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BORN
1921
DIED
2015
Ira Iscoe Obituary
Ira Iscoe, for decades a fixture and a character on the University of Texas campus, died in Washington, D.C., Friday at 94.
Iscoe had taught at the university since 1951. More than four decades later, in 1992, he was named Ashbel Smith Professor of Psychology Emeritus.
Iscoe later was named director of UT's Plan II honors program and head of the Institute of Human Development and Family Studies.
In addition to serving on numerous university committees, Iscoe was active in the larger community, working to improve services at the Austin State Hospital and State School. He was president of the Texas Psychological Association, the Southwest Psychological Association and the American Psychological Association's Division of Community Psychology.
Memories and Condolences
for Ira Iscoe
55 Entries
Paul Schweizer
January 14, 2020
Through Plan II in the 1980's, Dr. Iscoe impacted my and countless others' lives. ... Decades later - just a few minutes ago, in fact - I shared some of Dr. Iscoe's succinct wisdom and care for others with my son, a current Plan II student. ... In such connection, through Dr. Iscoe's "charity of choice" lead, my family donated to the Alzheimer's Foundation in his honor. ... May Dr. Iscoe's effervescent and caring spirit continue to impact others, as he rests in peace.
Greg Fernbacher
September 16, 2018
Was thinking of Ira as I am now involved teaching in a Low Income Asian Community(And practicing Psychology w/o the License) I enjoyed Sales(Still have one line of product) but I'm really good at teaching elementary school children. He will never know how much he influenced me to get to this point !
Truett Smith
June 13, 2017
June 13, 2017
As an undergraduate at UT in 1972, I was in Dr. Iscoe's Community Psychology class. His passion and willingness to stand up for what was right inspired me to major in psychology. He didn't know who I was, but I have thought of him often. I got my Ph.D. in psychology, and have been a licensed psychologist for over 30 years.
John Rothgeb
August 15, 2015
I swam at Reed Park with the Iscoes in the early summer evenings in the 1960s to avoid the heat (most of our houses did not have air conditioning back then) and I swam with Ellen, their daughter, on a swim team for years, car pooling with Ellen who was the sole civilizing influences on the rambunctious little boys in the car pool. Later, Ira was the greatest of friends with my step father, Bob Schenkkan, with whom he played tennis and was a fixture at parties and events and a wonderful raconteur and an always an interesting guest. Later, I was privileged to have Ira take an interest in me while I was laid off. Ira had me come over and help with his computer and other high-tech devices. I would then often drive the both of us to lunch where we would have great conversations about history, psycology, politics and people in general. After I got a job again, Ira's grandson took over helping him with his phone and high-tech devices. I was lucky enough to get to continue to take Ira to lunch occasionally and enjoy his great company. He was a staunch beliver in equality and justice and he strenthened that flame in me. It was the final privilege to get to go to his memorial and see Ellen and Louise again and hear all the stories about Ira from his families, colleagues and friends. I will miss Ira greatly, but carry a little bit of him in my heart and try to live up to the example that he set for all of us in so many areas of life.
Jim Bayliss
August 1, 2015
I took his popular "Abnormal Psychology" class at U.T. in the late 60s. He had a common sense and practical approach to his field that I admired. With classmates, I attended a "field trip" to the Austin State Hospital. I later returned there to do a psychiatric residency, and he was one of the instructors. I worked there for 38 years.
Ray Hawkins
July 29, 2015
It was an honor to work with Dr. Ira Iscoe in the UT Austin Psychology Dept. since 1975. In particular I enjoyed co-teaching a graduate seminar with him on the "History and Professional Issues in Psychology" for several years. My condolences to Louise Iscoe and to the children and grandchildren. ---Best Wishes, Ray Hawkins, Ph.D., UT Austin Psychology Dept.
Murray Lerner
July 26, 2015
Always a kind and considerate gentleman. Murray Lerner, Ph.D.
July 25, 2015
As a psychology major at UT in the 70's, it was my privilege to have taken two of Ira Iscoe's classes. I will always remember the humor he interjected into his riveting lectures. The one bit of humor that I will never forget is his depiction of how teenage boys often are fascinated with fast cars that he called "belch-fire five hundreds."
Ira Iscoe is one of a kind and the field of psychology will never be the same without him.
Since my husband, Gary, worked with Louise Iscoe at Southwest Educational Development Lab, we developed a friendship with Louise and Ira that went beyond my time with him as a professor.
