Society News

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.

Have you noticed that the website has a slightly different look?  The website has been updated so event registration is even easier and Society members can update their information by logging in.   In addition we now have the ability to blog posts & forums.  We hope you find these upgrades helpful!

 It is with deep sadness and sense of loss that we are writing to let you know of the passing of Sam Wagonfeld.  Dr. Wagonfeld has been an important member of our Institute and Society for many years.  His contributions to both our psychoanalytic community and the broader Denver community have been important to many people and causes.  Sam was for many years Denver's only child analyst and was instrumental in starting our own child analytic program.  His intelligence and humor will be greatly missed.  His obituary can be found here.

There are events that strike with such sudden and unanticipated tragedy that we are left dazed and disoriented.  It is with great sadness that we notify you of the untimely death of Geoff Heron, our cherished friend and colleague and, for some, husband and father.  Geoff died of an aggressive form of lymphoma one week after the diagnosis was made, and treatment begun.  We have lost him, a man of uncommon grace, good humor, kindness, wisdom, and gentle strength.  He will be deeply missed by many.   A memorial service has been scheduled for 10:30am - 2:00pm this Sunday, August.28th.