NORMAN GARMEZY

GARMEZY--Norman, 91 Professor Emeritus of Psychology, University of Minnesota, member of the National Academy of Sciences, pioneer in the field of risk and resilience, November 21 of Alzheimer's. Widely known for his generous mentoring, passion for science, commitment to public service, love of family, and infectious humor. Born in 1918 in the Bronx, he attended City College of NY and earned a Master's from Columbia (1940). Originally ineligible for military service, Garmezy paid for his own surgery in order to join the Army and fought with the 28th Infantry Division in the Battle of the Bulge. After earning a Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology from the University of Iowa, he taught at Duke 1950-1961. In 1961 he was appointed Professor of Psychology at the University of Minnesota, and adjunct faculty, Institute of Child Development, remaining until his 1989 retirement. His ground-breaking study of resilience, exploring how some children at risk for mental disorders thrive, shifted psychology from its previous focus on psychopathology and influenced such diverse fields as brain plasticity, suicide prevention, and disaster planning. Appointed by Carter to the President's Commission on Mental Health. Honors include election to the Institute of Medicine, National Academy of Sciences; Gold Medal Award from the American Psychological Association for Lifetime Contributions in the Public Interest; and the highest honors of the Society for Research in Child Development. An active, longtime member of the Minnesota Democratic-Farm-Labor Party and amateur playwright, and a cinephile who made at least one weekly trip to the movies. Devoted husband of 63 years to Edith, who died February 2009. Survived by Kathy (husband Dan Groya); Andy (wife Pat, children Grant, Alex, Sara); and Larry (wife Lisa, sons Adam, Ben). Memorials: Norman and Edith Garmezy Graduate Fellowship Fund #2443, U of M Foundation, C-M 3854, P.O. Box 70870, St. Paul, MN 55170-3854.