Richard M. Courtney, D.D.S, Class of 1956

(From the Ann Arbor News): Courtney, Richard M. D.D.S. Grosse Pointe Farms, MI (Formerly of Ann Arbor) Age 74, passed away peacefully June 4, 2009, at the Beaumont Hospital with family at his side. He was born on July 27, 1934, in Highland Park, MI to Isabelle and D. Laverne Courtney and married Joanne M. Pauschert on August 9, 1957. He received his D.D.S. in 1959 and M.S. in 1967, both from the University of Michigan. He was a lieutenant in the U.S. Naval Dental Corps from 1959-1962 serving aboard the USS Princeton. The majority of Dr. Courtney’s career was spent at the University of Michigan School of Dentistry as a professor of oral pathology, serving as department chairman from 1977-1987. He was president of the American Academy of Oral and Maxillofacial Pathology in 1982 and the American Board of Oral Pathology in 1990.

He retired from the U of M in 1991 and was granted emeritus status as professor of dentistry and assistant professor of pathology. He joined the faculty of the University of Detroit Mercy School of Dentistry as a professor of oral pathology from 1991-1996 and was a consultant at St. John Clinical Pathology Labs until 2000. Dr. Courtney was an avid fly fisherman with favorite spots on Michigan’s Au Sable and Manistee Rivers. He also enjoyed reading, Michigan football, traveling with his wife, and spending time at their condo on Lake Charlevoix. He maintained an extensive collection of jazz and classical music and was a longtime stamp collector. Dr. Courtney is survived by his wife Joanne; daughters, Pamela (Robert) Montgomery and Kristen (Ronald) Evers; brother, David Courtney; and four grandchildren. Memorial service and reception will be held at 5:30 p.m. Wednesday, June 24 at Grosse Pointe War Memorial, 32 Lakeshore Dr., Grosse Pointe Farms. Memorial donations may be made to Anglers of the Au Sable, 403 Black Bear Dr., Grayling, MI 49738, or to a charity of the donor’s choice. Arrangements: Hamilton Funeral & Cremation Society of Grosse Pointe.