Gary and Elaine Shelton
July 13, 2015
To the many of us who loved, and were loved by Ira, his death is the end of an era- an era in which we were enriched by him in so many ways. Ira was larger than life, an innovator who loved to "color outside the lines". I recall his vivid response to my letter from Dublin, Ireland requesting a summer internship at his Center. While all the other APA internship directors I contacted said "sorry we don't have such a thing", Ira Iscoe said "Come, we'll make it work..."and proceeded to point out all the fun to be had in Austin and San Antonio! -no empty promise as he and Louise later took me to see a Texas rodeo in Bastrop, Texas!!
Ira was many things to me: my employer at the UT Counseling center, and later in the Institute of Human Development and Family Studies; he was my dissertation chair, postdoctoral supervisor and colleague in private practice . But I also knew him as a loving Jewish father figure, who, with Louise, attended my wedding to Jo Ann, came to check up on me at the hospital at the birth of my daughter Sarah and, with Louise, celebrated with us the graduation in psychology of our daughter Clare.
And, in the larger world. Ira was a giant in the field of psychology where he will be greatly and sadly missed. Requiescat in pace.
Michael Duffy, PhD, ABPP
Professor Emeritus
Texas A&M University
Mack Royal
July 13, 2015
What a great guy! Straight to the point... always, but thoughtful, insightful.... UT was lucky to have him.
Karen Schuster
July 13, 2015
Dr. Iscoe was one of our patients when I worked for DR. Sheldon Markowitz. He had the most interesting travel stories, and he had been everywhere! When I went to Germany in 2004, he gave me several suggestions for things to do, see, etc. He was one of those people that had a zest for life and a larger-than-life personality
Craig Iscoe
July 12, 2015
The extended Iscoe family greatly appreciates all the warm and moving condolence messages. They have provided comfort and smiles, and remind us of how much he meant to so many.
We will hold a memorial service for Ira Iscoe on Friday, July 31 at 2 pm in the Psychology Dept. (Seay Building), 108 E. Dean Keeton.
Leslie Cohen
July 9, 2015
I remember well our Ira-led Passover seders as wise words were shared with all. And I miss seeing him mowing his lawn on the hottest days. My condolences to the family, especially Louise.
Brian Wilcox
July 7, 2015
If anyone receives news of the memorial service in Austin, could they please contact me? I would like to attend, if possible. Thanks!
Martha Farmer Allday
July 6, 2015
i treasure my memories of Louise and Ira, who were my grandmother's first tenants in the duplex she built across the street from the Wooldridge Drive 'castle' in 1951. My grandmother was newly widowed, and the Iscoes had just arrived in Austin to begin his long and illustrious career at UT. They were both so nurturing to this pre-adolescent little girl, and I was so excited when their first child was born. They became part of our family, and, even though I moved away from Austin as soon as I graduated from UT, I was always so glad to see them and soak up their wisdom whenever our paths crossed. May he rest in the peace he so richly deserves.
July 6, 2015
I am so sad to learn of Dr Iscoe's death. He helped so many people find their way in life, including me. He encouraged me and guided me to seek a degree in Social Work from The University of Texas. Because of his efforts, I earned both a Bachelor and Master Degree in Social Work and have a wonderful career. I am so grateful to him for his interest in my future.
Lee Parker Tooke Case
July 5, 2015
Ira was a wonderful teacher and role model. I enjoyed all my associations with him at The University of Texas in the 1960s-1970s.
Jon D. Swartz, Ph.D.
Frank and Lynn Cooksey
June 29, 2015
My wife, Lynn, and I were Psychology majors at the University of Texas, and we were both blessed by having Ira Iscoe as a professor in our classes. Ira was a leader on the faculty and stood for the very hightest standards of academic excellence. He was a strong and clear voice for equal opportunity in Austin. He had a wonderful sense of humor. We will miss him . Our condolences to Louise and the family. Frank and Lynn Cooksey
June 27, 2015
My sincere condolences to the family of one whom they cherished.
Jackie Seiders-Smart
June 26, 2015
I met Ira in 1967 when I was hired to work in the Clinical Office. He more than once came to my rescue during those early years when I was struggling with my marriage, and especially after the Whitman shootings. In later years when I worked as Dean's Assistant in the School of Social Work, he would occasionally show up to meet a new Dean, or just to drop in and offer his fabulous "pearls of wisdom." Sometimes, I would call him and ask if he knew about a person who was grieving, or having issues. I knew he would figure out a way to help them. He had a wealth of knowledge about the campus, and he will be missed by many. Goodbye Dr. I.
