In Memoriam | Winter 2025
We are honored to pay tribute to the members of our Pacific University family who have recently died. Each print edition of Pacific magazine includes a list of alumni and employees who we have recently lost (or whose death we have recently learned of). Additionally, we publish submitted obituaries for these individuals online quarterly. The following are the obituaries submitted between the Fall 2024 and Winter 2025 print issues of Pacific magazine. They are listed in order of the alumnus' first Pacific class year.
Friends | 1943 | 1944 | 1947 | 1948 | 1949 | 1950 | 1951 | 1952 | 1953 | 1954 | 1955 | 1957 | 1958 | 1959 | 1960 | 1961 | 1962 | 1963 | 1964 | 1965 | 1966 | 1967 | 1968 | 1969 | 1970 | 1971 | 1972 | 1973 | 1974 | 1975 | 1976 | 1979 | 1980 | 1981 | 1982 | 1983 | 1984 | 1985 | 1987 | 1989 | 1990 | 1993 | 1998 | 1999 | 2001 | 2006 | 2009 | 2010 | 2011 | 2013 | 2014 | 2015 | 2017 | 2023
If you would like to submit an obituary for future publication, please send it to classnotes@pacificu.edu. There is no cost to publish an obituary with Pacific magazine. Submissions may be lightly edited for clarity and style.
The Pacific University Alumni Association also hosts a quarterly Remembrance Ceremony to honor alumni and friends who have recently died. The names of alumni and other members of the university community who have died are inscribed in a Book of Remembrances, which is displayed in Old College Hall. During the ceremony, the bell in Old College Hall is rung to signify the passing of each individual. Find the next upcoming Remembrance Ceremony.
Friends
Charlie Arvidson
Charlie Arvidson, former faculty member, passed away on Sept. 13, 2024, at age 80.
Ed Collier
Ed Collier, former faculty member, died June 27, 2024, at age 82.
He earned degrees in theater from Lewis & Clark College and Portland State University, and also studied at the University of Washington and the University of Oregon.
He was a proud member of the Screen Actors Guild-American Federation of Television and Radio Artists for 56 years. Ed began his public performing career singing on Seattle TV in the eighth grade. He sang in choirs, bands and combos in high school and college, and played piano, bass and guitar.
Ed began acting at Lewis & Clark College, and he played the lead on their USO tour to East Asia the fall after graduation. He was a screenwriter at Boeing, and also sang in Seattle rock bands.
During graduate school, Ed performed with the American Theater Co., the first professional theater in Oregon, in residence at Portland State, and he was a member of the first Portland State season at the Coaster Theatre in Cannon Beach.
Ed taught theater at Clatsop Community College for several years, and was director of theater at Pacific University for 25 years, where he directed over 75 productions. He also taught film and acting at Portland State, and directed plays there, and at several theater companies in Portland, Seattle and Vancouver, B.C. Over the years, Ed appeared in film, television and on stage, and he was the spokesman for the G.I Joe’s stores for 18 years.
Ed is survived by his wife, Sarah; children Jenn, Mitch and Ann and their spouses; his seven grandchildren; and his dog, Charles.
Phil Creighton
Phillip (Phil) Creighton passed away on Sept. 16, 2024, at age 79. He attended the United States Air Force Academy before transferring to Tarkio College in Missouri, where he earned his bachelor's degree in 1966. He received a master's degree from Colorado State University in 1970, and his doctorate in biology from CSU in 1974. After a teaching career at Towson State University in Maryland, he assumed the role of Provost and Vice President of academic affairs at Salisbury State University, also, in Maryland. He became President at Eastern Oregon University in LaGrande, Ore. from 1999-2003.
President Emeritus, he served as President of Pacific University from 2003-2009. Under his leadership, six new buildings were erected to transform the campus. A new Athletic Complex opened in 2008, becoming the home to Football, Baseball, Softball, Soccer, Lacrosse, and Track and Field, energizing team sports for the Pacific Boxers and the community. Creighton's legacy of his tenure is in Pacific's Hillsboro campus, which includes health professions graduate programs in partnership with OHSU Medical Center, in Portland, Oregon. This building opened in 2006 and, upon his retirement, was named Creighton Hall.
Upon retirement, Phil and his wife Leigh split time between homes in Arizona and Colorado. Together, Phil and Leigh, both avid birders, spent many retirement hours traveling the United States searching for species to check off on their Life List.
Phil is survived by his wife, Leigh; his daughter, Natalie; his son, David; his brother, Douglas; his sister, Sally; four grandchildren; and two great-grandchildren.
Jack Driscoll
Jack Driscoll, longtime faculty member, died on June 25, 2024, at age 78.
Driscoll joined the Pacific MFA faculty in 2006. The author of four books of poems, three collections of short stories and four novels, he won numerous awards for his literary work. His novel, Lucky Man, Lucky Woman, received the 1998 Pushcart Editors’ Book Award, the Barnes and Noble Discovery of Great New Writers Award and the 1999 Independent Book Publishers Award for Fiction.
His final book, Twenty Stories, a collection of new and selected works, was published by Pushcart in late 2022 and won the Pushcart Editors’ Book Award. He was also a two-time recipient of the National Endowment for the Arts Creative Writing Fellowship.
Prior to joining the Pacific MFA faculty, Driscoll founded the creative writing program at the Interlochen Arts Academy in Michigan. He led the program from 1975 until his retirement in 2008 and continued to serve the program as an artist-in-residence.
Driscoll was preceded in death by his wife, Lois, in 2021. He is survived by his daughter, Cate; twin brother Toby Driscoll; sisters Gail Deliso, Maura Driscoll Ditmar and Bean Driscoll; two grandchildren; and many nieces, nephews and friends.
George Hoyt
George Hoyt, former employee, died April 3, 2024, at age 87.
Roger Nibler
Roger Nibler, former faculty member, died March 6, 2024, at age 83. Roger graduated from Corvallis High School. He received a BS in food science and technology in 1963 and MBA in 1968 from Oregon State University. After receiving his MBA he taught management at Oregon State University for two years. He taught management at and received his doctorate in business administration from the University of Oklahoma in 1974. From 1974 to 1990 he taught management at Pacific Lutheran University and then at Portland State University. During this time he also maintained a consulting practice advising large to small businesses, conducting management seminars, and serving as a senior systems analyst. From 1990-2000 he taught management at Lingnan University in Hong Kong and continued his management consulting practice in Hong Kong and China. He returned to Portland in 2000 where he taught in the supply and logistics management program at Portland State University until his retirement in 2013. During his academic career Roger published in the area of cross-cultural social psychology as well as operations management. From 2008-2009 he served as the principal of an international school in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam.
Roger maintained an active life, liked to stay physically fit, and enjoyed hiking. He traveled extensively in numerous countries in Asia and Europe. He was a volunteer tour guide for Hoyt Arboretum during the summer from 1987 until 2018.
Roger is survived by his sister; his son; his daughter; and three grandchildren.
Jodi Paar
Jodi Paar, former faculty member, died May 5, 2013, at age 44. She earned a bachelor of science degree from the University of Nebraska, a master’s degree in biochemistry and community college education from the University of Arizona in Flagstaff, and a PhD in biochemistry, cell and molecular biology from Cornell University in Ithaca, N.Y. She taught biochemistry in the School of Optometry for seven years at Pacific University in Portland, Ore. before teaching at various medical schools in the Caribbean. Jodi took pride in everything she did. She labored endlessly, devising ways to make the medical school curriculum meaningful to her students. In her free time she enjoyed hiking, kayaking and camping. Jodi was a free spirit who gave generously of herself to all she met.
She was preceded in death by her grandparents, Bill and Rita Hartman.
Jodi is survived by her mother, Sue (and John) Walsh; her father, Bill (and Laura) Paar; grandparents Bill and Marilyn Paar; aunts and uncles Deb (and Leonard) Ambrosy, Bill (and Peggy) Hartman, Jeff (and Patty) Paar, and Karen Gard.
George Papageorgiou
George Papageorgiou, former coach at Pacific, died May 18, 2024, at age 67. He was a graduate of the University of Washington, where he played fullback under head coach Don James and participated in the 1978 Rose Bowl. George began his coaching career as a graduate assistant with the Huskies. His early coaching roles included assistant positions at the College of Eastern Utah, Lewis and Clark College, and Portland State University, where he earned a master’s in health education in 1987. In 1988, George joined the staff at Pacific University, later coaching at Willamette University and Bethel College in Kansas, where he was named Kansas Collegiate Athletic Conference Coach of the Year in 1996.
In 2000, George found a lasting home at Benedictine College in Atchison, Kan., where he became Assistant Head Football Coach. His tenure was marked by numerous Heart of America Athletic Conference championships, multiple NAIA national playoff appearances, and a trip to the 2018 NAIA National Championship game. Recognized for his excellence, he earned titles such as Heart of America North Assistant Coach of the Year in 2018 and NAIA Assistant Football Coach of the Year in 2022. He was celebrated by the American Football Coaches Association (AFCA) for 35 years of impactful leadership.
George’s legacy goes far beyond accolades. A player’s coach, he was dedicated to developing young men into their best selves on and off the field. Known for his keen recruiting eye, he championed overlooked talent and helped countless players, including those from disadvantaged backgrounds, achieve success.
He is survived by his wife, Michelle (Duskin) Papageorgiou; daughters Alyssa Papageorgiou, Nicole Papageorgiou, Lauren Papageorgiou and Mikaela Papageorgiou; and sisters Marina Landis (and Sky, Michael, and Mitchell Landis) and Nicole Papageorgiou (and Mark Todd).
John Ritchie
John Ritchie, former Board member, died June 14, 2023, at age 80. John had a lifelong connection to the railroad industry through his family, including his father’s work as chief mechanical officer for the Great Northern Railroad. After moving to Vancouver, Wash., in 1957, John graduated from Hudson’s Bay High School in 1960 and Yankton College in 1965, where he later served on the college board and sponsored nine students with scholarships. A staunch advocate of liberal arts education, John cherished the friendships he maintained from his school days.
John’s professional career spanned decades as an institutional salesman at firms like Birr Wilson, Paine Webber, Prudential Securities, and Morgan Stanley, where he earned recognition on their Chairman’s Council. In 2012, he founded Great Northern Asset Management, a role he found most fulfilling until his retirement in 2022. Along the way, he cultivated a love of wine in the 1980s, traveling to Burgundy, Alsace, Oregon, and Washington, making vintner friends and hosting countless events with his extensive wine cellar. His passion for trains led to collaborations on successful fundraisers combining wine and railroad travel, often using corporate cars from his railroad industry connections. He was previously married to Bonnie Broullard and Mavis Lindeman.
John married Marilyn "Willy" Grimm in 1984, reconnecting with her after high school. Together, they entertained guests, fostered community, and shared their interests in wine, travel, and philanthropy. John’s love of trains extended to his participation in numerous railroad-related organizations and events, including the Barriger National Railroad Library and the Oregon Symphony Steam Tour. His dedication to community and culture was reflected in his involvement with boards and organizations including Pacific University, as well as Metropolitan Family Services Wine Auction, Museum of Glass, Yankton College, SW Washington Hospital Services, Confederated Tribes of Warm Springs Oregon and Portland Symphony.
He was preceded in death by his sister, "Joie" Thompson.
He is survived by his wife, "Willy"; nieces and nephews; Dena Tanguay (one of his adopted recruits); helpers Inessa Yadlovsky and Karen De La Torre; and his many, many restaurant friends.
Richard Septon OD '60
Richard Septon OD ‘60, former faculty member, died July 23, 2024, at age 90. Richard attended Concordia College in Moorhead, Minnesota, having graduated with the class of 1956. He then attended Pacific University, receiving his doctor of optometry degree in 1960. He then attended Indiana University in Bloomington, Ind., having received his postdoctoral master of science degree in physiological optics. He was united in marriage to Jennifer Anne (Temple) Picard in 1983.
Septon served as a Professor of Optometry at Pacific University for 37 years, retiring in 1997. He was a member of the American Optometric Association and was a C-400 Concordia College Supporter.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Einar and Helma Septon; his sister, Avis Monson; his sister-in-law, Claudia Nickloff; and his niece, Kathleen Monson.
He is survived by his wife, Jennifer; his stepdaughter, Wendy; his two step-granddaughters, Kambria and Maggie; his nephew, Robert; nieces Marybeth Setyono, Sharon and Patricia; and his seven grandnieces and nephews, John, Michael, Amanda, Maya, Ian, Johanna and Madelein.
Patrice Spath
Patrice Spath, former Pacific instructor, died Oct. 10, 2023, at age 73. In 1968 Patrice married Robert Kreiter. In 1970 she married Ralph Spath. Patrice began attending PCC to further her education in medical records administration. She graduated in 1973 and began working at Meridian Park Hospital until 1990. She began college at Marylhurst for her bachelor's degree and graduated in 1982, continuing her rise as a Quality Assurance professional. Bob and Patrice met later in 1981 and married in 1983; during their early days together they created Brown Spath 1 and Associates, a publishing company which consisted of Bob, Patrice, and the children.
Patrice retired from Meridian Park Hospital as Quality and Resource Manager in 1990. Brown Spath and Associates thrived as an independent publisher with Patrice authoring dozens of Healthcare Administration & Risk Management books and manuals.
Patrice and Bob moved to Forest Grove in 1993 into the Historic Cornelius House built in 1874. Later she again went back to school and received her Master's degree in 2011 and began teaching college level courses at Pacific University.
As she was retiring from teaching, she found the time to volunteer at Tuality Hospital and even served on the patient advocate board.
Patrice was preceded in death by her parents and older sister Ona Lee.
She is survived by her aunt, Jondel Hamness; sister Margi Morgan; sister Bobbi Lemme; son Gordon Spath; son Paul Spath; daughter Karen Fine; stepsons Robert O. Brown III, Max Brown, and stepdaughter Cynde Schiewe; grandchildren Gary Young, Jacob Young, Nathan Fine, Edward Fine, Robert O Brown IV, Margaret Wilson, and Maxine Montgomery; and great-grandchildren Gracie Young, Ryan Young, Addison Young, and Frances Wilson.
Thomas Tomjack
Thomas "TJ" Tomjack, friend of Pacific, passed Dec. 1, 2023, at age 81. He was a graduate of the University of Notre Dame, where he played as center on its first rugby team. He excelled as a CPA, futures broker, CFO, CEO, and board member for numerous organizations. Joining North Pacific Group in 1985, he rose to CEO and chairman before retiring. He made significant contributions to the wood products industry including serving as a board member and chairman of the North American Wholesale Lumber Association (NAWLA) from 1989 to 2005, earning the 2007 NAWLA Mulrooney Award. He also served on the boards of the American Forest and Paper Association and American Wood Council and was a trustee for Pacific University and a Regent for the University of Portland. He was also vice chairman of the board of Capital Pacific Bank, chairman of Vehrs, Inc., and on the board of Acme Manufacturing.
Tom and his wife, Mary, had three daughters, and together shared countless adventures, including skiing, boating, fishing, hunting, golfing, and sports games. He competed in Hood to Coast and Seattle to Portland races and loved creating memories through travel, Sunday drives, and “granddad pancakes” breakfasts. His passions extended to bird hunting, cribbage, and storytelling at the ranch he co-owned in central Oregon, as well as exploring the Northwest as a member of the Bend Porsche Club.
He was preceded in death by his father, Joe Tomjack; his mother, Lillian Tomjack; brother, Ben Tomjack; and his granddaughter, Megan Rose Thomas.
He is survived by his wife, Mary, and his faithful dog, Gabi; his three daughters, Betsy Kersey (and Don), Missy Pohjola (and Don), and Cari Thomas; his six grandchildren, Hannah Atacador (and Mario), Michael Thomas, Sarah Kersey, Hayden Kersey, Wil Kersey and Jack Thomas; sister Nancy Polnoff; and his sister-in-law, Donna Tomjack. Special thanks to his caregivers Kim and Marge who watched many football and basketball games with him and made his last months brighter.
Patricia White
Patricia White, former faculty member, died June 12, 2024, at age 92. Patricia was a lifelong resident of Forest Grove, Ore. She graduated from Forest Grove High School in 1949, where she was crowned Homecoming Queen. She married Robert Wellington White on July 23, 1949.
A dedicated homemaker, Patricia encouraged her children to pursue education, arts, and sports while working as a “field boss” in her uncle’s strawberry patches and later as an Avon sales representative. She also contributed to her community through her long tenure in the admissions office at Pacific University. Patricia and Robert were active members of St. Anthony of Padua Catholic Church, later attending St. Alexander Catholic Church, and Patricia shared her soprano voice in the church choir. The couple also enjoyed membership in the Forest Grove Elks Lodge.
Patricia took pride in her family’s heritage, notably her great-grandfather John R. Porter, a pioneer nurseryman who brought Giant Sequoia seeds to the area after the Gold Rush, planting them at significant local sites, including Washington County Courthouse in Hillsboro and at Pacific University. Patricia embraced life fully, enjoying ballroom dancing, fashion, entertaining, camping, and travel to Hawaii, Mexico, Rockaway, Oregon, and Yuma, Ariz., where she and Robert spent winters.
Known for her outgoing personality and social charm, Patricia was an active member of the Red Hat Society, helping organize lively events.
Patricia was preceded in death by her parents, Joseph and Marjorie VanDyke; her brother, Don VanDyke; and sister Carol Moore.
She is survived by her son and daughter-in-law, David White and Michelle DeLaVergne White; her daughter and son-in-law, Brenda and Jim Wright; her brother and sister-in-law, Ron and Jan VanDyke; her brother, Merle VanDyke; and her sister-in-law, Joanne VanDyke; her four grandchildren, Brannon Wellington White, Brittany Elisabeth White, Michelle Jenne’ Foley and her husband, Tim; and Kristen Marie Cody and her husband, Mitchell; her two great-grandchildren, Grace Marie Foley and Hannah Kathryn Foley; and many nieces and nephews.
1943
Harriet (Eagleson) Nordyke '43
Harriet (Eagleson) Nordyke '43 died Feb. 1, 2023, at age 102. Born Nov. 27, 1920 at her maternal grandparents' home in Gervais, Ore., Harriet was the middle child and only daughter of her parents, Charles W. and Mary Alice (Sawyer) Eagleson. The close, hard-working farming family lived near Eddyville, Ore. where all five children attended Eddyville schools. Their beloved father died from pneumonia when Harriet was five years old, leaving their dear mother alone to raise the children. While Alice and her two older sons were needed outside to take care of the livestock and other chores, Harriet took care of her two younger brothers inside the home; one was a baby of six months. Very early, she learned to cook, clean house and babysit. Robert, six years older than Harriet, drowned when he was 18.
Upon graduation from high school, Harriet was granted a full two-year scholarship to Pacific University. While there, she majored in physical education and was a member of Theta Nu Alpha honor sorority. Afterward, she continued her education at Oregon State College and then proceeded to teach for a short time. In 1945 Harriet married Frank Allen Nordyke in Bremerton, Wash. They had been high school classmates and had kept up a correspondence during her college and his military years. After Frank's Navy discharge, they moved back to the Corvallis area where they lived the rest of their 63 years together. They were very involved in their three children's active lives and spent many memorable vacations in Arizona, Disneyland and around Oregon.
She and Frank were avid Beaver fans of basketball and baseball. They also became involved in Corvallis American Legion Baseball in 1966 when their son, Mike, played. They continued to attend and enjoy those games for many years. Together they joined a trail riding club and spent many summers riding their quarter horses on trail rides over the backcountry of Oregon.
Harriet worked on the OSC (later, OSU) campus for 37 years; first, at the main bookstore, then, managing the campus store on Monroe St. and finally, at printing and mailing services. Music was her passion and her therapy. In high school, Harriet sang alto in a girls' quartet, played guitar and piano and knew how to yodel. She continued to sing during her college years and later in church choirs. For 25 years, she sang barbershop in a Sweet Adelines chorus. Harriet was a life member of Soroptimist International, a 34-year member of the American Business Women Association and the OSU Folk Club. She loved to read and was a member of the 20th Century Book Club of Albany.
She had a great interest in antiques and filled her home with them. She enjoyed cooking and good food, a good cup of coffee, hiking, crossword puzzles, traveling and volunteering. For many years, she volunteered with the Good Samaritan Hospital Auxiliary, as an Elementary School aide and at the OSU Folk Club Thrift Shop. She demonstrated often her great love for her family, past and present. She thoroughly enjoyed and delighted spending time with her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She was very proud of their accomplishments.
Harriet was preceded in death by her husband, Frank; her son, Mike; her daughter, Karen Warren; her parents; and her brothers, Robert, John, Boyd and Ralph Eagleson.
Harriet is survived by her oldest daughter, Denise (and Dave) Munson; her daughter-in-law, Patty Nordyke; her son-in-law, Jon Warren; her grandchildren, Derek Munson, Ryan (and Jen) Munson, Todd Nordyke, Erica (and John) Donham, Heather Munson, Alison Nordyke and Kevin (and Brittany) Warren; her great-grandchildren, Tianna, Logan, Italy, James, Easton, Aaron, Aubrey and Gavin; two brothers-in-law, four sisters-in-law; and many nieces and nephews.
1944
Gwendolyn (Lord) Hale '44
Gwendolyn (Lord) Hale '44 died Jan. 14, 2013, at age 91. She was active at Centenary Wilbur Methodist Church. During WWII she worked in the shipyards, attended Pacific University and joined The Waves. After the war she married Bill Hale. They settled in Lake Grove. There they raised their three children, Chuck, Carolyn and Marilyn. Gwen taught third and fifth grades at Lakewood and Forest Hills Schools. She was active at the Lake Grove and Tualatin Presbyterian churches. Gwen loved her family, growing all kinds of plants and flowers, bird watching and music.
She is survived by her son, Chuck (and Rita) Hale; daughters Carolyn Hale and Marilyn (and Emerson) Wood; six grandchildren; their spouses; and three great-grandchildren.
Beulah (Shepherd) Traughber '44
Beulah (Shepherd) Traughber '44 died Aug. 14, 2015, at age 93.
1947
Laura (Lyman) West ‘47
Laura (Lyman) West ‘47 died April 17, 2020, at age 97.
1948
Marguerite (Schuman) Robertson '48
Marguerite (Schuman) Robertson '48 died Aug. 30, 2005, at age 84. She received her bachelor’s in education from Pacific University and her masters from the University of Oregon. She developed educational centers in remote communities of Alaska. She served as an Educational Guidance Counselor at the Stuttgart Base in Germany. Marguerite also served in the Women's Army Corp during WWII. In 1987, she and her husband retired in Bluewater and there she was involved with the Thoreau Senior Citizen's Center as president.
Survivors include her children, Candy Jean, Randy, and Jeffery; eight grandchildren; and three great-grandchildren.
1949
Bernard Brown '49, OD '50
Bernard D. Brown ‘49, OD ‘50 died May 19, 2024, at age 99. He was a long-time member of Shaarie Torah Synagogue.
Bernard went to Leslie Junior High School, where he was student body president.
During Bernard’s senior year of high school, he was selected into the Army Specialized Training Program (ASTP) to be trained as an engineering officer during WWII. Halfway through training, however, with a dire need for combat troops, the Army closed the program, and at 18 years old was assigned to an infantry unit bound for Europe.
Bernard fought with the storied 103rd and 45th Infantry divisions, saw action during decisive battles in France, Austria, and Germany, including the Battle of the Bulge, and participated in liberating the Nazi concentration camp at Dachau, a heroic action recognized by the United States Holocaust Memorial. Bernard received a Bronze Star, Purple Heart, and the Combat Infantry Badge. Because Bernard spoke German and Yiddish, he was assigned to interrogate German prisoners in France and gathered valuable military intelligence. In 2016, the Republic of France honored Bernard’s contributions by appointing him a “Knight of the Legion of Honor” (Ordre National de la Legion d’Honneur), France’s highest military award.
He and Selma Nepom were married on Feb. 9, 1946, after years of corresponding through letters while he was overseas. The newlyweds soon moved to Salem and both enrolled in Willamette University - only the second married couple to do so. The 246 letters between Selma and Bernard are memorialized in the book, Dear Selma: A World War II Love Letter Romance. Their story is shared on CBS This Morning.
Bernard attended Pacific University’s School of Optometry and opened his Salem optometry practice in 1950. Governors Straub and Atiyah each appointed Bernard to the State Board of Optometric Examiners, where he served as president. In 1963, Bernard and Selma completed the Salem Eye Clinic building on the corner of Owens and Liberty Streets, where Bernard, joined by son Jordan in 1980, practiced until his retirement in 2000, after 50+ years of serving the vision needs of the Salem community.
Bernard and Selma believed in supporting their community and gave back in many ways. They were one of the original founding families of Salem’s Temple Beth Sholom synagogue; were early supporters of the EcoEarth project and Salem’s Riverfront Carousel; started the Bernard and Selma Brown Optometry Scholarship for Veterans at Pacific University; and for decades supported Doernbecher Children’s Hospital, B’nai B’rith Camp, and the Salem YWCA and YMCA, where Bernard was recognized as its longest-continual member (at nearly 70 years).
Bernard was one of the earliest members of Illahe Hills Country Club and was a member of the Salem Elks Lodge and Masonic Lodge from 1947 until his death.
