Dr. Richard D. Budson, a resident of Palm Beach Gardens, Florida, died on July 17th, 2024 at the age of 89. Funeral services arranged by The Dorfman Chapel.

Location of Service:

Private Graveside Services

Date of Service:

Sunday July 21st, 2024

Time of Service:

11:00 AM  

Interment at:

Clover Hill Park, 2425 E 14 Mile Rd, Birmingham, MI

Officiant:

Rabbi Paul Yedwab  

Shiva Information:

No formal shiva will be held.  

Charitable contributions:

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Daniel Budson, M.D. Endowed Medical Scholarship Fund at the University of Michigan. Checks may be made to “University of Michigan” and sent to the Michigan Medicine Office of Development, 777 E Eisenhower Pkwy, Ste 650, Ann Arbor, MI 48108. Please include “in memory of Richard D. Budson” in the memo line. You may also call 734-764-6777 or visit the website victors.us/richardbudson to make your gift  

Family Members:

Dr. Richard D. Budson, renowned mental health professional, accomplished musician, and loving father and grandfather passed away in his sleep on July 17th, 2024, at the age of 89.

Dr. Budson graduated from Harvard College and the University of Michigan Medical School. He was associate professor of psychiatry at Harvard Medical School, director of the community mental health residential program at McLean Hospital, a division of the Massachusetts General Hospital, and adjunct professor of public policy at Georgetown University.

Dr. Budson was a regular advisor to political leaders and a public advocate. He championed the empathetic treatment of people experiencing mental illness. In 1979 he worked with then State Legislator and future Congressman Barney Frank. He advanced a compassionate approach to psychiatry, pioneering the “halfway house,” a living environment that supports the transition of people recovering from and living with mental health challenges.

Dr. Budson was consultant to four Massachusetts governors, Washington, DC Mayor Anthony A. Williams, and was the Chairperson of the State Mental Health Planning Council of the District of Columbia. In 2001 the National Association of Social Workers awarded him “Public Citizen of the Year.” Dr. Budson was the guest of first lady Rosalynn Carter at a White House symposium on mental health. He also appeared in media to share his medical expertise, including on ABC News “The Reasoner Report.” In his later years, he wrote a memoir focused on his experiences making positive change, Courage Innovation and Discovery in the Development of a Medical Career. https://www.rdbudsonbooks.com

Dr. Budson was also an accomplished musician. He played the clarinet since the age of 11, finding inspiration from Benny Goodman. By age 17, he was jamming with the jazz guitarist Kenny Burrell at the West End Hotel in downtown Detroit. Dr. Budson continued to play, compose, and record clarinet and piano in various music ensembles throughout his life. His music lives on. https://www.dickbudson.com

Dr. Budson was revered by friends, family, and colleagues alike, possessing the combination of an intuitive understanding of people and a sense of righteousness such that he never hesitated to speak up and challenge authority when he felt it was appropriate. He was also known for his generosity in sharing his wisdom and insights, and for his appreciation of art and literature.

He is survived by his loving children Victoria, Andrew and his wife Amy, and his grandchildren Leah, Danny, Abraham, and Alexandra, and his sister Susan Fink. He was predeceased by his parents Rose and Daniel Budson and his sister Barbara Wojcik. Also survived by many loving nieces, a nephew, other family members, and friends.  

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