Alan R. Gibson ’65

Alan R. Gibson ’65 died August 3 in Phoenix of complications from pneumonia. He came to Dartmouth from Mendham, New Jersey; a psychology major, he was a member of Phi Delta Alpha. Alan received a Ph.D. from New York University studying severe brain seizure disorders. He joined the Barrow Neurological Institute in Phoenix, where he eventually became the chair of neurobiology. Alan’s area of scientific interest was the brain circuitry that generates and controls limb movements. A colleague eulogized him: “From Alan I hope I learned some of the kindness and careful consideration he showed for everybody. Alan was the only scientist among us who knew and was friendly not only with the other scientists but also with all the administrative and custodial staff. Alan’s scientific strengths were in two areas, the practicalities of experimentation and the importance of judging the reliability of scientific findings. Electrophysiology and neuroanatomy were entirely qualitative and example-driven in those days, so this was particularly important. Alan was a master.” Alan’s friends were many and spanned a range of personalities. He was an accomplished home chef, and his wood fired-pizzas were legendary among friends and family. He loved jazz and blues and hired local musicians for an annual Christmas party that for years brought friends from near and far. Alan’s stories, photography, kindness, and cooking brought happiness to many. Alan is survived by his sister, Annabelle; nephews John and Justin; and Susan Essock, his partner for 25 years.