Dr. Gerald O'Morrow, a leader in therapeutic recreation for more than 30 years, was killed in a car accident in New Zealand in November - Southeast Region

Dr. Gerald O'Morrow, a leader in therapeutic recreation for more than 30 years, was killed in a car accident in New Zealand in November. His education, experience, teaching and writing contributed to the development of the profession. More specifically, his involvement was instrumental in enhancing the role of therapeutic recreation in the treatment process.

His innovative doctoral dissertation, "A Study of Recreation Services to Psychiatric Patients in Relation to Pre-Discharge Planning and Aftercare," foreshadowed the present emphasis on transitional services in therapeutic recreation. He was chair of the Department of Recreation at Indiana State University, chaired and coordinated the Department of Recreation and Leisure Studies graduate program at University of Georgia and chaired the Department of Recreation and Leisure Services at Radford University in Radford, Va. During his career, O'Morrow twice served as president of the National Therapeutic Recreation Society and he received numerous awards and citations for his exemplary service, including two of the highest honors given in the profession. He received the NRPA Distinguished Service Award and the Appreciation Award for 20 years of continued contributions. In 1995, he was recognized as NRPA's National Distinguished Professional Award for his vision and leadership in the field of parks and recreation.