The Browns moved to the Mirabella Retirement Community in Portland in 2016. Bernard began volunteering at the new Ronald McDonald House campus across the street and soon became a beloved fixture at the facility. Bernard recruited other Mirabella residents to volunteer their time, and his legacy continues with each new crop of Mirabella volunteers.
Over more than 72 years together, he and Selma particularly enjoyed time at the Oregon Coast, and often with their children or grandchildren, traveled the world to explore the wonders on six continents. Some of the best times were spent at the Brown’s home on Maui, Hawaii, where the family gathered each year to create memories and enjoy time together. Bernard volunteered at the Maui Ocean Center for 17 years and shared his love of the ocean with his Ocean Center family.
Bernard is survived by his children, Shelley (and Jay), Jordan (and Stacey) and Eden; grandchildren Shayna, Ariana, Janaya, Tyler, and Natalie; and great-grandchildren Unai and Mila.
Sue (Jellison) Herndobler '49
Sue (Jellison) Herndobler '49 died Feb. 13, 2024, at age 98.
1950
Gene Bowser '50
Gene Bowser '50 died Sept. 9, 2015, at age 93 after a long battle with prostate cancer.
Gene was born in Monroe, Ore. on May 13, 1922 to Wilson Dale Bowser and Willa Grace Nelson Bowser. His grade school days were spent in Gold Beach, Ore. Later, his family moved to Grants Pass where he graduated from Grants Pass High School in 1941. During high school, he took a trade class for painting and wallpapering. Upon graduation he became a journeyman painter and worked at Bob's Paint Store as a contractor. He married his high school sweetheart, Vere Yvonne Barnett in November of 1942. He enlisted in the Navy and was sent to San Diego Naval Hospital for training to become a Naval Corpsman. Upon graduation, he went to Corona Naval Hospital. Later he moved to a radio communication school in Hollywood, Calif. There he held sick calls and also inspected all meat and food coming into the facility. Gene was then moved to Oakland to join a group being shipped to Hawaii’s Lea Heights Navy Hospital. His next move was to the Marshall Islands to wait for the Marine's to secure Guam. His group was moved to Guam to help build the radio tower and set up the hospital. He remained there caring for the wounded until November of 1945. He received his honorable discharge in Seattle on Dec. 8, 1945.
Gene graduated from Pacific University in 1950 and opened Gene's Color Shop in 1952 and sold it in 1982. He joined the Forest Grove Fire Department as a volunteer in 1952 and remained with them until 1987 when he retired as their volunteer assistant chief.
Gene was a member of many organizations that included Alpha Zeta Fraternity, a charter member of Elks Lodge #2440, Holbrook Masonic Lodge, Royal Arch Masons, Scottish Rite of Portland, Al Kadar Shrine, Flying Nobles of Al Kadar, Flag Patrol as a drummer, Knights of Mecca of Al Kadar, American Legion and Eastern Star.
His winning smile and gentle ways will be greatly missed by all who knew him.
He was preceded in death by his parents and two older brothers.
He is survived by his wife, Yvonne; his sister, Shirley Franz; one nephew; and three nieces.
Jo (McGarry) Hollingsworth '50
Jo (McGarry) Hollingsworth ‘50 died October 4, 2020, at age 91. Jo earned her bachelor’s degree in art from UC Santa Barbara where she was a member of Pi Beta Phi sorority. She went on to attend Stanford University to pursue a master’s degree in teaching. She was a teacher for a short time before becoming a mother to four children.
Jo was active throughout her life. She was a member of the Sandpipers, a Marine League tennis player well into her 70s, and served on the Manhattan Beach Board of Zoning Adjustment. She and her husband were a part of a decades-long, monthly potluck group and enjoyed taking walks to the beach regularly. She was a regular at her grandchildrens’ local soccer games, track meets, and music recitals. She and her husband hosted 30+ years of Sunday family dinners, took the entire crew on many vacations to Mazatlan, Mexico, and gathered the family together for holidays. She was survived by her husband William; their four children, William (and Maren), Lee (and Timothy), Sherrel (and Jeffrey), Julia (and Paul); his eight grandchildren, Tyler (and Nathan), Benjamin (and Madeline), Nicholas, William, Corey (and Brad), Alyssa (and Keenan), Brett (and Jenny), Anna; and his great-grandchildren, Theodore and Quinley.
Thomas Keating ‘50
Thomas “Jim” Keating ‘50 a former resident of Pendleton, Oregon, died December 19, 2016, at age 93.
Thomas J. Keating Jr. was born on Dec. 6, 1923, in Pendleton, Ore., to Thomas and Myrtle (Tyndall) Keating. He was raised in Pendleton, Ore., where he graduated from Pendleton High School. He later attended Pacific University in Forest Grove.
He joined the United States Army and was in the 9th Infantry Division. He served his country during WWII. He earned the Combat Medical Badge. He was in Normandy, Northern France, and Rhineland.
Thomas worked for Jones and Bartlett as an editor of medical textbooks. He married June L. Hampton; the couple had four children.
He is survived by his daughter, Vickie Ann Smith and husband Fred Smith; sons Michael J. Keating and Robert P. Keating and his wife, RaeNoel; and his daughter, Molly Wicher and husband Bob.
He was preceded in death by his parents and his wife, June L. Keating.
Helen (Ruecker) Moeller '50
Helen (Ruecker) Moeller ‘50 died May 22, 2023, at age 95.
She attended Hillsboro High School and Pacific University. She and Charles Moeller married in 1950. Helen was a lifelong active member of St. Peter's Lutheran Church in Blooming. As a young woman she enthusiastically worked at the Hillsboro Argus office. She was also a correspondent for the Blooming area, south of Cornelius. Helen loved to bowl and was in a league at Ruecker Bowl, the bowling alley her father built. She worked at Peter Boscow grade school, first volunteering as room mother, then hired as a reading coach, then a teacher's aid in the '60s.
Helen had a passion for reading and great administrative skills which led her to a new career as Library Secretary/Assistant Librarian at J.B. Thomas Junior High School. Helen retired in 1993 after 23 years. She loved travel, camping, boating, and fishing resulting in many adventures and memorable family experiences.
Helen had a wonderful retirement with Chuck and enjoyed spending winters in Indio, Calif., for eight years. She was editor of the Happy Wanderer's RV Park monthly newsletter. While at Cornell Estates she also authored short stories about her life and served on several committees. After retiring, they enjoyed travels to Alaska, Australia, Costa Rica, and New Zealand.
Helen was preceded in death by her husband, Charles.
She is survived by David (and Lindy), Steven (and Jill), Douglas (and Paula); eight grandchildren; and six great-grandchildren.
1951
Bernard Cooper '51
Bernard Cooper ‘51 died on Jan. 17, 2024. at the age of 94. Bernie graduated from Everett High School in 1947 and from Pacific University in 1951. He married Margaret Gaston in 1951. Bernie served in the United States Army from 1951 to 1953 as a Private First Class with the 148th Graves Registration in Wonju, Korea. Bernie worked for Weyerhaeuser as he and Margaret raised their family. After 43 years,, he retired as their Financial Manager for Western Sales in 1994.
Bernie was a devoted Christian. He was a member at Bethany Presbyterian Church in Tacoma beginning in 1964. He served as treasurer at Bethany for 28 consecutive years and was the finance manager for Olympia Presbytery for 6 years. Bernie enjoyed many years playing slow pitch with the Weyerhaeuser 4 Square and Prime Time half-century plus teams. Bernie was the oldest longtime member of the Lion’s Club, joining first in 1957 and attending in Willapa Harbor, University Place, and finally in Lakewood. Traveling with Margaret was a passion for Bernie. They enjoyed countless trips to Mexico and Hawaii as well as numerous family reunion trips to Sunriver, Ore.
Bernie is preceded in death by his wife, Margaret.
He is survived by his children, Marian (and Todd), Ellen (and Edwin), Jeanne (and Gary), Anne (and Richard), and Guy (and Holly); 10 grandchildren; and six great-grandchildren.
Jane (Babcock) Selberg-Murphy '51
Jane (Babcock) Selberg-Murphy ‘51 died March 19, 2022, at age 93.
She attended Pacific University and earned a bachelor’s degree in education. She was united in marriage to R.A. (Pat) Selberg on March 15, 1953. She was then united in marriage to Archie “Don” Murphy on Sept. 28, 2005.
She served as a schoolteacher for the Hillsboro School district #1J for 38 years until her retirement.
Jane was an active and longtime member of the Forest Grove United Church of Christ, having served as the church organist, as well as a member of the bell choir. She was also a member of the P.E.O. Sisterhood in Forest Grove.
Among her special interests, she enjoyed Bridge, tennis, gardening, cruises, and spending time with her family.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Frank and Hazel Babcock.
She is survived by her three daughters and their spouses, Sandy and John, Sherry and Kim, and Kathy and Ron Clar; seven grandchildren; and eleven great-grandchildren.
1952
Gordon Melville '52, OD '53
Gordon Melville ‘52 OD ‘53 passed away on April 30, 2022, at age 93. He was a long-time resident of the Comox Valley where he was an optometrist practicing in Campbell River and Courtenay. He retired from the Comox Valley in 1987 and moved to Nanaimo, where he continued to practice optometry doing locums in Northern BC and a part-time practice in Victoria.
He was an active member of the community and had a passion for golf, music, travel, gardening, and restoring old cars.
He is survived by his wife, Carol; his children, J. Bruce, William, Trevor and Janine; four grandchildren; and two great grandchildren.
Everett Stanley '52
Everett Stanley ‘52 died on April 3, 2024, at age 93. He graduated from Pacific University in 1952, and later attended graduate school at UC Berkeley.
A man of many skills, Everett worked as a teacher, a haberdasher, a respiratory therapist, and as a landscape architect mentored by Thomas Church. He was certified in ikebana flower arranging and collected bonsai. He loved working with his hands and could fix anything.
In 1948, when other students refused, Everett readily agreed to room with Pacific University's first black student. He did the same with the college's first post-war German exchange student in 1949. The experience led to lifelong friendships and an enduring appreciation for other cultures.
He met his husband Rex at a dog show in 1968; the two made a home in Berkeley, Calif., eventually marrying in 2008 (when it was finally legal). Their shared passions included world travel, philanthropy, and genealogy. They loved visiting museums, attending the opera, symphony, ballet and theater, and entertaining friends amid lavish collections of beautifully restored carousel animals, antique musical instruments, Inuit sculpture, modern art, and mementos from global adventures.
Everett was preceded in death by his husband, Rex.
1953
James Olson '53
James “Jim” Olson ‘53 died on March 9,2024 at age 92 after years of struggling with dementia. Jim was born on July 13, 1931, in McMinnville, Ore.
Jim attended Pacific University and served as a Corporal in the Army in 1952. He spent his tour in Germany and played for the U.S. Army European Baseball team. After his discharge in 1954, he returned to Forest Grove and married Beverly Gates Olson. He continued to serve in the U.S. Army Reserves for six years.
Jim launched J.R. Olson Construction in 1955. "Just figure it out." That's how Jim lived his life. He started his business with one bulldozer and grew into a multi-faceted excavating and logging company. Building the roads for Phase I of Forest Gale Heights was one of his first major projects. With the help of his three sons in the early years, he built dams, golf courses, irrigation ponds, and nurseries throughout Washington and Yamhill Counties. His entrepreneurial journey inspired some of his children to follow in his footsteps, with the founding of Olson Brother's Excavating. His legacy is also honored in his grandson's restaurant and bar in Redmond, Ore., called "Otto's Landing," where photos of Jim and the Olson brothers can be found throughout the space.
Lovingly referred to as "large and in charge," Jim's family will forever remember him as a hardworking, loyal, spirited, compassionate man and the best father, husband, and grandfather anyone could ask for.
He is preceded in death by his first wife, Beverly.
Jim is survived by his second wife, Beverly; his five children, Stephen (and Shannon), Terry (and Elaine), Craig (and Janet), Cheryl (and Randy), and Julie; 13 grandchildren; and 18 great-grandchildren.
Rolfe Selberg '53, MAEd '65
Rolfe "Pat" Selberg ‘53 MAEd ‘65 died June 20, 2023, at age 95.
He attended Pacific University, graduating in 1953 with a bachelor’s degree in education.
He was a Veteran of World War II and the Korean conflict, having served in the United States Navy, until he received his honorable discharge at the rank of DK3.
Pat married Jane Alice Babcock on March 15, 1953.
He taught seventh grade geography at Thomas Jr. High School for the Hillsboro School District #1J for over thirty years until his retirement. During the summer months, Pat worked as a watermaster and on various construction jobs. He was also a gentleman farmer, raising filberts, walnuts and apples.
He was a member of the Forest Grove Elks Lodge B.P.O.E. #2440 and a member of the Hazel Nut Growers of Oregon.
Among his special interests, he has enjoyed parachuting, scuba diving and riding motorcycles. Pat was also an avid reader and had an extensive collection of books and movies.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Axel and Effie; his brother, Robert; and his son-in-law, John.
He is survived by his three daughters and their spouses, Sandy Bartruff, Sherry and Kim, and Kathy and Ron; seven grandchildren and their spouses, Stephanie and Jon, Jacob, Michelle, Amanda, Colleen and Xavier, Nathan and Shaadi, and Kelcee and Cody; thirteen great-grandchildren; and nieces and nephews, Connie and Greg, and Ken and Jennifer.
1954
Jay Bradshaw '53, OD '54
Jay Bradshaw ‘53, OD ‘54 died Sept. 18, 2024, at age 96.
After serving as an MP in the Army at the end of WWII, he returned to marry Marjorie O. Bryslan “Lee.” They moved to Forest Grove where he received a degree in optometry from Pacific University. They moved to Ohio, where Jay opened a practice in Gallipolis and Meigs County. After the passing of his wife in 2014, Jay married Beverly Walker in 2015.
Jay is survived by his children, Alan (and Marilyn), Bart (and Judy), and Connie (and Ray); stepchildren Elizabeth (and Doug), James (and Carol); his grandchildren, Renee, Andrew James Devin, James Grant, Andrew, and Jaden; and great-grandchildren Megan, Mila, Alaina and Barrett.
Larry Chung ’54
Larry Chung ‘54 died on Feb. 14, 2024, at age 92. He attended Pacific University where his passion for football shone brightly. His talent and dedication led to his induction into the Football Hall of Fame in 2017, a testament to his skill and commitment to the sport.
Larry went on to serve in the U.S. Army and Army Reserves. His dedication extended to academia, where he earned a master's degree from the University of Hawaii at Manoa.
He was preceded in death by his wife, Sylvia.
He is survived by his children, Thomas (and Renee) and Diane; and grandchildren Mitchell, Fred, and Matthew.
Donald Hugdahl ’54, OD ’55
Donald Hugdahl ‘54 died May 12, 2023, at age 91. He entered Pacific University in 1950 where he earned his BS, before earning his doctor of optometry in 1955. Donald served active duty in the United States Army from 1955-1957. During that time, he was stationed at Tokyo Hospital in Japan. He was honorably discharged from service in 1961. He practiced for Binyon Optometry for several years until he was offered a job with Franz Optical in Yakima. He eventually bought the practice and retired at age 65.
He married Mary Catherine Oswald in 1959. They enjoyed fishing, golfing, and playing Bridge together. He earned a Life Master status in The American Contract Bridge League (ACBL).
He is preceded in death by his wife, Mary.
Don is survived by his children, David, Lynn, Jeffrey, and Peter; his grandchildren, Emma, Tyler, and Joel; and his sister, Janet.
John F. Jacobs ‘54
John Jacobs ‘54 died Aug. 20, 2021, at age 89.
He graduated from Beaverton High School in 1949. John then worked at Montgomery Ward for a year, saving money for his education before attending Reed College in Portland. He continued to work his way through school at the Portland Fish and Coos Bay Lumber Companies. John later transferred to Pacific University on a debate team scholarship and graduated in 1954 with a bachelor of science in physics. He also earned a teaching certificate and returned to Beaverton High as a physics instructor for a year.
In 1955 he enlisted in the United States Army where he was chosen to attend the Army Language School at the Presidio of Monterey, Calif., where he became a Russian linguist. He graduated language school in 1956 and transferred to Fort Meade, Maryland, assigned to the Army Security Agency. His new role found him attached to the National Security Agency (NSA) working on Soviet intelligence. He honorably completed his tour of duty in April 1958 and returned to his NSA position the next day as a civilian.
John left the NSA for employment at the Boeing Corporation in Seattle, Wash. from 1961-1963. He worked as an engineer specializing in electronic countermeasures in their military division. He later joined the fledgling MITRE Corporation, a non-profit defense contractor located in Bedford, Massachusetts. He rose through the ranks over the next 30 years, eventually becoming department head. John, known for his technical knowledge, developed the Cold War era, real-time intelligence gathering and air battle management systems. His expertise in Soviet Union military and space capabilities was second to none. Finally, his servant leadership was renowned within MITRE. John always took the time to mentor and develop the next generation of leaders, with two protoges who became company vice presidents. John loved climbing Mount Hood, building model trains, dogs, classical music, German beer, history, and the Chicago Cubs.
John is survived by his wife, Jean; four sons; six grandchildren; and his brother, George.
Bette (Cooke) Jarboe '54
Bette (Cooke) Jarboe '54 died Sept. 4, 2024, at age 91. After attending Tracy High School, she enrolled at Pacific University. After college, she married Frank Charles Jarboe. Bette had a myriad of careers including legal secretary, day-care center owner, co-owner with her late husband of Korbus Glass Company in San Francisco and owner of B. Jarboe Steno Service. She worked in the family businesses, while raising her children and leading a very active life as a political activist, lobbyist, lecturer, journalist, publisher, actress and model.
She was an editor for Tamalpais Times and Progress, a syndicated columnist for Sun Papers, president of Family Love Foundation and president for World Foundation for Health and Education. She was author-publisher for the monthly Jarboe Legislative Letter, with 20,000 subscribers nationwide, a non-profit public service letter distributed to members of the United States House of Representatives, the Senate, and Cabinet and subscribers. She was an active chairperson for the Employers Committee to the U.S. Labor Department and Board Director of San Francisco’s 6th St. Improvement Association, and Chairman of Save the Oakland Raiders Committee. She had a strong passion for acting and modeling and acted on stage in San Francisco and Mill Valley.
She is survived by her son, Mark and his wife, Ivy; daughter Jackie and husband Ken; daughter-in-law Florence; her grandchildren, John and wife Cheyanne, Tiffany and fiancé Aaron, Robbie, Rose, Desiree and husband David, and Crystal and husband Eric; her step grandson, Nikholas; and her great grand-children, Bradley, Robbie, Thomas, Micah, L., Sasha, Ember and Hazel.
1955
David Carlo '55, OD '56
David Carlo ‘55, OD ‘56 died peacefully on June 30, 2024, at age 92.
Since he was five years old, he was a passionate fan of the Oregon Ducks. He didn't miss a home game for 53 years until his daughter's wedding and remains the longest season ticket holder in Oregon football history. He was featured on the Jumbotron at Autzen Stadium in 2017 as he celebrated his 80th year of Oregon football.
Dave attended the University of Portland and received his doctorate of optometry from Pacific University in 1956. He practiced optometry for 36 years, and was cherished by his patients and the optometry students he mentored at Pacific University.
He met Ann Warner ‘59 at Pacific and they married in 1958.
Dave lived an active lifestyle and loved his family, friends, fishing, golfing, riding his motorcycle, flying his plane, and his beautiful beach house on the Oregon coast. He enjoyed traveling to Europe, specifically the French Riviera. He served as president of the Kiwanis Club in Portland, and rode his bicycle well into his 80s.
He touched the lives of many children and their families through his years of volunteering at Riverdale Grade School, Jesuit High School and Lake Oswego High School. He was known to all the children as "Boompa". One of the great honors of his life was the creation of the Boompa Award at Riverdale Grade School for the Volunteer of the Year, which continues in his honor. He was a lover of life, and people. If he knew you, he loved you.
He is survived by his daughters, Lynn Lunde OD ‘84 and Mimi McCaslin; his son-in-law, Bob Lunde; grandchildren Jenny and Mimi Lunde, and David and Johnny McCaslin; his nieces, Jeanette (and Jim) and Denise (and Pat); and his Italian relatives.
James Hanna '55
James Hanna ‘55 died Jan. 4, 2024 at age 90. At age 19, he was hired to teach high school band. He attended Oregon State and Pacific University, graduating in 1955 with a degree in music. After, he negotiated for the position of conductor of the 63rd infantry Fort Lewis Army Band during the Korean War. A three-year contract was signed by the Army General. While stationed there, Jim made his home on American Lake and opened Tacoma, Washington's first waterski school in 1956. He was fondly referred to as Mr. American Lake.
His growing passion for education inspired Jim to earn his teaching certificate in 1958, and began teaching fifth graders. He established a revered career in Tacoma's Clover Park School District. He received outstanding recognition and many tributes for creating, successfully piloting, implementing, and pioneering education reform. His practices were sought out by many corporations and universities. Jim Hanna was a dedicated, impassioned educational leader and retired after 30 years. Many of his former teachers, students, and fellow administrators kept in touch, some for a lifetime.
As a savvy educator and entrepreneur, Jim continued American Lake Ski School through the summer of 1963. He quickly advanced from classroom teacher to principal, and finished his masters degree in administration from the University of Puget Sound in 1965. Wanting to provide more than an educator's salary for his family, Jim built unsegregated apartment rentals which proved increasingly successful for decades to follow. He solidified a myriad of partnerships in the business world, which continued with close associates throughout his life. In 1971, Jim and his brothers built Sparkle Plenty Carwash Company; it was the first of four gas station car washes in the Tacoma area. The Hanna brothers continued as business partners. In 1977, they cultivated the first frozen yogurt company on the west coast. Award-winning YoCream International Inc. was on the public market until the company sold to Dannon in 2011.
Jim's love for the water inspired him to cruise extensively. He became a lifelong member of the Tacoma Yacht Club in 1966 and was voted Commodore in 1974. He was a genius predicted log racer, which is a precise prediction of course and speed, winning hundreds of races representing the Yacht Club. In the late 1980s, Jim designed and rebuilt the superstructure of a 200 ton ocean-going fishing vessel with worldwide cruising range, and transformed her into the luxury charter yacht, JAMAL. Having earned USCG Merchant Marine captain's licenses, Jim and his daughter Jennifer founded, owned, and have operated Jamal Charters Inc., since 1991. For over 60 years, Captain James Hanna skippered his vessels from Alaska to the Mexican Riviera. A brilliant, adventurous, fearless and well-seasoned world traveler, Jim cruised as master every single year through 2023. Jamal Charters continues, cruising upon the waters that Jim so loved.
While he contributed to many nonprofit organizations throughout his life, Jim held a particular penchant for those supporting healthcare and underprivileged children.
He was preceded in death by his brother, David Hanna.
Jim is survived by his wife, Kathryn; daughters Kristin and Jennifer; brother John; his grandchildren, Lena, Sara, Hanna, Adam; his great-grandchild, Olivia; countless lifelong friends, cousins, nieces, nephews, in-laws, and crew-mates; and the mother of his children, Marilyn Stafford Morris.
Frank Kahili ‘55
Frank Kahili ‘55 died June 27, 1974, at age 42.
George Stewart ‘55
Albert "George" Stewart ‘55 died on Aug. 28, 2023, at the age of 90. He married Rosan Shannon in 1953. He graduated with his bachelor's degree from Pacific University while also serving in the Marine Officer Training Program.
George's first teaching job was in East Wenatchee, Wash. in 1957. The family then moved to Springfield, Ore. in 1964, where he taught at Thurston Junior High. At the rank of Captain, he was the Commanding Officer of the Marine Corp Reserves in Eugene. George earned his master's degree from the University of Oregon in teaching and was a Guidance Counselor for many years at Thurston High School.
He coached football, boys' basketball, girls' basketball, cross country and track and field over the years, and refereed high school football for 45 years. In his spare time, George volunteered at his church, with Toys for Tots, and was a member of the Kiwanis Club.
After retiring, George and Rosan traveled around the United States and spent time with family, friends, and grandkids until Rosan passed away in 2002. George then married Phyllis Walker.
George is survived by his sister, Anna Russell; children Lisa Hinman, Angela (and Jeff) Heacock, Steven Kelly Stewart, and Shannon (and Nathan) Shropshire; 14 grandchildren; and many great-grandchildren, nieces, and nephews.
1957
Vincent Heinrich '57
Vincent “Vince” Henrich ‘57 died June 10, 2024, at age 89. Vince led a life marked by unconditional love, service, humor, and unwavering dedication to his family.
Vince was born on March 2, 1935, in Hillsboro, Ore. to devoted parents Vincent Thomas Heinrich and Maudie Varina Hoag. From birth, Vince earned the affectionate nickname “Bud” from his sister Varina, which is what he was known as to his friends and family for many years to follow. As a young boy, Vince enjoyed spending time outside causing mischief with the neighborhood kids, and as he grew older, he spent summers working at his grandfather’s sawmill in the mountains of the Oregon Coastal Range. It was during those blissful summer months spent with his grandfather that his love for hunting and fishing began. Together Vince and his father built a log cabin in the coastal woods, which was used and enjoyed by his children and grandchildren for many years.
