D

r. Richard D. Budson, a renowned 
mental health professional, accom-
plished musician and loving father 
and grandfather, passed away in his sleep 
on July 17, 2024, at 89.
Dr. Budson graduated 
from Harvard College and 
the University of Michigan 
Medical School. He was asso-
ciate professor of psychiatry 
at Harvard Medical School, 
director of the community 
mental health residential pro-
gram at McLean Hospital, a 
division of the Massachusetts 
General Hospital, and adjunct 
professor of public policy at 
Georgetown University.
Dr. Budson was a regular 
adviser to political leaders and a public 
advocate. He championed the empathetic 
treatment of people experiencing men-
tal illness. In 1979, he worked with then 
State Legislator and future Congressman 
Barney Frank. He advanced a compas-
sionate approach to psychiatry, pioneering 
the “halfway house,” a living environment 
that supports the transition of people 
recovering from and living with mental 
health challenges. He consulted to four 
succeeding governors of Massachusetts. 
Dr. Budson was consultant to Washington, 

D.C., Mayor Anthony A. Williams and 
was the chairperson of the State Mental 
Health Planning Council of the District of 
Columbia.
In 2001, the National Association of 
Social Workers named him 
“Public Citizen of the Year.” 
Dr. Budson was the guest of 
First Lady Rosalynn Carter at 
a White House symposium 
on mental health. He also 
appeared in media to share his 
medical expertise, including on 
ABC News The Reasoner Report. 
In his later years, he wrote a 
memoir focused on his experi-
ences making positive change, 
Courage Innovation and Discovery in 
the Development of a Medical Career 
(rdbudsonbooks.com).
Dr. Budson was also an accomplished 
musician. He played the clarinet since the 
age of 11, finding inspiration from Benny 
Goodman. By age 17, he was jamming with 
the famous jazz guitarist Kenny Burrell at 
the West End Hotel in Downtown Detroit. 
He continued to play, compose and record 
clarinet and piano in various music ensem-
bles throughout his life, and his music lives 
on (dickbudson.com).
Dr. Budson was revered by friends, family 
and colleagues, possessing the combination 

of an intuitive understanding of people and 
a sense of righteousness such that he never 
hesitated to speak up and challenge author-
ity when he felt it was appropriate. He was 
also known for his generosity in sharing his 
wisdom and insight and for his appreciation 
of art and literature.
He is survived by his loving children, 
Victoria, Andrew and his wife, Amy; his 
grandchildren, Leah, Danny, Abraham and 
Alexandra; his sister, Susan Fink; many lov-
ing nieces, a nephew, other family members 
and friends.
He was predeceased by his parents, Rose 
and Daniel Budson; and his sister, Barbara 
Wojcik. 
Private services were held at Clover Hill 
Park Cemetery in Birmingham. A memo-
rial service will take place in Boston, Mass. 
at a later time. In lieu of flowers, donations 
may be made to the Daniel Budson, M.D. 
Endowed Medical Scholarship Fund at 
the University of Michigan. Checks may 
be made to University of Michigan and 
sent to the Michigan Medicine Office of 
Development, 777 E. Eisenhower Pkwy., 
Suite 650, Ann Arbor, MI 48108. Please 
include “in memory of Richard D. Budson” 
in the memo line. You may also call 734-
764-6777 or visit the website victors.us/rich-
ardbudson to make your gift. Arrangements 
by Dorfman Chapel. 

A Pioneer Medical Man

JULY 25 • 2024 | 61
J
N

c. 1977
Dr. Richard Budson

LINDA WENSON, 
84, of West 
Bloomfield, died 
July 13, 2024. 
She is sur-
vived by her 
son and daughter-in-law, 
Marty and Rogena Wenson; 
daughters and sons-in-law, 
Cheryl and Aron Weberman, 
Terri and William Mazer; 
grandchildren, Lindsey 
(Joseph) Waldman, 
Brian Weberman, Rachel 
(Bradley) Stone, Eric (Sarah) 
Weberman, Benjamin 
Mazer, Sydni Mazer (fian-
ce Cole McGough), Robert 
Mazer and Lucas Mazer; 
great-grandchildren, 
Brendan, Natalie, Jude, 
Adeline, Violet, Gene, Maya, 

Sadie, Leah and Harper. 
She is also survived by her 
special nephew, Mark Klein; 
many other loving nieces, 
nephews, other family mem-
bers and friends. 
Linda was the beloved wife 
of the late Benjamin Wenson; 
devoted sister of the late Leo 
Schoenfeld; dear daughter of 
the late Mary and Herman 
Schoenfeld. 
Contributions may be 
made to Temple Israel or 
a charity of one’s choice. 
Interment took place at 
the Beth El Memorial 
Park Cemetery in Livonia. 
Arrangements by Dorfman 
Chapel.

BRUCE 
ZICKERMAN, 66, 
of West 
Bloomfield, died 
July 15, 2024. 
Mr. Zickerman 
is survived by his wife of 38 
years, Ellen Zickerman; son, 
Jeremy Zickerman; sisters-
in-law and brothers-in-law, 
Nancy and Stephen Raimi, 
Ruth Stromer, and Eileen 
and Michael Jobusch; cous-
ins, Cindy Stegman, Shelley 
Reichel, Diane Seider and 
Morgan Harwith; other lov-
ing relatives and friends. 
Interment was at Clover 
Hill Park Cemetery. 
Contributions may be 
made to ASPCA (American 
Society for the Prevention 

of Cruelty to Animals), P.O. 
Box 96929, Washington, 
D.C., 20090-6929, secure.
aspca.org/donate; Michigan 
Humane Society, 30300 
Telegraph Road, Suite 220, 
Bingham Farms, MI 48025, 
michiganhumane.org/trib-
utes; or Jewish Hospice & 
Chaplaincy Network, 6555 
W. Maple, West Bloomfield, 
MI 48322, jhcn.org/donate/
tribute. Arrangements by Ira 
Kaufman Chapel.

