Dr. Joseph H. Treleaven, Born 07/16/1926, Died: 10/08/2018
Joe Treleaven died on October 8, 2018 at age 92 in his home in Salem, Oregon. He was born in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, Canada. Joe had many fond memories of his early childhood living on a farm out in the prairies. In 1949 he married Catherine Connolly and graduated a year later from University of Alberta’s School of Medicine. In 1952 they moved to Topeka Kansas for his Psychiatric Residency at Mennniger’s Clinic. Eventually Joe and Catherine with their 4 children moved to Salem where he took a job with the Oregon State Hospital.
In 1963, Joe was named as the first director of the newly formed Mental Health Division for the State of Oregon. During his tenure he toured the state and expanded Community Mental Health to be a statewide system. He held various positions as a staff psychiatrist at the Oregon State Hospital, becoming a national expert in Forensic Psychiatry. In 1978 he was named State Mental Health Director for a second time, a position he held for eight years. He left a legacy of a commitment to the compassionate care of patients as well as to the open and ethical management of the system of care that influenced a generation of leaders after him.
In 1987, in his proudest accomplishment in a life full of accomplishments, Joe donated a kidney to his daughter, which has allowed her to live a full and active life.
He leaves behind his partner of 48 years, Nina M. Hipperson, as well as his four children, Michael Treleaven, Peter Treleaven (Joan Walsh), Mary Treleaven Gross (Joseph), Patrick Treleaven (Kelly Madden) and two grandchildren, Rachel Roberts (Ben) and Gregory Gross. Joe was preceded in death by his parents, Clarence and Theresa Treleaven and his brother, Robert James Treleaven. Joe was an enormously supportive parent, grandparent and friend. With much love and gratitude we say goodbye and thank you, Joe/Dad/Grandpa.
A service celebrating Joe’s life will be held at Capital Manor’s Auditorium, Salem OR @ 2 pm on Nov 10, 2018. In lieu of flowers the family is requesting that contributions to any of the following charities would be appreciated on Joe’s behalf: OSH Museum of Mental Health; Capital Manor Foundation; Willamette Valley Hospice; Compassionate Choices. Arrangements under the direction of City View Funeral Home, Salem, OR
READ – interview with Joe Treleaven (PDF)