Donald N. Franz

Donald Norbert Franz, PhD, our father, grandfather, brother, and extraordinary man, passed away suddenly at his home on July 3, 2014. He was born in Indianapolis, Indiana to Henrietta and Norbert Franz on September 23, 1932. He was a high school and college track star, specializing in hurdles and pole vault. Dad was also an excellent and avid skier, and emulated his skiing idol, Stein Eriksen, in his skiing style. Skiing was his passion, and he skied all over the world in North America, Europe, and Down Under. He continued skiing until age 78. He graduated from Butler University, served two years in the United States Army in Colorado Springs, CO, subsequently earned his PhD in neuropharmacology from the University of Utah, and completed a 2-year fellowship at the University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, Scotland. After completing his PhD fellowship, the Franz family returned to Utah where he began his career. Dad was a professor of neuropharmacology at the University of Utah Medical School for over 35 years, until his full retirement in 2003. He mentored graduate students and conducted valuable research projects on the effects of drugs on the nervous system, including Parkinson's disease and other neurological disorders. He was published in numerous scientific journals and contributed chapters to the Goodman and Gilman pharmacology textbook, the "bible" of pharmacology. Dad never missed attending the Winter Conference on Brain Research at venues around the world. He had an adventurous and curious spirit and traveled all over the world for pleasure as well as professional endeavors. Dad was always quick to laugh, loved to socialize, tell stories, and engage in stimulating conversation.

Dad married Barbara Stiver, with whom he had two beautiful daughters. He was a great father and was intensely involved with raising his girls, stressing the importance of love, kindness, and education. He and Barbara later divorced, but they remained caring and loving friends.

Dad is survived by his former wife Barbara (Don Schoenbeck); daughters Diane Naylor (John Kirby) and Beth Colosimo (Galey Colosimo); 4 wonderful and cherished grandchildren, Lorraine and Elizabeth Naylor, and Dominic and Madeline Colosimo; his loving companion of the past 16 years Inkeri Liisa Baren; his sister Marilyn Benefiel (Dale); his three nephews Dick, Greg, and Jeff Benefiel and their families; and many cousins and friends. Dad loved life and was not ready to say goodbye. His passing will leave a large hole in our family and we are blessed to have shared our lives with him and forever grateful for the many life lessons he taught us.

Because Dad loved a good party, a celebration of his life will take place on Sunday, July 13th from 1:00 to 3:00 p.m. at Starks Funeral Parlor, 3651 South 900 East, Salt Lake City. In lieu of flowers, please make a donation in his name to the Pharmacology and Toxicology Graduate Student Program Fund, University of Utah School of Medicine.