Charles Epstein, biochemist, 'humanist'

Being a victim of an insane bomber is not the best way to gain recognition in your field.

Fortunately for Charles J. Epstein, his fame did not depend on that tragic moment in 1993 when he was badly injured by a mail bomb sent by Ted Kaczynski, the notorious "Unabomber," who admitted mailing as many as 15 bombs in a crusade against modern technology, killing three men and injuring 29.

Epstein, who was then professor of biochemistry and pediatrics at the University of California, San Francisco, suffered internal injuries, loss of several fingers and partial loss of hearing. Kaczynski is serving life in prison.

Charles Epstein, who was born and raised in Philadelphia, a leading researcher in the field of human and medical genetics, died Tuesday of pancreatic cancer. He was 77 and lived in Tiburon, Calif.

He is best known for his contributions to the field of Down syndrome research. Working with his wife, Lois Epstein, an expert on interferon, his research led to huge advancements in the world's understanding of Down syndrome and work toward treatments for the affliction.

He was born in Philadelphia to Jacob C. Epstein and the former Frieda Savaransky, Jewish immigrants from the Ukraine. He graduated from Central High School, where he excelled in academics, track and field, and also played the cello.

Charles went on to Harvard, where he met his wife, the former Lois Barth, on the steps of Radcliffe's Barnard Hall on a blind date in February 1952. They were married in 1956.

He was a man of deep sensitivity. When asked by the parents of a child with Down syndrome what they should do with their new baby, he told them, "Love your child. Treat him or her as normally as possible and as a cherished member of the family. Do the best you can and try to take each day as it comes."

"He was a humanist who believed in the value of each and every human being," his family said.

His last academic post was as director of UCSF's human-genetics program. He was named professor emeritus in 2005.

Charles played the cello in several orchestras, and he and his wife became experts in dollhouse construction. They created a large number of intricate and fully decorated structures, which they gave to their grandchildren and other family members. He was also known for his collection of musical instruments.

He also is survived by three sons, David, Jonathan and Paul; a daughter, Joanna Epstein; two brothers, Herbert and Edwin; and six grandchildren.

Services: 1 p.m. Sunday at Congregation Kol Shofar, Tiburon, Calif. Burial will be in Mount Tamalpais Cemetery, San Rafael, Calif.

Contributions may be made to: UCSF Foundation, Box 45339, San Francisco, CA, 94145, for the benefit of the Charles and Lois Epstein Visiting Professorship; or the Buck Institute on Age Research, 8001 Redwood Blvd., Novato, CA 94945.