Randolph W. "Dan" Webster died on March 11, 1995 in Okemos, Michigan. He was a member of the faculty in the Department of Health, Physical Education and Recreation at Michigan State University from 1946 until his retirement in 1970. His career was characterized by his concern for philosophical issues in physical education, recreational sports, and leisure activities for senior citizens.

Dr. Webster was born November 18, 1900 in Rushville, Indiana. He received his B.S. degree in physical education from the University of Michigan in 1928, followed by the M.S. in 1930 and the Ph.D. in 1940 from the same institution. He began his professional career as an instructor of Physical Education and Recreation at the University of Michigan in 1929. In 1940, he accepted a position as Director of Graduate Study in Health, Physical Education and Recreation at West Virginia University. He served as Acting Dean of the School of Physical Education at WVU for the 1943-44 school year. Dr. Webster served in the Medical Corps as a Lt. Colonel for two years during World War II.

Dr. Webster joined the MSU faculty in 1946 as Director of Graduate Study in Health, Physical Education, and Recreation, a position he held until 1955. He continued his work as a Professor in the Department until his retirement as Professor Emeritus in 1970. During his career, Dr. Webster published numerous articles and several texts. Among his publications are several editions of Sports for Recreation, which he co-authored (A.S. Barnes, 1937, 1950); Teaching Square Dance (Michigan State University, 1958); and Philosophy of Physical Education (W.C. Brown, 1965), which was later translated and published in Japanese.

During his professional career, Dr. Webster received several honors and awards. He is listed in Who's Who in American Education, Who's Who in the Mid-West, and Who's Who in Phi Epsilon Kappa. He was a fellow in the American College of Sports Medicine and in the American Association for Health, Physical Education and Recreation. He received the Distinguished Service Award from the Michigan Association for Health, Physical Education and Recreation in 1962. He held numerous memberships in professional associations and honor societies.

In his retirement, Dr. Webster remained active in professional and civic activities. He served as Executive Secretary of the Michigan Association for Health, Physical Education and Recreation 1970-1973, and was appointed to Governor William Milliken's Physical Fitness Task Force in 1978 to develop a brochure Stay Active-Enjoy Living for senior citizens Committee and as a member of the Steering Committee of the East Lansing Older Peoples Program from 1970-1989. He was elected President of the MSU Retiree's Club in 1976.

Throughout his career at MSU, Dr. Webster was known as a caring individual and one who practiced what he taught. He was physically active both during his professional career and in his retirement years. His service to his profession lives on in those he taught and influenced.

Graduates of MSU who wish to write to Mrs. Webster should send their correspondence to Leone Webster, P.O. Box 17, Okemos, MI 48805. Former students who would like to honor Dr. Webster with a financial contribution should make their check out to MSU and send their contribution to the Mentor Society, Department of Physical Education and Exercise Science, 138 IM Sports Circle, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI 48824.

Prepared by John L. Haubenstricker