Yolo-Contra Costa County CA Obituary Project Obituaries.....ACREDOLO , Curtis “Curt” R.  December 9 2002
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Peggy B. Perazzo pbperazzo@comcast.net July 13, 2004, 11:37 pm

"The Davis Enterprise," Friday, December 13, 2002
Curtis “Curt” R. Acredolo

Curt Acredolo died peacefully with his family and loving partner at his side on
Dec. 9, 2002, at the UC Davis Medical Center after a long and valiant battle
against cancer. He was 55.

Born on June 9, 1947, in Richmond, he grew up in El Sobrante, received his
bachelor's degree from UC Berkeley (Phi Beta Kappa) and his Ph.D. in child
development from the prestigious Institute of Child Development at the
University of Minnesota.

While in graduate school, he dealt courageously with Hodgkin's disease, winning
a 30-year respite before the long-term consequences of the chemotherapy resulted
in a second, ultimately unsuccessful battle against bladder cancer.

In 1976, he and his former wife and good friend, Linda Acredolo, moved to Davis
where he joined the human and community development department at UC Davis,
eventually moving into the position of associate adjunct professor.

His research interests were diverse, including developmental changes in
children's coping skills and their understanding of logical principles. In
addition, he was highly appreciated by UC Davis administrators, faculty, staff,
and students for his knowledge of research methods and statistics, and his
cheerful willingness to help no matter how na•ve the question.

Perhaps his most lasting legacy to the university, however, was as teacher and
mentor to undergraduate and graduate students. It was in the classroom that his
compassion, humor and intellect made their biggest impression, and his family
has been very comforted by the outpouring of support from those whose lives he
touched.

In 1989, he began applying his research skills to issues of great social
significance, first as co-founder with Susan Berman of a research and marketing
company called ImageResearch (now ImpactResearch), and in 1996 as founder of a
similar company called Zetetic Associates.

By helping agencies such as the California Department of Social Services
evaluate and refine their programs, he had a significant effect on a diverse
range of issues, including foster care, homelessness, immunization,
breastfeeding, AIDS, tobacco education, Early Head Start, and domestic violence.
In doing so, he also demonstrated how research in the social sciences can -- and
should -- inform policy.

His death has brought particular grief to his two children, Kate Acredolo of
Sacramento and Kai Acredolo of Davis. He is also remembered with great love and
admiration by his parents, Theo Evans of Napa and Harry Acredolo of El Sobrante;
his brother, Brad Acredolo of Napa; and his devoted partner, Gale McGranahan of
Davis.

Among the countless others who will miss him are his stepmother, Winnie Hobbs
Acredolo; his aunt, Morna Fitterer of Palm Desert; his sister-in-law, Rebecca
Acredolo, and niece and nephew, Elise and Ian Acredolo, all of Oakland; as well
as numerous other aunts, uncles, and cousins.

He was preceded in death by his stepfather, Bud Evans, and his grandparents,
Earnest and Eula Poe.

Over the years, his greatest love apart from his children was for the
wilderness, especially the grand vistas of Yosemite. In times of stress he
inevitably found solace in the peace and enduring beauty of the high country,
and in times of joy he found great satisfaction in helping his children, family
and friends discover all that the wilderness has to offer.

In keeping with his passion for nature, the family suggests that those wishing
to make memorial contributions consider The Wilderness Society, P.O. Box 29241,
San Francisco, CA 94129.

At his request, no services will be held. Family and friends will be advised as
plans for a tribute develop.


Additional Comments:
Submitted with the permission of the "The Davis Enterprise," 315 G Street,
Davis, CA 95616.  

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