Leo W Rotan

Dr. Leo Rotan died peacefully at home in Tallahassee on Friday, January 21, 2011, after a long battle with cancer. He was 69. His wish is to invite family and friends to a memorial and Celebration of Life service at 2 p.m. on Saturday, January 29, 2011 at Mission San Luis. A private family service was held earlier this week and was led by his long time friend, Leonard Derden of Houston. Dr. Rotan was born in San Antonio, Texas and reared in Port Arthur, Texas. His parents were the late Marion Henry Rotan and Camille Price Rotan. He attained his master's level in philosophy and theology from St. Mary's Seminary in Houston, Texas; received his M.S.W. from Tulane University in New Orleans, and his Ph.D. in psychology from Florida State University. For 28 years he was on the faculty of the Family Medicine Residency, Tallahassee Memorial HealthCare, where he was Director of Behavioral Medicine. He also taught clinical courses at Florida State University School of Social Work, and had a private practice in psychotherapy/marriage therapy with his wife, Gloria. The priorities in his life were his marriage, family, friends and a deep spirituality. He had a passion for teaching, and also for doing therapy with his patients and clients. He used his tolerance, love and mischievous sense of humor in all pursuits. To be his close friend was to know profound acceptance, abundant laughter and deep affection. He is survived by his wife, Dr. Gloria Henker Rotan; his second mother, Virginia Cassady Henker of Little Rock, Arkansas; cousins in Louisiana, Port Arthur and Houston, Texas, and a circle of friends he considers family. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Big Bend Hospice, to any cancer organization, or to Heifer International Foundation. Thanks to Big Bend Hospice for their wonderful care. Online condolences may be made at www.abbeyfh.com.