Jackie
gary goodfriend
June 26, 2015
Not only did I know the Iscoe's from days of my childhood in Austin, but I took several undergraduate psychology courses from Dr. Iscoe. I still count those as the most enjoyable and influential of all of my college courses. Intelligent. Sharp witted. Kind. Empathetic. A 'mensch'. An exceptional professor and human being.
Patricia Brown
June 26, 2015
Safe travels to our dear friend, mentor and great humanitarian. May your being soar into the heights of love and wisdom which you lived and championed all your life. May Ira's family and friends bathe in a compassion and peace for years to come, Patricia MacDonald Brown
June 26, 2015
Dr. I -- You were my hero. Still are.
Louise and family -- thank you for sharing him with all of us. His impact was far, wide, and deep.
With much love,
Tracy Levins
Suzanne Wenzel
June 24, 2015
A friend just contacted me to inform me of Ira's passing. Over the years since graduating from UT Austin with a PhD in community psychology in 1990, I have thought of Ira and his profound and positive influence many, many times. It was a terrific privilege to know him and learn from him. I will miss him.
June 24, 2015
I send my condolences to Louise and family.
When I entered the Doctoral Program in Clinical Psychology at the University of Texas in 1954 Ira was active in locating a position at the Austin State School for me as a night attendant. He was sympathetic to the fact that I was married and had two small children. He was a consistently supportive mentor throughout my graduate career as was Wayne Holtzmanand Lou Moran. As my intereste in community mental health grew strong Ira was again an active supporter of my applying for a post doctoral fellowship at Harvard Medical School with Erich Lindeman.I received my PhD in 1958 and began my career at Harvard which also included receving a degree in Public Health at Harvard in 1960. This was unusual for a psychologist. Ira was a consistent friend and colleague throughout my career at Ohio State, University of Michigan, University of Oregon and finally the University of Illinois at Chicago. I retired in 1999. In retirement I had the pleasure of still connecting with Ira. He was a mensh. He was strong, dedicated and long lasting in his values for dignity with justice. He enabled me to become the person I wanted to be with his life long friendship and resolve. My life has been blessed with him as a mentor,friend and his personal and professional values and commitment to me.
James G. Kelly, Seattle Washington
Brian Wilcox
June 24, 2015
My deepest condolences to Louise and the family. Ira was a marvelous man and the best mentor a student could ask for. Hardly a day passed over the past 35 years when I didn't find myself offering up an "Iraism" to my own students. Ira was truly one of a kind. He taught me that one could accomplish great things if you didn't worry about who received credit, and that mantra guided everything Ira did. He improved the well-being of countless people in Texas and elsewhere, and never called attention to himself in the process.
Rest in Peace, Ira.
Sherry Payne
June 23, 2015
I first met Ira as a freshman undergraduate in 1963. It was the day that President Kennedy was shot. I had just walked up to his office when the door burst open and Ira tore out yelling "the President's been shot, the President's been shot". With his hair wild and notes and papers clutched in his hand with other papers flying about he shouted to me that we had to go to the basement of Mezes Hall to watch the news on television. Stunned by the sight of him and his news I followed, saw that it was true and shortly slowly walked away.
But it was as a graduate student that Ira had the greatest impact on me. He supervised me for both my M.A. and Ph.D. In the process I learned what a brilliant, giving, and fascinating person he was. He wasn't afraid to give to people what they needed, from all walks of life, probably much of which we never knew.
As an individual Ira had the greatest influence on my life and whiile I didn't know the group to which he referred, I was proud to be declared as part of the "decency mafia."
The world lost a bright light when he passed on, but we can rest assured knowing that innumerable people have benefitted from his lessons.
Love to his family
Michael Kentor
June 23, 2015
I always considered Ira a dear friend and one of the most wonderful people I ever met. He was always there for one, regardless of the situation. He was practical, down to earth and brilliant in his succinct assessment of a situation. May his memory be an inspiration to all who knew him.
Carl Rubino
June 21, 2015
To the family of Ira Iscoe:
I just heard the sad news of Ira's death, and I write to express my deepest condolences.
I remember Ira well from my years in Austin. He was one of the finest people I ever met and an anchor of support in difficult times.
I shall miss him dearly.
