RICHMOND, Mass. — Dr. Deane J. Zarvis, 74, of Richmond died Thursday, December 27, 2018, at Baystate Medical Center in Springfield after a brief illness.



Dr. Zarvis was born in Adams, Mass., on June 1, 1944, to the late James H. and Lillian F. Zarvis. He attended Pittsfield High School and was a 1962 graduate. After high school, Deane attended the University of Massachusetts and Antioch College, where he obtained his Phd in forensic psychology. He also served in the Army Reserves during the Vietnam War. Dr. Zarvis worked for many years as a forensic psychologist at the Pittsfield District Court.



Deane was married to Rebecca Fiske, a professor at Bard College at Simon's Rock for 36 years. She predeceased him on January 3, 2018.



Deane was a renaissance man with many talents and interests. From designing and building his own homes, tapping maple trees on his property or tying his own fishing flies, Deane had a strong sense of self-reliance. He played both the piano and guitar and instilled a love of music in his children and grandchildren. Family gatherings were certain to end with a musical performance of Man of La Mancha. He also enjoyed fishing the many local spots in the Berkshires and beyond.



Deane was a prolific reader of classic literature and his ferocious intellect and keenly attuned empathy brought the best out of others. He traveled extensively across the U.S. and Europe. He was a long-time member of a local tennis league and loved the sport. One of his favorite trips was attending the U.S. Open every year. His greatest joy was spending time with his family and cooking delicious mediterranean food to share with them.



Dr. Zarvis is survived by his children, James C. H. Zarvis and his wife Jamie A. Zarvis of Easthampton, Alexander B. Zarvis of Hinsdale, William N. Zarvis of Pittsfield and Rachael L. Zarvis of Richmond; his sister, Christine Adams and her husband Jeffrey Rabidoux of Pittsfield; his grandchildren Kostis J. M. Zarvis and Lukas A. Zarvis; his nephew Jesse Adams; and his niece Jane Mercier.



Funeral notice: A celebration of life for Dr. Deane Zarvis will be held on Sunday, January 6, 2019, from 2 to 5 p.m. at Gateways Inn, 51 Walker St. Lenox, Mass. In lieu of flowers, charitable donations in Deane's memory may be made to MassAudobon.