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Herbert H. Cornish Ypsilanti, MI Age 86, died Friday, April 25, 2003 at his home in Ypsilanti. He was born on September 22, 1916 in Fremont, OH, the son of Percy and Audrey (Harland) Cornish. On June 20 1943, he married Grace Heater in Toledo, OH. He received undergraduate degrees in science and education from Bowling Green State University, Bowling Green, OH. Mr. Cornish served as a Master Sergeant in the U.S. Army from 1941-45. In 1956, Dr. Cornish received his Ph.D. in Biochemistry from the University of Michigan. He then began his 29 years as a professor in the School of Public Health at the University of Michigan. He retired as Professor Emeritus in 1984 and continued to publish and consult in his field. Dr. Cornish had a deep interest in education and a particular dedication to students. He taught the first course in industrial toxicology and was responsible for the development of the Toxicology Program at the University of Michigan. Under his leadership, the Program evolved into one of the most respected in the country. He was named “Educator of the Year” in 1980 by the Society of Toxicology, of which he was a charter member. He was a member of the National Association of Watch and Clock Collectors, an officer for the Fan Association of North America, an Elder of the First Presbyterian Church of Ypsilanti, Past President of the Ypsilanti Historical Society and a Boy Scout Leader for Troop 241 for many years. He was dedicated to his family and grandchildren. His gentle manner and sense of humor will be remembered by all who knew him. He is survived by his wife of almost 60 years, Grace Cornish; children Robert E. (Linda) Cornish, William J. (Barbara) Cornish, Carolyn C. (John) Weins and Barbara G. (Michael) Timm; eleven grandchildren, Glenn (Jennifer), Anthony, Nicholas and Elizabeth Cornish, Kristina, Stephen and Kelsey Weins, Marie, John, Breanne and Mark Timm; one great-grandchild Aiden Cornish as well as many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by a brother, Percy Cornish, and a sister, Audrey Macielewicz. There will be a memorial service on Thursday, May 1, 2003 at 4pm at the First Presbyterian Church of Ypsilanti, 300 N. Washington Street, Ypsilanti with Pastor Keith Geiselman officiating. Memorial contributions may be made to the church. Arrangements by Janowiak Funeral Home.
Grad School Barbeques As I'm sure you now, Dr. Cornish was a Professor of Toxicology at the University of Michigan. His teaching responsibilities included advising numerous graduate students, most of whom had multiple "Lab projects". The "projects" often involved testing the effects of various substances/toxics on laboratory rabbits. At the end of the school-year, Dr. Cornish would invite his students to a barbeque at his home. Lots of the "local kids" (myself included) would "work" at the barbecue - cooking, serving, cleaning... (well, maybe we just goofed-off). The first year I "worked" at these barbeques I was frequently asked, "What was the barbecue?" Everyone liked it but no could identify the meat. When I bumped-into Dr. Cornish I "forwarded" the question. With a twinkle and a grin, he told me it was rabbit... "from the toxicology labs". Happy to be informed, I continued serving the barbeque. A few minutes later, while serving a hungry group of grad students, the ubiquitous question arose. I proudly told them that it was "rabbit from the labs" and got the strangest response -everyone stopped eating! Even stranger, the students who were reaching for more rabbit suddenly "pulled away". I figured they decided to save room for Mrs. Cornishes deserts (they were always great) and continued my rounds. This scenario repeated itself 2 or 3 times during the afternoon... and I never caught on. Finally, Dr. Cornish found me and said, "Bob, by the way, you might want to let them know the rabbits are from the control group."
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