Dr. William "Bill" Bolman was a long time psychiatrist from Hawaii with a special expertise in the field of autism. He was an autism advocate and the co-founder of the Autism Society of Hawaii. Dr. William Bolman passed away on April 18, 2014, leaving a legacy of service to autism. He is survived by his wife Victoria Asayama and daughters Dr. Susan Garrison Bolman and Elizabeth Stinette Bolman. A celebration of life for Dr. William Bolman will be held on May 31, 2014, at the Nuuanu Memorial Park and Mortuary.
Dr. William Bolman will be placed on the Autism Light Memorial Roll today. It is fitting that Dr. William Bolman be added to Autism Light on this first Memorial Day after his recent passing, because he served in the United States Army. During his service he was stationed at Tripler Army Medical Center in Hawaii.
Dr. Ryan Lee, a board member of the Autism Society of Hawaii wrote this announcement about the passing of Dr. Bohlman.
It is with sadness that we share with you the passing away of Dr. William Bolman on April 18th, 2014. Bill was gentle and compassionate with a great sense of humor. He served children and families with autism, and other mental health disorders for over forty years. He touched many of your lives in a positive way. He was the ASH president since 2009, and is one of the founding members.
In the 1970’s, physicians specializing in autism spectrum disorders were scarce in Hawaii. He humbly accepted his role as the local leader in the field. He had a unique passion for advancing health care opportunities, mentoring and education, and exploring novel research avenues, in hope of bettering the lives of children. He was well respected by colleagues from Boston to Hawaii, and served as a consultant to the World Health Organization and National Institutes of Mental Health. He updated himself, almost on a daily basis, in the latest findings in autism research. Bill was a scholar and a strong advocate, especially for those unable to communicate their needs effectively (Dr. Ryan Lee as Quoted on Autism Society of Hawaii Website).
Education: Dr. William Bolman graduated from Harvard College in 1951 and Harvard Medical School in 1955. He completed his residency at Massachusetts Memorial Hospital in Boston and Boston City Hospital.
Experience: According to his obituary, Dr. Bolman "served as a consultant to the World Health Organization and National Institute of Mental Health as well as state health departments and organizations. He also was a teaching fellow at Tufts University and Boston University and served as a professor at the University of Wisconsin and University of Hawaii John A. Burns School of Medicine (Honolulu Star-Advertiser, 4/30/2014)."
Obituary: You may read more information about Dr. Bolman's life in his obituary in the Honolulu Star-Advertiser. Memorial contributions are suggested to be made to the Autism Society of Hawaii.
Special thanks to Dr. William Bolman for making a difference for those with autism in Hawaii. He is being remembered for a giving spirit, and people with autism were often the recepient of his kindness and wisdom. May Dr. William Bolman's legacy inspire others to become psychiatrists in order to help provide needed therapy for the growing number of those with autism in the years to come.
Autism Light honors diverse heroes to the world of autism.
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