Richard A. Pasewark, 79, of Oak Harbor, died at home on Feb. 2, 2007, following a battle with pancreatic cancer.

Richard was born and raised in The Bronx, N.Y., serving in the Navy in both WWII and the Korean War. He earned a bachelor’s degree in psychology at City College of New York and a master’s degree and doctorate in psychology at New York University.

In 1957, Richard joined the Wyoming Division of Mental Health, becoming the director in 1959, while working to develop the state’s community mental health system. He was a faculty member at the University of Wyoming from 1961 to 1994, where he was instrumental in creating the accredited doctoral program in clinical psychology. He was also an advocate for the mentally ill and a nationally-known researcher on the insanity plea. His service to the University of Wyoming and its students, to the state, and to the discipline of psychology were recognized with two top faculty awards. Richard’s students appreciated him as a wonderful teacher and mentor. In recognition of his effect on their personal and professional lives, former students have established a scholarship fund in his honor.

Upon his retirement, in 1994, Richard moved to Oak Harbor and quickly became interested in local government, closely following City Council activities. He served on a number of city committees, including the Comprehensive Plan Task Force and the Open Space Committee. He was passionate about maintaining the quality of the Oak Harbor environment, working to balance the need for growth with careful planning to avoid congestion and haphazard development.

Richard was a history buff, who read widely and enjoyed debating national and local politics. He loved to travel and researched his destinations thoroughly; he was an excellent “tour guide” for all who traveled with him or came to visit him. Family members and friends were extremely important to him, and he touched others with his caring and interest in them. He loved to communicate with people by telephone or e-mail, and he loved company. During his retirement, he became very involved in family genealogy research, enjoying the increased contact with relatives it provided.

Richard is survived by his wife Karen and son Michael, of Oak Harbor; by sons Mark Pasewark of St. Louis, Mo., and Kyle Pasewark (wife Suzanne) of New York City; grandson Eric Pasewark of St. Louis; and brother William Pasewark (wife Jean) of Lubbock, Texas. At his request, no memorial service is planned.

Memorials may be made to the Richard Pasewark Scholarship Fund in Psychology, University of Wyoming Foundation, 1200 East Ivinson Avenue, Laramie, WY 82070.