Sid Bacon

Sid, you were a bright star in a dark sky.  You always knew what to say and were never negative. You and your family had and still have many friends around you who care about you. Everybody wishes they had your characteristics. Thank you for teaching me how to be positive in hard to be positive times.  Sincerely,

– Dylan Cook, Age 11

Sid, You were always happy, fighting thru something that no one should have to go through.  You are an inspiration to everyone. Thank you.

 – Tyler Cook, Age 13

Sid, you were an amazing man! Although we have never had the opportunity to meet, We must thank you because you have continuously inspired our family (see the boys toasts to you above), and I  am sure you have inspired many others. This is no easy achievement and one you will always be remembered for.  It was through your gentleness, humor, love for your family and friends, and your courage and wisdom (which you graciously and openly shared in your writings), that bridged the miles between our hearts and yours.  Your legacy Sid lives on through your family and your example, and your gift as a teacher will be carried on through the hearts of your former students and through the hearts of those touched by your scholarship fund. They are the names and faces that have yet to be written into your life story.  Thank you Sid, for teaching us about the simple and magical moments so often taken for granted, and for modeling the importance of appreciating one's family and friends. For this gift we will be forever grateful...we will always hold you and your family close in our hearts...with much love and gratitude for all you gave and have done.

This photo captures what I have learned to be Sid's core: his delight in physical activity, here hiking up to a Sinagua ruin in a snowstorm, his devotion to Cathy and appreciation for what she brought to his life, and then, his warm friendship and generosity of spirit.  This was a day in which the shadow of illness had not yet appeared. It was a moment in which he met the challenge of the steep, precarious rock slope ahead with ease, a day when he had clearly put the cares of deaning and editing aside to enjoy the moment--that unusual time when it snows in Arizona.

We will miss Sid's wit, friendly council, and generosity.  We send our thoughts and affection to Cathy, Laura, Dan, Liz and the entire family.

– Debby and John Losse

 Sid leaves a wonderful legacy in his family, friends, and in his professional career. His legacy as an auditory scientist is inspiring and as his Ph.D. advisor I am a bit proud for his accomplishments, especially those while he was working with me.  It was a joy to work with Sid as a student/colleague and to see his development into a very successful scientist.  He has made significant contributions to our field through his many publications, his teaching and advising, and his interactions with his colleagues.  He already is missed by so many of us.

During October of his first year at Minnesota Sid and I went to an overnight retreat that was organized for new students to meet faculty and talk about things related to perception. We drove in Sid’s famous yellow Dodge Dart of which he seemed overly proud. During that drive I began to get to know him on a personal level and we began mutual gentle ribbing, first about the Dart, and then on to other things.  I soon learned about Sid’s wicked sense of humor and that his often brilliant one-liners usually put an end to my ribbing. This gentle ribbing persisted and would persist if Sid were still with us. It was a wonderful part of our relationship and love.

There was a campfire at the retreat and after a few illicit beers Sid and I joined the folks. Caught in the glow of the fire was a lovely new student with a very captivating smile. Cathy. According to Sid I pointed her out and encouraged him to meet her. Clearly that worked and, if true, was perhaps my greatest contribution to Sid and his wonderful life.

– Neal Viemeister

Sid is the guy who changed my life when I was only 24 years old and when he introduced me to psychoacoustic, welcoming me in his lab. How lucky I have been to benefit from his wide expertise, his renown which influenced my professional career, his kindness and his integrity.  Sid also made it possible for Christine and me to realize our shared dream to live together for a while in Arizona. This has been a unique experience that is now part of me, part of Christine, and part of our relationship.

I will never forget Sid who will always be in my thoughts as will be in my thoughts these unforgettable last-shared moments when Sid and you visited me in France.

I am so sorry for your loss.  Love to all of you.

– Nicolas Grimault

I would like to thank Sid for his inspiration, guidance, helpfulness, and laughter during my three years as a postdoc in the ASU Department of Speech and Hearing Sciences. Sid was generous with his time and support, both as a mentor and a friend.  He continually encouraged me to develop important skills such as independent thinking, research skills, and scientific writing skills. Sid was a fine person who cared for everyone in his lab. He will be missed at ASU and beyond.

– Kang Li