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Updated 23 March 2007
Tributes and Photos
Marcelle Morrison-Bogorad and Leon Thal
Image credit: Jacqueline Mervaillie |
Leon Thal and Dale Schenk
Image credit: Jacqueline Mervaillie |
Leon Thal—a pensive man |
Leon and Donna backpacking
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Receiving the Potamkin Prize in 2004 | 
Leon Thal
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Tributes to Leon Thal
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As a former geriatric neurology/dementia fellow who trained under Dr. Leon Thal, I was devastated by his untimely death. To all, he was indeed a giant figure in Alzheimer disease research. Because of his drive, enthusiasm, and dedication to understanding dementing illness and Alzheimer disease, as well as to pushing the boundaries of potential new therapies, he was an inspiration not only to me, but undoubtedly to the countless geriatric neurology fellows who trained with him during his life.
He will be deeply missed by all of us.
Gilbert J. Ho—Posted 6 February 2007
After having been recently hired at the UCSD ADRC, I was looking forward to getting to know the man behind the legend. I do not have quite the history with him that many of his colleagues and friends do, but he made a definite impression on me, not only professionally, but personally as well.
I will never forget my first clinical core meeting at the ADRC, when I was told that he wanted to meet me. Frankly, I was surprised that someone of his stature would want to meet one of his staff! Right then and there I knew that he was different. He was warm and kind, and upon hearing after his death how he impacted the lives of others, I had a new appreciation for who he was.
The Friday before his death, he walked past my office, then doubled-back to remind me of our meeting on Monday. I was looking forward to that meeting, because it would have been the first time I would have a conversation with him, even if it only lasted a few minutes. That shining moment never came.
He will be missed on so many levels, even by those who barely knew him.
Jamie Reiter—Posted 6 February 2007
When I was a graduate student in Peter Davies's lab, Leon was the neurologist who, along with Howard Crystal, used to hang around the laboratory. This was before he became the tremendous leader in the
Alzheimer community that will ultimately characterize his legacy. Leon was this jovial, always friendly person who was an absolute joy to chat with. Later, after Leon moved to UCSD, he maintained that relaxed, jovial demeanor. I always enjoyed chatting with him and always found him interested in listening.
Ben Wolozin—Posted 7 February 2007
When I moved to the U.S., to the University of South Florida to take the Pfeiffer Endowed Chair at the Suncoast Institute in 1992, Leon, whom I did not know at that time, facilitated a donation to the Suncoast Center of $75,000 to help get the lab going. At that time, the donation was critical to us in getting our lab off the ground, and I will always be grateful for his behavior, which was entirely altruistic.
John Hardy—Posted 8 February 2007
Thank you for your message and for starting a site on Alzforum dedicated to Leon's memory. We are still in shock here, and in those times when the shock abates, the pain is profound. We are taking small steps every hour just to do what needs to be done, but it takes a huge team of people to do what Leon managed to do. In time, his passion, commitment, brilliance, humor, and deep humanitarianism will fuel us forward. He would not want us to pause long, but I doubt that a day will go by in the months and years ahead when so very, very many people in our Alzheimer's community won't miss him.
Lisa Snyder—Posted 8 February 2007
We note with great sadness the passing of a beloved
colleague and friend, Dr. Leon Thal. Leon's work was a inspiration to
all of us in cognitive research. He was a motivational leader and
academic star whose presence will be missed by all who knew him. Rest
in Peace.
Larry Eisner—Posted 9 February 2007
Leon Thal said that he believed researchers would find a way to delay
Alzheimer's by 5 or 10 years in his lifetime. It was his goal to make
this happen. Thal and his like-minded colleagues set up a novel
clinical trial program to test promising agents that could not be
funded by big Pharma. Otherwise, many promising agents that might save
millions from this miserable disease would never get to the clinic.
Now, in a tragic accident, his life has been cut short.
