In Memoriam: Merle Prim
Merle Prim, of Fairhaven, Professor Emeritus of Psychology, died Oct 2nd 2016 at his home after a long illness.
Born Aug. 30, 1932 in Seattle, he graduated from Garfield High School, served as a captain in the Air Force in the 1950s and earned his bachelor's degree from the University of Washington, his master's degree from San Diego State College (now University) and his doctorate from Washington State University. He completed a post-doctoral fellowship in Puerto Rico.
Prim joined the faculty of Western Washington in 1969 and taught for 42 years including an active research lab focused on physiological psychology, neuroscience and animal learning. He viewed it as an honor to have taught thousands of students at the undergraduate and graduate level and took particular pride that over 15 students from his lab received doctorates or MDs. His personal interests included astronomy, racquetball, reading mysteries and Saturday morning chats over coffee in downtown Bellingham.
Prim is survived by his spouse of 30 years, Martin Wilson, as well as a brother, one niece and two nephews.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to a charity of your choice. A memorial service will be held at a future date.
Written by Scott Ottaway ('91), a former student of Prim's.