellow workers.
Sally Hamby
February 1, 2012
My precious Mother was diagnosed with ALS at 88 and I lost her when she was 90. It is an awful diease. I appreicate all that Dr. Olney did to advance a cure. Blessings on his family. I am sorry for your loss.
Sally Hamby Atlanta, Georgia
D Garrard
February 1, 2012
My Mom died of ALS in 2004, 18 months after getting her diagnosis at the University of Utah. Dr. Richard Olney and all those who study ALS are dedicated and courageous in researching this disease. Their service in helping those who suffer from it and those who love and support them through it helps in understanding and giving dignity to those whose bodies are losing everything, yet their minds are completely alert and aware. I am forever in awe of the love and dedication that I witnessed from those who are studying and fighting this battle. My thoughts and prayers are with Dr. Olney's family. Your sacrifice has made a difference!
Ann Lazarides
February 1, 2012
Thankyou to Dr. Olney for his dedication an endless efforts to find a cure for ALS. Its a devastating illness. We also lost a loved one from the disease. Thank God for people like Dr. Olney. May his memory be eternal.
Eleanor Hickly
February 1, 2012
God Bless Dr Olney's survivers. I lost my son at age of 41 with ALS. Terrible disease ..... Thank you Dr Olney for your dedication and courage. May you rest in peace. ( Eleanor Hickly Cape Coral, Fl.... deceased son John Hickly Pittsburgh PA)
BobD
February 1, 2012
Dr. Olney, like Dr. Salk, and the many unnamed medical researchers are the true real heroes of American society. They do so much for the rest of us and yet all too often they do not get/receive the thanks from our society they deserve. Thank you Dr. Olney. Rest in Peace.
February 1, 2012
May the God of all comfort be with Dr. Olney's family at this time of grief. May all his memories stay close to your heart. Psalms 46:1 Joanna
Steve Pond
February 1, 2012
My family also lost a loved one to ALS, a terrible disease, on behalf of all, I want to thank Doctor Olney in his fight to beat this
Elizabeth Vant
February 1, 2012
So many of us are indebted to Dr. Olney for his courage and dedication in battling this cruel disease. Having lost my husband in 1990 after a 2 year battle with ALS and also my step father in 1970, I applaud Dr. Oleny for all he did toward eliminating this disease. He and Dr. Forbes Norris (who treated my husband) are in my prayers.
JoAnn Jones
February 1, 2012
Like so many, I have a family member, my dear uncle, who succumbed to ALS in 1984. God bless Dr. Olney for his dedicated work. He is at peace and will be restored to perfect health. God bless his family with peace and consolation.
February 1, 2012
Heartfelt sympathies to the Olney family. Appreciate the struggles and sacrifice your entire family has made. Relief along with the fact that soon all sickness will be reversed and "no resident will say, I am sick."
Susan Wilkey
February 1, 2012
We lost my father in 1988 to ALS - Thank you Dr. Olney for EVERYTHING you did to find a cure for this horrible disease. Your family will be in our thoughts and prayers. God Bless you!
February 1, 2012
A word of comfort for the family of Dr. Richard Olney. "He is healing the brokenhearted ones, And is binding up their painfful spots." (Psalms 147:3) With deepest sympathy.
Ivy
February 1, 2012
God Bless You Sweet Soul! Thank You for all your Hard Work and your own personal battle with this disease. You are an Example of what we should be doing with by being so ProActive with our own Health ! Thank You So Much for all Your Contributions to ALS ! My Condolences to Your Family and Friends. God Speed !
February 1, 2012
Thank you Dr. Olney for dedicating your life to helping others. You are a hero and your dedication will never be forgotten.
Laura Euphrat, RN
cindy rogerson
January 31, 2012
my sympathies to the family. i had a brother who succumbed to the disease back in 1981. i am glad to know of someone who was so dedicatedto to finding a cure for this insidious disease
Jerome Orton
January 31, 2012
My wife was told 3 weeks ago she has ALS. What a shock to both of us. We pray that all the efforts of Dr. Olney and his co-workers will help find a cure for this terrible disease.
Richard Bedlack
January 31, 2012
I will miss reading and hearing about Dr. Olney and his fight against ALS. He was and will continue to be an inspiration to many of us in our own daily battles against this terrible disease.