I was lucky enough to know Leon Thal from the time he moved to UCSD. My wife worked part-time in Thal's VA laboratory to learn the water maze during one year of her postdoctoral at Scripps. Seeing the
chance that Thal's trials program offered, we focused our research on
trying to find agents his group might test. When we left UC San Diego
for Los Angeles, we mostly only saw him at conferences where he
greeted us in a time warp as if we were still working together in the
same department on a daily basis. These encounters were a pleasure, and
we were privileged to know him. It was amazing to see how he could
run a lab, a department, an Alzheimer Center and a multi-site clinical
trials consortium and do everything so well and without visible
stress. And still find time for others and for flying and diving and
traveling. He was a wonderful person and a model for all he left
behind. Sadly, we researchers didn't show that we can prevent
Alzheimer's during Leon Thal's lifetime. But like Leon, many of us are
confident that the program he leaves behind will eventually succeed.
And when success finally comes, built on a collective research effort,
the realization of this dream will be in no small measure because of
Leon Thal's life.
Greg Cole—Posted 9 February 2007
My first encounter with Leon Thal actually wasn't to be. My husband and I were visiting friends in the Anza Borego desert, and on realizing my interest in Alzheimer disease, our host thought to call one of his neighbors who was also an Alzheimer researcher, thinking that we might enjoy meeting one another. Leon lived just down the road, and often came out to his desert house with his wife for the weekend. Unfortunately, Leon and Donna were not in the desert that evening, and I thought nothing more of it. At the time, I knew Leon only by name from his work with the San Diego Alzheimer's Association. I was too young and naïve to know that I had just missed an opportunity to meet a man who had accomplished so much in his lifetime that he was already a legend in a field I had only just joined.
Fortunately, several years later I got a second chance to meet him in person. Eddie Koo had kindly arranged for me to speak at UCSD, and Leon made a point of attending my talk even though his schedule was busy enough to fill two full-time jobs. He made time to speak with me afterwards, and although by now I knew far better what a renowned clinician he was (not to mention chair of the largest neuroscience department in the country, head of the UCSD ADRC, member of the California Institute for Regenerative Medicine oversight committee, and director of the multi-site NIA clinical trials consortium!), Leon was nonetheless warm, friendly, and easygoing. He was a remarkable combination of kindness and success, and I am grateful to have had the opportunity to know him even briefly.
Joanna Jankowsky—Posted 10 February 2007
UCSD has been blessed with a bevy of Alzheimer research stars, starting with the move of Bob Katzman and Bob Terry from Albert Einstein. I was delighted when Leon took over the leadership of their ADRC; given his warm personality and his ability to bridge basic and clinical science, I knew that the University of Washington would continue to have very serious competition from our brethren in Southern California! His leadership role in developing collaborative research for drug trials could serve as a model for other programs of translational research in medicine.
George Martin—Posted 12 February 2007
The ADCS has lost its leader—an amzing man and special friend in an unimaginable event. I still can't wrap my brain around the whole thing. Last time I saw Leon we were joking around in my office. Now, with every day, I catch myself starting an e-mail to him or wanting to pick his brain...but we can't do that anymore. His family, patients, friends, and colleagues have lost a truly unique and special person unlike anyone on the planet. Keep memory alive...and keep Leon's dreams alive by continuing to go after AD and learn more and more each day.
Kristin Woods—Posted 13 February 2007
Leon was a true inspiration, and I will never forget him. The shock and sadness of losing him is something that remains difficult for me to overcome, and I find it remarkable to think of how quickly he became such an important person to me. I am also now learning even more about the unmatched dynamo that was Leon, as we in the department try to begin to pick up the work that he (as one man!) did. Seeing now what he did daily further confirms what a special and amazing person he was. I hope we can honor him by never forgetting his vision for a world without Alzheimer disease, and to use his inspiration to advance that cause. Our heartfelt condolences to you, Donna. Please do not hesitate to reach out to us for support in anything you need. It would be an honor for me to help fill that role.
Jim Brewer and the Brewer Family—Posted 19 February 2007
As a former neurology resident at UCSD, I was devastated to hear the news of Dr. Thal's passing. Dr. Thal always had kind words and advice for me when I was a neurology resident, and treated myself and others with the utmost respect, always trying to bring out the best in everyone through his teaching method. An excellent clinician, energetic researcher, intelligent lecturer, just an all around inspiration to myself and numerous others who had the privilege to interact with him. I will miss him a lot. Thank you, Dr. Thal!
