Glick, Lester J. (1918-2003)

Mennonite Weekly Review obituary: 2003 Mar 10 p. 11

Birth date: 1918 Jun 6

text of obituary:

LESTER J. GLICK

Lester J. Glick, 84, of Madison, Miss., died March 1, 2003, at his home. He was born June 6, 1918, to Christian C. and Maggie (Yoder) Glick near Sugar Creek, Ohio.

He became a respected social work educator and practioner [sic], with degrees from Goshen (Ind.) College, Ohio State University and Washington University. He began the social work program at Goshen and the graduate school of social work at the University of Southern Mississippi. He served as an associate dean at the Syracuse University School of Social Work and taught at Eckerd College in St. Petersburg, Fla. He held leadership roles in residential programs for troubled youth, including Boys Village in Smithville, Ohio, the Eckerd Foundation and Florida Sheriff's Ranch.

His Mennonite faith led him to a life of service. During World War II he was in the alternative service program for conscientious objectors, working in mental health institutions. He served as a subject for a groundbreaking University of Minnesota starvation experiment after his retirement, worked with churches on family life programs, created the Charis Counseling Center at Bahia Vista Mennonite Church in Sarasota, Fla., and led disaster recovery efforts at Homestead and Sandford, Fla., for Mennonite Disaster Service. He was a counselor and role model for many. He was a member of St. Matthews Methodist Church in Madison since moving there in 2001.

His love for his wife, Doris, and his family, especially his grandchildren, was a source of great strength for all. He authored an autobiography and compilation of the Glick family history. He loved baking, gardening and travel.

Survivors include his wife, Doris; four children, Ron and his wife, Mary, Christina Glick and her husband, Edward Guillot Jr., Priscilla Clark, and Byron and his wife, Michelle; a brother, Leon; two sisters, Grace Glick and Carol Kaufman; and eight grandchildren.

Memorial services were held at St. Matthews Methodist Church. Burial was in Walnut Creek Mennonite Church Cemetery.