Larry Edward Beutler Obituary (2024)

Larry Edward Beutler, aged 83, passed away peacefully surrounded by his family at his home in El Dorado Hills, California, on November 21, 2024, after a short but courageous battle with cancer. He was born on February 14, 1941 in Logan, Utah, and raised in Idaho Falls, Idaho. He is survived by his loving wife, Jamie Beutler of El Dorado Hills, Ca; Jana Beutler LaFreniere (Keith) of Scottsdale, AZ; Kelly Beutler Wells of Boise, ID; Ian David Beutler (Ryane) of Philadelphia PA; and Gail Beutler Crawford (Daryn) of Albuquerque, NM. Larry was also a proud grandfather to four grandchildren, Spencer Crawford, Parker Crawford, Samantha Wells and Zachary Wells. His family and animals were a great source of pride and joy in his life. Larry was an esteemed member of the academic community. He had a long and distinguished career as a research psychologist, professor, and mentor, influencing thousands of students and leaving a lasting impact in the field of clinical psychology. He received his Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology from the University of Nebraska and subsequently served on the faculties of Duke University Medical Center, Stephen F. Austin State University, Baylor College of Medicine, the University of Arizona Health Sciences Center, the University of California at Santa Barbara, and Palo Alto University (Pacific Graduate School of Psychology). He was a Distinguished Professor Emeritus of Psychology at the University of California. He was a recipient of the Distinguished Career award from Society for Psychotherapy Research (SPR) and received a Presidential citation for achievement from the American Psychological Association (APA). He published over 40 scholarly articles and chapters and was the author or co-author of 27 books on psychotherapy, assessment, and psychopathology. One of his most significant contributions includes the development of the Systematic Treatment Selection (STS) model, an empirically-based set of philosophical principles to guide therapists in planning therapeutic interventions with clients. He had a lifelong love of horses and animals and was an avid horseman throughout adulthood. He applied his knowledge of psychology to social issues, pioneering a program to promote healing through equine therapy for survivors of domestic abuse, and serving as the past Director of the National Center for the Psychology of Terrorism. Beyond his professional accomplishments, his greatest success is the legacy of love and compassion that he leaves behind. His children remember him as a proud and loving father with a wicked sense of humor who always knew when to give advice, hold advice, listen, or provide support. He will be greatly missed by all those who loved him, knew him, and are better because of him. We love you, dad. A Celebration of Life is planned for the spring for colleagues, friends, and extended family. To be notified when plans are finalized, please complete the following form: https://forms.office.com/g/5cscenWuqX In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made in Larry’s name to “Return to Freedom – Wild Horse Conservation” at returntofreedom.org.