When he was 14 years old, Vince met his high school sweetheart, Sally Joan Mishler. Although a relatively shy and quiet teen, Vince was a star athlete in high school, and the ever-persistent Sally, a cheerleader at Hilhi, bravely asked Vince to a Sadie Hawkins dance. The two happily dated, quickly fell in love, and were married on April 2, 1955.
Vince continued his athletic endeavors at Pacific University, majoring in biology and history. He earned varsity letters in football, basketball, and track and field. One of his coaches declared that Vince was the “greatest all-around athlete Pacific University had ever seen.”
Vince continued his hobbies of hunting and fishing throughout his life and fostered his love for music by singing in a community choir. He worked as a manager at Tektronix for many years and was beloved by all of his employees. He and Sally greatly enjoyed traveling, and they had the wonderful privilege to serve for 18 months as full-time missionaries in Guatemala for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Vince loved serving in Church and had the joyous opportunity to serve in various leadership positions. He consistently volunteered his time by ministering selflessly to those in his congregations.
Without a doubt, Vince’s greatest joy in life was his family. Vince and Sally built a loving home and family throughout nearly 70 years of marriage and raised three children together.
His children and grandchildren will always fondly remember his sweet sense of humor, love of laughter, and reminders that life is to be enjoyed — it mustn’t be taken too seriously.
Everybody who knew Vince loved him instantly and effortlessly. He had an infectious charisma and enthusiasm for life that blessed each and every person with whom he came in contact. He was a beloved husband, father, grandfather, friend, leader, and son of God who will be deeply missed by all who hold him dear. His legacy of unconditional love and unwavering dedication to faith and family will live on in the hearts of many.
He was preceded in death by his parents; his sister; and extended family.
Vince is survived by his wife, Sally; three children Jodi Peterson (and Eric), Jay Heinrich (and Deidre), and Julie Gerke (and Paul); ten grandchildren; and two great-grandchildren (with one on the way).
Joseph Kalister '57, OD '57
Joseph Kalister '57, OD '57 died March 3, 2023, at age 89. There were few things more precious to “Speedy” Joe Kalister than his time playing basketball at Pacific. He was awarded a basketball scholarship to Pacific University, eventually getting his doctorate in optometry. His family credits his time at Pacific to changing the trajectory of his life and that of his entire family in ways unimaginable to him at the time. His family is forever grateful to Pacific and to the friends he made while there for their lasting impact on all of them.
Dick Nelson OD '57
Richard “Dick” Nelson OD ‘57 died Dec. 21, 2023, at age 97. He lived a long joyful life caring for those he loved, spending time with family, camping and fishing, driving a straight shot down the fairway, and especially delighting in the last third of his life with his soulmate, wife Nancy.
Born May 10, 1926 to Loren Evert Nelson and Bernice Beryl Brown, Dick began life in a two-room cabin in the homestead community of Moccasin, Mont. Even though it was a hard life, he loved childhood adventures on his family's wheat ranch with his older sister Lorraine and his younger brother Gene. Dick would talk about their life to anyone who was interested, telling stories about how the three kids went to a one-room school, played in the hay loft, and tried to catch gophers. There were intense hardships during the Great Depression, so in 1935 the family moved to start over in Grants Pass, Ore., where the Nelsons leased a small market where the family lived in the back.
Dick started college at Oregon State University but was drafted to serve in the United States Army. After his service he returned to OSU, completing his undergraduate degree in forestry with honors. While at school he met and married Ellen Elizabeth Meyers in 1949. The couple moved to Portland where Dick started a career with Montgomery Ward and his family grew with the arrival of their first child, Cheryl. On the advice of a trusted mentor, he moved the family to Forest Grove where their son Michael was born and Dick earned a doctorate in optometry at Pacific University.
In 1956 the family moved to Medford, Ore. where Dick became a partner in an optometry practice. Dick was deeply committed to the community, serving in leadership positions with organizations such as United Way, Lions Club, Boy Scouts, and Goodwill. He also started an evening program, called The School of Hope, designed for young people with disabilities who were unable to access school. In the mid-60s Dick opened an optometry practice in the remote timber town of Happy Camp, Calif. Dick bartered with folks who needed help but couldn't afford to pay. He often returned from Happy Camp with fresh tomatoes, canned salsa, and once a bear liver, which he accepted in exchange for his services. Dick's compassion and care for those in need was also reflected in his policy of accepting welfare patients, one of only two optometrists in Medford to do so at the time.
Summer weekends were often devoted to camping and fishing along the Rogue River, where Dick would get out at dawn to catch trout for breakfast. Through a lifetime of annual backpacking and fishing trips with his best friend Doug Taylor and his brother Gene Nelson, and camping with family on the North Fork of the Willamette, he instilled in his children and grandchildren a deep appreciation for the wilderness. Dick was a devoted golfer and loved being out on the course with friends as often as possible. He was a long-time member of the Rogue Valley Country Club in Medford, Ore.
In 1990 Dick met Nancy Hawkins through a mutual friend. The following year he retired and moved to Eugene, Ore., where he married Nancy on August 10, 1991. Dick and Nancy traveled extensively throughout the country and the world but one of their favorite places to be together was the Oregon Coast. Camping with family, and entertaining friends were especially treasured.
Dick passed embraced by his family. The family would like to thank the kind-hearted staff at Lone Oak Assisted Living who lovingly cared for him until the end. He was a beloved man.
He is survived by his wife, Nancy Nelson; daughter Cheryl Crumbley; son Michael (and Brenda) Nelson; step-daughter Kathleen Hawkins (and Gordon) Griffin; daughter-in-law Cathy Crumbley; grandchildren Kelda (and Peter) Rericha, Holly (and Scott) Calhoun, Hazel Griffin, Kris (and Nora) Nelson, Alec (and Rachael) Nelson; and six great-grandsons.
Chae Sone ’57
Chae Sone ‘57 died Jan. 27, 2016, at age 95.
Elias Wolfman '57, OD '58
Elias Wolfman ‘57, OD ‘58 died April 28th, 2024, at age 89. He was the son of Frank and Libby Wolfman and a longtime resident of Fort Bragg. His remarkable journey touched the lives of many, leaving behind cherished memories and a legacy of passion and dedication. Born in Brooklyn, N.Y., on Jan. 5, 1935, Elias excelled academically and started Queens College at age 16. He discovered his love for competition in athletics and became a track star, breaking many records and inspiring those around him. His determination and zest for adventure led him westward to pursue optometry at Pacific University, where Elias met Jennifer Kornmann ‘60, whom he later married. They settled in Los Angeles, Calif. where they started their family of three children. In 1975, they embarked on a new chapter, moving north to Fort Bragg. He served the Fort Bragg community as an optometrist on Laurel Street for four decades. He truly enjoyed connecting with his patients; it was the people that Elias loved most about practicing optometry.
Elias and Jennifer divorced in 2000. He was a great outdoorsman and shared his passions generously. He climbed mountains across the Pacific Northwest and Europe, including Mont Blanc. He and Jennifer also greatly enjoyed backpacking and skiing, teaching their family activities that they still enjoy. But fly fishing was his true and absolute passion. It was always a treat to hear Elias’s stories of the beautiful trout he caught during his fishing adventures; he so admired their beauty that he remembered the most intricate details of each one. His other interests included playing classical guitar, ham radio, and practicing calligraphy. In his final years, Elias resided in Olympia, Wash., close to his two daughters.
Elias was preceded in death by Jennifer Wolfman; his son, Aaron Wolfman; and his partner, Elizabeth Ryan.
He is survived by his two daughters, Melinda Posner and Sonia Wolfman (and Piera Damonte); and his two granddaughters, Adrienne and Jackie Posner.
1958
Tomas Carmichael ‘58
Tom Carmichael ‘58 died Nov. 12, 2023, at age 88. When attending Pacific he played on the tennis team, worked on the university station KPUR, and was business manager of the index. Upon completing his military service in 1961, Tom spent the next 39 years in retail management, first managing stores for the W.T. Grant Company, in Oregon, Washington & Idaho. When the Grant Company went bankrupt in 1976, Tom went to work for Payless Drugs of Oregon. He managed stores for Payless in Lynnwood Wash., Salem, Ore. and Keizer, Ore.
Tom was preceded in death by his wife, Janet.
He is survived by his four children, Deborah, David, Tina and John; four grandchildren; and three great-grandchildren.
Barbara (McGraw) Malloney '58
Barbara (McGraw) Malloney '58, died Dec. 31, 2022, at age 86.
Jerilee Oitto ’58
Jerilee Oitto ‘58 died Nov. 8, 2020, at age 84.
Chuck Olson '58
Chuck Olson ‘58 died Dec. 21, 2023, at age 88. He was born March 6, 1935, in Cornelius, Ore., the son of Olaf and Alice Olson. He attended Forest Grove schools, graduating in 1953, and completed his bachelor’s degree in education from Pacific University.
Chuck participated in sports of all kinds, with the main ones being football, basketball, and baseball;.He also coached seventh, eighth, and ninth graders for many years. Chuck began his career in the Carlton School District, later moving into positions at Forest Grove High School. Chuck worked in Education for 36 years, retiring in 1990.
Chuck married Beverly R. Lally on Aug. 22, 1971. With their combined families of six children, they made their home in Forest Grove, Ore.
Chuck’s passion was barbershop singing both in a quartet, The Aliens, and with the Tualatin Valley Harmony Masters Chorus. Chuck shared his musical skills as a performer, director, singer, coach, and mentor. While barbershop singing was a priority in his life, Chuck also enjoyed traveling, going to their beach house at Rockaway Beach, fishing and crabbing, puttering around the yard, and spending time with family and friends.
Chuck is survived by his wife, Beverly Olson; his six children and their spouses, Shannon and Daryl Sahnow, Becky and Scott Wagar, Jack Lally, Jeff Olson, Christine and Robert Hays, and Judi and Edward Wood; eight grandchildren; six great-grandchildren; and his sister, Bonnie Larson.
Ronald Schmidt '58, OD '59
Ronald Schmidt '58, OD '59 died Dec. 19, 2023, at age 92.
Richard Schneider ’58, 1936-2023
Richard Schneider ’58 died Aug. 21, 2023, at age 87.
1959
Donald Dentel ’59
Donald “Deacon” Dentel ‘59 died Jan. 6, 2024, at age 87. Born on March 20, 1936 in Tillamook, Ore., Deacon was a vibrant spirit whose laughter, charm, and zest for life inspired all who knew him. Throughout his life, he made his home in numerous places, from Oregon and Washington to Arizona, infusing each one with his warmth, wit and boundless enthusiasm.
Deacon built a successful career as a sales agent, working in the car and paper industries before retiring to Lake Havasu City, Ariz. But work was just one facet of his rich and varied life. In his free time, Deacon was a passionate tennis player, an avid reader and a keen history buff. He loved traveling with friends and family, indulging in good food and cheering on his beloved Bend Elks at baseball games. As a dedicated member of several clubs and lodges, including Elks, Moose, Air Force and The Jolly Boys, Deacon found joy in camaraderie and community.
Deacon’s spirit, humor and love will continue to live on in the hearts of those who knew him. As we remember him, let us celebrate the joy he brought into our lives, the laughter he provoked, and the love he shared.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Ivan and Edith Dentel; his brothers, Jerry, Robert, Aggie, and Eric Dentel; and sister Betty Main.
He is survived by his children, David Dentel, Deirdre Faver, and Melissa Magee; his brother William Dentel; and sister-in-law Pat Dentel.
David Morgan ‘59
David Morgan ‘59 died Sep. 25, 2023, at age 89. His parents were Dr. Glenn Morgan and Hope Morgan. He was the youngest of their three children. His family moved to Eugene when David was very young. He attended Eugene schools until the eighth grade. His father was a timekeeper for the Ducks basketball games and David was able to sit by his dad to watch the games. He remained a Duck fan all his life. One of his fondest experiences was a 30-day train trip as a Boy Scout, where he traveled a great deal of the United States and met President Truman.
His family moved back to Astoria where Dave graduated high school in 1952. Dave attended the University of Oregon for one year and enlisted in the Army for three years, serving in Korea and Japan. After his discharge from the service, Dave attended Pacific University graduating in 1959. He then was accepted to University of Oregon’s dental school and graduated in 1963. Dave started his dental practice in Reedsport, Ore.
Dave married Susan Smith, whom he met at Pacific University. They had two children, Erica and Paul. They later divorced.
David loved being a dentist and being involved in a small town. He became a timekeeper for basketball and attended many sporting events. He was a Lion Club member, served on the school board, port commission, Umpqua Bank board, and sang in a barbershop quartet. He loved salmon fishing, clamming, crabbing and being on a boat. He had several sailboats and belonged to the Coos Bay Yacht Club for more than 50 years. He also was a ham radio operator and knew Morse code from his Army training. Dave also played some golf when he had time.
He married Bonita in 1972 and gained two stepsons, Brad and Kip. They did many activities as a family and spent many hours on a boat. They also skied, traveled, cut wood, and explored. Summer vacations entailed many sailboat trips to the San Juan and Gulf Islands.
Dave and Bonita had a love for travel and were privileged to travel to China in 1981. It was their favorite of all their travels. After retirement in 1992 they did motorhome travels to the western United States as well as Alaska. They were able to enjoy many winters in Arizona, but were eager to return to their family home in Reedsport.
1960
Forrest Allen '60
Forrest A. "Woody" Allen passed away on Monday, August 15, 2022 at age 83.
He is survived by his wife, Deanna M. Allen ‘62 and his grandson, Anthony Allen ‘28.
Dennis Bod ’60
Dennis Bod ‘60 died Feb. 6, 2023, at age 88. He was born in North Dakota to Oscar and Clara Bod and later moved to Tacoma. Dennis graduated from Stadium High School and then Pacific University in 1960. After seven years of dating, he married his high school sweetheart, Liz. They were married for 57 years prior to Liz passing in 2017, living in Federal Way and Tacoma the entire time. With the help of his family, he built a house in Federal Way where they raised their only son, Bruce, who gave them a daughter-in-law, Tammy, three grandchildren, Nick (and Melisa), Courtney (and Daryl), Niel, and two grand puppies, Abbie and Leroy. From that point forward he was known as "Papa." Dennis worked for The Boeing Company and retired in 1995 after 35 years. In 2018 he met Trish Harrison. They both loved to travel and go on adventures together.
Dennis was a kind and generous man who loved his family and social interactions with just about anyone. He would strike up conversations with complete strangers and soon become friends. He was full of life and lived for adventure and experiences. Papa loved doing projects and when something was not quite perfect, he would often say, "good enough for Boeing" and move on to the next thing. He loved telling stories about his life growing up, from work, and his adventures.
Chuck Moore '60
Charles "Chuck" Moore ‘60 died May 8, 2024, at age 89. He was born on May 26, 1934 in Forest Grove. He was the oldest of eight children born to James and Frances (Murphy) Moore. He was raised in the Banks area and attended St. Francis Catholic Grade School before graduating from Verboort High School in 1952. Chuck then attended Pacific University where he attained a bachelor's degree in teaching in 1960. He later went on and received a master's degree at the Oregon School of Education in 1968. He met his future wife, Darlene Boogaard, through her brother Jim. They soon began dating and they married on June 23, 1962 in Verboort, Ore. They made their home in Aloha until they moved to "the Farm" in 1975.
Chuck was primarily a sixth-grade teacher for the Beaverton School District. He taught at several elementary schools, including Barnes, Sunset Valley, Bethany, William Walker, and Hazeldale. He loved the outdoor school program, where he created some of his fondest memories while teaching.
Chuck loved socializing with his family, friends and almost anyone he met. He enjoyed being and working on the farm. He would hire out his tractor for cultivating and grading. He enjoyed fishing and golfing, and mostly collecting golf balls that came onto the property from the nearby course. He was an excellent dancer. Darlene and Chuck enjoyed dancing in many forms, including ballroom, square, and round dancing. Darlene, Chuck and their children enjoyed camping, visiting Oregon State Park and other parks up and down the west coast, like Detroit Lake, Honeyman, and Suttle Lake. Chuck liked to tinker and this passion was multiplied when he built his shop on the farm. He collected owls, which he loved as a sign of wisdom, and eagles, frequently using Eagle as an outdoor school camp name. He sold Amsoil products on the side for many years, turning it into a business after retiring from teaching.
He is preceded in death by his parents; son-in-law Michael Bailey; siblings Robert and George Allen Moore; and brother-in-law Arthur "Bill" Juenemann.
He is survived by his wife, Darlene; his four children and their spouses, Lauri Leonetti, Shari Bailey, Greg and Kathy Moore, and Daric Moore and Katrina Godderz; foster granddaughter Trish Moore Wilbur; and his five siblings, Teresa Juenemann, Jim Moore, John Moore, Margaret Shaw, and Rosemary Moore.
Lou Payne ‘60
Lou Payne ‘60 died Aug. 24, 2024 at age 85. Louis graduated from Pacific University in 1960 and was inaugural Director of Pacific's Intercultural Institute from 1989 to 1993. As a student at Pacific, he majored in history and english. He was a member of the debate team, wrestling team, Alpha Zeta fraternity, and was nominated "Speaker of the Senior Class."
After graduating from Pacific, he received a master's degree in history and Asian studies from University of Oregon. He then served 22 years in the U.S. State Department as a Foreign Service Officer, working primarily in Asia, but also the Middle East and Africa.
He is survived by his three children, Catherine Leiblein, Susan Potter, and Jon Payne '93.
Jean (Rancore) Simpson '60
Jean (Rancore) Simpson ‘60 died June 28, 2023, at age 84. She was born in Blackduck, Minn. on July 26, 1938, to William B. and Ruth Alfreda (Olofson) Rancore. At the age of three, Jean moved with her family to Oregon. She grew up on a farm two miles from Falls City. She attended Falls City Grade and High School and graduated in 1956. She then attended Pacific University and graduated with a BS in education in 1960.
She married Charles “Chuck” Simpson ‘61 on May 7, 1960, and worked at Tektronix in Beaverton until Chuck graduated as an Optometrist in January of 1961. They spent the next three years in Carlisle, Pa. where Chuck was an Army Optometrist and Jean worked in the Post Library until their daughter Jill was born in 1963. On returning to civilian life, Chuck bought an optometry practice in Baker, Ore. Their second daughter, Christy, was born in 1965.
Chuck passed away in 2003 after a six year battle with Alzheimer's. Jean married Gerald Geddes on Feb. 25, 2006; Jerry passed away on May 3, 2007.
Jean loved working with her children and others in Sunday School at the First Presbyterian Church in Baker City, Girl Scouts, and other functions. She was a bowler and loved the outdoors. She belonged to AAUW, the Baker Historical Society, Community Choir, Arts East, and Crossroads, and was an Elder and Deacon in the Presbyterian Church.
Jean volunteered with Pathway Hospice and later with Heart and Home Hospice. She worked part-time with CAL-Pac Electric Co., Baker County Health Department, and as an Enumerator for the Department of Agriculture. Jean loved to read, write poetry and stories, travel, take pictures, and scrapbook. She also tried her hand at stained glass and carving. Theater was another love of hers.
Jean was preceded in death by her parents; sisters Darlene Frink and Chummy Neirenhausen; brother Denny Rancore; nephew Merrill Frink; husbands Charles Simpson and Gerald Geddes; and good friend John Duke.
She is survived by daughters Jill Harlan and Christy (and Scott) Swindlehurst; step-children JeriAnn Geddes, Rita (and Steve) Humphreys, and Brian (and Debi) Geddes; friend Ron Mills Jean; and many grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
Richard Togikawa ’60
Richard Yoneo Togikawa 88 died on November 3, 2023, at age 88.
1961
Judith (Wright) Favor '61
Judith (Wright) Favor ‘61 died December 8, 2023 at age 83 after being treated briefly for congestive heart failure. She was surrounded by her loving family.
Born on Feb. 25, 1940, in Portland, Ore., Judith’s life was marked by resilience, spirituality, and a profound commitment to service. She married David Favor, with whom she shared the joy of raising three children and the adventurous pursuit of hot air ballooning. Following their divorce in 1977, she embarked on a transformative path, attending seminary at the Pacific School of Religion in Berkeley, Calif. Her calling led her to pastor United Church of Christ congregations in the San Francisco Bay Area, leaving an indelible impact on the communities she served.
In 1998, she made her home at Pilgrim Place in Claremont, where she continued her spiritual journey. She found love again with Pete Nelson, whom she married in 2007, and together they navigated life until his passing in 2020. Her influence extended far beyond her personal life as a sought-after facilitator and teacher of spiritual direction. Her wisdom touched the hearts of many, as she taught for Still Point at Ghost Ranch, N.M., The Claremont School of Theology, and The Religious Society of Friends.
Her legacy also includes her prolific writings, with seven books to her name, including notable titles such as Spiritual Guide to Sabbath Economics, The Edgefielders, Silent Voices, The Beacons of Larkin Street, and Friending Rosie: Respect on Death Row. She wrote most of her books while a member of the Joslyn Center’s writer’s group in Claremont. She also wrote articles in religious magazines and journals. Her intellectual and creative contributions resonated with a wide audience, enriching the lives of those seeking spiritual guidance and strong characters.
“An active member of The Claremont Friends Meeting, Judith’s spiritual home, and her residency at Pilgrim Place symbolized her deep connection to community and faith,” her family shared.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Jim Wright and Mildrid (Dick) Wright; her son, Ray Favor; and brother Jim Wright.
She is survived by her son Michael Favor and his wife, Kathy; granddaughter Sarah and husband Eric Gagnebin; great-grandson Jax Gagnebin and her daughter, Penelope Wyllie; son-in-law Doug Wyllie; grandson Finn Gunn Wyllie; stepson Kahlil Nelson; grandchildren Andrew Favor and Melody Favor; brother Bob Wright and his wife, Robbie; cousins Lorane Dick and her wife, Teri Tompkins, and Wanda Dick Iverson and her husband Al Iverson; nieces and nephews Sigrid Wright (and Matt Parisi), Kirsten Wright (and Thom Kasten), Johanna Wright (and Gabe Blair), Cooper Wright (and Namju Choi), Jason Wright (and Christine Leonard Wright), Jeremy Wright (and Kristy Lombard Wright), and Susi Stryker (and Steve Stryker); and many other beloved family members on the Dick and Wright sides of the family.
Donald Krahmer '61
Donald Krahmer ‘61 died March 4, 2024, at age 90. He was born to Albert Emil Krahmer and Helen Anna Pfahl Krahmer on Nov. 21, 1933, in Blooming, Ore.
Don was baptized at St. Peter's Lutheran Church in Blooming and attended grade school at the Blooming School. His parents sold the family farm in 1947 and moved to Hillsboro, and Don attended Hillsboro High School, graduating in 1952.
He entered the United States Air Force, where he fought in the Korean conflict. In 1955, he married Joan Elizabeth Karnes. It was also the year he started attending Pacific University. Don was an early employee of Mrs. Reser's Salads (where Mildred Reser hired him) and became a lifelong friend of Al Reser, his mother, Mildred, and his wife, Patricia Reser. He spent a career in the wholesale grocery industry working for Reser's Fine Foods, Carnation Foods, Hervin Company, and then the food brokerage Kelley Clarke.
He opened a Baskin-Robbins Ice Cream Shop in Sandy, Ore., which he owned and operated until retirement. During this time and at his retirement, he resided in Gresham, Ore. He then returned to his hometown of Hillsboro, Ore., living at Cornell Estates in Hillsboro and White Piano Senior Care Center in Aloha, Ore. He was a member of Trinity Lutheran Church in Hillsboro, Ore. He lived a full life and enjoyed hunting, fishing, friends, and family.
He was preceded in death by his sister, Mildred Jeanette Krahmer Sanders and her husband, William Clifford Sanders.
He is survived by his three children and their spouses, Donald L. Krahmer, Jr. and Suzanne, Kriste Eros and Terry, and Michael and Mary Mann; five grandchildren, Hillary Elizabeth Krahmer, Zachary John Krahmer, Katherine Eros, Nicholas Eros, and Amos Krahmer.
1962
Gary Bumgarner '62, OD '63
Gary Bumgarner '62, OD '63 died Aug. 11, 2024, at age 85. He battled his cancer long enough to celebrate his 60th wedding anniversary with his wife, Sylvia.
Gary was born and raised in south Spokane, the eldest son of Dr. Leslie and Laura Bumgarner. He graduated from Lewis and Clark High School in 1956, completing undergraduate studies at Gonzaga and Whitworth before earning a doctorate in optometry at Pacific University. As President of the Shadle Lion's Club, he actively supported the Spokane Blind Society. He was a passionate second-generation optometrist, providing care for thousands of patients in the Spokane area and also serving as the President of the WA Optometric Association.
Active in too many clubs and associations to name, his driving passion was wildlife, the outdoors, and conservation. He founded Spokane River Expeditions and Indian Canyon Corrals with his family and friends to share the local beauty of Spokane during the Expo of '74. He served as the first President of the Spokane Safari Club International and initiated the Private Land Wildlife Management organization. He was an accomplished artist, sculpting wildlife bronzes and creating taxidermy. A big game hunter, his taxidermy and art filled one of the happiest places in his life, his trophy room.
