Wilbert Evans "Bill" Fordyce | Visit Guest Book


Wilbert "Bill" Evans FORDYCE Born in Sunnyside, WA January 3, 1923, left us on Oct. 15, 2009, surrounded by his loving family who seldom left his side during the last few weeks of his life. Holding his hands gave comfort to us all. The twinkle in his eye and ever- present smile were with us to the end. He spent that last week at his son's Seattle home with beautiful views of Puget Sound and the Olympic mountains. He was, and will always be, a treasured gift to all who knew him. He is survived by his beloved family: wife of 63 years Eleanor (Lundy); sons Rick and Dave, and daughter-in-law Christine; granddaughter Eve; step granddaughter Amber (Dave); sister-in-law Phyllis; nieces Ardean (Ron) and LeeAnn (Mark); nephews Warren, Jr. (Penny) and Jack (Carol), plus wonderful grandnephews and grandnieces. He also is survived by a myriad of dear friends and colleagues who have meant so very much to him throughout his life and career. After growing up in Sunnyside, Bill spent one year at Washington State University and two years in the Coast Guard. Upon completing undergraduate and graduate degrees at the University of Washington, he was awarded his PhD in clinical psychology in 1953. After several years working at the Seattle VA hospital, Bill joined the Department of Rehabilitation Medicine at the University of Washington in 1959 as an assistant professor. He became full professor in 1970, and professor emeritus in 1993. Dr. Fordyce pioneered the use of behavioral psychological principles in the treatment of chronic pain and other chronic medical conditions. His book "Behavioral Methods in Chronic Pain and Illness" is still widely cited in the field of rehabilitation medicine. He was a founding member of the International Association for the Study of Pain and the American Pain Society. After becoming a fellow of the American Psychological Association he obtained fellowship status in the APA divisions 22, 25, and 38. Dr. Fordyce's professional accomplishments were honored with innumerable awards, including the establishment of the annual American Pain Society "Wilbert E. Fordyce Clinical Award". While serving on the Boards and as President of many professional organizations, Bill authored or coauthored more than 120 scholarly publications and lectured nationally and internationally. His clear thinking, love of teaching and helping others, and sense of humor will be remembered by the new generation of clinicians around the world who learned from him and follow in his footsteps. Our thanks to the many who cared for him in these final days, including Horizon House, Providence Hospice, and all the dedicated doctors, nurses and staff at University of Washington Hospital who always were there for him. A memorial service will be held 2:00 p.m., November 21st, at the University of Washington Faculty Club on Campus. In lieu of flowers, donations could be made to the: Department of Rehabilitation Medicine - Fordyce Lectureship Chair, University of Washington Medical Center, MS 359612, 325 - 9th Ave., Seattle, WA 98104 Published in The Seattle Times from October 22 to October 23, 2009