Dr Ellis believed the current institute that bears his name no longer represented his life work and mission. Friends and supporters intend to keep REBT alive and vital, as he created it. He suggested they do this by using his philosophy in their own lives to promote personal peace and happiness and by teaching REBT to other people. He remained dedicated to the principles of liberty, justice and freedom.
Dr Ellis is survived by his wife, Debbie Joffe. He embarked on his third marriage at age 90, surprising many people. He said that after several years of friendship, he wanted to marry Debbie because she was the kindest and most giving woman he had ever met, and also the most dedicated to practicing the principles of REBT. He told his supporters that although he'd had several great love affairs in his long life, he loved Debbie Joffe more than any other woman he had ever lived with or loved before.
Debbie personally cared for her husband continuously during the time of his serious illness, seldom leaving his bedside and making it possible for him to continue teaching, promoting REBT and engaging in work he loved, even when he was bedridden and suffering discomfort.
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Dr Ellis is also survived by several nephews.
A public memorial service will be held at St. Paul's Chapel at Columbia University on Friday, September 28, 2007.
This article was written with the help of Debbie Joffe Ellis. Mr Will Ross and Dr Sanjay Singh also kindly provided information. The REBT website was created at Dr Ellis' request and it is the only official source of information on Dr Ellis, his memorial service, archives and last wishes.
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