In his retirement, he enjoyed singing with the German American Society Concordia Choir at Oktoberfest and "prosting" with his homemade beer steins. His barbershop quartet, "The Outdoor Four," serenaded many lucky ladies on Valentine's Day. With a portable sawmill and the trees from the property, he expanded his Coeur d'Alene Lake home to accommodate the growing family. He rarely missed an opportunity for a duck or pheasant hunt or deer camp with close friends. Gary always had a tall tale to tell by the campfire. A lifetime dog lover, he competed and won many field trials with his German Shorthair Pointers. Later, he and his rescue dog, Tug, spent many hours together at the lake and home, feeding the birds and deer, gardening, and building a beautiful Koi Pond. He and Sylvia enjoyed sitting by the pond and feeding the fish while watching the wildlife that he encouraged. He was a big personality with too many interests and not enough time to pursue them all. As a son, brother, uncle, husband, father, friend, and grandfather (Boompa), he was fun to be with and encouraged excellence from all.
Gary was preceded in death by his parents; sister Jean Mimnaugh; brother Ken Bumgarner; and daughter Shelli Greenland.
He is survived by his wife, Sylvia; daughter Stephanie Utt (and Steve); and grandchildren Haylee and Austin (and Alayna) Utt, Brittney, Joey, and Josh.
Richard Burda ’62
Richard Burda ‘62 died May 30, 2023, at age 82.
Richard had a big personality and an even bigger heart. He led a very full and interesting life, from being a Federal Public Defender to later on in life as a farmer. He knew the law and he knew how to fix a tractor. He was generous with his time and always with his resources.
Richard believed in volunteering, a passion that began as a young man who ventured from Holland to work at a rehabilitation hospital for amputees, to Ethiopia to assist an orphanage with their water system. He cared deeply for animals, especially the plight of elephants. He was an avid collector of antique pocket watches. He had been a devoted member of the Bisbee Community Chorus. He was the "frontman" for his local Saturday morning Farmers Market business. He particularly loved helping new moms pick out produce and then with great flourish and detail describe exactly how to cook whatever they had chosen; a family member remarked, “I would just laugh, he never cooked a vegetable in his life.” He served on the Board of Directors for the East Valley YMCA in Los Angeles, Calif. as well as the Chiricahua Community Health Centers, Inc. in Elfrida, Ariz.
He volunteered to teach civics to a group of elementary school children in McNeal , Ariz. and assisted engineers throughout the United States as they inspected damaged homes after the 1994 Northridge, Calif. earthquake. Richard embraced curiosity. He read the New Yorker Magazine cover to cover, and read any newspaper he could get his hands on. Later on in life he devoured podcasts and sudoku puzzles.
He loved being a kingmaker, always making someone else look better than himself. He loved a good dinner party, with flowers, candles and cloth napkins. He was a proud member of AA, with 34 years of sobriety under his belt. His life was spent fighting for the underdog, the unnoticed.
Richard is predeceased by his mother, Helen Maxine (Moore) Burda; and his father Eugene Joseph Burda.
He was survived by his wife, Claire Foley; his son, Aaron David Burda; his sister, Susan Burda McCullough; his mother-in-law, Josephine Foley; sisters-in-law Bobbie Young and Betty Voorhees; brother-in-law Benny Young of Salinas; nieces Shannon Voorhees, Lexie Voorhee, Colleen Young, Audra McKinney, and Anita Abdeen; nephew William Voorhees; great niece Marissa Jones; and all who had the pleasure of calling him friend.
Jack Hoffman ’62
John “Jack” Hoffman ‘62 died Aug. 8, 2023, at age 83. He was born on Nov. 17, 1939 in North Bend, the son of Jacob and Laurella Hoffman. He attended Marshfield High School where he was a member of the 1956 state championship football team before graduating in 1957. Jack also attended Pacific University where he met and married his wife, Lucille Horner ‘62, before graduating in 1962. He taught for a year in Port Orford before teaching Health and Physical Education for the next 33 years at North Bend Junior High School. He also coached football, wrestling and volleyball. Jack enjoyed teaching and coaching and loved connecting with former students after his retirement in 1995.
While still in high school, Jack began volunteering as a Camp Counselor at Camp Easter Seals on Tenmile Lake in Lakeside, Ore. He was the Director of Camp Easter Seals from 1964 until 1970 and some of his fondest memories were of the summers spent at camp.
Jack was a founding member of the Hauser Rural Fire Department in 1975, serving as Captain as well as on the board of directors for over 35 years. He was instrumental in building the current Hauser fire hall, the procurement of newer, modern fire trucks and in writing the grants for the Hauser Dunes Rescue Vans.
Jack was an avid hunter and fisherman throughout his life. In 1996 he began volunteering with the Gardner-Reedsport-Winchester Bay Salmon Trout Enhancement Program (S.T.E.P.) serving on the board of directors for many years.
As much as Jack loved teaching, coaching and volunteering for causes close to his heart, his greatest joy was his wife Lucille and spending time with his family. He was lucky enough to have all of his grandchildren grow up in North Bend, and he was their biggest supporter at school and sporting events.
After his retirement, Jack and Lucille spent some time traveling around the United States and to Chile. They went on several cruises including trips up the Columbia River, the Mississippi, Nova Scotia, the Panama Canal and his favorite place, Alaska.
Jack touched many lives as a teacher, coach, camp director, fireman, volunteer, and lifelong member of the North Bend/Coos Bay community. He loved telling stories and sharing the history of the area. He will be missed.
Jack was preceded in death by his parents; brother Jim Hoffman; and brother-in-law Jim Bernhardt.
Jack is survived by his wife, Lucille; his sister, Lois Bernhardt; his daughters and their spouses, Karen Stulz and Jaye, Cindy Wixey and Marc, and Bobbi Wilson and Steve; his grandchildren and their spouses, Nicole Yokbay-Weiss and Martin, Mason Stulz and Nicole, Kayla Yokbay-Kanaeholo and Kyle, Lynn Clow and Levi, Katie Wilson and Beau Woodward, Cahlia Wixey, Jake Wilson and his partner, Shannon Aune; his nine great-grandchildren (with another on the way), Zoie, Karliee, Zoey, MacKenzie, Kamryn, Colton, John, Khloe, and Izabella; as well as numerous nieces and nephews.
Tom Meakin '62
Thomas Meakin ‘62 died on March 20, 2024 at age 84. This ended his long struggle with Myelodysplastic Syndrome (MDS) a disease he fought uncomplainingly and with grace.
Tom was born in San Francisco Oct. 31, 1938, to Helen Wetmore Meakin and Edgar Neal Meakin, who ran a thriving manufacturing and machinery company called California Pellet Mill. The family moved to Hillsborough, Calif. in 1947, where Tom attended South Hillsborough School, meeting people who would become his lifelong friends. Quiet, gentlemanly, non-judgemental, generous and wonderfully consistent, Tom was a man many considered to be their best friend.
After graduating from Menlo High School, Tom attended Menlo College and later graduated from Pacific University. There he met his future wife, Rita Cameron. Upon graduating, Tom began his working career at CPM, holding jobs in production and as a sales representative in Oklahoma and Arkansas, eventually returning to San Francisco to join in running the company and raising his young family in Burlingame.
Tom's real passion was automobiles. Inheriting the mechanical ability of his father and grandfather, he disassembled and reassembled a Model A Ford by the time he was 14. This led to a lifelong association with cars. He enjoyed many makes of automobiles but his specialties were pre-war Ford Woodies and Ford high performance cars of the 60's. Tom's restoration work garnered nation-wide attention, many of his cars winning best of class in Concours around the country. He was eagerly sought after for his knowledge, advice and mechanical ability, especially on tours.
As a visitor of Lake Tahoe since the 1950s and a longtime summer resident of the West shore, Tom truly loved his boating adventures. With an intimate knowledge of every craggy cove and bar on the lake’s 72 mile shoreline and well-deserved reputation as a rascal on the water, he could easily turn a short ride into an all-day affair. Many learned to answer carefully when asked if they wanted to take a boat ride with him.
Tom also loved and had a vast knowledge of country and bluegrass music. He spoke with deep affection about banjo legend Earl Scruggs and guitarist Doc Watson. Along with Henry Ford, they stood tall in his mind. He was also a member of the Bohemian Club, helping build sets for stage productions, and he enjoyed many informative talks at the Club's events.
The family would like to thank the team at Stanford Cancer Center for their excellent and considerate care.
Tom is survived by his longtime partner, Patrica Urbina; his children, Wendy Meakin, James Meakin, and Leah Meakin; his brother, James Meakin; and four grandchildren.
Frank Mossman '62, OD '62
Frank Mossman '62, OD '62 died July 21, 2024, at age 85. Born Dec. 25, 1938, Frank, also affectionately known as "Rocky" and "Doc Rock," dedicated his life to his family, his community, and his passions.
Frank graduated from Evergreen High School and later earned his degree from Pacific University, becoming a respected optometrist. Beyond his professional life, he served in the National Guard, embracing the discipline and camaraderie that came with military service.
A man of many hobbies, Frank was a lifetime enthusiast of hot rods and custom cars, actively participating in the Slo Poks Car Club. His love for RC airplanes saw him deeply involved in the Clark County RC Club, flying at the fairgrounds. An avid outdoorsman, he enjoyed fishing, clamming, and mushroom hunting. Frank also had a knack for building and fixing things, constructing homes and cabins for his family.
He is survived by his wife, Jennifer (Herbster) Mossman; his son, Christopher Mossman; and sister Laurian Brown.
Bill Rowley '62
William “Bill” Rowley ‘62 died Aug. 24, 2023, at age 92. Bill was a devoted husband, a dedicated veteran, and a pioneering developmental optometrist. He leaves behind a legacy of compassion, service, and a lifelong commitment to helping others.
As a young man, Bill answered the call to duty and served his country with honor during the Korean War. Bill's bravery and dedication in the face of adversity were a testament to his unwavering commitment to his nation.
After returning from his military service, Bill pursued a career in developmental optometry, driven by a passion for helping people improve their quality of life. His tireless efforts and dedication to his patients earned him the respect and admiration of both his peers and those he served. Through his work, Bill made a profound impact on countless lives, enabling many to see the world more clearly and with greater understanding.
His life was a testament to the values of honor, service, and a commitment to the betterment of others. He had an insatiable curiosity and a deep love of learning, always seeking new knowledge and experiences. His memory will live on through the lives he touched, the knowledge he shared, and the love he gave.
As we bid farewell to William Richard Rowley, we take solace in the knowledge that his legacy will endure through the memories, stories, and people he left behind. May he rest in eternal peace, his memory forever cherished by those whose lives he touched.
Bill is survived by his wife, Linda Frost-Rowley; his children and their spouses, Stacy Frost and Sean Downer, Robert Milliken and Pam, Tony Frost, and Melody St. Clair; his six granddaughters, Chena, Jessica, Carman, Autumn, Amy and Jenny; 12 great-grandchildren; and his brother, Robert “Bob” Rowley. He is also remembered fondly by a wide circle of friends, colleagues, and family members who will carry his memory in their hearts.
1963
Steven Krake ’63
Steven “Steve” Krake ‘63 died Sunday, Oct. 8, 2023, at age 82.
He was born Feb. 10, 1941, in Tillamook, Ore., the son of the late Cecil Krake and Elvera (Piller) Krake. He was raised and received his education in the Tillamook community, and was a graduate of the Tillamook High School Class of 1959. Following his high school graduation, Steve attended Pacific University, receiving a bachelor’s degree in education. He then attended Oregon State University in Corvallis, where he received a master’s degree in education.
He was united in marriage to Joyce A. Lockwood on Aug. 26, 1967, in the First Christian Church in Forest Grove. Following their marriage, they resided in the Beaverton community until 1969. They then moved to the Hillsboro community, where they resided until his passing.
Steve taught math at Beaverton High School for thirty years, including many years as department head, until he retired at the age of 57. He then went on to teach math at Portland Community College for eight additional years.
Among his special interests, he enjoyed fishing and camping trips, gardening, playing golf, and spending time with his family.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Cecil and Elvera Krake.
He is survived by his wife, Joyce Krake; his two sons and a daughter-in-law, Jeff Krake, and Kevin and Sherri Krake; his two brothers and a sister-in-law, Ron Krake, and Wayne and Jeanette Krake; his two sisters and a brother-in-law, Nancy Larison, and Shirley and Jared Smith; two grandchildren, Jordyn and Logan Krake; and several nieces and nephews.
Wayne Rasmussen ’63
Wayne Rasmussen ‘63 died Nov. 1, 2023, at age 82. He was born to Earl and Grace Rasmussen on Aug. 19, 1941, in Vancouver, Wash. He worked on his family’s dairy farm, was an Eagle Scout, and was the first member of his family to attend and graduate college. Wayne graduated from the University of Indiana and went on to receive his MS from the University of Oregon, followed by a degree in Physical Therapy from the University of Washington, where he was also an athletic trainer. This education launched Wayne into a lifelong crusade to heal people, mentor, and be a lifelong student and teacher to all.
Wayne helped pioneer Sports Medicine in the Pacific Northwest and spent his career in private practice as a Physical Therapist. Along with his wife, he helped to raise his family in Seattle, Wash. before moving to Anacortes to be the best “Poppa” ever. He also invested his talents in creating beautiful wooden boxes. Wayne’s family was one of his greatest joys in his life. Wayne spent much of his life changing people’s outlooks with his engaging humor, stories, unending generosity, sage advice, and farm-boy wisdom.
Wayne is survived by his wife, Karen; his three children, Dan, Holly, and Amy; and his grandchildren, Lauren, Teja, Amirah, and Raina.
1964
Larry DeCook '64, OD '65
Larry DeCook ‘64 OD ‘65 died on Nov. 4, 2023 at age 84. He graduated from Sigourney High School.
On Nov. 25, 1960, Larry was united in marriage to Sharon L. Stevens in Des Moines, Iowa. He attended the University of Iowa before they moved to Forest Grove for Larry to start Optometry School at Pacific University. After graduation, they made their home in Newton. In 1970, Larry and Shari opened their private practice, which Larry continued until he retired in 2008.
Larry loved sharing time with family and friends. He enjoyed golf, the Iowa Hawkeyes, woodworking and time on the patio. He had a passion to give back to his profession and served on several mission trips to El Salvador. He was a member of First Presbyterian Church and First United Methodist Church. He was also past president of the Iowa Optometric Association (IOA) and the American Optometric Association (AOA). Larry served on the Newton Park Board, Newton City Council, Skiff Medical Center Board and other local service organizations. Larry also served his profession on many committees for the IOA and AOA.
Larry was preceded in death by his parents; sisters Shirley Koob and Marilyn Showman; and brother Larry DeCook in infancy.
He is survived by his wife, Sharon DeCook; sons David (and Cathleen), and Kent (and Monica); grandchildren Thomas (and Trish), Ben (and Kristin), Kelsea (and Kaylea), Nick, Megan, Michael, and Steven; great-grandchildren Nora, Benton, Abby, and Dylan; and many extended relatives and friends.
Pat Knight '64
Howard “Pat” Knight ‘64 died July 29, 2024, at age 85 after a recent diagnosis of pancreatic cancer.
Pat was born Nov. 14, 1938, in Forest Grove. The youngest child of the late Gordon Knight and Effie (Sage) Knight, he was raised on the Knight Family homestead in Dilley, Ore. He loved climbing trees with his sister Mattie, “skating” loops around the large furnace in the basement, and lying in the front yard looking at clouds and Mt. Hood and Mt. Saint Helens off in the distance. He attended the old schoolhouse in Dilley and later Laurelwood Academy in Gaston, Ore. After high school, he studied political science at Pacific University before being drafted into the Army during a period when he was working to raise money to return to college.
In the Army, he was stationed near Trier, Germany with the 4th Missile Battalion 6th Artillery APO 123. He received an honorable discharge on April 1, 1963, at the rank of Private First Class.
Pat was united in marriage to Darlene G. Folsom on Feb. 11, 1965, in Forest Grove. After the getaway, they resided on East Main in Hillsboro, Ore. During this period, Pat and Darlene welcomed a daughter, Kristen, and a son, Damon. Before his passing, Pat and Darlene celebrated 59 years of marriage with their favorite meals from Dooger’s in Seaside, Ore.
While working as vice president for Holman Transfer, Pat and family relocated to Fairwood, Wash. After a few years, Pat and Darlene decided they wanted to open up their own business, maybe a tavern they thought, in a quaint, small town. They looked at several taverns for sale across the state of Washington – from Hoquiam to Wenatchee – before their realtor mentioned a bar and restaurant for sale in a “town you’ve probably never heard of called Vernonia.” Both Pat and Darlene knew Vernonia very well. Actually, Pat’s dad had logged in Vernonia when Pat was little and had brought him home a piggy bank purchased from the J.C. Penney store on Bridge Street. While the “piggy bank” turned out to be a Smiley the Pig cookie jar, it remained one of his most cherished possessions.
In 1976, they took over ownership of Lew’s Place. For 27 years Pat built community from behind the bar, serving morning coffee to the “Geritol Crowd,” hosting numerous prime rib banquets, giving his children – and later grandchildren – quarters to play the arcade game or their favorite song on the jukebox, and giving final toasts in remembrance of dear customers and employees who had passed. In 1983, Pat, Johnny Beamish, Jim Brunsman, Dickie Brunsman, and Killer held the first St. Patrick’s Day parade in Vernonia, Ore. Pat pushed a wheelbarrow full of potatoes down Bridge Street while he and the others took turns spray painting shamrocks at each crosswalk and in front of the gas pumps at the Mini Mart. Later, Pat evolved into the resident leprechaun who would do the jig and tap parade watchers on the head with his shillelagh to give them luck for the coming year. In 2022, he passed his leprechaun duties on to his oldest great-grandson, RJ Foster.
After selling Lew’s, Pat and Darlene retired to Seaside, Ore. Not interested in taking up gardening and unable to fill all his time golfing, Pat came out of retirement and started bartending three to four days a week at the Astoria Country Club. After a few years there, he started bartending at Riley’s in Seaside. At Riley’s, he continued to build a close-knit community who appreciated his cantankerous ways. COVID finally forced him into retirement when Riley’s and all area establishments were shut down on March 16, 2020.
Besides being a founding member of Vernonia’s annual St. Patrick’s Day parade, Pat was a member of the Hillsboro Elks Lodge B.P.O.E. Lodge #1862, the American Legion Post #119, the Vernonia Lions Club, the Forest Hills Country Club in Cornelius, Ore., and the Quail Valley Golf Course in Banks, Ore. He had the honor of being the first player to tee off on Quail Valley’s opening day.
Among his special interests, he enjoyed playing golf, coaching t-ball and baseball, watching golf, football, Jeopardy or The Price is Right on television, and gambling.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Gordon and Effie Knight; his three brothers, Bob Sullivan, Darrell Sullivan, and Frank Knight; his two sisters, Mary Bryan and Ruth LaPier; son-in-law John Normand, Jr.; and daughter-in-law Brenda Denham.
He is survived by his wife, Darlene Knight; his children and their spouses, Jamela Knight, Rick Knight, Kristen and Leo Hanthorn, and Damon Knight and Kelli Brewer; his two sisters, Ramona Gifford and Mattie Wren; his six grandchildren and their spouses, Jenifer and Bob Foster, Hadassah and Reuben Tayengwa, Keli and Ted Bergerson, Stephanie Hanthorn, Maddox Brewer Knight, and Luka Brewer Knight; his six great-grandchildren, R.J. (and Jax), Kolbie (and Kayden), Zuva (and Zanzi); and numerous nieces and nephews.
Lary Mielke '64
Lary Mielke ‘64 died April 23, 2023, at age 81 after a long struggle with Alzheimer's. Lary was born March 4, 1942, in Marion, N.D. to Leonard and Winifred Mielke. He graduated from Lebanon High School in 1960. He attended Pacific University before graduating from Oregon State University in 1964 with a bachelor's degree in business and technology.
On Sept. 3, 1966, Lary married Deborah Ann Stevens. In 1968, Lary earned a master's degree in business administration from the University of Southern California. After college, Lary was a practicing CPA before moving into real estate development where he had a career for over 50 years. On Oct. 12, 2009, Deborah passed away. A few years later after losing Debby, Lary was diagnosed with dementia. In 2012, Lary married his second wife Mary Anne Cunningham. Lary was involved with several community organizations such as the Huntington Library, Pacific Clinics, Banning Museum, and Westridge School.
Lary is survived by his four children; four grandchildren; his sister; and his second wife.
1965
Zoe-Anne (White) Fitzhugh '65
Zoe-Anne (White) Fitzhugh '65 died June 29, 2024, at age 80.
Wanda (Coakley) Hall ‘65
Wanda (Coakley) Hall ‘65 died Oct. 21, 2023 at the age of 80.
Wanda was born to Sheldon and Josephine Coakley on May 2, 1943, in Billings, Mont. The family moved to Newport, Ore. in her junior year where she graduated from Newport High School. Wanda continued her education at Southern Oregon University in Ashland, Ore. and Pacific University where she studied music and dance. She married Lynn Kelly in 1963 and they relocated to Oakridge, Ore. Together they had three children, Ladette (Kelly) Nelson, Tim Kelly and Mike Kelly. Years later they divorced, and she later married Ralph Hall.
Wanda opened a dance studio in Oakridge in the early ‘70s and taught ballet, tap and acrobats. Wanda also taught piano lessons for many years. She played the piano and sang in the choir for the Oakridge Methodist Church. In the late ‘70s Wanda sang in a choir group called "the five of us", and the group performed in different locations around Lane County. Wanda worked at the Western Auto store, the Westfir Mill. She and her husband moved to The Dalles, Ore. from approximately 1987 to 1992 and while there she taught music and piano for St. Mary's Academy. They returned to Oakridge after her husband retired where they enjoyed the outdoors, traveling, boating, gardening, helping with grandkids and spending time with friends and family.
In 2000 Wanda started a career with the U.S. Forest Service-Middle Fork Ranger District, in customer service. She was a friendly face behind the front desk, issuing permits, selling maps and giving information to the public on trails and anything else that might come along. She was quick-witted, fun and occasionally had a joke or two to share. Wanda retired her customer service skills at the Middle Fork Ranger District in October of 2017. While early in her career she worked part time for the Forest Service which also allowed her to work part time as a receptionist in the various schools within the Oakridge School District.
Wanda enjoyed traveling, cooking, playing her piano and organ, knitting, reading, cards, and enjoying time with her friends and family. She was also an avid Oregon Duck football, basketball and baseball fan which prompted a fair amount of fun rivalry with her brother Tony (the avid Oregon Beaver fan). She also enjoyed watching the NFL, NBA and MLB games. She was passionate about watching her grandson's sporting events and rarely missed one. It would not be uncommon for her to end up with a van full of ball players for the ride back home and a stop for dinner after an out-of-town game or meet.
Wanda was preceded in death by her mother and father; and her husband, Ralph.
She is survived by her daughter, Ladette Nelson and her husband, Barry; son Tim Kelly and his wife, Agnes; son Mike Kelly and his wife, Ellen; stepson Scott Hall and his wife, Norma; stepdaughter Darby Dekay and her husband. Chuck; stepdaughter Vicki Bucklin and her husband, Jim; nine grandchildren Tyler Armstrong, Trevor Armstrong (and Chelsey), Zach Kelly, Sean Kelly, Kerie Keffer, Jeremy Booth, Denee Saunders, Deanna Czarnecki, Dana Pearce; 13 great-grandchildren; five great, great-grandchildren; brother Tony Coakley and wife Jane; nieces Danielle Bowers and Lacey Coakley; and nephews Nick and Rowdy.
Frederick Thomas ’65, OD ‘66
Frederick Thomas ‘65 OD ‘66 died Feb. 17, 2023, at age 80 after a brief illness. He was born on May 14, 1942 in Anaconda, Mont. to Frederick Edwin and Florence (Giles) Thomas. The family moved to Butte when he was three years old. He attended Webster Garfield Elementary School and graduated from Butte High School in 1960. He lettered in football and basketball and was a Boys State Delegate. After high school, he served in the army reserves at Fort Ord, Calif. He then attended MSU for pre-optometry. He earned his doctorate of optometry from Pacific University. It was here that he met his future wife, Linda Little ‘65. They were married at Gold Hill Lutheran Church on Aug. 12, 1967. They had two children, Paul and Lisa.
Fred enjoyed many activities including golf, softball, bowling, skiing, boating, fishing and snowmobiling. He enjoyed watching his children’s and grandchildren’s events as well. He was a member of Silver Bow Kiwanis and Butte High Silver B’s. He served on the boards of the Salvation Army and Housing Authority. He was on the trust committees at Gold Hill Lutheran Church and volunteered at the Butte Emergency Food Bank.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Frederick “Eddie” Edwin and Florence Thomas; sister Deborah Wieser; grandparents Edwin and Annie (Scott) Thomas and George and Helen (Anderson) Giles; and Linda’s parents, Edward and Gladys (Strope) Little.