Patrick Huott—Posted 21 February 2007
Bob Katzman first introduced me to Leon Thal in 1987 when I began research in the field of Alzheimer disease. His scientific influence was felt ever since this first meeting to the present. Without question, over the past several decades, his scientific contributions to both diagnostics and therapeutics are without equal. I believe that he was the most objective voice of our entire field to develop critical new therapies for this devastating disease. He served as a mentor to many of us. His untimely loss will be felt by everyone who knew him both as a colleague and friend, and Alzheimer disease research will undoubtedly be set back. Our gratitude, however, for his mentorship and contributions to our lives and science will live on forever. Imagine where we would be had he not chosen to devote his immense energies to new therapies for AD? Without Leon at our side, going forward we must step up our diligence and effort to new levels to achieve success in treating this disease. I am quite sure that he would have wanted it this way. Leon, you will be deeply missed by us all.
Dale Schenk—Posted 21 February 2007
I worked with Dr. Thal just twice, the first time shortly after being hired at UCSD, when I was overwhelmed by the calibre of people I would be working with. He brought big, scary, world-renowned faculty to a human level; I so appreciated his attitude and appreciation for the little job I was doing for him.
Gretchen Pelletier—Posted 22 February 2007
I have known Leon for the entire time I have been involved in Alzheimer disease research. He defined the field for me, and it is difficult to imagine the field without his wise, experienced leadership. If Leon supported an idea, it thrived; if he did not, the idea was likely flawed. I learned so much about clinical trials from him; there was so much more to learn. He led the ADCS with amazing patience; I have more than once remarked that I could not imagine anyone but Leon being able to so deftly provide leadership to such a disparate and complex group with such an important agenda. He treated everyone with respect and promoted the best—for patients, for faculty, for the organizations with which he was involved. He led so many things—how did he do it? Did his days have more hours in them? We will never know. He was such a character—the moustache, the informal style, the smile…the flying. I find myself thinking, I wish I could hear his voice one more time. His voice, his thoughts, his influence were so important to us all. Now they are gone. I mourn for his family, for the field of Alzheimer disease research, and for my own calamity at having lost such a companion.
Jeff Cummings—Posted 22 February 2007
As a new professor at UCSD, I knew Dr. Thal mostly from his work. I was hiking in Anza Borrego that Saturday, and I was stunned to hear the sad news about Leon when I got back to town.
Based on the timing, I'm hoping he got to see the gorgeous full moonrise over the desert.
Lisa Boulanger—Posted 25 February 2007
Leon was an incredibly energetic person who was the supreme "multi-tasker"! He always found time to listen to whoever wanted to talk with him. He had a profound influence on those around him. He will live on in the hearts and memories of all those who have had the privilege to know him.
Doris Trauner—Posted 25 February 2007
Leon was a member of my Clinical Advisory Board at Avera Pharmaceuticals. He took this responsibility very seriously, and always responded rapidly to my e-mails and phone calls, when I sought his guidance in the development of anti-dementia agents, despite the large workload that he carried. Of course he was enormously helpful. Although a prominent academic scientist, he interacted with company scientists with ease, and had a good understanding of the industrial mission. Leon was a very nice man, of outstanding character and generosity of spirit. I will miss him.
Jeff McKelvy—Posted 25 February 2007
A world-class department has lost a world leader in neurosciences. My empathy to his wife and the family.
Gunther K.H. Zupanc—Posted 1 March 2007
Dr. Thal, we thank you for taking such good care of our mother. You were so helpful in getting her on the correct medications that helped us to keep her at home. We will miss you. God bless your family.
The Agundes family—Posted 2 March 2007
We have lost a true superhero. Leon J. Thal was our doctor, counselor, and friend. He gave us hope that he would find a cure in his lifetime. This man could have changed the world and his loss is one that may affect history.
Twenty-plus years ago my grandmother was diagnosed with Alzheimer's—not the household word it is today. My father (an OB/GYN) researched every avenue to find a doctor who could help her to regain some of what she had lost. After calling colleges from all over the country, he found Dr. Thal right here in San Diego. Little did we know that my dad would also be diagnosed with this devastating disease, which put a halt to his "golden years," affecting us all.
Thal became our source of hope to find the key to this disease and a way to slow "it" down, as it has taken everything my father held dear—his mind, his heart and his now even his soul.
