Sid Bacon

My memories of Sid are many – being his first doctoral student.  Taking psychoacoustics for the first time, working in his lab for so many years, working on our first publication and first grant together, and our disagreements over data.  I trusted his thoughts and opinions and asked for his advice frequently when we were working together.  I remember fondly our time not at work; being invited to his home for Thanksgiving when I had no other plans, and lab pool parties in his backyard to celebrate accomplishments and graduations.   His family was always there and welcoming, and the love in their home was obvious.

My favorite piece of advice from Sid, that has remained with me, is one that I use daily and that I pass on to the individuals that I now mentor, as he once mentored me.  And that is to be a “Story Teller”.  Whether you are writing an article or a grant, giving a presentation, teaching, or just presenting an argument, always have a convincing story to tell.  I can hear him telling me, “Make people want to read or listen to the end, to see how the ‘story’ ends.”   I believe this is what made Sid so outstanding at what he did: writer, professor, editor, mentor.  He was my favorite professor and it was because of him that I chose the career path that I have.   I owe a little bit of every success that I have in my career to him.

I am sad that Sid’s “story” has ended, but the many “stories” that he helped to create will be better for having been shaped by him.

– Michelle Hicks

I was a student at ASU from the Fall of 99 to the Winter of 2001, & a single mom at that. One of those --- "I'm on the 10 year plan students" --- I met Sid (seems strange to call him that so I may have to refer to him as Dr. Bacon moving forward) like most in Psychoacoustics and was absolutely sold on audiology. In 2001, I did some independent study with Dr. Bacon. He set up a small experiment for me over the semester that included me recruiting 4 people to listen to various tones for about 16 hours eachl (not all at once fortunately for all of us) The goal being to find out how close two frequencies could be before you could no longer differentiate between the two sounds. Now, here comes the great memory.... On our first meeting to discuss the intent of the research, Dr. Bacon provided me with multiple white papers to read so that I could get a feel for the experiment ---- the white paper on the top of the pile (which by the way was about 2" thick was in German. I looked at him and said --- "you know I did take German in High School but I'm not sure that will be sufficient to read this"... He laughed out loud and then kindly showed me that for this one all I needed to do was "look at the pictures" --- I'm not sure why that stuck with me all these years but I think in part it was because to this day is a great reminder to always look outside of the box --- don't let anything limit you --- especially not German LOL!

My second strong memory is even more about the kind of person Dr. Bacon was. As I mentioned at the time, I was a single mom. During our time with me running this experiment as well as my time on the board for our Chapter NSSHLA, I remember Dr. Bacon mentioning that at dinner in his house every night or maybe week that the entire family would read 1 article and then as a family at the dinner table you would sit and discuss it. I loved the idea & stole it!!! He said it not only helped to engage the kids in the events of the world but it helped to keep the dinner conversation fresh and help create common ground. Although when I initiated it my dinner table was myself and my 3 year old so, often we would read a Dr. Seuss book or something small and chat about that book or the most recent chapter. As my table grew to a new husband and a total of three kids (now 15, 8 & 7) we started to bring forth different topics --- maybe a book, maybe a current event, or an article and we chat about it. In hinesight for Dr. Bacon it was just one small story in passing but for me it painted a clear representation of an idea that could help me incorporate into my own family.

At the end of the day, although I haven’t seen Dr. Bacon in more then 10 years, and ultimately chose a different path then audiology for my career path --- I work for Cochlear Americas (so I am in the hearing world just not as a clinician) his influence in my life is something that I will never lose. Thank you so much for sharing Dr. Bacon with the world. His memory and his passion will live on forever in so many ways via the people who were blessed enough to know him & on his profound influence in the world of hearing.

– Gayle Anderson

As Cathy knows I was a mature (ok, older) student when I applied for the Speech and Hearing graduate program.  Dr Bacon counseled me on whether I should jump my corporate ship and pursue a career in Speech and Hearing. My applying for the program was very last minute.  In fact when I completed the GRE testing I called Dr Bacon and he walked my results to the selection board that were in the selection process.  How's that for getting in under the wire?  He also spent his precious time counseling me on whether I should pursue audiology or speech.  Then he spent some extra time helping me understand his curriculum.

For me, I will always be grateful for his willingness to help me.  He provided wise guidance and willingly shared his wisdom. At the time these were big decisions for me and his advice was much needed and appreciated. He was also great professor.  His ability to instruct was truly a gift. I recall how we all loved his classes even though they were difficult subjects.  He had the gift of instructing in a way that we could understand at more than a basic level.

Most of all, I will remember his smile.  He seemed to appreciate everyday of life and every person.  I not only learned from him academically but I gained the gift of living each day with a smile.

– Phyllis Lopez 

When I was a student in the Speech and Hearing Science Department, I had the privilege of taking Psychoacoustics from Dr. Bacon. He was an excellent teacher and his teaching reflected his character - he was very encouraging and provided every opportunity for students to be successful, even when it meant a lot of extra work for him.  One of the things I recall about his class was that when he assigned a paper, he offered the opportunity to turn in the paper early so he could provide feedback and the student could use his feedback to improve his or her paper.

However, my most vivid memory from the semester I took Psychoacoustics was how Dr.Bacon responded when I lost a dear friend to cancer. My friend's death affected me physically, emotionally, and cognitively...and I was a wreck. I remember going in to Dr. Bacon's office to talk with him about what a struggle I was having.  I will never forget how kind and compassionate he was, and how willing he was to give me some extra time to complete assignments, given the circumstances.  Although Dr. Bacon was an outstanding researcher and professor whose accomplishments were many, it was his encouragement, kindness and compassion that I will remember most.

– Leah Jones

Sid, I want to thank you for all the countless times you listened to me talk about the kids and when I needed advice you always knew just want to say.  I always followed your advice because I knew that it came from wisdom and experience and you never steered me wrong.  Thank you for allowing me to be part of a very special team. You were a great administrator and under your direction the Natural Science Division flourished, but more importantly you were a human being.  Always considering other's feelings in all situations.  When you left the dean's office it was very hard to pack your things and see you leave.  That last afternoon in the dean's office when it was time to part, I told you that I am not good at saying good-by, in fact I refuse to say good by.  I hugged you and said, with tears in my eyes....I'll see you later. Now the time has come to part once again, but as my grandmother always said -that good byes are final and I believe that I will see you again.  So one last time Sid Bacon - I will see you later!

– Roxann Gonzalez