He is survived by his wife, Linda Thomas; his children, Paul (and JoElla), and Lisa (and Matt); grandchildren Bryce (and Isabelle), Jayden (and Kaylee), and Logan; sister Kemera Thomas; brother-in-law John; and many cousins and friends.
1966
Virginia (Kyle) Ashworth '66
Virginia "Ginger" (Kyle) Ashworth ‘66 died May 17, 2024, at age 80 after a three-year long battle with cancer. Ginger showed wholehearted dedication, strength, and support for her family, always putting their needs above her own.
She was born on March 5, 1944, in Toledo Ore., to Donald and Dorothy Kyle. She was the middle child and had two siblings. Ginger grew up in Spray, Ore., before moving with her family to Hillsboro, finishing her senior year at Hillsboro High School. Afterwards, she attended Pacific University on a musical scholarship.
Ginger worked for OHSU in the Department of Behavioral Neuroscience as the Department Administrator from 1968 to 2004 until retirement. There she met Lee Ashworth while he was servicing the department computer for Wang Computers, and they were married in 1977. Ginger was a beloved second mom to all the grad and postdoc students within the Behavioral Neuroscience program at OHSU. Additionally, she made lifelong friends within that community and was honored as a namesake for the Ashworth-Thomason scholarship award for students who wish to continue their graduate training.
Ginger loved traveling with Lee and seeing national parks and monuments as well as finding every local quilt shop on the way. She also loved to travel with her quilting friends, the WeBees, to Sisters, Ore. every year for the famous quilt show and to see many regional quilt stores.
Another passion was her love for Rockaway Beach where she visited her grandmother often and enjoyed walking on the beach with family and friends. She imparted this love for all things beach to her family as well.
Ginger also loved classical music and enjoyed a lifetime of going to local concerts. One of her favorite concerts was the Young Artists Concerts, a competition granting scholarships to high school seniors. Ginger also loved listening to the local radio station, All Classical, and had it on in the background continually while at home. As a musician herself, she would play the piano for her young children while they danced with joy.
Ginger was beautiful inside and out, smart, kind, extremely giving, witty, funny, dedicated; she enjoyed life, music, traveling and loved meeting new people. She enjoyed hiking, quilting, and spending time with her family. Ginger led a full life building a legacy of indescribable kindness, joy, humor, strength, and devotion to her family and friends. She will be missed by all who were fortunate enough to know her.
She is preceded in death by her brother, Michael Cecil Kyle.
She is survived by her spouse, Lee Ashworth; her brother and sister-in-law, Samuel Richard Kyle and Patti Kyle; her children, Sherre (and Scott) Wilson, Cindy (and Nicolas) Hasselblad, Shelly Winter Miller, and Todd (and Dani Ashworth); and many grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
Barbara (Williams) Crandall '66
Barbara (Williams) Crandall '66 died Dec. 31, 2023, at age 79 after a short battle with pancreatic cancer. She was born in Glendale, Calif., on Dec. 3, 1944, to parents Martha (Burdick) May and Nonnie Bledsoe Williams. Nonnie, Martha, Barbara, and her older sister Susan moved to Colton, Ore. in 1949, where Barbara attended elementary school, before moving to Portland. Barbara graduated from Franklin High School in 1962 and graduated from Pacific University with a bachelor’s degree in mathematics.
She met William Vernon Crandall while both worked at Meier & Frank’s in downtown Portland, and the two were married in 1967. At this time Barbara met and became a second mother to Bill’s four-year-old daughter, Debbie (Deborah Joy). Barbara and Bill moved to Lincoln City shortly thereafter. Their daughter Mindy was born at North Lincoln Hospital in 1973. Barbara, Bill, and Mindy moved to Otis in 1978, and Barbara joined Lincoln County School District in Newport as a data processor and computer systems analyst. Bill preceded her in death in 1990. She retired from LCSD in 1999, where she eschewed the typical retirement gift and instead, asked everyone to contribute to the food bank instead. In 1990, Jerry Warner made “the best decision of my life” when he called her to see if she wanted to go get coffee. They remained happy partners for the remaining 33 years of her life and his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren became part of her family, just as Bill’s first daughter and her subsequent children and grandchildren did.
Family, music, and community were defining features of Barbara’s life. Music infused her home life and Barbara played piano from a young age. Soon after arriving in Lincoln City, she joined the Congregational Church of Lincoln City, and was a member the remaining 48 years of her life. She sang in the choir, taught Sunday school, accompanied the choir on both piano and organ, and served on various boards and committees, including as treasurer and helping organize the annual Holiday Bazaar. The church and her fellow members were a huge part of her community and her support network. Of particular note was her support of Peace Village for many years. She helped fundraise, organize activities, and fed countless campers, counselors and teachers.
Community was also evident in her dedication to volunteering. She was part of an all-volunteer team that developed “Saturdays”, a weekly dance and game club for teenagers. For that effort, she was awarded the Lincoln City Community Involvement award in 1990. Following her retirement, she became very active in local meals programs, purchasing, cooking, and serving food for more than 20 years. She participated in and supported several local efforts to further arts, culture, and youth in Lincoln County, including the Siletz Bay Music Festival, the Backpack Program, Angels Anonymous, the B’nai Brith Camp, and many others. She was twice given a Superintendent’s award at LCSD, a volunteer award from Taft Middle School, and was Lincoln City’s Woman of the Year in 2012.
Barbara loved life and never failed to see the good (and the humor) in every person, situation, or event. Some people have rose-colored glasses; she had bulletproof, bright pink googles. In addition to loving music, she read voraciously, loved silly movies, plays, and musicals, loved doing crosswords, Sudoku and logic puzzles, and loved playing games, particularly ones with words.
She is survived by her partner, Jerry Warner; sister Susan and her husband, Lewis; her daughter, Mindy and husband JP; grandchildren John (and Hanna) and Theo; nieces and nephews Rob, Doug, Jill, and Katie; and her extensive extended family.
Ann Helmick '66
Ann Helmick ‘66 died Feb. 20, 2024, at age 79. Ann graduated from Pacific University in 1966 and had dear and lifelong friendships with many there. After graduation, she lived and worked in both Trinidad & Tobago and Finland for several years before returning to Portland. Ann was a career travel agent with a love of adventure, and a meticulous planner. She travelled far and wide throughout her life, often in the company of her sister. They were a well matched set of roamers, and always came back with the best, often hilarious, stories to tell. Ann was proud of her Midwestern Scandinavian heritage and stayed true to one of her favorite sayings, "you can always tell a Dane, but you can't tell them much." She lived a life well-loved.
Ann is preceded in death by her sister, Joanne Radeker and parents Gordon and Clarice Helmick.
She is survived by her niece, Brooke Radeker (and Joyce Respess); and brother-in-law Lawrence Radeker.
Gary Jones '66, OD '67
Gary Jones ‘66, OD ‘67 died Feb. 12, 2024, at age 82. Gary was born July 1, 1941, to K. Wayne and Cleda (Wilson) Jones. He was the younger of their two kids and a joy to the family.
Gary grew up in Sweet Home and loved his small hometown and the friends made during those years. Always known as a natural athlete with an immense work ethic, his school years were filled with many accolades, awards and accomplishments. In his senior year, he was student body president. He excelled in high school basketball and baseball.
In 1957, his Sweet Home baseball team upset their opponents to win the American Legion Junior State Championship. Gary went on to play college baseball.
On Sept. 12, 1964, Gary married his Sportsman’s Holiday Queen, Shirley Richards. Gary was the first in his family to attend and graduate from college. He graduated with his doctorate in optometry from Pacific University in 1967 and the couple welcomed their first son, Jeffrey (who would later follow in his dad’s footsteps as an optometrist).
The job market was tough in Oregon but Gary soon found work in Edmonton, Alberta.
Soon after getting settled in Canada, the homesickness set in and the couple returned to Oregon where Gary set up a private optometry practice in Lebanon. Their second child, Jamie, was born in 1970 and five years later their third, Matt, joined the family.
Gary devoted 35 years in Lebanon building a successful business and being an active and involved family man. He found joy in coaching and was a mentor to many in the community. He loved teaching and watching his kids and grandkids in their many sports.
Gary retired in 2003, and he and Shirley moved to Redmond to be closer to their kids and grandkids in central Oregon. Within a few years they purchased a second home in Surprise, Ariz., in the same neighborhood as their closest Sweet Home High School friends, where they would winter and feel like kids on Spring Break for six months out of the year.
Gary enjoyed long walks, playing golf and tennis, keeping an immaculate yard and raising tomatoes and zucchini. For 13 years in Lebanon, Gary and Shirley hosted their annual Jones Cup tennis tournament with their friends. He was a loyal fan of the Seattle Mariners baseball team.
Gary will always be remembered for his devotion to family, his big smile, athletic ability and leadership. His kind heart and sincere personality made it easy to build lifelong relationships with many. Gary took special pride in his large and growing family, including grandchildren and great-grandchildren. He leaves behind a legacy of love and cherished memories. He will be deeply missed by family and all who were fortunate enough to know him.
Gary is preceded in death by his parents, K. Wayne and Cleda Jones; and sister Sandra Van Epps.
Gary is survived by his wife, Shirley Jones; his children and their spouses, Jeffrey ’90, OD ’91 and Susie, Jamie and Brad, and Matt and Jessica; his nine grandchildren and their spouses, Tyler and Jessica, Alex and Kelsey, Jacob and Jesse, Andy, Ellie, Skyler, Tanner, Tori, and Kelsi; and his great-granddaughters, Paisley and soon to be born Marley.
Patrick Loughary '66
Patrick Loughary ‘66 died June 15, 2024, at age 80 after a long struggle with Lewy Body Dementia. He was born in Pendleton to Thomas H. Loughary and Rita Cunha Loughary.
Patrick grew up and attended school in Portland. He earned his BS from Pacific University and his MEd from Central Washington State College. His first job was as a counselor/instructor/assistant baseball coach at MHCC. He then took a position as head counselor and instructor, and eventually became Assistant Dean of Instruction in the formation of a new community college, Rogue Community College. In 1977, the family moved to Pendleton, where Patrick served as the Dean of College and Student Services at BMCC until his retirement in 1999.
Patrick enjoyed hunting, fishing, cars of every make and model, and time with family and friends. To family & friends, Patrick was known as the "Lazy Leprechaun" always ready with an Irish toast accompanied by a wee sip of Ireland's finest!
He is survived by his wife, Janet; his sister, Kathleen Moffenbier; his daughter, Kristen and her husband, Mike; his son, Michael and his wife, Deena; his grandchildren, Kori (and Zach), Kaci, Kelsey, Kenzie, Madelyn, Emma (and Thomas); and great-grandchildren Lane & Haddie.
Hugh Massey '66
Hugh Massey ‘66 died May 30, 2024, at age 80. Born in Boston on Feb. 9, 1944 to William Massey and Gertrude (Weeks) Massey, he was raised in Weymouth. Hugh attended Weymouth High School where he was an exceptional ice hockey player, graduating in 1961. Following high school, Hugh attended Pacific University but was called to serve his country prior to graduating. He served in the Army, was assigned to the 2nd Armored Division at Fort Hood, Texas, eventually deploying to Vietnam for three campaigns. After serving, Hugh resumed studies at UMass Amherst, earning a degree in broadcast journalism in 1973 before settling down in Northampton. He was a familiar voice on local airwaves and enjoyed a successful broadcasting career for several local radio stations including WHYN/WMAS, WHMP and WNNZ until he made a move to television to become the assignment editor at WWLP in Springfield and later at WTNH in Hartford.
Hugh eventually returned to local radio at WLZX in Northampton and then WHAI/WPVQ in Greenfield before retiring from broadcasting in 2004. Hugh also did voice work for several local businesses, most notably Big Y Supermarkets, where for over 30 years he was the in-store voice across Big Y stores in Massachusetts and Connecticut. Hugh also spent several years as a public relations spokesperson for Cooley Dickinson Hospital.
During the mid-1980s Hugh volunteered as a youth hockey coach in Northampton; in 1986 he coached a last seeded Pee-Wee team to win the championship at the annual Northeast Valley Regional Tournament hosted in Greenfield. Hugh was an active member of First Congregational Church in Hatfield, attending services regularly until he could no longer be there in person at which time he participated via Zoom. Hugh was raised around boats and loved boating, spending time with his family on Cape Cod off the waters of Falmouth as well as on the Connecticut River, especially "the shallows" of Hatfield. But his favorite place in the world, where he truly felt relaxed, was Lake Winnipesaukee where he spent many summers as a kid, later returning each summer as an adult for a number of years.
Hugh was predeceased by his parents; his first wife, Suzanne; and his daughter, Barbara.
Hugh is survived by his partner, Dorothy; his children, Robert and William (and Danielle); his grandchildren, Adam, Noelle, Christopher, Annaleigh and Carter; two great-grandchildren; Dot's daughter Amy and her children, Skylar and Kyle; his sister, Elaine and her husband, Ray; and several nieces, nephews, great nieces and great nephews.
Charlotte Sahnow '66
Charlotte Sahnow ‘66 died Sep. 14, 2023 at age 78 after a four-year struggle with dementia.
Charlotte was an Oregonian. Born in 1944, she spent her early years near Forest Grove. There were five children in the family. Besides school, she was actively involved with Mt. Olive Lutheran church.
Charlotte was a master teacher of the French language. Following the completion of her undergraduate degree in romance languages from the University of Oregon in 1966, she taught French levels I-V at Milwaukie High school in Portland. She left in 1985 and returned to university studies, completing two master degrees, French studies from the University of California, Santa Barbara and French Literature from the University of Oregon. She stayed on at the University of Oregon, teaching first- and second-year French as well as third-year French skills. During this time she completed her PhD in Romance Languages.
She also spent time in France and Canada, which included time at the Alliance Francaise in Paris, and French studies at LaVal University in Quebec.
Besides her mastery of French she truly enjoyed working with her students. She arranged numerous travel, visitations, and homestays. She was an amateur actress, alpine skier, hiker, biker, church organist and dancer. But teaching always came first.
Charlotte married late in life. After retiring, she married Professor Alan Eliason in 2013. She became involved in a wide variety of philanthropic activities. She believed strongly in environmental protection, women’s rights, and the defense of animals.
Daniel Wilson '66
Daniel Wilson ‘66 died Feb. 1, 2024, at age 84. He received a bachelor’s degree from Pacific University and a master’s degree from Lewis and Clark College. He taught English and Speech in Sherwood, Ore. He worked with the Boy Job Corp and volunteered at many organizations, including the United States State Police Volunteers, Kiwanis Club, and the Lincoln County Food Share.
Dan is survived by his wife, Sue; two step-sons; and four grandchildren.
1967
Barbara (Blacklaw) Lewis '67
Barbara (Blacklaw) Lewis ‘67 died Jan. 8, 2024, at age 78. She was born Sept. 27th, 1945 to Robert and Evelyn Blacklaw in Walla Walla, Wash.
She grew up in the wheat fields of Eureka, Wash. Barbara graduated from Prescott High School in 1963. In 1968 she fell in love and married Pete R. Lewis. In Walla Walla they started their family and then in 1983 moved to one of her family's homesteads just outside of Eureka, Wash., returning to her beloved wheat fields where they raised their family and acquired horses, chickens, cats and dogs.
In 1993 after their youngest graduated from high school, they moved to West Richland, Wash. where Barbara worked for Columbia Colstor. She retired in 2011. They then moved to Polson, Mont. in 2012 to retire and found "heaven on earth ". Barbara was either in her garden or out on her ATV with her dear friends. She was an avid yard sale hunter, always adding to her beautiful garden and home. She loved all animals, especially horses.
Barbara is preceded in death by her parents, Robert and Evelyn Blacklaw.
Barbara is survived by her husband, Pete; her three children, Rob, Peter, and Andrea; her daughter-in-law, Julia; her six grandchildren, Sabrina, Savannah, Joel, Camilla, Bernardo and Augusto; and her two great-grandchildren, Audrey and Leo. She also leaves behind her three dogs, Samantha Louise, Biscuit and Brodie, and two cats, Rowdy and Sonny.
Donald McFadden ’67
Donald “Don” McFadden ‘67 died March 7, 2021, at age 76.
He was born in Wichita, Kan. where he excelled in his youth as a champion competitive swimmer. His father, a Boeing design engineer, relocated the family to Seattle, Wash. in 1962, where Don graduated high school and attended Pacific University, earning his BA in political science. An early career in banking led him to discover and pursue a career in commercial real estate appraisal.
After marrying Arlene in 1973, their son, Grant, was born in Seattle in 1977. In 1978 the family moved to Scottsdale, Ariz. Don founded McFadden & Associates, Inc. in 1984. As a prestigious Member of the Appraisal Institute (MAI), he spent the next 30 years employing, mentoring, and teaching commercial real estate appraisal around the country, stressing the importance of morals and ethics within the valuation profession. In 1991, he relocated his family to Sacramento, Calif., where the weather was more moderate and close to his favorite vacation area, Squaw Valley, Lake Tahoe.
Don was a self-proclaimed "numbers guy". Rarely did he require a calculator. He was a Porsche enthusiast. He enjoyed listening to Neil Diamond, Elton John, Bruce Springsteen and classical music. He loved his labrador dogs that came and went in his life: Prince, Sheila, Missy and Dickens. He and Arlene loved to travel, particularly to Scotland, where Arlene was born. He often said part of the marriage contract was that they visit Scotland at least every five years. Visits to Los Angeles, to visit his son, Grant, were always special. Don was an avid reader of adventure fiction. In his retirement years he was an enthusiastic volunteer at the Sacramento Central Public Library. More than anything, he lit up a room with his bellowing charm, wit and smile, which is greatly missed by all who knew him.
He is preceded in death by his mother, Leah McFadden; his father, Harry McFadden; and his brother, David McFadden.
He is survived by his wife, Arlene Elizabeth McFadden, and his son, Grant Johnstone McFadden.
Neil McMillan OD ’67
Neil McMillan OD ‘67 died Jan. 21, 2024, at age 87.
Robin McRae OD '67
Robin “Sandy” McRae OD ‘67 died Dec. 2, 2023, at age 83. He was born at St. Luke's Hospital in Boise, Idaho on Dec. 4, 1939, to Ruth Cook McRae and Robert McRae. Robin lived in Big Creek, Idaho at a very early age when his family worked the Sunday Mine. He then lived at Thunder Mountain in the Superintendent Cabin at the Sunnyside Mine. He moved to the now Ghost town of Stibnite, Idaho from age three through 14. While there, he was often in classes taught by his grandmother, Grace McRae. Robin eventually moved to Boise, graduating from Boise High School in 1958.
Robin worked in the backcountry at his family-owned Wolf Fang Tungsten mine (dubbed McRae Mine on USGS maps) for several years during summers and while attending college, living at Big Creek when not in school. Robin also worked for the Forest Service when Earl Dodds was the Krassel District Ranger. Robin and Earl became lifelong friends. Because of his family's years in Thunder Mountain, Robin was intimately familiar with its history and returned many times to the area. He enjoyed sharing historical stories with groups, guiding field trips and collecting as many photos and articles about Thunder Mountain and Big Creek as he could. He wrote several articles for Idaho Magazine including one that was titled "On Thunder Mountain, Dan, Grace, and Gold”, published in November of 2021.
After the family moved from Stibnite in 1955, he spent his remaining years in Boise, leaving only for college at the University of Oregon and Pacific University. Robin graduated with a doctorate of optometry and practiced his profession in Boise for nearly 40 years. Robin was a jogger for decades until he took up walking up to Table Rock and around Boise several times weekly. He battled and survived cancer in 2020 during the pandemic.
He was a longstanding member of the Boise Capitol Lions Club, accruing so many pins his vests were heavily laden. He was also a lifelong member of the Boise Elks Lodge #310. Robin was active with the Idaho History Museum and Idaho Mining Museum. He was frequently found smiling over a cup of coffee at the Edge in downtown Boise while telling one of his many life stories. Robin enjoyed frequenting Elmer's restaurant and the Flicks movie theatre with his close friend, Mary Reithmayr. Had there been a membership program at the Record Exchange, he'd definitely be a platinum level member. The life Robin lived was a beautiful blend of country and city – he knew the most remote and rustic of homes in the Idaho mountains, while smoothly acclimating into his city friends' lives and routines.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Ruth and Bob and his daughter, Kris.
Robin is survived by his sister, Lorie; his daughter, Kim; his grandchildren, Aireul and Jacob; many cousins including Jim Collord, Kay Collord Meier and Carrie Pitts; and his bonus daughter Chris Bolen.
1968
Jan Baker ’68
Jan Baker ‘68 died Feb. 2, 2023, at age 76.
She was born Sept. 23, 1946 in Forest Grove, the daughter of the late Gary A. Baker and Violet “Dal” Baker. She was raised and received her education in the Hillsboro community, having been a graduate of Hillsboro High School Class of 1964. Upon her high school graduation, Jan attended University of Oregon for a year, and then later transferred to Pacific University, where she earned a bachelor’s degree. Jan talked often about her time spent working at Hillsboro Aviation. She would get asked by pilots to hitch a ride and go to Hawaii on a moment's notice. She loved Hawaii so much, she even lived there for a summer. Jan later taught at Gaston Grade School for a few years following her graduation. She then had ownership in the family business Baker Rock Resources in Beaverton for many years until she retired.
She was united in marriage to Fred A. Carlson on Jan. 8, 1982 in Hillsboro, Ore. Following their marriage, they made their home and started their family in the Hillsboro community.
Among her special interests, she enjoyed making beautiful art, painting with watercolors as well as making woodworking carvings. Jan enjoyed collecting antiques, and had a love for quilts, buying them at bazaars and even in the Amish country during her travels. Some of her favorite memories were traveling throughout Europe after graduation. Together as a family, Jan embarked in their Rockwood motorhome and spent many weeks during the summers traveling around the United States. Jan enjoyed cooking, and often came up with fun names for food: “hobo scramble” and “money soup”. One of the kids' favorite dinner nights was “Dollar Dinner.” She would give the kids $5 and let them pick where they wanted to get take out, sometimes driving to four different fast food joints. Spending time with her children and their families was her biggest joy in her later years.
Jan had a passion for reading and loved to have her grandchildren sit on her lap and read stories together. She cherished the time she got to spend with Jordan, watching movies, listening to music, and being silly dancing in the kitchen. Jan had the most amazing smile that lit up any room, and the best laugh. She is often remembered as being a wonderful philanthropist, donating back to the community she grew up in.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Gary A. and Dal Baker.
She is survived by her husband, Fred; her children and their spouses, Chelsea (Carlson) Hudzinski ’05 and Mark, and Jordan and Whitney Carlson; her stepdaughter, Stephanie Couture (former employee); her brother and sister-in-law, Gary T. and Dixie Baker; her four grandchildren, Jocelyn, Camden, Indy, and Brendan; her nieces and nephews, Todd (and Christine) Baker, Meredith Baker, Rigo (and Tressa) Ramirez, and Felipe Ramirez.
Susan Jensen '68
Susan Jensen ‘68 died June 16, 2023, at age 76.
She was born in Forest Grove on Dec. 28, 1946, to Harold and Ethel Jensen. She grew up in Hillsboro and graduated from Hillsboro High School in 1964. She got her teaching degree in middle school history from Pacific University and her master’s in library science in Massachusetts She taught and served as a librarian for the Hillsboro School District for decades, including Brown and Evergreen Jr. Highs.
She was confirmed as a member of the Hillsboro United Methodist Church in 1958 and was a faithful member, dedicated to ministry there for the next 65 years. She served in numerous capacities including as a Lay Leader, on the worship planning team, prepared communion elements, and sang in the choir. Over the course of her life she wrote thousands of cards to church members when they were in need of prayer, were away at school, had a special occasion to celebrate, or just to keep in touch. She was passionate about feeding the hungry, especially children, establishing the church's backpack food program. She was very involved with the Active Retirees, served as administrator of the Scrip program, and hosted the Women’s Evening Fellowship group for many years. Susan decorated the sanctuary for Advent, Christmas, Easter, and Lent, using her sewing and artistic abilities. She gave books to children, including every baby shower she attended. Susan prepared gluten-free muffins for the Muffin Ministry, made soups for the Lenten Dinners and helped keep track of the history of the church. She was a significant contributor to the Lay Speaker training of the Western District of the United Methodist Oregon-Idaho Conference. She was also generous with her neighbors and her garden. She was extremely generous with her time, presence, gifts, and service.
She was preceded in death by her father in 1961 and her mother in 1990.
She is survived by her brother, Harold Jensen III, and his wife, Pearl, as well as many cousins.
1969
Evelyn (Mitchell) Burnett '69
Evelyn (Mitchell) Burnett ‘69 died Sept. 24, 2023, at age 92.
1970
Ken Brost ’70, OD ’72
Ken Brost ‘70, OD ‘72 died Dec. 7, 2023, at age 75.
Michael Iwai '70
Michael Iwai ‘70 died Dec. 1, 2023 at age 75. He was born to the late Nikichi and Yoshie Iwai and raised in Koloa. He attended Pacific University and got his master’s degree in social work at UH Manoa. He returned to Kauai to serve as a probation officer, victim witness coordinator, and retired with the DOE as a social worker.
