James Morgan Read III died May 19 after a long battle with Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS also known as Lou Gehrig’s Disease). He was 63. Surrounded by friends and family, he died at home in Boise where he spent many years as a clinical psychologist in private practice.

 Dr. Read was born in Washington, DC and spent much of his youth in Geneva, Switzerland where his father was a longtime United Nations Diplomat. He was educated at Westtown School (Philadelphia), Earlham College, and the University of Montana.

A conscientious objector during the Vietnam War, Dr. Read completed two years of alternate service with the American Friends Service Committee in Germany. Moving from Montana to Boise in 1981 as Director of Health Promotion at Saint Alphonsus Regional Medical Center, Dr. Read quickly became known as an enthusiastic fitness advocate, and Idaho Statesman columnist, as well as television and radio personality. Boiseans displayed his "Sparkle Awards" in businesses of all kinds after he awarded them for acts of notable cheerfulness and extraordinary service, and he was often seen throughout town on fitness runs, and bike rides - always wearing and celebrating helmets. In 2009 the Idaho Psychological Association awarded him the John Cambareri Award for Excellence in Psychology, recognizing his long career of public service. Married for more than 40 years to the former Heidi Gerdes, he was a model of integrity, service and dedication to his family.

He is survived by his wife Heidi G. Read, son Tobias J. Read and his wife, Heidi Eggert, and daughter Annika M. Read of Beaverton, Ore.; and daughter Hannah K. E. Read of Boise. Dr. Read’s sister Austine Wood Comarow of Las Vegas, Nev., and brother Edward M. Read of Takoma Park, Md., also survive him as do numerous other relatives and lifelong friends.

Dr. Read’s oft repeated favorite quote comes from Swedish Diplomat and United Nations Secretary General Dag Hammerskjold: "Life only demands from you the strength you possess. Only one feat is possible—not to have run away."

A memorial service is being planned for June 20 at 9 a.m. Details available by emailing This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it . Remembrances suggested to the ALS Association of Oregon and Southwest Washington www.alsa-or.org (which also assists Idaho ALS patients).