In Memoriam - Dr. Ronald P. Blank passed away on December 23, 2005.

Dr. Blank was a native of Utica, NY and attended Andrews University in Berrien Springs, MI, completing his pre-dental requirements in two years.

In 1971, he entered the Loma Linda University School of Dentistry and represented the school in the 1974 ADA/DENTSPLY Student Clinician Program in Washington, DC. He earned his dental degree in 1975 and received the Prince Award, the highest honor offered to a graduating senior. Dr. Blank also garnered the Alumni Association Student of the Year Award and was elected to membership in Omicron Kappa Upsilon Honorary Dental Society.
He received the Navy Health Professions Scholarship for dental school and Dr. Blank then served three years of active duty in Norfolk and Virginia Beach, VA and aboard the destroyer USS Puget Sound in the Mediterranean.

Desiring a career in the U.S. Navy, Dr. Blank re-enlisted and served 27 distinguished years, becoming a highly decorated naval officer. He also received several U.S. Navy achievement and commendation medals.

When he retired as a Naval Commander in 1998, he was invited to join the faculty at the Loma Linda University School of Dentistry as Assistant Professor in the Department of Oral Diagnosis, Radiology, and Pathology. He later became Professor and Chairman of the department. His positive impact on both students and faculty was well known.
Dr. Blank was voted Teacher of the Year at Loma Linda for 2002 and also received the Pierre Fauchard Teacher of the Year Award.

On April 11, 2001, he was diagnosed with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), also known as Lou Gehrig's disease. He retired in February 2003 when his health no longer permitted him to continue.

Dr. Blank desired to help others with ALS and established the ALS Foundation of Research and Clinical Evaluation (FORCE).

He is survived by his wife Sandy, their daughter Cariann and son Travis.