Michael Jenike

Michael Andrew Jenike, 78, of Hampton Falls, NH died after a long battle with lymphoma, surrounded by loving family and friends. Michael was known for being passionate and generous with a wild spirit that was not afraid to push the boundaries for the betterment of others. He was athletic and loved being outdoors, especially hiking and boating. He had a lifelong love of airplanes and flying. He played basketball whenever he could and was an avid Celtics fan. He could eat a 3 pound lobster at every meal if given the opportunity.

Michael was born on May 8, 1945 in Edinburgh, Scotland to Andrew Jenike and Una (Gibbs) Jenike. Michael lived in England before immigrating with his family to Canada and then to Utah until he moved to Winchester with his family so that his father could begin his engineering business. Michael was a fearless child and liked to challenge his parents. Michael completed his undergraduate work at Tufts University and graduate work at the University of Massachusetts at Amherst. Michael then served in the U.S. Air Force from 1969-1973. He was decorated with the Distinguished Flying Cross, Three Air Medals, Vietnamese Cross of Gallantry, and Unit Citation. Michael received his medical education at the University of Oklahoma and completed his residency and fellowship in psychiatry at Massachusetts General Hospital.

Michael dedicated his professional life to the study and treatment of obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). Michael was a Professor at Harvard Medical School and he founded the Center for OCD and Related Disorders at Massachusetts General Hospital as well as the Obsessive Compulsive Disorder Institute (OCDI) at McLean Hospital. As a co-founder of the Obsessive Compulsive Foundation (now the International OCD Foundation), his contributions were instrumental in the advancement of OCD knowledge, treatment, and support networks and his legacy lives on in the countless individuals who benefitted from his work over several decades. He was a compassionate, hard-working, and brilliant clinician who touched the lives of so many.

Michael is survived by his three children, Lisa, Eric, and Sara and four grandchildren, Charlotte, Skyler, Aiden, and Kinsley, as well as his brother, Ian.

Details for a memorial service will be forthcoming. A private service for family is planned.

In recognition of Michael’s profound professional contributions to OCD, the IOCDF has established the Michael Jenike Young Investigator Award. This ensures that his name will forever be associated with cutting edge research in this field. Contributions in Michael’s honor can be made to this fund, visit iocdf.org/donate-research