He enjoyed fishing and hunting locally and abroad. The Na Pali Coast and Koke'e were his playground well into his early 70s; he continued to visit Alaska twice a year, making his last trip in the summer of 2023. He gave his daughters an upbringing of camping, no cable tv, a wide variety of pets, financial responsibility, education, finishing what you start, and spending time with close friends who became family. Michael was proud to teach his grandsons to shoot a homemade bow or rubber band gun when they visited. We'll miss his unique hyena laugh, talkative nature to anyone he met, and the adventures shared with his buddies. Michael was happy to have lived a full life, and was especially thankful to his circle of loved ones and many friends that supported him as he bravely fought pancreatic cancer for two years.
He is survived by his wife, Judith Iwai; his daughters, Stephanie (and Sean), and Stacy (and Jonathan); hanai daughter Rosalyn Guerrero; stepdaughter Lisa; sister Colleen; brother Keith; seven grandchildren; two nephews; and one niece.
1971
Pamela (Blackis) Freeman '71
Pamela (Blackis) Freeman '71 died Aug. 3, 2024, at age 75.
She was born to John Thomas and M. Joy Blackis and raised in the Park Hill area of Denver, Colo. Her mother was an accomplished pianist and Pam showed an interest in learning at a young age. Her musical talent was swiftly revealed when she began taking piano lessons from a family friend. She enjoyed practicing every day. As a fifth grader, Pam played Chopin's Minute Waltz in one minute at the Hallett Elementary School talent show. Later her father and a friend built a harpsichord for her that enabled her Bach renditions to sound more authentic.
Pamela was a good student academically, enjoyed school and participated in every vocal group possible. When she graduated from George Washington H.S. in 1967, she was in the chorus and its prestigious madrigal group. She attended Pacific University, participating in both its choral and instrumental music programs. Her senior recital instrument was a pipe organ. She graduated May 1971 with a bachelor's in music education.
Pamela had always wanted to be a doctor. In the fall of 1971, she continued her education at Colorado State University with a focus on pre-med. While at CSU, she met James W. Freeman, also a graduate student, fell in love, and married him on June 15, 1974. They moved to Richmond, Va., where Pamela continued her studies in music history at Virginia Commonwealth University and Jim taught mathematics at VCU. They spent the next academic year at the University of Bologna, Italy, where Pamela continued her music history studies at its School of Music. This included her visiting, on a regular basis, the 13th century church of San Giacomo Maggiore, and playing its pipe organ (circa late 1700's), while Jim participated in his post-doc studies within the University's Institute of Geometry. Upon returning to Richmond, Pamela received her master's in music history from VCU.
Pamela and Jim moved to Falls Church, Va, in August 1980, where both started working for Computer Sciences Corporation (CSC). Their move was due, in no small part, to the encouragement of CSC's Director of the Software, Systems and Security Technology Operations, who knew that musical talent and software engineering talent were often related. A week after Pamela started her software engineering position at CSC, Jim took a position within CSC's systems engineering group. In 1982 Pamela was among the first programmers to learn and apply Ada as the DoD standard for all embedded computer system applications.
Both Pamela and Jim enjoyed their living in their D.C. environs. They wished, however, to return "West". In 1983, employment opportunities within Ford Aerospace & Communications Corporation (FACC), Colorado Springs, allowed Pamela and Jim to move to COS and purchase their current home. In July 1988, Pamela accepted a position within Productive Data Systems (PDS) in support of a Digital Equipment Corporation (DEC) contract.
In parallel with her software engineering work, Pamela continued her musical interests in Colorado Springs. This included her joining the Colorado Springs Chorale and taking cello lessons. Soon thereafter she began participating in various music ensemble groups, including a string quartet. She actively continued these musical interests throughout her life, including being part of the Chorale's participation in the June 6, 2022, Normandy Memorial Services.
Having joined the Girl Scouts early in her school years, Pamela enjoyed hiking and camping. She was an avid reader and knitter. All of her stuffed animals were named and had distinct personalities. She enjoyed developing her cooking skills, which incorporated one of her life-long attributes: that of being a "picky eater". She was a loyal friend and a devoted wife and mother.
After having delivered their son, Adam John, in 1991, Pamela's life came into even more focus. Her love for her remarkable son was the root and the wings of her life. She and Jim guided Adam in developing his talents, including his musical talents, as well as toward his becoming a responsible, productive and loving adult. In support of his development they joined the First Congregational United Church of Christ.
Pamela is survived by her sister, Patricia J. Blackis; her brother, John P. Blackis; her husband, James W. Freeman; their son, Adam J. Beatt-Freeman and their daughter-in-law, Christina Beatty-Freeman; sister-in-law Corrine Glaser; brother-in-law David Freeman; a flurry of nieces and nephews; and a host of long-time devoted friends.
Monty Gosnell OD '71
Monty Gosnell OD ’71 died Aug. 12, 2024, at age 83.
Monty was born in Denver, Colo. on Sept. 14, 1940 to Donald Gosnell Jr. and Dorothy Appleton Gosnell. He dedicated his life to service, his family, and Jesus. Monty served honorably in the United States Armed Forces at Ft. Huachuca, Ariz. from 1965 to 1967. After graduating with a doctorate of optometry from Pacific University, he married Francine Herinckx on Aug. 8, 1970. They celebrated 54 years of marriage just before his passing.
Most of Monty and Francine's lives were spent raising their children and serving their community in Merced, Calif. Monty started his own optometry practice where he cared for patients for over 30 years. In his time off, he enjoyed fishing, hunting, dirt-biking, and camping with his family. Vacations were often spent in the mountains near streams or on the beaches of California.
In retirement, he took on ceramics with a potter's wheel and kiln, wood whittling and knot-tying. Always an avid reader, his shelves were full of intellectual and religious subjects. Harmonica and banjo were his instruments of choice and he played tunes occasionally throughout his life.
There was always a beloved dog around with Monty as he and Francine spent many hours outside taking care of the yard and planting flowers at their country home.
Throughout the years, Monty and Francine participated in many Bible classes and joined ministries at evangelical churches in Merced. He led small group Bible studies in their home, conducted a senior citizen church service at a retirement facility, and spent hours praying with people in the hospital. Even in his final years, he spoke about Jesus' love to caregivers in his rehabilitation center and at Jennings McCall Center.
Monty is preceded in death by his father, Donald Jr.; his mother, Dorothy; and his brother, Mike.
He is survived by his sister, Kris; his wife, Francine; five children Tasha, Letika, Donald, Chad, and Sandra; and 24 grandchildren.
Geoffrey Guntharp '71
Geoffrey D. Guntharp ‘71 died Aug. 8, 2023 at the age of 76. Geoff earned a bachelor’s degree in theater from Pacific University. He went on to enjoy a successful career as an independent sales representative in the fly-fishing industry. He was a competitive swimmer and held the record in the butterfly stroke for his age group for many years. He had many other interests such as traveling, hiking, and camping. Geoff loved gathering with his family for BBQ’s and during the holidays. As an amateur chef, he loved to cook for his family.
He is survived by his wife, Dianne; his son, Noah; his two daughters, Kelsey and Bree and her husband, Mark; his three grandchildren, Chloe, John and Hunter; his sister, Lolli and her husband; four nieces; and his sister and her spouse, Gail and Bill.
Mary (Tomokiyo) Pitkin '71, MAEd '73
Mary (Tomokiyo) Pitkin '71, MAEd '73 died July 26, 2023, at the age of 73. Mary went to Pacific University where she met husband Dennis Pitkin. Mary devoted her career to teaching and her life to raising her family. Mary was a beloved wife, cherished mother, and devoted grandmother. Her journey was one of ‘ohana (family), love and compassion, leaving an indelible mark on the hearts of all who were blessed to know her.
Mary spent countless hours volunteering and participating in classes at the West Boise YMCA.
She is survived by her husband, Dennis; daughters Yuki and Miki; daughter-in-law Roxanne; and six grandchildren.
Marcella (Irwin) Tichenor MAEd '71
Marcella (Irwin) Tichenor MAEd '71 died Nov. 4, 2022, at age 91.
Marcella was born on June 8, 1931 in Portland, Ore. and became a follower of Jesus Christ while attending Sunday School and Youth Group at Kern Park Christian Church.
Marcella loved music and, at the encouragement of her mother, began piano lessons at the age of seven. As a child, she enjoyed summers at her family’s cabin at Rockaway Beach and trips to Palouse, Wash. to visit her grandmother.
In 1948 at the age of 17, Marcella enrolled at Northwest Christian College to study music. Marcella, an accomplished pianist, began to accompany the NCC quarter on weekends where she met Jerry, who was a member of the quartet. They were married on Dec. 19, 1950 at Kern Park Christian Church. Together, they served in churches in Prescott, Wash., Salt Lake City, Utah, Union City, Ind. and Watsonville, Calif.
Always a small-town girl at heart, Marcella loved her three years in Indiana where she led the choir at New Lisbon Christian Church and was asked to teach music at Jackson Township School, where she began her teaching career. Marcella loved to teach and after her family settled in Gilroy, Calif., she taught music and elementary school for 20 years. In 1983 , she and Jerry returned to the Northwest where she taught for another nine years for Portland Schools.
In 1992 Marcella and Jerry moved to Rockaway Beach, where Marcella thrived in using her gift of hospitality. There was always room for one more guest at the table. She and Jerry loved hosting company together in their home. Marcella loved to cook and made wonderful salads from scratch and was an encouragement to so many people. Marcella was active in the Rockaway Community Church as Organist and Director of Christian Education for over 20 years.
Marcella was preceded in death by her parents, Jack and Cora May Irwin.
She is survived by her husband, Jerry; her sister, Sally Hill; her four children, Sheryl Tichenor, Mark (and Patty) Tichenor, Laurie Jo (and Tony) Porter, and Karen (and Mark) Kershner; six grandchildren; and three great-grandchildren.
1972
William Hornikel ‘72
William Hornikel ‘72 died Oct. 6, 2014, at age 65.
David Tanita ’72, OD ’74
David Tanita ‘72, OD ‘74 died Feb. 17, 2024, at age 74.
1973
Earle Nakagawa OD ’73
Earle Nakagawa OD ’73 died March 13, 2024, at age 77. He graduated from Seattle University before graduating from Pacific University. He practiced optometry in his hometown of Kaneohe for 45 years and found joy in caring for and connecting with his patients. In his free time, he enjoyed spending time with his grandchildren, playing golf, and participating in mission trips through church.
He is survived by his wife, Patrice; children Tara (and Jim) Takatsuka, Tasha (and Ernest) Yagi, and Todd Nakagawa OD ‘52 (and Brigitte); grandchildren Emi and Mei Takatsuka, Mari Matsubara and Cole Yagi, Bri-Ela, Tay-Lina, Ana-Lynn, and Ava-Lee Nakagawa; his brother, Don (and Michelle) Nakagawa; his sister, Fran (and Wayne) Lau; and his cousin, Ron (and Cynthia) Sato.
1974
Douglas Browne '74
Douglas Brown ‘74 died May 10, 2024, at age 72. Doug retired three years ago from Buena Regional School District, where he taught social studies and history at Cleary Middle School and Buena Regional High School.
He grew up in Berkley, Calif.in the heart and height of ‘60s counterculture, surrounded by great music and radical times. He attended Menlo School, a boarding and military academy in Palo Alto, Calif., and went on to graduate from Pacific University. Doug worked for the Oregon House Whip and later was the Speaker on landmark legislation and creative approaches to problems before joining the Presidential Primary election of Mo Udall. Ending up on the losing side of an election, and on the wrong side of the country, he decided to stay to help make change where he could. In New York and New Jersey, he became an advocate for housing reform, and worked to keep people in their homes by providing expertise on reverse mortgages and organized against red-lining practices. His work led to area banks contributing millions in neighborhood funds for low- and moderate-income neighborhoods.
He met his wife, Meg, at this time and found they had many interests and social causes in common. He worked for several years with his father-in-law and wife in management consulting, where they worked with a variety of public and private sector clients, including the New Jersey Secretary of State, New Jersey’s Second District legislative offices, and the Assembly Majority Office. He owned a business, SOS Shipping and Office Support in Linwood. He began his career locally as Purchasing Agent for the Atlantic County Utilities Authority.
Prior to coming to Atlantic County, Doug worked as a Planner for Essex County Community Development where he worked for the first County Executive. Doug was Municipal Chairman for the Galloway-Port Republic Democratic Club and held numerous positions in county and local Democratic organizations. He was a workhorse of commitment, knowledge and execution. He was a member of the NJEA, Retired Teachers Association, Absecon-Galloway Rotary Club and loved to bike ride around Atlantic County. Recently, his role as “Popi” was most important and rewarding.
His grandfather Bormann and family helped found Hollywood Presbyterian Hospital where they practiced medicine. Doug was passionate about teaching and learning about social studies and loved interacting with the kids. He was a great teacher according to their reviews and touched many lives by providing encouragement and mentorship to many during pivotal times in their lives. Ever ready with a joke or retort, he will be remembered as laid back, humorous, kind, friendly and liked by everyone blessed to meet him. His loss will have a great impact on many.
He is preceded in death by his father, Alcor, his mother, Florence, and his stepmother, Jean.
He is survived by his wife, Meg Worthington; his children, Christine and Jason; his two grandchildren, Kailey and Elena; his sister, Nancy Browne (and Brewster); and his stepbrother, Lee MacLean (and Susan).
Debra Cross ‘74
Debra Cross ‘74 died Nov. 8, 2023, at age 71.
Neru Parker ’74
Neru Parker ‘74 died May 6, 2021, at age 68.
Lita (Yambos) Pratt ‘74
Lita (Yambos) Pratt ‘74 died May 12, 2024, at age 72 after a courageous battle with mantle cell lymphoma.
Lita was born in Portland, Ore., on June 16, 1951. She was the daughter of Argy and Phyllis Yambos, who had emigrated to the United States from Greece in the late 1930s and late 1940s, respectively. She attended Laurelhurst Elementary School and Washington High School, where she excelled in music.
Her musicianship earned her a scholarship to Pacific University, where she studied performance piano and music education, receiving her BME in 1974.
After graduation, she began working as a classroom music teacher in Sheridan, Ore. Sadly, that career was soon interrupted by a debilitating illness that left her unable to work full-time, although she was able to give private piano lessons for several years.
In 1989 Lita married Jeffrey C. Pratt, who had been a classmate and friend at Pacific School of Music, and moved to forested property upriver from Carver. She was an exceptional cook, who particularly enjoyed gifting the world's best baklava to fortunate relatives, friends, and neighbors.
Lita was a member of Clackamas United Church of Christ, where she enthusiastically participated, as her health allowed, as pianist and choir member; and was especially active in online Bible study and prayer circle, as well as the church's online community, where she was a welcoming and supportive friend to many.
Lita was preceded in death by her parents.
She is survived by her husband, Jeffrey C. Pratt; her brother, Orestes Yambouranis and his wife, Dana; her niece, Sophia Ana; sister-in-law Susan Robinson; and several generations of nephews and nieces.
Greg Ring '74
Greg Ring ‘74 died Nov. 20, 2023, at age 71. He was born April 16, 1952 in Minneapolis Minn. to Dean Merrill Ring and Jane Ann Emley Ring.
At the time, Greg's father was in the Air Force and was training to be a surgeon. The family relocated to California after Greg's father died in 1959. The extended family of his Uncle Dave and Aunt Joanne, along with cousins Deb, Davey and Diney became a second family for them.
Greg attended schools in the Bay Area and graduated from Redwood High School in 1970. He left for college and went to Pacific University. It was at Pacific that Greg met his future wife, Victoria Joy Nauyok ‘74. They were married May 27th, 1973. Both Greg and Vicki finished their degrees at Portland State University. Greg received a bachelor of science.
Greg's greatest gift was being able to relate to people. In 1974 he attended a training of Evangelism Explosion, and it changed his life forever. He began witnessing door-to-door, relating to people with his handwritten presentation of the Gospel. These handwritten materials had only a few minor updates and were used by Greg for over 49 years.
Greg's vocation was in commission sales. He worked for the World Book Encyclopedia until 1985 and then began a 35-year career working as a sales rep for the National Federation of Independent Business, also known as NFIB.
Greg and Vicki welcomed two amazingly wonderful children into their marriage: Daniel Gregory, born June 16, 1982, and Valerie Joy, born April 16, 1985. Greg was able to see both Danny and Valerie grow into adulthood, begin their careers, get married, and lead lives of wisdom and integrity.
In addition to evangelism, Greg was committed to serving in his church throughout his life. He developed several hobbies, one was creating a pond sanctuary in his backyard, a project that lasted almost 30 years. In the backyard there were plaques of scripture that Greg placed strategically to use in his prayer time outside. A newer hobby was target shooting, which Greg used as a chance to invite others from New Life Church along with family members and friends.
Greg is survived by his wife, Vicki; his son, Danny; his daughter, Valerie; his daughter-in-law, Faren; and son-in-law Caleb. He is also survived by his extended family, Aunt Joan, Deb, Dave, and Diney; nieces Cassie and Jennifer; and their mother, Martha.
Kathie (Marmon) Thornton '74
Kathie (Marmon) Thornton ‘74 died September 4, 2024, at age 72.
Kathie attended Pacific University to study music education. She immediately connected with campus life, developing life-long friends, joining a sorority, and establishing a lifelong love of music. At Pacific, she met Laird Thornton ‘76, and they married in December of 1973. They would go on to raise seven children together.
When Laird found work as a high school choral director, the two of them built a phenomenal music program that impacted the lives of countless students over 30 years. Kathie often took care of many tasks behind the scenes in support of Laird's career, both on and off the stage. She would ensure concerts, field trips, and shows would run as smoothly as possible, coordinating everything "backstage." Laird was always quick to acknowledge that any success he experienced was because of her.
She especially loved working with the Thomas Jefferson Musical Theatre Program. When Kathie wasn't wrapped up in shows and concerts, she was adventuring as much as she could. She loved to travel, seeing the world with her daughters, and experiencing history in real time.
Kathie loved history and loved to share what she learned with others. Her love of history gave way to the discovery of her own family story, becoming heavily involved in genealogy. A life-long project, she was able to reconnect with cousins long-lost to time and movement, building bridges between the past and present.
She is predeceased by her husband, Laird; her grandchild, Blake; her older brother, Steve; and her father, Loren.
She is survived by her seven children, Marvice, Kevin (and Kristin), Kiley, Yvelle, Kerrie, Justin (and Kelly), and Kirsten; her four grandchildren, Garrett, Kaylee, Soren, and Toussaint; her mother, Shirley, her sister, Lorie (and Rick); her brother, Kent (and Sylvia); her sister-in-law, Camille (and Rene); her nieces, Tessi, Amanda, Karla, Gina, Melissa, Melanie and Chandlor; her nephews, Toby, Nathaniel, and Donald; and an abundance of cousins and grand nieces and nephews.
1975
Mario Aguero OD ‘75
Mario Aguero '75, OD '75 died July 12, 2020, at age 70.
Del Allen OD ‘75
Del Allen OD ‘75 died May 14, 2024 at age 85. Del was born and raised in Michigan where he attended Elsie High School and then Ferris State University, graduating in 1961. He never expected to go to college but when dropping off a cousin at Ferris State, he was asked if he wanted to attend, so he enrolled. After college, he taught science for several years in Greenville, Mich. On one life-changing day, his mentor picked a paper off the floor and gave it to Del. It happened to be the application for the Department of Defense Dependent School System (DODDS). He applied, was accepted, and was subsequently stationed in Hanau, Germany.
While living in Germany, he traveled all over Europe, India, Russia, and Asia. He was also introduced to downhill skiing. On one fortuitous ski trip in December 1969 in St. Anton, Austria, he met Carolee Baker. They were engaged in Monte Bondone, Italy, on Easter 1970 and were married in La Canada, Calif., on July 17, 1970.
The couple returned to Germany to teach and then later moved to Forest Grove, Ore., close to Mount Hood where they were active skiers. Del attended optometry school at Pacific University and graduated in 1975. In 1979, the family moved to Vancouver, Wash. They built a passive solar house, the third built in Clark County. In May 1980, they moved into their new home with a Mount St. Helens view, which changed two weeks later after its infamous eruption.
Del worked as an optometrist for Kaiser Permanente for 25 years before retiring and pursuing a third career as a farmer and Allis-Chalmers tractor collector. Over the years, he served on the Mount Hood Ski Patrol, was a leader at both the Vancouver Unitarian Universalist Fellowship and the Rotary Club of Vancouver, and a founding member of the Humanists of Greater Portland. He also continued his passion for the symphony which he was introduced to in college and continued wherever he lived.
Del passed away on his 85th birthday from cancer complications with his children and sister by his side. He will be greatly missed by friends and family. He had endless curiosity, a deep value for education, and believed one person’s actions could make a difference.
Del was preceded in death by his parents, Henry Allen and Viola Allen; sister Donna Monroe; brother-in-law Virgil Balagot; and his wife, Carolee Allen.
He is survived by his sister, Judy Balagot; his brother-in-law, Doug Monroe; his son, Duane (and Andie); his daughter, Lara (and Alyssa); and four grandchildren.
Clay Benkelman '75, OD '76
Clay Benkelman ‘75, OD ‘76 died Jan. 23, 2024, at age 73. He was a beloved husband, father, brother, grandfather, and eye doctor to many.
Clay was born Oct. 28, 1950, in Honolulu, Hawaii, to Ward and Mary Benkelman. Clay was an avid outdoorsman, hunting and fishing with his family, friends and grandkids. He graduated from Polson High School in 1969 as class Valedictorian, student council president and co-captain of the football team. Following pre-med school at Montana State University as well as the University of Montana, Clay went on to study optometry at Pacific University.
In 1974, Clay enlisted in the Navy. He served as a Lieutenant in the Medical Service Corps. Discharged in 1978, Clay felt honored to serve his country.
Clay practiced optometry in Bigfork from 1978 through 2016 at Bigfork Eye Clinic. He also was an optometrist in Kalispell at Glacier Eye Clinic and then at Ronan Eye Clinic until he retired in 2023.
Clay and Debra Smith were married in 1981 at Bethany Lutheran Church in Bigfork. Together, Debra and Clay had three wonderful children, Merisa, Brandon and Brent. They enjoyed lake days in Bigfork and Polson, camping, fishing, hunting, skiing, and many other family trips together.
Clay and Joella Hamilton-Benkelman were married Jan. 17, 2008, at Shipwreck Beach in Poipu, Kauai. Clay and Joella were passionate about camping and fishing with their friends and family. They loved watching their grandchildren flourish and grow and taking them fishing as well as on many other outdoor adventures.
We will no longer see Clay, but we will forever remember his hunting and fishing stories and love of talking about his family to anyone who would listen!
Clay was preceded in death by his father, Dr. Ward E. Benkelman and his mother, Mary L. Benkelman.
He is survived by his wife, Joella Hamilton-Benkelman; his daughter, Merisa (and Pat) Murray; his sons, Brandon Benkelman and Brent (and Valarie) Benkelman; stepson Afton Russell Beeland; his former spouse, Debra Smith-Sward; his grandchildren, Tanyon (and Torren) Murray, Dacia (and Blake) Benkelman, Kaven (and Kamden) Benkelman, KC, Tristan, Connor (and Elliott) Russell; his brothers, Guy Benkelman, Barney (and Peggy) Benkelman, Cody (and Cynthia) Benkelman; and numerous cousins, nieces, and nephews.
Eric Betlock OD '75
Eric Betlock OD ‘75 died Dec. 5, 2022, at age 73.
Eric was born on Oct. 27, 1949 in Little Falls, Minn. to the late Willard and Alma "Bobbie" (Flack) Betlock. He attended Little Falls High School where he graduated with the Class of 1967. Eric loved sports and played football, basketball and baseball while in High School. He met his wife of 52 years, Kathleen, at Moorhead State College. They married on Aug. 15, 1970, in Jamestown, N.D. They set out on their lives together after Kathleen graduated from Moorhead State and Eric transferred to the University of Minnesota, where he completed his undergraduate degree in 1971. He then went on to pursue a doctorate degree in optometry at Pacific University. Upon graduation in 1975, he moved back to his hometown in Little Falls, Minn. and took over his father's optometric practice. Eric had a solo practice for many years and then combined with Dr. Todd Baumgartner to form the Little Falls Eye Clinic, where he practiced until his retirement.
He was a major part of the community for many years and was instrumental, along with the Little Falls Exchange Club, in getting the Little Falls Exchange Arena built. Eric loved playing and watching sports of all kinds. He especially loved watching his two sons, Derek and Beau, play hockey throughout their high school careers. His biggest love of all was hunting and fishing and being a part of a special group of guys that called themselves the Esquagamah Sportsman Club. They dearly loved their deer shack along with the many wonderful memories made there.
Eric was preceded in death by parents, Willard and Bobbie Betlock.
He is survived by his wife, Kathleen Betlock; his children, Derek (and Lisa) Betlock, Beau Betlock, and BreAnne (and Matt) Lipp; his brothers, Barry (and Chris) Betlock and Greg (and Joan) Betlock; his sister, Laurie (and Doug) Veillette; and his five grandsons, Aiden, Leighton, Jamis, Owen, and Eli.
