The American Society of Clinical Hypnosis (ASCH) lost a respected teacher and a beloved colleague, Dr. Richard (Ric) Garver, who died peacefully on November 2, 2016 in his Boerne, Texas home, with his wife and children at his side. Ric is survived by his wife, Dr. Nancy Logan, seven children, 13 grandchildren, and nine great grandchildren.
Dr. Garver’s fascinating life exemplified a passion for learning and performing, exceptional athletic talent, and a profusion of interests, and a passion for hard work and good competition, all infused by his unique playful sensibilities. Ric’s life consistently portrays an intense loyalty to his country, friends, and family. He attended the Ohio State University on a baseball scholarship, where he excelled in two varsity sports. After graduation, Ric declined a professional baseball contract and instead qualified for and participated in the Professional Golf Association’s tour from 1959 through 1962. Ric then became an eager student of martial arts, earning black belts in judo, karate, and aikido; throughout much of his life Ric competed and instructed in these various forms of martial arts. Ever the sportsman, Ric later earned silver medals in the Senior Olympics in golf, table tennis, and racquetball.
After college, Ric began a more than two decade military career as a United States Air Force officer, earning his Air Force wings and serving as a line officer in Fighter-Interceptor Weapons. He was severely injured in a helicopter crash in Southeast Asia during one of several overseas deployments. For more than 40 harrowing days, Ric covertly traversed the local rice paddies and countryside to return to his base, using self-hypnosis to enhance his chances for survival by enhancing his focus while managing his pain and anxiety. Dr. Garver dedicated his awards and decorations to the families of his military colleagues who did not return from Vietnam. From 1965 through 1971, Ric served at the Air Force Academy as the varsity golf coach and directed the basic and advanced unarmed combat programs. He was then sponsored by the Air Force as he earned an MPH and doctoral degrees in health and psychology. Ric quickly found his passion for psychology, assuming the position as chief of psychological services at San Antonio’s Wilford Hall Medical Center and founding its Hypnotherapy Clinic. Ric earned diplomate status with the American Board of Forensic Medicine, the National Institute of Sports, the American Academy of Pain Management, and the ASCH.
Dr. Garver was a prized educator in these organizations in clinical, forensic, and sports hypnosis. Ric was a sought-after presenter at ASCH workshops, presenting at more than 100 regional and national professional meetings. His intricate and artistic inductions, interwoven with complex suggestions, inspired several generations of professional learners.
Dr. Garver’s formidable forensic expertise provided valuable information to the FBI and other federal agencies over his more than two decades’ of service and 150 consultations. Ric’s hypnotic interviews provided valuable information in many cases, including the investigation in 1979 of the assassination of federal judge John Wood. His efforts were also instrumental in the development of the FBI’s Behavioral Science Unit’s Forensic Hypnosis Program. Ric later co-authored a textbook on the guidelines for forensic guidelines and applications utilizing hypnosis, which was awarded the Arthur Shapiro award. He authored and co-authored 25 journal articles, books, and book chapters as well.
In addition to his many other achievements, Ric enjoyed creating music with his voice, clarinet, and piano. Ric was also devoted to his church and to his brethren as a master Mason and 32nd degree brother of the Scottish Rite. His service was quiet, consistent, and efficient in these disciplines of life, just as it had always been in his athletic and professional disciplines. Ric’s life was a rich and vibrant celebration of his many talents in the steadfast pursuit of loyal service to others. I will miss such a rare display of multi-faceted talent, displayed as seemingly effortless excellence, and shared as easily and graciously as Ric’s gentle smile and mischievous laugh. Goodbye Ric.