As we face a third generation coming of age, the loss of Dr. Thal is unimaginable; he took with him hope for millions who will be touched over the next 30 years by this terrible disease. He had many followers who are trained and ready to continue, but he was truly one of a kind.
As bright and insanely busy as he was, he always had a smile and kind word to his patients and the families who had no idea what the "long goodbye" meant. He knew, and he never gave up trying to find the key to this hideous disease.
Michele Farres—Posted 5 March 2007
Sometimes I stand in the grocery checkout line and look at all the pretty faces plastered on the magazines and I think, why don't we have a magazine titled "People Who Matter"? Dr. Leon Thal was a person who mattered and it was nice to see the prominent coverage of his passing on the front page [of the San Diego Union-Tribune].
Carol B. Wilson—Posted 5 March 2007
Leon was our friend, and it is with a sadness that paralyzes that we write in his honor. It can be said that without question Leon was unique in his intellect, kindness, generosity, and quirks. There is not a day that passes in which some small event or sensation triggers a fond memory of our friend.
We will miss you, Leon, but remember you always. The older Robin kids remember their times at Nobu with you, and the younger ones will remember you in our recollections.
Don and Amy Robin—Posted 7 March 2007
I had several written exchanges with Dr. Thal, and am so sorry I did not have the opportunity to meet him in person. The attention and courtesy in his prompt responses to my various requests helped me to maintain my faith in human kindness at some discouraging times. Thank you, Dr. Thal; you will be missed.
Anna M. Barrett—Posted 9 March 2007
I am stunned and sad. I will greatly miss Leon. He was so helpful
to everyone in so many ways. I will always remember with appreciation
my last meeting with Leon just last week when he was so supportive, as
he has always been. His face and voice are so vivid for me. He was a
special and valued person, and I send my deepest sympathy to Donna.
Eric Courchesne—Posted 21 March 2007
Just wanted to send along condolences on the loss of Dr. Thal. I'm
sure that the Department is in shock and still reeling from this huge loss.
Know that our thoughts and prayers are with you and the Department.
Gloria Luedki—Posted 21 March 2007
I heard the sad news about Leon's premature death early this morning.
My deep and sincere condolences to you both, Donna, everyone at ADRC, and everyone who was lucky enough to know him and be part of his life. Although my interactions with him were always at neuro
events/seminars/etc., there was one time I saw him outside of this
context. The public library in Cardiff had been remodeled (this was a few years ago) and one Saturday morning soon after it reopened I went to check it out. While I was there, Leon came in to pick up several CDs (I think they were classical music). He knew what he wanted, and
he did not delegate the task to get them. He surely could have
purchased them via retail and had them delivered, but there he was
with the rest of the public, standing in line to get them from the
library. I recognized these actions to reflect his attitude of
humbleness, gentleness, and fairness—the same attitude that asked
for student evaluations of their advisors both before and after
graduation, the same attitude that balanced clinical and research
needs with patient care issues, the same attitude that avoided hubris
when funding dollars were readily accessible and avoided despair when
they were not. He had many, many great and grand accomplishments. I
count among them his humanity.
Liz Yoder—Posted 21 March 2007
I'm very sorry to hear of the horrible news regarding this loss of an
incredible person! Dr. Leon Thal was an amazing person!
My sincere sympathies go out to you.
Jesse Timm—Posted 21 March 2007
I just read the e-mail from Chancellor Fox; I am deeply sorry. You
both will be in my prayers, I know how much he meant to you. May God
give you strength as you go through this period of grief and sadness
and hopefully joy when you reflect on all the good times. Dr. Thal's
contributions to UCSD and his exemplary service will be highly missed.
My deepest sympathy.
Tia—Posted 21 March 2007
I feel absolutely terrible. Leon was such a wonderful person, I can't
stop the overwhelming feelings of pain and grief. I called to tell
Nancy what happened and I broke down on the phone. Need to
compose myself a little before I talk to you again. Nancy's sister
underwent a long and arduous transplant at UCSD and she also brought her mother to UCSD specifically to be cared for by Dr. Thal. So, I
suspect she has some personal feelings about this loss and will have
the appropriate sentiment to carry out a splendid presentation.
