George Rafalsky Edison, 69, passed away December 19, 1998, at his home in SLC.
Born April 19, 1929, in NYC to Arthur and Marcella Rafalsky Edison. Married Carol Turner in 1956, later divorced. Very proud of his two sons, Arthur Scott Edison, Assistant Professor of Biochemistry at the Univ. of Florida Medical School and Paul Neeley Edison, Assistant Professor of History at Univ. of Texas at El Paso. Married the love of his life, Mary Lynne in 1982.Columbia College, AB degree, 1948. Columbia University College of Physicians and Surgeons, MD, 1953. Interned at The Mount Sinai Hospital in New York City. Residency and fellowship at Univ. of Utah Hospital and Univ. of Rochester Strong Memorial Hospital. Served in USAF 1957-59.
Diplomate, American Board of Internal Medicine 1964, recertified 1974. Medical staff of student Health Service 1960-85, Director 1960-77. Taught preventive medicine course at the Univ. of Utah 1963-66. Clinical Professor of Medicine, Univ. of Utah. Private practice of internal medicine 1961-97. Co-founder, chairman, 1968-70 and board member 1968-80, of Community Drug Crisis Center (now Cornerstone Counseling Center), the first drug treatment program in Utah. Member of Utah State Board of Drugs 1970-71. Member Utah State Board of Alcoholism and Drugs 1971-79. Board member Utah Civil Liberties Union 1970-73. President, Board of Teen Challenge Utah 1995-97.
Was an enthusiastic violist and took great enjoyment in playing string quartets and other chamber music. Was President of the Chamber Music Society of Salt Lake City 1982-84 and board member 1980-89. For many years he was an enthusiastic runner until stopped by arthritis in his knees. He finished twelve marathons, including the Boston Marathon twice.
Survived by wife, Mary Lynne; two sons, Arthur (Katherine) Edison and Paul (Alexandra) Edison; step-children, Michael D. Thurgood, Tracie A. Thurgood, and Gregory S. Thurgood; grandchildren, Madeline R. Edison, Emily C. Edison, Baby George Alexander Edison-(born 12-10-98), Vincent S. Thurgood, Melissa K. Thurgood, Justin D. Thurgood and Steven L. Thurgood; sister and brother-in-law, Robert and Ruth Prigge.
Funeral services will be held Wednesday December 23, 1998, 2 p.m. at the Larkin Sunset Lawn Mortuary, 2350 East 1300 South, where friends may call Tuesday evening from 6-8 p.m, and one hour prior to the services on Wednesday.
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