"It is with a heavy heart that I share the news of the sudden passing of our friend and colleague, APTA Board Member Dave Pariser, PT, PhD," says APTA President Paul A. Rockar Jr, PT, DPT, MS, in a statement released this morning. "Dave was an outstanding gentleman and professional whose friendship, devoted service, and leadership we will sorely miss."

A member of APTA since 1981, Pariser served in various capacities within APTA and the Kentucky and Louisiana chapters, including on APTA's Nominating Committee, as Louisiana Chapter president, and as chair of the legislative committees for both the Louisiana and Kentucky chapters. Most recently, he was elected in June 2011 by APTA's House of Delegates to serve on the Board of Directors. Pariser received numerous awards in recognition of his service, including the Dave Warner Award for Distinguished Service (Physical Therapist of the Year) from the Louisiana Chapter (2001) and induction into the chapter's “Hall of Fame” in 2006 for career achievement. 

Read Rockar's full statement on APTA's website.    

APTA has created a tribute page for members of the physical therapy community and others to share their memories about Pariser.