Blas Espinoza-Varas

Blas Espinoza-Varas passed away peacefully on Tuesday, August 17, 2021 at the age of 73. Blas was born on November 10, 1947 in Santiago, Chile to his parents Bibian Espinoza Silva and Luisa Varas Faundez. He grew up with two brothers (Bibian, Pablo) and two sisters (Paulina, Ximena). He earned a Masters degree in Experimental Psychology and was selected as a Fulbright-Hays fellow. The latter allowed him to continue his education in the United States in 1973. He earned a Ph.D. in Psychoacoustics at the Washington University Medical Center in 1978. Blas continued his post-doctoral research in New London, CT and McGill University in Montreal, Canada from 1979-1982. He worked as an Assistant Professor at the University of Calgary and Indiana University from 1982-1989.

Blas came to Oklahoma City in 1989 to teach and conduct research as an Associate Professor at the OU Health Sciences John W. Keys Speech and Hearing Center where he worked until he retired in 2020. He was a member of the Acoustical Society of America and the American Speech and Hearing Association. He performed editorial work for multiple scientific journals. He was awarded the Outstanding Junior Faculty Member in Research at the OU Health Sciences Center. Blas had a multitude of scientific publications and abstracts during his career and was awarded numerous grants to help fund his research. To say he was passionate about his work would be an understatement. Those who knew him best admired his work ethic and dedication to research. Even in retirement he remained diligent working to complete publications and projects up until his passing.

Dr. Espinoza-Varas is survived by his son, Dr. Chris Espinoza, his daughter-in-law, Susan Espinoza, and his grandchildren, August and Eeva. He is also survived by a brother, two sisters, and many loving nephews and nieces in Chile. He was known as a caring grandfather, father, uncle, and brother. Blas loved classical music, asking questions, and giving answers. He often said when life gives you a difficult problem it is important to always keep searching for a solution. He loved his work and he deeply cherished his family, which provided him so much joy throughout his life.

A memorial reception for Blas will be held Friday, September 10, 2021 from 4:00 PM to 6:00 PM at Hahn-Cook/Street & Draper Courtyard, 6600 Broadway Extension, Oklahoma City, OK 73116.