George Cann ‘75, OD ‘75
George Cann ‘75, OD ‘75 died Sept. 28, 2014, at age 85. George was born to George and Dorothy (Bartlett) Cann in San Diego, California on May 24, 1929.
He served in the Nevada National Guard from 1947-1951 and Air force from 1951-1952. George opened an optometry practice in Mt.Angel, from 1975-1994. George was a member of St. Mary Catholic Church in Mt. Angel and was involved with the Knights of Columbus. George enjoyed going to the city’s Oktoberfest.
George is survived by his brother, Robert (and Sue) Cann; his daughter, Kathleen (and Daniel) Cann Casciato; his granddaughter, Joyelle; and caregiver Kathy McClaskey.
Dean Reynolds '75, OD '78
Dean Reynolds ‘75, OD ‘78 died June 4, 2024, at age 70. He was born on June 8, 1953 and was the eldest of three children to Robert Stanton Reynolds and Louise Keena Reynolds.
Dean graduated from Pacific University in 1975 with a degree in visual science. He dedicated 30+ years to his career as an optometrist with his late and beloved wife, Susan Ivey '80, OD '83. Together they established themselves as dedicated and skilled optometrists and pillars in the community. He was also an active member of the Rio Rancho Presbyterian Church, singing in the choir, teaching Sunday school, and serving as a deacon. He was known for having a passion for skiing, basketball, ballroom dancing, and travel. Dean was also intentional about maintaining quality time with his family.
He was preceded in death by his wife, Susan, and his parents, "Stan" and Louise.
He is survived by his daughter, Brianne Renley; his step-children, Erin Vaughan, Chris Husher, and Jeff Husher; his five grandchildren, Charlotte, Samson, Owen, Opal, and Oakley; his brothers, Gary and Dave; and many nieces.
1976
Donald Salmon OD ’76
Donald “Don” Salmon OD ‘76 died Aug. 24, 2023, at age 93.
Donald was born to Winnefred Ford and Berle “Bud” Barcus Salmon in Toronto, Ontario. At some point in his life he moved to Montreal, Quebec, where he lived, eventually married and raised a family. Don was an accomplished man, both academically and professionally. He also leaned into his life, both artistically and spiritually, in his practice of Zen and his love of music.
After completing high school, he attended McGill University, graduating with both bachelor’s and master’s degrees in psychological sciences. He was an active member of the psychology club and a reporter for the McGill daily newspaper. His graduation led him into a 20-year career with ALCAN, now Rio Tinto. Throughout these years he lived in Arvida, Quebec where his children Lesley and Bob were born, then on to Kitimat, BC, then back to Montreal where his son Peter was born.
At age 40, he returned to university to pursue a career in optometry. He spent the first course of optometry studies at the University of Montreal, and his last at Pacific University. As a Director of Optometry, he became the Low Vision Clinic founder, and Clinical Director of Optometry for the Montreal Association of the Blind for a little over 26 years, helping people improve their vision. His contribution to low vision optometry was so valued that he was chosen as one of the 100 founding members of the Profession of Optometry in Quebec.
Don also loved music. He played the piano in his youth and the organ in his later years. His family and friends will always remember the lovely tunes he played over the years at his home in Montreal West.
Retirement brought him back to academic life. He became the oldest student to graduate from Concordia University in 2013 with a BFA in integrated music studies at 84 years of age. He celebrated his love of music by attending the opera, and he was the organist for the Grand Masonic Lodge of Quebec for over 10 years.
His family would like to thank his special friend Debrah White as well as the staff at the Real Morel for taking wonderful care of Don, it is greatly appreciated.
Don is preceded in death by his sister, Nedra, and his grandson, David.
He is survived by his children, Lesley, Bob and Peter; his grandchildren, Victoria, Micheal, Chantal, Daniel, Drew, Kristin and James; and his great-grandchildren, Ethen, Elliott and Katherine.
1979
Myles McCartney '79, OD '81
Myles McCartney '79, OD '81 died Sept. 8, 2021 at age 65. He was born in Richland, Wash. on June 9, 1956 to Anita (Butikofer) McCartney and Dr. Charles A. McCartney. Myles was the oldest of six siblings. He graduated from Richland (Columbia) High School in 1974 and continued his education at Columbia Basin College and Pacific University. While at Pacific University, he continued his passion for basketball and was accepted into the College of Optometry in 1977, where he graduated with his doctorate of optometry in 1981.
Shortly thereafter, Myles returned home and began practicing alongside his father, Charles, at the Uptown Vision Center in Richland. Myles married Viki Weitz-McCartney in 1983 and their union produced his children, the two greatest blessings of his life. In addition to being a loving father, husband and community business owner, he began a third career in multi-level marketing.
Other points of pride were his involvement with the American Optometric Association, Washington Optometric Association, and numerous community involvements. Myles was an avid basketball player throughout his life. He was extremely passionate for the Tri-City Americans hockey club where he took great pride in providing optometric care for the players. In addition to being a Tri-City Americans season ticket holder since inception, he thoroughly enjoyed playing golf, spectating at the boat races, and attending local music or entertainment venues.
Myles retired from his love of practicing optometry in the fall of 2018 after dedicating 37 years to the community. Stepping away from a profession he was extremely passionate of, in caring for others, was the hardest challenge he faced. He took great pride in providing the best possible care for his patients and was always thankful to be in a position where he could help improve someone's life. Over his last few years, his true strengths of perseverance, generosity, and affection for life was evident by displaying his passion for all things fun. He taught his family how important it is to love life, laugh and to cherish every opportunity. The family and friends he accumulated in his life brought him great joy; when he was able to share moments of happiness with others, his true colors showed. His ability to make the most of every day, and always having a great big smile for all to see, was enough to shine light on any situation. His heart was larger than life itself.
He is preceded in death by his father, Dr. Charles A. McCartney; his mother, Anita Butikofer; his brother, Rodney McCartney; and the mother of his two children, Viki Weitz-McCartney.
Myles is survived by his two children, Krystal McCartney and Bryson McCartney (and Alison); his siblings, Andi Proctor (and Scott), Lenna McCartney, Janna Barnum (and Bruce) and Brian McCartney (and Janice); and his grandson, Banks McCartney.
1980
Jeffrey Sikorski '80, OD '82, MS '93
Jeffrey Sikorski '80, OD '82, MS '93 died June 16, 2024, at age 70. Jeff was born in Breckenridge, Minn. on June 22, 1953. He graduated from Fairmount High School in 1971 then went on to earn a doctor of optometry degree from Pacific University in 1982, followed by a master of science in clinical optometric management in 1993.
Jeff enjoyed fishing, skiing, hunting, auctions, estate sales, spending time with his loved ones, telling jokes and pulling pranks, playing poker and taking care of those around him. He had a love for the eyes, as an optometrist, up until his untimely death. In recent years, while Jeff was partially retired, he found himself on the ski slopes as a member of the safety patrol for nine seasons at his favorite ski resort, Copper Mountain. He was an active member of the St. Gabriel Knights of Columbus in Colorado Springs, previously serving as Grand Knight and Faithful Navigator.
He served in the Army, Air Force and Air National Guard, retiring in 2002 as a Lieutenant Colonel with over 26 years of service. He served all over the world and all over the United States, including Germany, Korea, Turkey, Saudi Arabia, Louisiana, California, and Colorado. He also served with the First Cavalry Division during Operation Desert Storm in 1991. He received numerous awards including the Meritorious Service Medal, the Army and Air Force Commendation Medals, Kuwait Liberation Medal, and the Expert Field Medical Badge.
Jeff’s kindness, humor and dedication to his family and community will be deeply missed by all who knew him.
He was preceded in death by his father, Vic Sikorski and his brother, Jerry Sikorski.
He is survived by his three children, Joseph Sikorski, Adam Sikorski, and Jeribeth (and Ian) Rochstein; his soon-to-be granddaughter; the mother of his children and friend, Sue Sikorski; his longtime partner, Bonnie Wendelburg; his mother, Marlys Sikorski; his siblings, Bev (and Kirby) Steffens, Brenda (and Rich) Adolf, Vickie (and John) Schuster, and Wayne (and Rachelle) Sikorski; and many nieces and nephews.
1981
Jon Acord ’81
Jon Acord ’81 died July 19, 2024, at age 65. Jon fought a relentless one year and seven month battle against Acute Myeloid Leukemia.
Jon was born in Newport, R.I. to Venderleen Stanger and Donald Acord on Aug. 18, 1958. With a brief stop in Roseberg, Ore., Jon was raised primarily in Veneta, Ore. He was a guy of varied interests. He loved raising farm animals and boasted about his pet cow, Annie. Jon was active in many school activities including basketball, track, and band (trombone). He was known by all for his witty sense of humor. Jon graduated from Elmira High School in 1976. He continued his education at Pacific University, where he made many lifelong friends. He continued playing basketball and track in college. Jon graduated with a bachelor's degree in business and economics.
In 1981 Jon met his best friend and soulmate Susan (Sue) Ehley. They were married on Aug. 11, 1984. The couple were married 15 years before welcoming their beautiful twin daughters, Jasmine and Sierra into their family. Jon loved being a dad. He was actively involved in all aspects of his daughters’ lives. He was their cheerleader, support system, and role model. He coached their basketball and softball teams in elementary school, chaperoned class field trips, attended dance recitals and choir outings. He supported Sierra during her soccer games and cheer season, never missing a game. He was also a noted presence at all of Jasmine’s dance competitions, half time performances at football games, and tennis matches. It was during Jasmine’s high dance team involvement, he became a Prop Pop, a title he was very proud of. It was through Prop Pops and his girls’ involvement in various activities that he met his three buddies, Mike, Keith, and Don who became lifelong friends, long after the girls’ high school years.
Being physically active was an integral part of Jon’s life. He played on a city league basketball team after college well into his thirties. He took up running after the basketball took a toll on his body. He completed three marathons and numerous half-marathons. Jon also ran on a Hood to Coast Team for many years. Jon loved hiking, running, and cross-country skiing with Sue. Even during Jon’s days of fighting cancer, he walked one to three miles a day, Jon enjoyed exploring new places and experiencing different cultures.. When Jon and Sue became parents they took their girls along on their adventures. They visited more than 30 states, Central America, the Caribbean, Mexico, and Europe. Jon cherished all his trips and shared many stories about them.
Jon spent over thirty years in the managerial field, holding various management positions. He worked for Goodyear, Pumilite, Willamette Greystone, and Quikrete. Jon was a dedicated, reliable and dependable employee. He made many connections and friends throughout his working years.
Service to his community was extremely important to Jon. He was a member of West Linn Rotary. In prior years he belonged to Gresham, East Portland, and Tualatin Rotary. While in Rotary his interest was focused on the Youth Exchange Program. He spent many hours on various community service projects associated with the Rotary Club.
Jon will forever be remembered as a loyal friend, dependable and trustworthy colleague and a loving, caring husband, father, brother, brother-in-law, and uncle. His sense of humor will be remembered by all.
He is preceded in death by his parents, Venderleen Stanger and Donald Acord; his in-laws, Myron and Clara Ehley; and his niece, Susan Sachitano.
He is survived by his wife, Sue; his daughters, Jasmine and Sierra Acord; his sisters, Donna Acord and Arlene Sachitano; his brothers, Ron (and Lori) Ehley, and Jack Sachitano; his nephews and nieces, Karen (and Tzaddi), Annie (and Alex), David (and Kate), Brianna (and Matt), and Blake (and Elsa); and his great nephew and nieces, Malakai, Amelia, Clair, and Evy, Graham and June.
1982
Michael Brown ’82, OD ‘84
Michael Brown ‘82, OD ‘84 died April 9, 2022, at age 67 after a heroic battle with pancreatic cancer. Michael was born January 13, 1955 in Ogden. He was the fourth of six children born to Ruth Donaldson Brown and Loa Virgil Brown. They raised their family in South Ogden. Ruth and Loa instilled a strong love of learning, higher education, family, service, and hard work into their children.
Michael attended Bonneville High School where he met and fell in love with Jan Hendricks. She was his high school sweetheart and they were together for 50 years. He played high school basketball and football and served as a full-time missionary for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in the Sydney, Australia mission under President Earl C. Tingey.
After returning home from his mission, Michael and Jan were sealed for time and all eternity in the Ogden Utah Temple on Sept. 18, 1976.
Michael began studies at Weber State College and played as a forward for the basketball team with Coach McCarthy while completing a bachelor of science degree in Zoology.
After his undergraduate work, Michael completed his doctorate degree at Pacific University and became a private practice optometrist in the Salt Lake valley. He loved his patients and cared deeply for their well-being, providing excellent eye care for 38 years. Together Michael and Jan worked to build his private practice, Mountain West Eyecare, and he was proud to turn the reins over to his youngest daughter, Bethany (Brown) Gillett OD ’20 in May 2020, who also graduated as an optometrist from Pacific University.
Michael and Jan started their family early and lost their first son, Benjamin Michael shortly after his birth. Five years later they welcomed their first daughter, Brittany, and then Brennen, Bryce and Bethany into the family. They raised their four children in Bountiful, and as empty nesters they moved to Farmington to be closer to their children and grandchildren. They enjoyed serving together as temple workers in the Bountiful Temple. Michael also served as a counselor in the bishopric, several times as a young men’s leader, nursery leader, gospel doctrine teacher and temple worker.
Throughout his life he was very active in sports and was a great outdoorsman. He loved to be in nature and enjoyed spending time with his family at “Papa’s Forest”, the family’s property in the beautiful Uinta Mountains. His favorite vacations were spent at a lake boating with his family. Michael and Jan opened their home to family, friends, and strangers. All were welcomed in the Brown home and Michael loved to “hang out” with whomever was around. He wanted everyone to feel loved and accepted. He was slow to judge others and quick to give and share his resources, time, and talents. He truly understood the power of reaching out. He put his dear wife, his family, and the gospel of Jesus Christ at the center of his life.
Michael is preceded in death by his infant son, Benjamin Michael; his sister, Robin; his parents; and his brother-in-law, Jeff Cazier.
He is survived by his wife, Jan; his daughters, Brittany (and Spencer) Walker and Bethany (and Colton) Gillett; his sons, Brennen (and Jocelyn) Brown and Bryce (and Allyson) Brown; 11 grandchildren with one grandson due May 2022; and his siblings, Loy (and Luann) Brown, Michelle (and Steve) Barker, Stacey (and Walt) Gilmore, and Carol (and Curtis) Tanner.
Barbara Dirks OD '82, MEd '86
Barbara “Bobbie” Dirks OD '82, MEd '86 died July 25, 2023, at age 79 of pulmonary aspergillosis, five years after bravely and successfully beating malignant melanoma.
She was born in Jersey City, N.J. on Nov. 10, 1943, to Edward and Jewel Dirks. Seven years later, they welcomed her only sibling, Karen Eileen Dirks. Bobbie graduated at the age of 17 from Haddonfield Township High School and continued her pursuit of higher education at Moravian College, graduating in 1965 with a bachelor of science. There, she met and married her first husband, a naval officer who was stationed in Hawaii and then deployed during the Vietnam War. Meanwhile, in Hawaii awaiting his return, Bobbie attained certification and employment as a civilian laboratory technician at Tripler Hospital. It was there where she first met her future husband of 35 years, Ronald Moyer.
While on Oahu, Bobbie continued her education in 1971 at the University of Hawaii, Manoa with graduate studies in immunology, genetics and clinical medicine. After her first husband was lost at sea, Bobbie moved to Maui and opened the first laboratory on the island with Ronald Moyer and two other friends.
Eventually, Bobbie and Ron fell in love over their shared passions for animals, people, and philanthropy. They moved to Oregon, where she graduated with her degree in optometry from Pacific University in 1982. As a dyslexic herself, Bobbie stumbled upon Vision Training (an adjunctive therapy for learning disabilities, dyslexia, and ADHD) in her search for answers, and decided to pursue a master’s degree in education, which she received in 1986 from Pacific University. Meanwhile, she helped support Ron as he attended veterinary school. He was also an Assistant Professor of pathology and optometry in the College of Optometry at Pacific University from 1982-1986.
In 1983, Bobbie’s younger sister Karen passed away, leaving a daughter, Aubrie, whom she and Ron took custody of in 1985. Bobbie and Ron married in 1986, and moved back to Hawaii, first to the island of Oahu. They adopted Aubrie in 1989. Their dreams of returning to Maui were realized when Bobbie was offered a position as Head of Optometry for Kaiser Permanente, Maui County in 1988. As an optometrist, Bobbie had become one of the most sought-after doctors dealing in Vision Training. She traveled the country lecturing and built her clientele after-hours while working for Kaiser.
Bobbie pursued her passion of helping children with learning disabilities. She tutored kids through Sylvan Learning Center and eventually, after retiring from optometry, opened the Learning Hui on Maui, which catered to kids with learning disabilities. Through all her endeavors, Bobbie never stopped thinking of others. Together with Ron, they became members of the Board at East Maui Animal Refuge. They raised funds, volunteered, and did whatever was necessary to make the world a better place. At Ron’s veterinary practice, they treated thousands of animals of all kinds, and adopted many of them that needed special care.
A passionate horse lover, Bobbie owned a number of horses over the years, many of them Arabians. She was an accomplished rider and worked several summers as a wrangler at Canyon Lodge outside of Yellowstone National Park in the late 1990s while still a Hawaii resident.
Her love of the great outdoors and the West led her to work for several summers at Yellowstone National Park as well, where her lifelong thirst for knowledge led her to learn everything she could about the park. During one of these summers, Bobbie visited Virginia City and soon began spending summers working as a docent for Montana Heritage Commission’s Living History program. When the 1910 Baldwin steam locomotive arrived in town, her love of trains made this an opportunity she could not resist. After becoming licensed in all the intricacies of safely running a steam engine, Bobbie became the trusted engineer of the large historic engine that was used in the early 2000s in Virginia City. Not long after experiencing Virginia City life, she began to build her cabin on the north side of town.
Bobbie became a full time resident of Virginia City in 2006. Immediately, she leaned into volunteering wherever she was needed. She was active in the Vigilance Club, the Elks Lodge 390, the Elling House Arts & Humanities Center, the Virginia City Preservation Alliance, and the Friends of the Library. She was the chair of the Virginia City Planning & Zoning Board, volunteer director of the Thompson Hickman Museum, and chair of the Easter Egg Hunt and Children’s Fishing Derby for many years. She and Ruth Hauri ran the City Bakery in town for several years. In 2005, she received a Call to Service award from the U.S. President’s Council on Service and Civic Participation. In addition, she served on the State of Hawaii Board of Examiners in Optometry for over two decades. Beyond those public contributions, Bobbie was a friend to all in the community. Every Thanksgiving and Christmas she hosted what was affectionately called the Orphans dinner, inviting all in town, who might not have family nearby to gather with, to join in a fabulous potluck at her home. At every function with refreshments, she generously baked or cooked something amazing. She also regularly made dinner for the volunteer fire department meetings. Bobbie’s imprint on the community was incredibly broad, and her death leaves a void. She will be profoundly missed.
She is preceded in death by her sister, Karen; her husband, Ron; her parents; and a small army of cats, dogs, and horses that she loved.
Bobbie is survived by her daughter, Aubrie Dirks-Moyer; her grandchildren, Theodore Amari Owens, Independence Noelani Bridgman, and Dierks Ronald Robert Bridgman; a myriad of cousins; her very close family friends, Hannah Clark, Karen and Kevin Schoenecker; her extended Virginia City family; and her beloved cat Bert.
1983
Marlon Utech MS ’83
Marlon Utech MS ‘83 died in September of 2023 at age 70.
1984
Michael Kostelecky '84, OD '87
Michael Kostelecky '84, OD '87 died Jan. 19, 2024, at age 61 after a multi-year battle with brain cancer.
He was born March 13, 1962 in Dickinson, N.D. to Jerry and Lillian Kostelecky. Mike graduated from Trinity High School and then furthered his education at Pacific University, where he graduated in 1987 with a doctorate of optometry. Mike eventually settled in Drumheller in Canada where he established roots and opened his own optometry practice, where he worked for 30 years. It is there where he also raised his four children, Cameron, Rachael, Chase and Kira as well as his stepson, Alex.
Mike enjoyed watching NFL and NHL games, especially his beloved Green Bay Packers and Calgary Flames. Mike loved to travel to Green Bay and bring as many people as possible with him to experience one of his favorite things in life, Packers games and the atmosphere in Titletown. He had a passion for making sure people were always having fun. He also loved being outside fishing, pheasant hunting and golfing, but what truly made him happy was spending time with his family and friends.
He is preceded in death by his parents, Jerry and Lillian Kostelecky.
Mike is survived by his children, Cameron (and Kaitlyn), Rachael (and Kitz), Chase (and Deanna), and Kira; his grandchildren, Easton and Kolten; his siblings, JeriAnn (and Ron), Neil (and Pam), Gregg (and Paula), and Mark (and Dana).
1985
Alvin Ahlgrim OD '85
Alvin “Al” Ahlgrim OD ‘85 died August 20, 2024 at age 76. He was born Dec. 15, 1947 to Melvin and Arla (Zierke) Ahlgrim in Brainerd, Minn., where he grew up with his older brother Arleigh and younger sister Marla. Al loved telling stories about growing up in West Brainerd.
Al graduated from Washington High School in Brainerd in 1966, Brainerd Community College in 1968, and the Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension Police Training in 1973. He went on to complete his BA in general science at the University of Oregon in 1981, and his doctor of optometry degree from Pacific University in 1985. While in school, he was proud to be a member of the International Order of the DeMolay, to receive commendations for his Police Training performance, and to be the first optometry student from the United States to be granted the opportunity to complete his internship in the Army Hospital in Heidelberg, Germany.
As a college student in Brainerd, Al and friends had a rock and roll band that rocked the dance halls of Crow Wing County and covered their living expenses. Al went on to briefly attend Saint Cloud State before taking a break from college to pursue a career in law enforcement with the Stearns County Sheriff’s Department. Al then moved from St. Cloud to Eugene, Ore. where he was recruited to work with the Lane County Sheriff’s Department and the Eugene Police Department.
In 1978, Al married Terry Virant. In Eugene, he finished his bachelor of arts degree in general science to prepare for optometry school. While there, he developed many amazing friendships, including with foreign exchange students he tutored in English. In 1981, Al and Terry moved to Forest Grove where Al attended optometry school at Pacific University, and he finished his degree in 1985. From there, they moved to Oregon City. Al practiced optometry in Clackamas County until 2006.
Along the way, Al used his great mind, wit, and wisdom to establish impressive collections, friendships, and hobbies. Lifetime pursuits included collecting coins and stamps, painting landscapes, documenting his genealogy back to the 1400’s, photographing trains and birds with DSLR cameras, summiting most of the major mountains in Oregon, traveling to all 50 states with Terry, and documenting his sightings of over 600 different bird species in the United States and Canada.
He is preceded in death by his parents, Mel and Arla Ahlgrim, and his brother, Arleigh Shaw.
Al is survived by his wife, Terry; his daughters, Amanda (and Jeremy) and Alison (and Matt); his son, Alvin Jr. (and Moritz); his sister, Marla Kunkel; many nieces and nephews; and his three granddaughters, Haley, Autumn, and Kikkan.
1987
David Collier PsyD ’87
David “Dave” Collier PsyD ‘87 died April 20, 2024, at age 75. He leaves a legacy of countless accomplishments including his honorable service in the United States Army from 1968-1970, the U.S. Public Health Service from 1990-1996, and the Department of Veteran Affairs from 1996-2017. His best legacy was being a husband, dad, grandpa, and great-grandpa.
He is survived by his wife, Christina; his brother, Randall and his wife, Cheri; his children, Mike (and Kerry) and Bruce; his grandchildren, Serena, Seth, Sadie, Sean, Spencer, Maleek, and Kharisma; and his great-grandchildren, Hazel and Lylah.
1989
H. Stanton Thatcher ‘89
H. Stanton “Stan” Thatcher died March 12, 2024, at age 73 following a sudden illness.
Stan Thatcher, the youngest of four sons, was born on Dec. 1, 1950 in La Jolla, Calif. to A. Hal Thatcher and Margie York Thatcher. He grew up in Southern California in Carlsbad, Oceanside and Palm Springs. He was active in the Boy Scouts Troop 748 and received his Eagle Scout title at age 16. He graduated from Carlsbad High School in 1968. He attended Mira Costa Jr. College and Palomar Jr. College before transferring to California State University in San Bernardino, Calif., where he received a bachelor of arts in psychology in 1972. He met his future wife, Barbara Jean Gates, and they were married in 1972.
After graduation, they moved to Victoria, British Columbia where Stan attended the University of Victoria. He received a master of arts in counseling psychology in 1977. While attending university, Stan worked for Sadlers Painting and Decorating LTD where he learned the skills to become a painter. Stan and Barbara became lifelong friends with the owners, Doug and Kathy Sadler. They moved back to the United States in 1977 and lived briefly in Omak, Wash. before moving to Dayton, Wash. in 1978. He was employed by Columbia County Services as a Mental Health Therapist for eight years. In 1986, they moved to Forest Grove. Stan attended graduate school at Pacific University. He completed his residency and internship in Walla Walla, Wash. at the Walla Walla Mental Health Center and continued to work there until 1992. He received a doctorate in clinical psychology in 1989. In 1992, he opened a private practice which he continued until his retirement in 2018. In addition to his private practice, he provided consultation to the staff at Good Samaritan Ministries for many years.
