Founding master of Wiess College dies at 95

Roy Talmage, a former Rice professor and the founding master of Wiess College, died Nov. 21. He was 95.

ROY TALMAGE

Talmage received his doctorate in endocrinology from Harvard University in 1947 after serving for four years as a bomber pilot in World War II. He came to Rice shortly after his graduation from Harvard and researched calcium-regulating hormones and contributed to pioneering work on osteoporosis.

Talmage developed close, longtime relationships with undergraduates as Wiess College’s first master. After 22 years at Rice, Talmage joined the faculty at the University of North Carolina as director of orthopedic research. He remained there until his retirement in 1984.

Talmage is survived by his wife of 70 years, Helena; three children; 11 grandchildren and 12 great grandchildren.

A memorial service was held Dec. 1 in Longview, Texas. Memorials may be made to the Talmage Scholarship Fund, Rice University, P.O. Box 1892, Houston, TX 77251; or to the music fund of the First Presbyterian Church, Longview, P.O. Box 1006, Longview, TX 75606.