June 20, 2015
CONDOLENCE TO FAMILY....MARY ROHLICH
Evelyn Wolf
June 20, 2015
I send condolence to the Iscoe family in the loss of their beloved Ira. My husband, Dan Wolf and I were friends of Ira & Louise's,who enjoyed the peace and quiet away from city life, to escape to the country. Our friendship had no connection to UT. But year after year the Iscoe's came to McDade to pick their blackberries,and we really enjoyed our visits with them. Once they appeared on an Austin news station, picking their berries at our farm.
Norman/Cora Farmer
June 19, 2015
We loved having Ira and Louise as Tarrytown neighbors and UT colleagues for many years. We rejoiced with their move last year to be nearer their children. We pray Louise is at peace knowing Ira is. Our heartfelt love and sympathy to all the Iscoe Family from Norman and Cora Farmer
Octavio Martinez
June 19, 2015
On behalf of the Hogg Foundation for Mental Health, I extend our condolences to Louise and all the family of Dr. Iscoe. He was a warm caring passionate advisor, mentor and friend to the foundation and to me. He will be missed.
Sincerely,
Octavio N. Martinez, Jr., MD, MPH
Executive Director, Hogg Foundation for Mental Health
Hon. Rodney Griffin
June 19, 2015
I am deeply saddened by the loss of Dr. Ira Iscoe. Ira was one of my mentors during my student years at The University of Texas At Austin. Here professor Iscoe taught me Undergraduate Research. Director Iscoe entrusted me with facilitating a study about African American students collective mental health in the UT environment ('68). The research was funded by The Hogg Foundation. My prayers go out to his widow Louise and the entire family. Dr. Iscoe will be missed. - Rodney Griffin
University of Texas At Austin - Class'70
Lynda Frost
June 19, 2015
Twelves years ago when I joined the Hogg Foundation for Mental Health, one of the first calls I received was from Ira, offering his help and support. Over the years I came to appreciate his keen insight and passion for improving mental health for all people. The Hogg Foundation has been greatly influenced by the talent and hard work of both Ira and Louise. We send our heartfelt sympathies to Louise and the rest of the family.
Sheldon Smith
June 19, 2015
Ira was always so full of life that it is difficult to think of him being gone. We know that he will be missed by all. I think that he is sitting around with my Dad now talking politics and telling jokes. Joy and I send our condolences to Louise and the entire family.
Beth Blazek Deans
June 18, 2015
Ira Iscoe was the first exciting professor I enjoyed when a Plan II major UT. He was such a genuine person and so honest as a prof that admiring him was a certainty. I continued to progress academically to a master's degree at Boston Univ. and a doctorate at Univ. of Houston due to his influence. Thank you, Ira Iscoe for being who you were.
Terence Keane
June 18, 2015
On behalf of the Society of Clinical Psychology (Division 12 of the APA) I would like to extend our condolences to the family of Dr. Iscoe. He was an exemplary clinical psychologist and served admirably as President and leader of our Society during the course of his outstanding professional career. Our thoughts are with his family at this time.
Best Wishes,
Terence M. Keane, Ph.D.
President: Society of Clinical Psychology
Shannon Scott
June 18, 2015
I became a psychologist because of Ira. I worked as a receptionist at the UT Counseling Center. One day, as he was rushing into his office (I can see him with his wild hair and hanging on to a mess of files and papers), he came to a sudden stop at the desk and emphatically told me I needed to go to school to get the necessary credentials so I could charge for what I already was doing... The memory of that moment is ingrained in my mind. I imagine he mentored many, many students and others in his life in the same manner. He was a wonderful role model to me!
To Louise and the rest of the family, I hope your memories of him and all the stories you will hear about him keep you smiling in the midst of this loss...
dennis andrulis
June 17, 2015
In thinking about Ira and how he affected me and the life I lead I think of Konrad Lorenz and "imprinting"--how he left an indelible influence in teaching values in life for self and others and how to be an iconoclast.
In seeing him last year for the last time I share the poem I wrote in his honor.
Ode to a History
We sit on a springtime day
And talk as we have over so many years
Of lives we have known, family, loved ones
Passing and present who all remain dear.
Across from each other we are again
As we have for many a time
Talking of people and places
Our worlds for the moment touching again.
Change and time do move on as we know
But constants remain in our lives as you have in mine.
So change and constant it is
From teacher to student, friend to friend.
Our history knows whereof I speak
For what has been memorable, indelible.
Gratitude and thanks I say to you
For what you have shared with me.
