Richard D. Durbin

My condolences to the family and friends of Richard Durbin. Dr. Durbin was my PhD adviser at UW from 1982-1988. I feel fortunate to have had Dr. Durbin as an adviser as he provided support for my research efforts while allowing considerable latitude to pursue collaborative research with other labs on campus. When it came to writing my thesis Dr. Durbin provided valuable editorial advise. Dr. Durbin and I shared an interest in running in those years and I participated with him in several local road races. I appreciated his friendly, informal demeanor and the fact that he had so many interests even beyond his scientific field. I also knew he had a sense of humor and so I didn't fear that he would be upset when I "crashed" his retirement party in the Plant Pathology Department dressed in a suit and George H.W. Bush mask to offer him congratulations on his retirement. I am not surprised to read that Rick led an active, productive life for many years following his retirement, which I'm sure was an inspiration to those close to him.