Obituaries

Curtis Wayne McIntyre died Sunday, August 9, from heart failure at the age of 76. A beloved professor and a loving husband and father, Curt will be remembered for his relentlessly inquisitive mind, his kind soft-spoken nature, and his hilariously irreverent sense of humor.

Curt grew up in Cincinnati, Ohio raised by his parents Curtis Runyon McIntyre and Iolene Arnold along with his sister Patti and his younger brother Richard (Rick). The first in his family to go to college, Curt earned a B.A. from the University of Cincinnati in 1965 and went on to get his Ph. D. in Psychology from Vanderbilt in 1969. A ladies’ man in his own mind, Curt’s love of the academic world was matched only by his lifelong love for his college sweetheart, Cynthia “Cindy” Kasson. The couple got engaged shortly after graduation and were married for 54 years.

Together they followed Curt’s career as a professor to several distinguished schools, before settling at Southern Methodist University in Dallas, where he was a valued member of the faculty for 31 years. As Chair, he helped propel the Psychology department to national recognition and published over 40 articles and edited a book on clinical techniques for treating dyslexia. His early research focused on cognitive development in children, and he later initiated a research program to evaluate the differences between violent and nonviolent juvenile offenders.

His most lasting professional accomplishment, however, is no doubt the effect he had on his students. From teaching introductory classes to supervising doctoral candidates, Curt was most passionate about sharing what he knew. As a trusted mentor and counselor, he helped a generation of scholars pursue their studies, start their careers, and navigate the everyday problems of their lives. He was loved and respected by both his students and colleagues alike- his office door was always open.

The greatest beneficiaries of his teaching were his two children, Wade McIntyre and Sally Michaud and his three treasured grandchildren, Story Jo (10) Porter (9) and Maëlle (6). He loved spending time with them, sharing his passion for reading and world history, revealing the secrets of double plays and zone defenses, and demonstrating the power of a perfectly timed punch line. His children saw him value teamwork, reason, and patience. And watched in horror and amazement as the neighborhood kids would flock to their house where they were allowed to watch R-rated movies and curse. Curt embodied one of life’s most important lessons: don’t sweat the small stuff.

After retirement, Curt continued to teach. Working together with Cindy at SMU Plano, he helped design and implement a program to train Professional, Family and School Counselors. Private at times, he kept a small group of close friends, but he also made time to get out and lead discussion groups at church on topics ranging from spirituality to politics. He had a skill for finding the common ground in people with differing views. He lived a life of tolerance toward everyone, even his dogs whom he loved completely, despite his allergies.

His mind remained sharp, and he spent his free time either reading or playing bridge. He never grew tired of learning or challenging himself. Of solving life’s puzzles, together. Somehow, he always knew what card was coming next.

In his final weeks, Curt made a point to keep his doctors and nurses laughing as long as he could. He was thankful for the science that extended his life, and the support of all the people who loved him. He died surrounded by family, partaking in one of his all-time favorite hobbies: a long afternoon nap.

His heart may have finally failed him, but Curt’s spirit beats on in his students, his children, his grandchildren, and the hundreds of others lucky enough to have learned by his side.

Curt is survived by his wife Cindy, son Curtis Wade McIntyre (Samantha Montgomery), daughter Sally McIntyre Michaud (Ludovick Michaud), sister Patti McIntyre Gramke, brother Richard Louis McIntyre, grandchildren Story Jo McIntyre, Porter William Michaud, Maëlle Brooks Michaud and many cherished nieces, nephews and spouses.

A service will be held at Perkins Chapel on the SMU Campus at 11am CST on Tuesday August 25 for family, and will be streamed and/or posted online at  https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC1RIjlvmK2VIve3KCco-wcg