Bernard Spilka (1926‑2025) – A Legacy of Rigor in Psychology

Bernard Spilka, a pioneering psychologist whose career spanned over five decades, passed away on May 23, 2025 in Denver. His life story is a testament to disciplined inquiry and unwavering commitment to scientific precision.

Early Life & Military Service

• Born: August 12, 1926 in New York City
• Military Service: Served in the Army Air Force Medical Corps after World War II

Academic Foundations

Career Highlights

• 1953: While at the U.S. Air Force Human Resources Research Center’s Combat Crew Laboratory in Texas, Spilka met and married Ellen Scharlack.
• Held leadership positions across numerous psychological associations, consistently championing rigorous methodology and critiquing vague theories.
• 1985: Co‑authored a seminal text on the revival of the psychology of religion with Ralph W. Hood Jr. and Richard L. Gorsuch. The work remains in print, updated by successive authors.

Legacy

Spilka’s insistence on clarity and evidence set a high standard for research, earning him respect among peers. His life's work continues to influence contemporary psychology, underscoring the importance of precise thinking and disciplined inquiry in understanding human behavior.