Our dear friend, mentor and colleague, Richard J. Deckelbaum, passed away October 2.
Richard was the Robert R. Williams Professor of Nutrition in the departments of pediatrics and epidemiology and the immediate past director of the Institute of Human Nutrition at Columbia University. He came to Columbia in 1986, and he went on to lead both the division of Pediatric Gastroenterology (1986-2003) and the Institute of Human Nutrition (1992-2020), and to found and co-direct the Children’s Cardiovascular Health Center (1987-2000). His many years of work at Columbia include successful research studying lipid disorders as well as a dedication to global health and nutrition. His pioneering work studying how omega-3 fatty acids might treat strokes and other conditions was recently highlighted in the Wall Street Journal. He was a fantastic advocate in the development of Columbia’s Climate School and the Food for Humanity Initiative.
Richard was an incredible mentor to both of us. He was always available, giving us career and life guidance over the last 20 years. He shaped and helped in both of our careers. We wouldn’t be where we are if not for his unwavering and unmatched support. When we were both working at the Earth Institute, the three of us often met over what we called high tea—the “tea” being something a bit stronger—to catch up on life. He spoke softly and earnestly as he strategized about our futures and helped us navigate the sometimes-strange world of academia. Richard always had our backs. We will both miss those intimate gatherings, and his sage advice, beyond words.
Richard’s international work was incredible, particularly in Kenya. He led his international work with the same empathy, understanding and kindness that guided his mentorship. He started working in international health when he was a young man as one of the flying doctors in Zambia. He never stopped engaging in international development agendas: building the capacity of researchers in Kenya; collaborating with the Turkana Basin institute; establishing the first pediatric hospital in the West Bank and the Medical School for International Health at Ben Gurion in Tel Aviv, as just some examples. His dedication to improving global health was highlighted in the Lancet in 2008.
Richard had an incredibly rich and joyful life. With his artist wife, Kaya, they had four amazing and accomplished children of whom he spoke with so much pride. He continued to travel, even up to the time of his passing, the latest being a project he was planning in Ecuador. His passion for his family, work, travel, Africa and, well, life, was infectious. He truly left his mark on all of those he touched.
Everyone who met Richard said he was the nicest and kindest guy in the world. He was. And if you were lucky, he would share a glass of single malt whiskey with you and have some laughs.
If one is lucky in life, you can count your mentors on one hand. For both of us, Richard was very much on that one hand. He will be missed.
Jessica Fanzo is a professor of Climate at the Columbia Climate School and director of the Food for Humanity Initiative.
Shauna Downs is an associate professor in the department of Health Behavior, Society and Policy at the Rutgers School of Public Health.
