Environmental health expert Gareth M. Green '53, associate dean for professional education in the School of Public Health emeritus (SPH), died last Saturday after a battle with cancer. He was 67.

Green, who was also professor of environmental health emeritus in the SPH, was remembered warmly by friends and colleagues as a man who worked and played with intensity and decency. His funeral took place on Wednesday.

Perhaps Green's greatest discovery was a white cell that defends the lungs against environmental agents. The discovery has spawned a host of studies that continue at SPH.

"His interest was the defense mechanisms that the respiratory system has in response to the whole range of agents and infections it is exposed to," said Douglas W. Dockery, a colleague who is associate professor of environmental epidemiology in the SPH.

Green was also very involved in educating students, overseeing the SPH's Master of Public Health Program and leading the office for continuing education.

Before coming to Harvard in 1990, Green served as chief of the Pulmonary Unit of Boston City Hospital. He also held faculty positions at the University of Vermont and Johns Hopkins University.

Though he continued to research at Harvard, he spent most of his time in the past few years as an administrator, said Director of Professional Training Roberta Gianfortoni.

He also was active on numerous committees, including one that issued the first report on the Persian Gulf War syndrome. Green left his position at the SPH in June.

"He was wonderful to work with. He had infinite respect for everyone at every level. He treated everyone with courtesy and decency. He had a subtle sense of humor," Gianfortoni said.

Green had a long connection with Harvard, graduating cum laude from the college and receiving his M.D. from Harvard in 1957. He also received a certificate in health systems management from the Business School in 1976.

In his private life, Green downhill skied, scuba-dived, sailed and traveled, said his wife, Joanna. As an undergraduate, Green played the flute in the Harvard band.

"We had wonderful adventures," Mrs. Green said. "He lived life to the fullest. Whenever he went to Europe or any foreign place he always saw everything."

Mrs. Green said she knew Green since they werechildren and lived across the street from oneanother.

Green is survived by his wife, three children,six grandchildren, three brothers, five sistersand his mother.

Condolences can be sent to his wife at 20Chapel St., Apt. 509A, Brookline, MA, 02146