Richard "Rik" E. Musty

Dr. Richard "Rik" Edward Musty, age 72, of Wacouta Beach, Minnesota, died Sunday, July 26, 2015 at his home. He was born on August 27, 1942 in Red Wing to Hubert and Janette (Lidberg) Musty. He graduated from Red Wing High School. He received his B.A. from Carleton College in 1964 went on to receive his Ph.D. from McGill University in Montreal in 1968. Rik had a prestigious 37 year career on the faculty in the Department of Psychology at the University of Vermont as professor, researcher, member of numerous boards and committees and, from 1975-87, chairman of the department. He was a mentor for 31 Master's theses and doctoral dissertations, supported many scholarships, authored over 100 scholarly publications, was an advisor for scientific studies, and served as a visiting professor and researcher at the University of Minnesota, University of Arizona, and the Escola Paulista de Medicina in Sao Paulo, Brazil. He was a founding member of the International Cannabinoid Research Society and he received honors for his research on cannabinoids for therapeutic applications.
He was active in the community as a member of Burlington's City Council from 1983-87. He directed project Giant Step, deinstitutionalizing over 30 people with developmental disabilities from Brandon Training School in Vermont. He retired in 2006 and moved back to Minnesota. Rik remained busy in retirement with his continuing research, boating, and enjoying life in Wacouta by Lake Pepin.
Rik is survived by his wife, Diane; sons, Andrew of Tampa, Florida and James of Burlington, Vermont; brother, Timothy Musty and his wife Marlene of Tuscon, Arizona; former wife Sherrill Musty of Burlington, Vermont; and numerous relatives and friends.
He was preceded in death by his parents.
A private family service will be held Saturday, August 1 in Red Wing and, at a later date to be announced, a memorial service in Burlington. Arrangements are by Mahn Family Funeral Home, Bodelson-Mahn Chapel. Online condolences may be shared at www.mahnfamilyfuneralhome.com. In lieu of flowers, donations in Rik's name may be made to Carlton College, Gift Accounting, One North College Street, Northfield, MN. 55057.