Steven Banks Obituary
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Roumen Vesselinov
September 14, 2007
Steve was simply the best.
He taught all of us and enlightened our lives and careers.
Thank you, Steve!
David Chiriboga
September 7, 2007
Steve was, as the song goes, a friend of mine, and I will miss him the rest of my life
Jennifer Taub
August 31, 2007
Steve was truly a mensch. He mentored everyone who crossed his path, and simply described himself as "collegial". I echo the sentiments expressed here - Steve was brilliant, humble, and witty. It was always a joy to hear his stories, to hear him explain complex ideas in accessible lay terms, and generally shoot the breeze with him. He was always encouraging and inspiring. The world has lost a great mind & spirit. My wishes go out to his family and loved ones.
Steven Hefter
August 27, 2007
I am truly lucky to have been a student of Dr. Banks'. His level of understanding and enthusiasm for statistical theory is something I not only will never foget, but is something I use as a mathematical statistician in my professional life everyday.
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Tamara Smith
August 26, 2007
I worked with Steve for a number of years when I was a Research Associate at the Institute of Gerontology, SUNY Albany. To this day, I have (and still consult) his hand-written notes on statistical contrasts. I loved talking with him, and I loved that he always ended a statistical session with personal questions about where my career was heading, etc. He had a tremendous impact on my research, and on my teaching. I will miss him. My thoughts are with his family.
Kristen Roy-Bujnowski
August 23, 2007
Steve was the most brilliant and humble human being that I have ever met. He was patient, kind, and generous. Steve treated everyone with the same level of respect, regardless of their academic status and he shared my enthusiasm for statistics. When I talked about my latest trajectory analysis problem, his eyes never glazed over! Instead, he made suggestions on how to solve it and then say to me, “I look forward to seeing the results.” And Steve meant it.
Not only did he set the standard on how statistics should be utilized, but also on how one should interact with his/her colleagues. I am blessed for knowing him.
My prayers go out to his family.
Michael Blank
August 22, 2007
Steve had a remarkable capacity to make the most complex problems in mathematical statistics accessible to those whose intellectual abilities fell short of his own, without having them feel inadequate or lacking. As a result, his teaching has improved much of the field of mental health services research, and by extension the lives of countless people. He will be greatly missed but his legacy will continue on.
Bob Friedman
August 20, 2007
I feel that Steve was a special gift who enhanced my life and so many other lives not only with his brilliance and tremendous insights, but with his kindness, humility, positive outlook, and overall approachability. Steve's impact has been enormous and will continue to grow but above and beyond his impact through his research, Steve was was such a wonderful person that his loss has touched us all in powerful ways that are hard to express.
Larry Schonfeld - Chair & Professor, Aging & Mental Health/FMHI
August 17, 2007
I offer my deepest sympathies for Steve's family. If there ever was a colleague who was irreplaceable, it was Steve. He was a great person, as well as a great researcher, resource, & motivator. Every time we worked with Steve, we learned something and thoroughly enjoyed the process. Such a rare talent and a great loss for us all. The gang at FMHI were fortunate to have known him.
Jean Campbell
August 17, 2007
I have known Steve for almost 20 years in which we shared ideas and projects to advance our understanding of people with mental illness from the perspective of the mental health consumer. It was a great benefit to have someone who truly was open as a scientist and human being to the possibilities that such an appreciation could bring to the field of mental health service delivery. Steve was the guiding analyst on the COSP multi-site study and brought meaning to the mounds of statistics that have confronted all of us. I will never forget his words, "The data should tell a story." His loss will be felt but his story is part of the future of a consumer-directed, recovery-based mental health system. Thanks-you, dear colleague.
Marsha Ellison
August 16, 2007
A brilliant light has gone out in our universe. I suppose Steve is now lighting the way for angels. I and my colleagues were so lucky to have known him.
Eric Smith
August 15, 2007
I would like to communicate to Steve’s family that having the opportunity to collaborate with Steve over the last several years has been the high point of my recent professional work. He was genuinely friendly, interested in what research questions I were asking, and patiently tried his utmost to meet myself and other collaborators at whatever level of statistical understanding we were currently at and educate us one step further. I left every meeting with him feeling I had learned (or relearned, if I had forgotten things from our last discussion) many valuable things about statistics and clinical research. Talking with him was like having a (brilliant) personal tutor at your side. He was truly generous with his time, both during his collaborations with me, and also during the times he volunteered his time to help me teach statistics to other trainees. Finally, as others here have also mentioned, he also took a genuine interest in my development as a professional and a person beyond the specific research project we were working on at the time. Steve was a rare combination of traits and generosity that represents to me the embodiment of what a mentor should be. I feel grateful for every bit of technical knowledge, wisdom, and perspective he imparted to me during our work together, and I will greatly miss his guidance and caring in the future.
Marianne Chanti-Ketterl
August 15, 2007
Just a few weeks ago I reminded Steve that when I “grow up” I wanted to be like him. I seemed to say this every time we met. He would always smile and say “no you don’t”… but he knew what I meant. I loved his humble way of spreading knowledge and sharing his unique view of life. As a scientist in training, I have been blessed to have met him. He was and will always remain in my heart. God bless his family & friends!
Gail Hutchings
August 15, 2007
A note to pay my respects to the family and friends of Steve, a colleague whom I held in such great admiration. Steve was a brilliant contributor to the field of mental health research and policy and will be greatly missed. I was witness to and a beneficiary of his gentle and kind intellect many times and I am grateful to have known him.