Rose Young-Stewart
January 31, 2012
For the family of Richard Olney..He knew what the outcome would be when he volunteered to be a subject for the promised cure. It wasn't to be yet, and in the end Dr. Olney became a brave pioneer, I could never be as brave as he was. My special friend Bob Papkey died of ALS in Jan. 2001 after being diagnosed Sept. 1998. It was a tough battle and the worst part was he was aware of everything daily, as it happened and was not able to do a thing about it.
Marilyn Richardson
January 31, 2012
My mom was diagnosed with ALS and fought it for two years before she passed away at age 70. I'd like to say thank you Mr. Olney, for all the effort you put into helping find answers for this disease. My prayers are for discoveries to be made and a cure found before more suffer the effects and fears of ALS.
D Ellis
January 31, 2012
My wife past away with ALS 25 th of nov.May you find confort in your memories and support from your family and friends
Lindsay Kimbell
January 31, 2012
I hope that researchers do find a cure for this horrible disease. My husband's uncle died from ALS in March 2010 after being diagnosed a little over a year and a half prior. It was so sad to see the quick deterioration. I do pray that Dr. Olney's research pays off and they find a cure. LK, RN-Georgia
Janet Sapadin
January 31, 2012
My condolences to the family, friends, and colleagues of Dr. Olney. He was a great humanitarian, and he will be missed.
Anne Pilgrim
January 31, 2012
RIP Dr. Olney. Thank you for the research on this devastating disease. You are one of my heros. My youngest son died with ALS at age 45 in 2004. I hope this research continues and a cure is found before it takes more and more of our young people. To the family may God hold you close in his arms in this time of grief. God Bless you all and my prayers are with you.
S P
January 31, 2012
I lost a very good friend to ALS several years ago. Thank you to Dr Olney for dedicating his career to research of this terrible disease. My thoughts are with your family...
Karen Davis
January 31, 2012
May the wonderful life he lived be an example to many others, and may he peacefully rest in the loving arms of God our savior.
Brenda Davis
January 31, 2012
I lost my husband to ALS in 2010 after his 1 year journey with this terrible disease. My heart goes out to his wife and family and know many are praying for you. May God bless you.
Thank you Dr.Olney for all of your research.
RN
January 31, 2012
Most scientific "breakthroughs" are really the culmination of years of dedicated research, and someday Dr. Olney's efforts will culminate in a cure for ALS.
January 31, 2012
Several people in my family have died from this horrible disease; the most recent being my 55 year old Aunt in February 2010. I so hope someone finds the cure. God Bless Mr. Olney's family
January 31, 2012
If only they were more people like Dr. Olney in this world. I'm certain he is in a better place today.
P. Pruitt
January 31, 2012
My father died from ALS in 1974 at the age of 48. He was being treated at UCSF, as well. He lived 2 1/2 years after he was diagnosed. It is a cruel and unrelenting disease. Thank you Dr. Olney for your courage and perseverance. Rest in peace.
QUETNIN GRAY
January 31, 2012
GOD BLESS
QUENTIN GRYA
January 31, 2012
GOD BLESS.
Juanita Calkins
January 31, 2012
I knew a lady from my church who had this disease. She died recently. Thank you for your support of your husband and father while he was doing his research. I hope that this medicine works and the correct dosage level will be found quickly. J. Christine Calkins, Lansing, MI
January 31, 2012
Thank you for your tireless research. I recently lost my beloved brother in law to this disease a year ago. He was 53. Prayers extended to Dr. Olney's family ...Nancy, Gill, MA
Brenda Frick
January 31, 2012
Sympathies to Dr. Olney's family. What a courageous man for what he did for his fellow man. I lost my husband last October to ALS. Dr. Olney's research meant a lot to so many people
a friend
January 31, 2012
God bless you for the years of selfless work on ALS. You are an inspiration. There are few words to console your family at their loss. We, of his world, have truly lost an angel. Thank God for the time he gave this mortal world Richard Olney.
January 31, 2012
It sounds like Dr. Olney was a very special human being. My sympathy goes out to his family.
Mary Ann (CT)
Pat H
January 31, 2012
I have known friends that had this terrible disease. Thank you for all your contributions over the years. My heart breaks for his family. May he rest in peace.
Tom Smith
January 31, 2012
May the God of all comfort, comfort the family and friends of Dr. Richard Olney. We all can look forward to the time when no one will have to worry about death, sorrow and getting sick because the formal things like death will have passed away
Terri Tambureno
January 31, 2012
Thank you Dr. Olney for your research and hard work in trying to find a cure for this cruel disease.
We have lost a wonderful son, age 30 on March 2, 2011 who battled with the disease for 1 year.