Chris Clark—Posted 21 March 2007
To the students and faculty of the Graduate Program in Neurosciences at UCSD: As some of you may have heard, Leon Thal, Chair of the Neurosciences Department at the Medical School, died when a small plane he was flying crashed near Borrego Springs on Saturday evening. This is terribly tragic news and a great loss for all of us.
Leon was a leading Alzheimer disease researcher and longtime Chair
of the Neurosciences department. In 2004 he was awarded the
prestigious Potamkin Prize for his contributions to the understanding
of Alzheimer disease. He was active locally and nationally in a
number of initiatives, and was a member of the board that oversees the
California stem cell initiative.
As Chair of the department in which the Neurosciences Graduate
Program was based, Leon played a critical role in the growth of the
graduate program. He supported its interdepartmental structure and
encouraged active participation from all segments of the La Jolla
Neurosciences community, which greatly contributed to its success.
In Leon Thal's passing we have lost a great colleague and friend.
Anirvan—Posted 21 March 2007
It is very sad to hear about Leon's plane accident. It is indeed a great loss and I am personally deeply touched by this, as probably all of you are. Could I ask you if you talk to his wife to express my condolences to her. I did meet her once and she had Danish relatives.
Misser Forrest—Posted 21 March 2007
Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger today released the following statement
regarding the death of Dr. Leon Thal:
"Today, Maria and I were saddened to hear the news of Dr. Leon Thal's
death. Dr. Thal was known for his trailblazing research with
Alzheimer's disease, directing studies and experimental therapies as well as managing the University of California, San Diego Shiley-
Marcos Alzheimer's Disease Research Center. In addition, Leon was one
of my appointees to the Stem Cell Oversight Committee. Maria and I
send our sympathies to his family and pray for their comfort as they
mourn the loss of a beloved individual."
I wanted to express my condolences to you and the department on the
loss of Dr. Thal. I'm sure you were very close and the relationship
meant a lot to you. It is so shocking to lose someone of such great
accomplishment without any warning. At this very sad time, I wish you and the department
satisfaction in having worked with such a towering figure as Dr. Thal.
Sincerely, Ira Goodman—Posted 21 March 2007
Yesterday I heard the news of Leon's tragic death and was shocked and
stunned. I wanted to call you but just didn't even know what to say. My
thoughts and prayers are with you and everyone who was working with him.
Karen Campbell—Posted 21 March 2007
The faculty and staff associated with UCSD's HIV Neurobehavioral Research Center join the many colleagues who have been shocked and saddened by Leon Thal's sudden and unexpected death. His enormous contributions as investigator, teacher, clinician, and academic leader were well articulated in Chancellor Fox's announcement. Perhaps of added interest to you and your Department may be the fact that he was also one of the senior investigators that helped found the HNRC, as the original PI of our Neurology Core in 1989. His vision and leadership in this area helped guarantee that UCSD's HNRC came to be recognized nationally and internationally as the premier center investigating neuroAIDS.
On a personal level I always enjoyed working with Leon, be it on research, or other University projects or committees. I admired the fact that he remained an active and outstanding clinician, as well. When you can, please pass on our group's sincere condolences to Donna.
Igor Grant—Posted 21 March 2007
I will remember Leon for his infectious enthusiasm for all
things neuroscientific, his warm support for all his people and their
endeavors, and for the supreme fairness with which he ran our show.
Steve Hillyard—Posted 21 March 2007
I think those of us who had the privilege to work with and learn from Leon have felt that we owe it to our colleagues, patients, and students to follow his example. And now it is even more important to do so.
Tiffany Chow—Posted 30 May 2007
Websites with Tributes to Leon Thal
 Leon J. Thal, Neurologist Who Led Study for Alzheimer's Drugs, Dies at 62
Dr. Leon Thal, 62; UC San Diego Alzheimer's expert dies in plane crash
Pioneering Alzheimer's scientist at UCSD dies
Plane crash victim from Encinitas a leading Alzheimer's researcher
Dr. Leon Thal, Renowned Alzheimer's Expert, Dies in Plane Crash
Renowned Researcher Dies In Plane Crash
UCSD Researcher Dies In Plane Crash
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