In Memoriam: Patricia Backlar, 1932-2017 atricia Backlar, research associate professor of bioethics, Department of Philosophy, died January 28. She was 85 years old. Professor Backlar was born in London on January 20, 1932, to Jane Van Gelder and Stanley Harris. She and her mother left London during the Blitz and settled in Montreal. She studied history at Vassar College and drama and dance at Yale University. Prof. Backlar joined Portland State in 1991. During her career she published three books, 39 articles, and 10 book chapters on bioethical and policy issues relevant to biomedical research, clinical practice, and community psychiatric practice. She also served the University as director of the Biomedical Ethics Certificate program and was assistant director of the Center for Ethics in Health Care at OHSU. In 1994 her book, The Family Face of Schizophrenia, was published. A review in the American Journal of Psychiatry described it as “truly exceptional” work that “should stand for years as a testimonial to the suffering caused by this tragic disease.” In 1996 President Clinton appointed Prof. Backlar to the National Bioethics Advisory Commission, where she helped draft several reports. She said that being on the commission helped her do more for the population she cares about. “This is a precious opportunity to improve the lives of people who may be unable to look after their own interests,” Prof. Backlar said in an article in The First Ten Years, published by the Center for Ethics in Health Care, OHSU, in 1999. She also served on the board of the National Community Mental Health Care Council; the Oregon State Hospital Institutional Review Board; the OHSU Stem Cell Research Oversight Committee; the Oregon Advisory Committee on Genetic Privacy and Research; and the Multnomah County Behavioral Health Advisory Council. Prof. Backlar’s husband, Byron, died in 2010. She is survived by her children, Tibby Rothman, Michael Rothman (Naomi), David Rothman, Roger Backlar (Jacqueline), Fredric Backlar (Nicki), Jennifer Teufel Schoenberger (Max), and Nicholas Rothman (Rebecca); her grandchildren, Christopher Rothman, Jeremy Backlar, Trevor Rothman, Joseph Backlar, Spencer Backlar, Marlena Backlar, Jack Rothman, and Bodhi Teufel. A memorial service was held on February 4 at the Old Church in Portland. The family requested that donations be made to the National Alliance on Mental Illness. RAPS extends sincere condolences to Professor Backlar’s family. --Doug Swanson Thank You to RAPS Scholarship Contributors! e would like to thank those who donated to RAPS scholarships during the month of January, 2017. Recent contributions were received by the PSU Foundation from the following donors between January 1 and January 31, 2017: June Brinkman—In honor of Richard Brinkman Tony Leineweber—In memory of Dan Bernstine Bill and Genna Lemman 7 P W
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