Dennis Andrulis
June 17, 2015
Ira hired me to work with him in Plan II in the mid-80s. Our marvelous partnership there lead to a long and enduring friendship between Ira and Louise and my husband Ed and me. In his last years Ed and Ira would have long lunches together at Red Lobster and discuss the verities of life. We will sorely miss him.
Karen and Ed Hartwell, Austin, TX
Bryce and Barbara Jordan
June 17, 2015
Ira was a UT-Austin stalwart in many ways: teacher, all--around friend to students, and an originator of groundbreaking efforts for their benefit. Our condolences to Louise and the entire Iscoe family.
Hubert Heinen
June 16, 2015
I was fortunate enough to have had the opportunity to meet and get to know Ira both while he and I were at UT and afterwards during retirement. A fond memory of interacting with him was when we both attended the Eagle Scout ceremony for our respective grandsons, Tristan and Adam. Both I and my wife want to extend our condolences to Louise and the family.
Betty Feir
June 16, 2015
May he rest in peace, my mentor. As one of "Iscoe's kids" in the 60's, his unconditional positive regard for me and his constant support made me what I am today. This is the end of an Era. He is irreplaceable and will be missed by many.
Betty Taub Feir, PhD
Clinical Psychologist
Louis Bonham
June 16, 2015
To the Iscoe family:
My sincere condolences for your loss. Dr. Iscoe was a major influence on, on literally saved, my life.
He truly made a difference in the lives of many people. A life well lived . . . .
Cecilia Daley
June 16, 2015
I am so sorry for your loss. You may not remember me I babysat for Dr. & Mrs Isco in the 1950's when they lived on Placid Place in Austin. I remember the family fondly. Later I got married and soon became pregnant. Mrs. Iscoe gave me some of her maternity clothes which was very thoughtful and appreciated more than she will know. My maiden name was Rabun.
Dr. Iscoe was a wonderful man and my thoughts and prayers are with his family at this time.
Matthew Hinsley
June 16, 2015
Dear Louise and family,
I wanted to send you a note to let you know that our team at Austin Classical Guitar is thinking of you.
We saw the news of your loss, and you and the family are in our thoughts.
We miss seeing you both in Austin, and feel blessed to have had our time with you and Ira.
I enjoyed reading about Ira's long and incredible career and his vast and far reaching contributions to so many.
With our warmest wishes,
Matt
Judith Blanton
June 16, 2015
I remember parts of his lecture to this day... from early 60s. (the importance of size, when is something dead) Also, he had us predict various charactertics of his children when his wife was pregnant as a way to teaching us genetics (ear lobe shape, gender, etc). If you made a really good grade, you were invited to dinner at his home...big deal and great motivator. Wonderful teacher! My best wishes to his family.
Judy Blanton
Terry, Michele, Tatiana Gizelbach
June 16, 2015
Dr. Iscoe enriched the lives of everyone he met. He did so much for my family; we all owe him more than we can ever repay. I cannot recall a time when he wasn't a guiding light in our lives. He made us all so much more than even we believed we could be. Thank you, Ira, we will miss you. Our sympathy to the family; may you find peace in the fact that his was a life well lived.
Love, the Gizelbachs
Solis and Rob Rough
June 16, 2015
Thank you for your stewardship of the Counseling and Mental Health Center. We all benefit from your years of service to the University of Texas at Austin. We hope the entire family finds comfort in such a life well-lived, and accomplishments well-established and legacy well-deserved.
David Braun
June 16, 2015
Ira was a dynamic, caring teacher who inspired many to do more than they imagined the could or should. He left his mark with many good deeds.
Deirdre Bloch Barlaz
June 16, 2015
Sending my condolences to the entire family. Thanks for sharing my early life. Remembering a dramatic teller of ghost stories, among other things.
Mary Lane
June 16, 2015
My favorite prof! What a wonderful man and teacher. Thank you Dr. Iscoe for caring about us all and being there for us. You taught us and guided us and truly showed you cared.
June 16, 2015
All blessings and comfort to the family. He founded the 24-hour telephone counseling service, free of charge, to U.T. students: I thank him for this, and no doubt, so do many many other former students at U.T. One could call and get support at any time of the day or night. With this alone, he contributed greatly to the well-being of students. I was very grateful to have had that support available. Thank you Professor Iscoe...
June 15, 2015
Thank you Ira for changing my life,
Sincerely, Paul H
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Jul
31
Memorial service
2:00 p.m.
University of Texas Psychology Building (SEA 4.244)
198 E Dean Keeton, TX
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