Our Condolences to Your Love Ones.
I hope someone else carries on with what you tried to accomplish.
Jude Lopez
January 31, 2012
Dr. Olney cared for my sister Jennifer who died after a two year battle with the disease. He was truly one of the most kind practitioners I have ever met or even heard of.
Teri Guillory
January 31, 2012
I also lost my mother to that dreadful disease. RIP all who suffered and lost thier lives to ALS
Beth
January 31, 2012
My condolences to the Olney family. May the hope of Paradise with the prospect of living forever bring you comfort.
Traci
January 31, 2012
What a great man to fight such a horrible illness. Prayers to the family and regards that he made a difference to those who have lost someone to ALS. God bless.
Colleen Ragan
January 31, 2012
I will always appreciate the work Dr. Olney did on ALS. I have lost loved ones to this terrible disease, and it helped to know that researchers like the good doctor furthered the search for a cure. I am shocked to hear that he also had ALS. My heart goes out to the family. Thank you for your support.
January 31, 2012
To the family of Dr. Olney; Rest assured that there are many who appreciate the works of your husband in his unending journey to help find a cure for this cruel disease. My uncle passed last September after battling for 10+ years. May you find peace knowing that he helped others!
Joan Payne
January 31, 2012
God Bless you Dr. Olney for all your wonderful research. My sister died Thanksgiving morning 2004 from ALS at the age of 56. Pray that a cure will be found soon.
January 31, 2012
Thank you for want you did for ALS. My friend passed last year living with ALS for over 14 years thanks to your help in finding a cure. God Bless
lois sawyer
January 31, 2012
thank you dr. olney: for your life of service in the medical field. for your research for a cure for als. my wonderful father passed away in 1950, from als. my sympathy goes out to your family. who must be very proud of you.
January 31, 2012
Praying for your family and thankful for the research. My husband died Sunday after having ALS 2 years- the same length of life his father had with ALS. Praying research will advance before any other family member has disease.
A Friend
January 31, 2012
God Bless you for all your hard work in trying to find a cure for this terrible disease. It will be 7 years this July since my sister passed away from ALS. May your family find peace and hope in all you have accomplished.
January 31, 2012
Thank-You Richard for all your dedication and hard work getting funding to continue your projects.
My hope is that someone will pick up the torch, God Bless you, Jim
Rachel
January 31, 2012
Thank you for your research and contributions to finding a cure for ALS. My deepest sympathy to the Olney family. May you rest in peace Dr. Olney - you've earned it.
Patti Smith
January 31, 2012
Your devotion to a cure for ALS is amazing.
God bless you, Dr. Olney.
My prayers to your family...it has been almost 10 years since ALS took my brother's life and just seeing the word brings tears to my eyes.
He was my hero....today, I have a new one!
January 31, 2012
Such a courageous, selfless man. Thank-you! GOD bless you and your family. My prayers are with you all. Jana Gregory (Jackson,TN)
January 31, 2012
My son died on Feb. 08 2011 from ALS He was 50-diagnosed only two years. Thank You for what you have done that might help others. GOD BLESS YOUR FAMILY.
RUBY BENTON MONROE GA.
patricia cortez-alvarez
January 31, 2012
I want to thank Dr. Olney for all his research and hard work. Our family has been affected by the disease twice. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
Stranger
January 31, 2012
May you rest in peace. What a wonderful thing you did in your life!
Barbara Newman
January 31, 2012
Thank you for dedicated work in finding a cure for ALS. Prayers and hugs to your family during this difficult time.
Joanne Christie
January 31, 2012
Thank You for your self-less research to find a cure. RIP ~~ Condolences to Your Loves Ones.
Gail
January 31, 2012
God bless you Dr. Olney for your many contributions to mankind. My mom died of this dreaded disease and I have recently learned of a friend diagnosed with ALS. Rest in peace knowing that you have done all you can for your fellow man.
Jo Anne Yerkes
January 31, 2012
My sympathies to the family. I appreciate the work he did for ALS research. My mother died from it in 1990. And I worry every day that it will effect me someday.
January 31, 2012
Your research had answered questions--my sister passed after a six month battle with als-- may you rest in peace dear doctor--God Bless you and your family!!
danette sosso
January 31, 2012
Your research had answered questions--my sister passed after a six month battle with als-- may you rest in peace dear doctor--God Bless you and your family!!
Jane Dowling
January 31, 2012
God bless you, and thank you, for all that you have done, and experienced, to help others. R.I.P. Prayers to your loved ones.
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