Noel Mazade
August 15, 2007
The staff here at the NASMHPD Research Institute was crushed to learn of Steve's untimely death. Steve was an invaluable resource to the mental health research community, a brilliant methodologist, and an educator who skillfully taught state staff the nuances of statistics and data.
As he was experienced by so many others, we too enjoyed Steve's infectious enthusiasm for tackling thorny problems, his warmth, graciousness, openness, and joie de vivre. With his Johnny Appleseed travels throughout the country, he touched so many as a scholar, practitioner, and genuine human being on this earth.
Our thoughts go out to you.
Our fond reflections and memories of Steve will remain indelibly imprinted for many years to come.
Noel Mazade
Executive Director
and NRI Staff
Catherine Batsche, Associate Dean FMHI
August 15, 2007
Steve was such a vital member of the FMHI community. We'll never again listen to Car Talk Radio without thinking about our own Click (Steve) and Clack (Michael)show--just one of the many ways Steve prompted new ideas about research and statistics. Steve will be sorely missed both personally and professionally at FMHI. We send our most sincere condolences to his family.
Kathryn Gerbino
August 15, 2007
I was one of those lucky ones who was touched by Steve - a blessing I share with many. He provoked new thinking, stimulated creativity and embraced with compassion and kindness those seeking answers, whether in their personal or professional lives. Always nonjudgmental, insightful, supportive and so willing to give of himself. I treasure the memories and am inspired by his example. My thoughts and prayers are with you, Cheryl.
Monica Boyd
August 15, 2007
I am very saddened by this loss. Steve was a unique and generous person and a pleasure to work with. I have many fond memories. Warmest thoughts are with his family and friends.
Eric Silver
August 15, 2007
Steve was the closest I ever have been to true genius. He exuded a quiet intensity, a confident calmness, and a spirit that seemed always to be aware of way more than he said. In the winds of Steve's spirit many of us came to believe that we too could soar.
Brenda Uhler
August 15, 2007
Steve was a font of knowledge; listening to him explain the methods for solving a problem provided clarity and a sense of understanding. He will be missed at the many meetings and conferences where he presented. I extend my condolences to his family and share their loss.
Mara Lamphere
August 14, 2007
Steve's ways inspired, I don't think he even knew how much. Steve, Cheryl and I would go for dinner after Cheryl and I just finished our yoga class; and Steve would so effortlessly remark on the topic at hand, we would all laugh since Steve (not involved in yoga) would be so yogic in finding the compassionate truth on what ever topic Cheryl and I were being perplexed over. What a compassionate, wise and lovely man who will be so deeply missed by so many. Steve and Cheryl such a beautiful and special pair. Love to you both as you go thru this transition in your relationship. Steve and Cheryl you remain in both Dave and my prayers always. Love to you both.
Linda Frisman
August 14, 2007
We all benefited so much from the work that Steve did, and from the person he was: generous, smart, kind, and warm. He helped us to think through the hardest problems. He’s left behind a lot of himself and his amazing mind. I wish I could have told him “thank you” one more time.
Michelle Woodbridge
August 14, 2007
Steve was a generous and inspirational colleague. For years, I have admired his work and his integrity. I will miss him, and his masterful ways of making statistics understandable. My prayers go to his family and friends for peace and solace.
Bill Kearns
August 14, 2007
Steve was the kind of person who truly loved his work; everyone who had contact with him knew it. Steve didn't simply present information, he radiated it. We've indeed lost a shining star.
Theresa Beckie
August 14, 2007
Steve was a very special colleague and his gentle warmth and support when I was faced with cancer meant so much to me. He was unassuming, funny, and incredibly bright. I am so very sad.
Allison Redlich
August 14, 2007
Steve's passing is a tremendous personal and professional loss. Steve was a brillant and humble scholar, who will be missed by many. Although I only knew him for 5 years, he taught me a great deal.
Yoseph Tesfaye
August 14, 2007
Steve,
No matter how many times I heard your talk on the use of PPE, it was always like I never heard it before. That is probably you gave different examples every time you lectured. I wish Stat was that fun in College.
Peace
Steve Darlin and Annie McCathran
August 14, 2007
Our hearts go out to my dear cousin, Cheryl and to Steve's family. May the many beautiful sentiments written in this book comfort you. Know that our thoughts are with you and we share your sorrow. With warm embraces,
Karen Blase
August 14, 2007
I am deeply saddened by Steve's passing. He was a wonderful communicator, and a gentle and humorous teacher. Whenever I would suggest a research or statistical approach that was "off" he would just gently say, "You could do that.", and then go on to provide some of the best education I ever received regarding how to think about research and statistics. He will be missed professionally and personally.
Ashley Boatright
August 14, 2007
Steve came into my life when I needed inspiration in my work and in thinking about various problems. He was a brilliant teacher, but more than that, he was very kind to me during troubled times. He will be greatly missed.
Lucy Newman
August 14, 2007
I am very saddened by this news and want to pass my regards and warm memories along to his family. I was a student in a statistics class of Steve's at UA. He was a wonderful teacher and made the material accessible, interesting and useful. He taught with great patience and humor; invaluable qualities.
I will remember him always with fondness and admiration.
John Petrila
August 14, 2007
Steve was a tremendous colleague and friend. He had a great sense of humor, was a gifted teacher, and was great fun to work with. He touched many lives, not only professionally but with the way he dealt through the years with cancer. He will be missed by many people but his memory will give many of us a common thread in the future.
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