Rick Chilgren - Site Memorial Online

From the very begnning of our lives together Rick was my special older brother by seven years.  He was proud of me, bragged abut me,  and was always supportive of my early efforts in life, even while there was no way my achievements could match his own.  In fact, early on, it would be hard to imagine that nearly anyone could match him.  He was a straight "A" student in high school, a selectee to Boy's Nation as a junior, and  a State of Wisconsin first place debator as a senior.  The development of his mind during these years, and his early experiences and successes, was fortelling of his extraordinary future. 

After Richard's college experience at St. Olaf, and his medical study at University of Wisconsin - Madison, and even later after his residency at the University of Minnesota, his tendency to think and act "outside the box" of the scientific or medical model became evident.  His application of medical practice did always reflect the exacting discipline of his scientific medical training, inclusive of his years as emergency room physician, his years as a "love boat" doc on America Hawaii Cruises, and his time coordinating medical school curricululm and teaching at the University of Minnesota.  However, Rick's expansive and inquiring mind always was open to the examination of philosophy, phenomena and perspective, not necessarily "western scientific" in nature, but often inclusive of other world or historic views.  Rick saw good and potential in many things, and it was this breadth of mind that reflected his visionary nature.  From his expansiive mentality and strength of thought came his array of ideas, many of them "before their time."  Occasionally, he became misunderstood.  When this did happen Rick would feel great frustration, since his "heart" was always good.

As his brother, I will miss the many hours of great conversation Rick and I had over the years.  He would constantly expand my consciousness and encourage the evolvement of my own thinking.  Toward the end of Rick's life, I became so aware of how proud I was of him in that he did remain true to his passions about children, wellness, sexual education, and other professional interests.  Ultimately, these were far more important to him than material wealth.  He was an ususual "doc" indeed, and a blessing in the lives of many who he inspired.  Including me. 

It is very sad to hear that Rick is no longer with us, physically. His memory remains powerful as he was certainly one of the most enthusiastic "believers" in whatever he dreamed. His dream will live, thanks to the energy he used to convince the powers at the University of Minnesota to create PHS and name him the first Director. His ability to carry the rest of us along with him to fulfill some of his visions speaks to the magnitism of his personality and the depth of his passion.  I'm remembering times spent with him today, with the news of his passing, it riminds me of the powerful influence that he and the Program have had in my life and work. Through PHS I've met amazing people that have been a part of my life as a result.  I'm reflecting on  the important friendships that have remained strong through all the seperations we've all experienced as we carry PHS with us. "Thank you, Rick!"  I'm relieved that he's no longer in pain.  May he rest in peace knowing that his work pays forward.  Peggy Azad 

We will remember Rick as a passionate visionary and First Director of the University of Minnesota Medical Schoool Program in Human Sexuality. As two of the original Founders of PHS, my husband, Ted Cole, MD ( recently deceased) and I often reflected on the amazing journey the Program has taken over these many years to become a world recognized prestigious presence in the field of sexual health and wellness.  The ground work started with Rick and his staff and many colleagues in the challenging times of social turbulence and cultural change of 1970!  His enthusiasm and commitment to making a difference in the field of sexuality, health and wellness is well reflected in our memories and in the achievements of the Program.  Blessings to his memory and family.

Sandra Cole
Professor, (ret.)
University of Michigan
Medical School






 

Rick was an inspirational leader of the Program.  After he left others were able to keep the torch alive.  His vision still permeates much of mission and goals.  Rest in peace!

Eli Coleman