Society News

George L. Mizner MD (92) died peacefully in his Vail home on September 14, 2022 surrounded by his family.

Dr.Mizner was a graduate in the first class of the Denver Institute in the late 60’s. Other members of his class included John Kelly, Bob Emde, David Metcalf and Sam Wagonfeld.

He began life in Old Europe Vienna, not far from the birthplace of psychoanalysis near Berggasse. After fleeing the Nazi occupation, he settled first in England, then in New York. Before settling in Colorado in 1963, he attended Antioch College, Rochester Medical School, did a Yale Pediatric Residency, before switching to the University of Rochester Residency in Psychiatry. From 1961 to 1963 he served two years in airforce service in Bitberg, Germany. There, he discovered that if he did not allow the airforce access to his records, all kinds of people came for therapy, with the certainty of confidentiality.

Dr. Mizner initially practiced psychoanalysis during his academic years at the Colorado Psychiatric Hospital, (now UCHSC) Outpatient Clinic, as well as supervising first year Psychiatric Residents. He was recognized for his enthusiastic teaching methods, and welcoming style to young physicians.

Upon entering private practice, he continued in the psychoanalytic method, and included other treatment modalities for his many patients. He also lead the Colorado Psychiatric Society in many capacities, including President.

Dr. Mizner will be remembered by this colleagues, friends and patients for his intellect, insatiable curiosity, sense of humor, and passion for life’s many gifts.

He is survived by his current wife, Carolyne Smith, daughters Gail and Susan, and three grandchildren. His first wife Joanne predeceased him.

Memorial is scheduled for October 9 in Vail. For details, please email: davidswahl@gmail.com

We are saddened by the death of Stuart Plummer, Ph.D. on December 15, 2021, as reported in the Denver Post on December 21, 2021.

Familiarly known as Stu Plummer, Dr. Plummer received a PhD, in theological studies from Princeton University. In 1960, Stu Plummer created the Department of Pastoral Education and Care at Presbyterian Medical Center in Denver and served in various leadership roles including being a Clinical Pastoral Education (CPE) Supervisor of CPE students.

Dr. Plummer studied alongside psychoanalytic candidates and received a diploma in Applied Psychoanalytic Studies in 1981 from the Denver Institute for Psychoanalysis.

At Presbyterian, Stu created a psychoanalytic/psychodynamic, role-responsive, non-denominational framework for the work of the chaplaincy students. These students on the front lines of care applied these concepts to their work with injured and dying patients and families in the emergency room and hospital floors.

Dr. Mary Ann Levy whom Dr. Plummer recruited to provide psychoanalytic/psychiatric consultation for the chaplaincy students, recalled her experiences with Stu, his students and the program: “I worked with many chaplains over nearly twenty years in a case discussion group and found their skills exemplary as a result of Stu Plummer and his colleagues. It was an honor to work with him in classes as we discussed complex medical, psychiatric and emotional needs. He left a legacy of many compassionate and competent pastoral counselors and was an impressive person who generated skilled chaplains who understood and utilized psychoanalytic principles where relevant.”

Stu was active in the Association of Clinical Pastoral Education (ACPE) and served in Regional Director and Interim Executive Director roles. He was awarded the ACPE 2001 Distinguished Service Award for his contributions and leadership as an ACPE Supervisor.

After retiring from chaplaincy training, he had a private practice in Denver. In his spare time, Stu enjoyed reading, listening to music, watching sports, skiing, fishing, hiking with family, playing basketball, squash, and tennis. He loved to sing and will be remembered for his beautiful voice.

Stu was preceded in death by his parents F. Arnold and Phebe S. Plummer and his wife Maxine (Glaz). He is survived by his wife Agnes Bourne; his former wife Sally; his children (with Sally) Sarah (Lisa) Davis, David, and Nancy; his stepdaughter Rachel Walaskay and step-granddaughters Kylie Squires and Sara Squires.

A private graveside service for family is planned for the spring or early summer. In lieu of flowers, consider making a donation to a charity of your choice in his name.

Click here to read the Obituary from Denver Post & Legacy.com

At this time, the Society will be doing meetings and programs by videoconferencing or telephone. This policy will be in affect through the fall. We will reevaluate as data and information is assessed.

It is with deep sadness and sense of loss that we are writing to let you know of the passing of Bill Edwards. 

Dr. Edwards was in private practice since 1987, and gradated from the Institute's Psychodynamic Psychotherapy program in 1996.  Within the Denver Psychoanalytic Society, he held the Secretary position from 2001 to 2003, and has taught several Continuing Education Classes.

Bill enjoyed his career helping others and found his work deeply rewarding.  Outside of work, he volunteered with the Colorado State Parks.

It is with deep sadness that we notify you of the passing of John F. Kelly, M.D, a Society Life member. Dr. Kelly was in the first graduating class of the Denver Institute for Psychoanalysis. Dr. Richard Simons wrote in a reference letter about Dr. Kelly, "Since entering the private practice of psychiatry and psychoanalysis in 1974, Dr. Kelly has given generously of his time and energies and talents to our psychiatric and psychoanalytic communities." He will be dearly missed.

Mary Shulruff, 69 of Asheville, died on Saturday, August 12, 2017.  Mary was a graduate of the PTP program in 1998. 

Condolences may be sent through the website www.morrisfamilyfuneralhome.com.

Dr. Robinette N. Bell, died peacefully in Daytona Beach, Florida on August 17, 2017 at the age of 87.

She is survived by her husband, M. Neil Redford, and her three children and their spouses, Suzanne Kush (Kenneth Kush), of Chicago, IL, Don Bell (Marianne Bell) of Port Orange, FL, Dana Redford (Madalena Redford) of Lisbon, Portugal and seven grandchildren.

Robinette Nixon was born on July 9, 1930 in New York City, to film publicist, Virginia Morris and travel writer, Larry Nixon. She attended Hunter High School for gifted children in New York and went on to earn a BA in Arts from Smith College. After graduation she aspired to go into journalism, and worked at LOOK Magazine. But after 5 years she decided that she wanted to go to medical school to become a psychiatrist.

While studying pre-med she met her first husband, Donald Bell and they were married in 1959. Both graduated from Columbia, College of Physicians and Surgeons in 1962 and that year they had their first child, Suzanne. In 1964, during their psychiatry residency at Columbia they had their son, Don. After graduation in 1966 Robin started Psychoanalytic School at Columbia, graduating in 1973 and developed a private practice in New York City.

In 1969 she separated from her first husband, but a few months later she met Neil Redford, who in 1971, would become her husband. In 1976, she gave birth to her third child, Dana. Dr. Bell continued to do psychoanalysis, psychotherapy and group therapy. She was also a mentor to future generations, supervised and trained medical students and residents as an Associate Professor at Columbia Presbyterian Hospital, where she was also part of the Breast Cancer Service. Dr. Bell was a lifetime associate of the American Psychiatric Association, a member of the Unitarian Universalist Church of All Souls and an avid international traveler.

Always young at heart and spirit, she moved to Denver at age 74, where she started a new private practice and joined the University of Colorado School of Medicine as an Associate Clinical Professor, where she mentored and counseled students. 

She is remembered as a dedicated doctor, devoted teacher, generous volunteer and caring friend who had a far-reaching, positive influence on many lives. Robin was a beloved mother and grandmother, and found her true love with her husband, Neil.

A memorial service led by Senior Minister Galen Guengerich will be held at the Unitarian Church of All Souls in New York City on Sunday, September 10^th at 2pm in celebration of her life.