Dear DBDS,It is with deep sorrow that I write to inform you of the passing of Professor Richard Allen Olshen on November 8, 2023.Professor Olshen will be forever remembered for his pioneering research in the field of statistics and his unyielding passion for academia, especially to our shared mission at Stanford University. Richard played a significant role in advancing statistical learning, notably through his influential work on regression and classification trees. His internationally acclaimed and pioneering work spanned various domains, including gait analysis, digital radiography, and, in more recent years, molecular genetics. As the division chief of Biostatistics in the Department of Health Research and Policy, his leadership, especially in the shaping of biostatistics at Stanford, will be fondly remembered. Professor Olshen was a key figure in the development of the Biostatistics Workshop (predecessor to the weekly department seminar series in DBDS) and Data Studio. His many contributions will leave a lasting imprint on our School of Medicine and Stanford University.Richard Olshen was born in Portland, Oregon, on May 17, 1942. After completing his undergraduate training at UC Berkeley, he attended Yale University, where he earned his Ph.D. in Statistics in 1966 under the guidance of L.J. Savage. In 1967, he came to Stanford University, marking the beginning of a lifelong connection with our institution. In 1975, Professor Olshen left the Stanford family to join the faculty of the Mathematics Department at UC San Diego. However, his heart remained with Stanford, and he returned in 1989.Richard Olshen was a passionate mentor to many. In addition to his academic accomplishments, Richard was also a dedicated husband, nurturing father, and doting grandfather. Although we deeply mourn his loss, his influence on our field and the memories of his wisdom and candor will remain as an everlasting tribute. We will provide further information on how to honor his memory with his family once it becomes available. In lieu of flowers, the family prefers donations in honor of his memory to the charity of your choice.Sincerely,Sylvia