Stan loved to read, work on cars, do woodworking projects and to learn new things. He also loved all outdoor activities including gardening, camping, hiking, fishing and hunting. He cherished his hunting dogs, Sam and Beau. Stan was an avid gardener. He was always trying to grow the best tomatoes and the sweetest corn. He also cared for his orchard of four apple trees and two peach trees. His peaches were delicious. He gladly shared his bountiful harvest with friends and neighbors. He also loved antique cars and was very proud of his 1969 Plymouth Barracuda. He will be remembered for his hearty laugh, his quick wit, his love of learning and sharing his knowledge with others, his willingness to help anyone and his unending generosity.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Hal and Merle Thatcher and Margie and Chuck Benson; his brother, Michael; his step-sister and her husband, Sharon and David Conley Sr.; his sister-in-law, Eloise Sabrsula; five aunts and their spouses; and many beloved pets.
He is survived by his wife, Barbara; his two brothers, Ronald and Greg (and Jan); his nephews, Jaime, Graham (and Katie), Derek, Billy and David; his wife's sister, Linda and her husband, Michael and their two children, Aaron and Sarah; his nieces, Lenora (and David) and Char (and Gary); several cousins and many dear friends; and his special pets, Audie and Buddy.
1990
Kevin Allen '90
Kevin Allen '90 died Aug. 17, 2018, at age 50.
Bob Russell MAT '90
Robert “Bob” Russell MAT ‘90 died Oct. 25, 2023, at age 73. He was born Oct. 25, 1950 in Stockton, Calif., the son of the late Benjamin Russell and Margaret (Gallagher) Russell. He was raised and received his education in Concord, Calif., graduating from Concord High School Class of 1968. Upon his high school graduation, Bob attended San Francisco State University, earning a bachelor’s degree in English. He later attended Pacific University, receiving a master’s degree in education.
He was united in marriage to Dolores R. Robinson on Feb. 14, 1971 in Oakland, Calif. Following their marriage, they resided in Sacramento, Calif. until 1979, when they moved to the Forest Grove community, where they have resided since.
Bob served as a teacher, mostly in the Forest Grove and Hillsboro School Districts from 1988 until 2018 when he retired. His favorite classes he taught included English, computer science and library studies. He also taught for a few years in the Perrydale School District near Amity.
He was a founding member of the Church of Monday Night Football in Forest Grove, as well as a member of the pool team of the El Torero Mexican Restaurant in Forest Grove.
Bob was preceded in death by his parents, Benjamin and Margaret Russell and his sister, Janet Russell.
He is survived by his wife, Dolores Russell; his three children and their spouses, Ethan Russell, Erin Russell and Robby Gilstrap, and Amanda Russell-Hamburger and Kyle Hamburger; his brother and sister-in-law, John Russell and Sally Hinds; his sister and brother-in-law, Anne and Robert Hanlon; his sister-in-law, Debra Wallace; his two grandchildren, Damien Gilstrap-Russell and Declan Hamburger; and his five nieces and nephews, Lydia Coolidge, Natalie Russell, Evan Wallace, Lauren Wallace, and Briana Wallace.
1993
Stewart Ayers '93
Stewart Ayers ‘93 died Sept. 1, 2023, at age 54 after a long courageous battle with cancer. Stewart was a proud graduate of Saint Louis School class of 1987 and Pacific University. He was an overachiever, kind and loyal to his family and friends. Stewart's passion was wrestling, where he achieved numerous titles while at Saint Louis. He continued to wrestle at the college level under Coach Mike Clock at Pacific University.
With such passion for wrestling, he later coached for 24 years at Lincoln High School, Southridge High School and Parkrose High School. He loved coaching wrestling and was a mentor to many young wrestlers with whom he continued lifelong relationships with. He was the favorite uncle who loved and spoiled each and every one of his nieces and nephews in a special way.
Stewart was a "foodie" who loved trying new restaurants. Most family adventures over the years were focused on "where to eat" and "what to try next." He was the Prepress Manager at Signature Graphics for 26 years.
Stewart is survived by his wife, Jennifer; his daughter, Livia Nohea Ayers; his mother, Sandra Olsen; his father, Patrick H. Ayers; his stepmother, Aupuni Cazinha-Ayers; his brothers, Patrick Jr., and Jack Judd; his sister, Alyson Anuhea Ayers-Toavs; and his nephews, nieces and cousins.
1998
Noah Brimhall ‘98
Noah Brimhall ‘98 died Nov. 4, 2021, at age 45. He was born at Enloe Hospital and grew up in Durham. Noah thrived living in a small town and graduated in 1994 along with classmates he started preschool with. He was always active as a youth with activities like soccer, the swim team, 4-H, playing baritone in the school bands for seven years, winning a medal in the Academic Decathlon, bike trips and so much more. When he was accepted at Pacific University, Noah went to Oregon and was on the staff of the school paper, the Pacific Index, had a radio show, was elected as an officer of the associated students and was one of 12 students featured in Pacific's academic showcase piece. He graduated with a degree in political science in 1998.
Noah stayed and found work in the Portland area where he met Megan Smith, his future wife. Noah and Megan married in the beautiful setting of Kramer Vineyards in the Willamette Valley in Sept. 2004. They moved to Guadalajara, Mexico where Noah worked for Apple and Hewlett Packard. Being fluent in Spanish, they enjoyed traveling to Central and South America and Cuba. In 2010, while still in Mexico, they welcomed their son, Elijah, to the family. Shortly after, they returned to Portland where he continued with HP and was a devoted dad to Elijah. They especially enjoyed watching "football" (soccer) together. Noah left HP and went to work with Obility, a digital marketing firm, where he specialized in large- scale SEO efforts for companies. He was number two in the firm and worked until the fall of 2021 as the Director of People Success. He will be missed there but his footprint and legacy with the company lives on. A rare form of cancer was discovered, fought and won by Noah in 2019.
The family moved to Silverton, Ore. in 2021, where they found just the right house to make a home, along the banks of Silver Creek. In the fall of 2021 a bad cough led to examinations where they found the cancer had returned aggressively. Noah was able to return home from the hospital in early November, where he settled into a bed with a view of Silver Creek for his last hours at home.
Noah is survived by his wife, Megan Rorick Smith; his son, Elijah Brimhall; his mother and stepfather, Brenda and Dennis McLaughlin; his father, Henry Brimhall; his sister and brother, Aarin and Alex Brimhall and their mother, Kara Brimhall; his step brother, Jesse McLaughlin and his family; and many aunts, uncles and cousins.
1999
Elizabeth Grant MAT ʻ99
Elizabeth Grant MAT ʻ99 died Dec. 6, 2023, at age 55 after a short but courageous battle with pancreatic and liver cancer.
Originally from Maitland, Fla., Elizabeth attended Winter Park High School and later obtained her bachelor's degree in fine art from Columbus College of Art and Design in 1990. In 1999, she completed her graduate degree, a master of arts in teaching from Pacific University. She was a tremendously talented artist, primarily focusing on painting and pottery. Her gift of art shone through in all areas of her life as she designed and created beautiful homes and cultivated an abundant garden.
Elizabeth was an accomplished gardener and a gifted beekeeper. Her favorite place to be was outside in the garden, with her hands in the soil and surrounded by her husband and immediate family, her dogs, cats, ducks, chickens, and bees. She served the community as a realtor for 22 years and a mobile notary for five, transitioning into retirement in the last year to spend more time with her family.
Elizabeth cherished and was fiercely devoted to her immediate family more than anything else in the world and remained wholly devoted to them every moment of her life. In partnership with her beloved husband, she created a beautiful legacy.
Elizabeth will be missed dearly, remembered always and will live forever in our hearts.
She is survived by her husband, Stephen Todd Jankowski; daughter Lily and son-in-law Christopher; two granddaughters; stepson Jacob; parents Charles and Kaye Grant; and his three older sisters, Sharon, Nancy, and Donna.
2001
Michael Binet ’01, PT ‘03
Michael Binet ’01, PT ‘03 died Aug. 7, 2021, at age 43. Mike was born on Feb. 5, 1978 in Englewood, Colo., to Bill and Maggie Binet. He was the middle child of their three sons.
Mike grew up in Denver and spent his childhood exploring the mountains of Colorado. He loved playing soccer, sang with the Colorado Children’s Chorale, excelled in martial arts, especially judo, and enjoyed many summers at the YMCA Camp Chief Ouray where he was a camper as well as a camp counselor. He graduated from John F. Kennedy High School in 1996, did his undergraduate at Montana State University, and in 2003 he earned his doctorate in physical therapy from Pacific University.
Mike began his successful career at the Children’s Hospital of Colorado. There he found a true calling as he gained expertise in providing care for children and young adults. While there he was a co-founding member of The Rett Syndrome Clinic and Complex Concussion Clinic.
Mike earned his manual therapy certification through the Institute of Physical Art (IPA), and in 2014, with his wife, Dr. Katherine Kulp DPT, he began representing IPA as Clinical Lead at the Vardan Physiotherapy Center in New Delhi, India. Mike and Katherine then spent two years sharing their skills with patients in Anchorage, Alaska. They continued their incredible journey when in 2017, Mike was internationally recruited to serve as Clinical Lead and co-founder for the High Hopes Pediatric Therapy Center in Dubai, UAE. With his wife Katherine, he guided a global team to create and grow an innovative therapy program for underserved families and children with complex medical presentations.
In 2019, after many years of traveling the world and working to bring exceptional pediatric physical therapy to many people worldwide, Mike and Katherine returned to the United States, settling in Taos, N.M. to be closer to family. Mike fell in love with the abundance of beauty, outdoor activities and the community in Taos.
Mike touched so many families’ lives during his career as a pediatric physical therapist. He had a profound love of life and of people. He was truly a giver, giving freely of himself to others. He was playful and adventurous, which gave him a unique ability to connect with children. His patients’ families called Mike “The Child Whisperer with a child-like spirit”. He adored his wife, and enjoyed traveling and exploring new cultures with her. He loved his family and was an incredible son, brother and uncle. He was a friend to many people not only in America, but around the world, leaving a bright light everywhere he went. He lived life fully with no regrets and experienced large joy in his 43 years.
Mike is survived by his wife, Katherine Diane Kulp; his parents, Bill and Maggie Binet; his brother, Ted and his wife Lisa, and their children Liam and Emery; his brother, Thomas and his wife, Rebecca; and their son, Arden Michael.
2006
Gina (Graham) Paulson '06, MAT '08
Gina (Graham) Paulson '06 MAT ‘08 died Feb. 4, 2024, at age 46. In her time, she fought valiantly, inspiring us to embrace life despite the challenges. Gina was an incredible mom, who wanted nothing more than to raise and spend time with her son. She brought joy and happiness to her son, Hunter, and everyone she ever met. She was a beacon to her students, friends and family. She truly made a difference in our community. Gina was the light of so many lives and will be so dearly missed.
She is survived by her mom, JoAnn, and her son, Hunter.
Darlene Rhoden MAT ‘06
Darlene Rhoden MAT ‘06 died Feb. 24, 2024, at age 58. Darlene was born April 5, 1965 in Santa Rosa, Calif. to Eva Hoffman and James Morton. She was a loving sister to brothers Daniel and David Morton.
Darlene participated in high school track & field and basketball. At that time she also discovered theatre, a passion she pursued throughout her life. Among many accomplishments, Darlene was a respected actor, playwright, and director. Her last creative energies were focused on directing Jesus Christ Superstar.
Darlene was beloved for her ferocious spirit and magnetic charisma. She was well-known among Eugene's close-knit karaoke community, and was preparing for a live "solo jazz lounge act". Darlene lived life in full, planning for trips and events, and making time for friends and family. It was the jewel of Darlene's life to be a mother, raising two beautiful children and watching as each flourished. May her name and memory always be a blessing.
Darlene is survived by her adult children, Haley Lindell Coupe and Hannah Rose Washington; her brother, David Lindell Morton; and her husband, Paul Hume Rhoden.
Jerome Schleier ‘06
Jerome Schleier ‘06 died March 18th, 2024, at age 39. Jerome was born on Aug. 15, 1984 in Bend, Ore. to Jerome and Susan Schleier Jr. He attended Pacific University and in 2006 obtained his bachelor of science in environmental science with a minor in photography. In 2008, he received his master of science in land resources and environmental sciences, and in 2012, he earned his doctor of philosophy in ecology and environmental sciences at Montana State University Bozeman. In addition to being a loyal friend and excellent student, Jerome was also a founding member of his fraternity and involved in music production.
Soon after graduating with his PhD, he met Savannah, and they went on to get married in July of 2013. They lived in Zionsville, Ind. where he worked for Dow AgroSciences (later called Corteva AgriScience) as a research scientist, specializing in drift reduction and other environmental technology advancements. Jerome was very accomplished in his career, obtaining many awards and recognitions.
Jerome and Savannah had their first child, Jerome IV in 2016 and their second, Cora, in 2018. Jerome enjoyed hunting, fishing and being outdoors. Whenever he could include his children in those activities, he was in his happiest place. He received the chance to move back to Montana and ended up residing in Livingston in 2022. He loved having the mountains and rivers at his fingertips.
Jerome was preceded in death by his mother, Susan (Kolleas) Schleier and his grandparents.
He is survived by his wife, Savannah (Pigman) Schleier; his children, Jerome and Cora; his father, Jerome Schleier Jr.; and his dog, Darby.
2009
Emily (Pippin) Wilson PharmD '09
Emily (Pippin) Wilson PharmD ‘09 died March 28, 2024, at age 42. Emily was born to parents Gary and Karen Pippin on Feb. 24, 1982 in Portland, Ore. She was raised in Hillsboro, Ore., attending Eastwood Elementary, Poynter Junior High, Century High School, and was a graduate of Hillsboro High School ("Hilhi") in the year 2000. In high school she excelled on the soccer and track teams, and well as being a painter and artist. In 1998, while a junior in high school, Emily met her future husband, Cory Wilson, who she would later marry in July 2002. In May 1999, Emily gave birth to her son Jack.
After graduating from high school, Emily enrolled at Oregon State University where she earned a bachelor's of science in 2004. She found her love of all things chemistry at OSU, which eventually led her to pursue pharmacy. Emily also attended Southern Oregon University for a year where she was a member of their women's collegiate soccer team. Upon graduating college, Emily started her pharmacy journey working as a pharmacy tech at a local Target store. In 2006, she was accepted to Pacific University’s School of Pharmacy, where she earned her doctor of pharmacy in 2009. During her time in pharmacy school, she not only made lifelong friends, served as inaugural class president, and studied diligently, but Emily and Cory would also adopt their first two children: Luca and Ella in 2007 and 2008 respectively.
Upon graduating from Pacific University, Emily and her family would relocate to Mobile, Ala. in June 2009 where she would serve her pharmacy residency at Mobile Infirmary Medical Center. While living in Alabama, Emily fell in love with great food, good people, and Mardi Gras until 2010. In late 2010, Emily accepted a position as a Clinical Pharmacist in the emergency department at Kaweah Delta Medical Center in Visalia, Calif. While living in California, Emily and Cory continued to expand their family. They became licensed foster parents in 2011, and welcomed Richard and Theo in 2011 and 2012, finalizing their adoption in 2014. In 2013, Emily gave birth to son Cohen, and in 2015 gave birth to son Marshall, both at Kaweah Delta. Although Emily and her family would relocate to Las Vegas in 2017, she loved her time at Kaweah Delta. The emergency department was her favorite job, and she had so many great memories of her time spent there, and the friendships created.
While in Las Vegas, Emily worked for both Mountain View and Sunrise Hospitals as a Clinical Pharmacist. Emily continued to devote personal time to being a foster parent, and volunteering in the community. In 2018, Emily and Cory would welcome two more children into their family; Ty'Rihanna and Zy'Ron.
In June of 2019, Emily was diagnosed with breast cancer. Despite this, she remained active in her career, fostering, and serving the community. When the pandemic occurred in March 2020, Emily retired from her career in pharmacy. During retirement, she enjoyed spending additional time with her family, and focusing on her health. Despite traveling to Oregon and California for treatments, she loved spending time with her kids, especially being their teacher for a year during the pandemic.
For 2021, 2022, and 2023, she enjoyed traveling with her family, spending time with her many dogs, and helping other women going through cancer treatment as well. The family created memories going to Disneyland, Michigan, Oregon, Florida (a few times), Universal Studios, and an amazing trip to Mexico. Most importantly, she loved watching her kids play sports, learn piano, excel in school, and grow into their individual selves. She returned to work at the Department of Family Services in 2023 where she helped with medical appointments and translating treatment plans for children in the foster care program. In 2023, Emily and Cory welcomed another child into their lives; daughter London. All in all, during their time as foster parents, Emily and Cory welcomed over 60 children into their home, some for a few days, a couple months, and some forever.
Emily is remembered by friends and family for her loving and caring nature. She was always helping others. She loved her family and loved being involved and active in her children's lives. She was always there to listen. She made time for everyone and was very charitable. She loved animals, especially her dogs. She was a force on the soccer field, a sprinter on the track, and the strongest in the gym. She wholeheartedly enjoyed every bit of being a pharmacist and caring for patients, she loved being a mother, her smile was electric, and her laughter filled a room. Emily was a special person to a lot of people, and will be missed by all.
She is preceded in death by her parents, grandparents, and her son, Richard.
Emily is survived by her husband, Cory Wilson; children Luca, Ella, Theodore, Ty'Rihanna, Cohen, Zy'Ron, London and Marshall; siblings Troy (and Vaneska) Nelson, Lori (and Larry) Olpin, Aaron (and Angie) Pippin, Stuart (and Tawna) Pippin, Melissa Pippin, and Spencer (and Michelle) Pippin; 17 nieces and nephews; and dozens of cousins.
2010
Heidi (Schmitke) Pastega DHS '10
Heidi (Schmitke) Pastega DHS '10 died April 11, 2024, at age 44. Born on Nov. 14, 1979, to Dennis and Linda Schmitke in Grants Pass, Ore., she grew up in a tight-knit family with her older sister, Kristin, and younger brother, AJ. The quintessential 'middle child', she was, from the very beginning, a delightful ray of sunshine possessing an impish grin, a spray of fine blonde hair, a sweet high-pitched voice, and a presence that would light up a room. With her subtle sense of humor and occasional outbursts of uncontrollable laughter, smiles and joy naturally followed her wherever she went.
Never one to waste a drop of life, her days overflowed with activity as she bounded from swim team and soccer meets to church activities, to summer camping trips, to houseboat outings on Lake Shasta, "Our Gang" adventures with her favorite people on Lake Tahoe, and family at Eagle Crest. She cherished the moments she shared with her mom and dad, her brother and sister, her cousins, and the innumerable friends she gathered around her all throughout her life. A beautiful and unceasingly supportive friend, she will forever be treasured as the blessed gift that she was to them.
After graduating from Grants Pass High in 1998, she attended and graduated from Point Loma Nazarene University in San Diego where her life-long love for the beach blossomed. After graduation, she moved to Portland to be closer to family where she attended Pacific University, receiving her degree in dental hygiene. During her career Heidi worked for Erickson, Powel, and Warm Springs Dental offices. Always embracing everyone around her with a huge heart, it is no surprise that she loved her job, her coworkers, and the dentists with whom she worked.
While excelling in her vocation, she also held within her an impressive artistic talent. She possessed a unique ability to see and understand the transformative value of art, design, balance, and color, a gift she generously shared with others, enhancing and enriching their lives and the world around her.
She joyfully married her soulmate, Jason Pastega on June 16, 2012. They quickly connected over being 'middle children' and their mutual germaphobia. It was love at first hand sanitizer spray! Dario and Alessia soon joined this super-clean duo and became the center of their lives. Heidi embraced motherhood with passion, frequently gifting her children with "the best day ever" events, be it a princess day, art creations, sports outings, or zoo adventures. After her passing, Jason found a daily reminder on her phone calendar to "fill their buckets". She was an amazing mom who was always there for her beloved children and dedicated, as well, to being involved in the lives of her nieces and nephews. Aunt Heidi was, and is, deeply loved by each one.
Underpinning every moment of her life was the strong foundation of her Christian faith. It was the guiding force of her life, her marriage and her motherhood. To further manifest her commitment to God, she chose to be baptized the summer of 2022 at Athey Creek Christian Fellowship, the community of believers of which they are a part.
As Heidi faced her battle with cancer, one which she unwaveringly fought, she chose to live a life filled with travel, friends, and family. She shared this unimaginable battle alongside her father Dennis, who was also fighting cancer and passed away April 19th of 2023. Heidi and Dennis were two peas in a pod and supported each other through treatments. As desperately as we all miss them both, there is a small, sweet peace in knowing they are together now in Heaven.
Ever fierce and fabulous, Heidi maintained an incredibly positive outlook throughout her ordeal, never wavering in her faith-filled life. Through unspeakable fatigue, pain, and the horrific side effects of cancer treatments, she always gave her all. She showed up to everything and for everyone. Beyond belief and against all odds, Heidi was there for every family, sport, and school event. Missing something with family was not an option for her.
Known and loved by the parents and staff at Horizon Christian School where Dario and Alessia are students, she will be remembered for her sweet spirit and selfless commitment of time, love, and energy, which she truly gave until she could give no more.
Toes in the sand on a warm beach was her favorite place to be. "Driver, take me somewhere sunny" on her yellow sweatshirt is a fondly remembered image of her. We will see her in every sunset and on every sandy beach. Her smile, her laugh, and the way she loved the people in her life will remain with us always.
Heidi chose to live her life on earth in a way that made a difference. Her laughter and light and love continue to reverberate through each life she touched and out into the whole world, making it a more beautiful place. If you were fortunate enough to know her, you already understand. If not, it is our hope that these inadequate words may allow you to discover why this extraordinary young woman was so deeply loved and why her priceless presence is so profoundly missed.
Heidi is survived by her husband, Jason; her children, Dario and Alessia; her mother, Linda Schmitke; her sister, Kristin Erdmann (and Benji); her nieces, Hannah and Maya; her brother, A.J. Schmitke (and Jessica); her nephews, Lincoln, Parker, and Weston; her mother and father-in-law, Denny and Chris Pastega; her sister-in-law, Jessica Bush (and husband, Mychal and sons, Domenic and Declan); her brother-in-law, Tony Pastega (and wife, Stephanie and children, Micah and Lily); Uncle Dave Handley (and Dolly); Aunt Carol Hill and her sons, Shawn, David and families; Aunt Connie and Uncle Chuck Baker and their daughters, Shannon and Lindsay and families; and a large and loving extended group of family and friends, who supported her and her family, without pause, throughout this most rugged of journeys.
2011
Kanoe Medina '11
Kanoe Medina ‘11 died Feb.11, 2024, at age 34. Kanoe graduated from Castle High School in 2007 and went on to Pacific University. There she obtained a bachelor's degree in business administration and marketing. She worked as a social media marketing specialist for Alii Kula Lavender and the Hawaii Agritourism Association. In 2012, she received her wings and became a Flight Attendant for Hawaiian Airlines. Kanoe radiated the Aloha Spirit. She will be remembered for her big heart, sunny personality and bright smile.
She is survived by her parents, Larson and Kehaulani Medina; her sister, Lindsey Medina; her brother-in-law, Charles Tam; her niece, Charley Tam; her nephew, Kulia Tam; her grandma, Fumiko Nakoa; and countless aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces and nephews.
2013
Amy (Jepsen) Schaffeld PharmD '13
Amy (Jepsen) Schaffeld PharmD ‘13 died August 2, 2023, at age 35. Amy married Tyler Schaffeld On June 14, 2008. They welcomed their first child Whitney in 2015, followed by Jacey in 2017, and Tessa in 2020.
Amy excelled as a musician at a young age, and earned awards for academics, church involvement, rodeo, and various 4-H animals and projects. She graduated as valedictorian from Ione High School in 2006. In college, she shifted her focus from music to the sciences after encouragement from multiple professors. Amy graduated with a 4.0 degree, top in her class, from Central Washington University in 2009 with a Bachelors of Arts in Chemistry and a minor in music. She later graduated with a Doctor of Pharmacy degree in 2013 from Pacific University. But despite these accomplishments, when asked what she was most proud of, Amy would easily reply, “my kids”.
After graduate school, Amy worked at Albertsons as a retail pharmacist in Lewistown, Montana for a year before returning to eastern Oregon. In Enterprise, she continued to work as a retail pharmacist at Olive Branch Pharmacy before her most recent employment as an in-patient pharmacist at Wallowa Memorial Hospital, a position that she truly enjoyed. Amy enjoyed quietly playing her piano, attempting to backpack all the named lakes in the Eagle Cap Wilderness, taking care of her husband, and wrangling three energetic young daughters.
Amy is survived by her husband Tyler; their three daughters, Whitney, Jacey, and Tessa; her parents Bill and Nancy; her siblings and their spouses, Matthew and Erin, Daniel and Bethany, Eric and Caitlin, and Richard and Rebecca; nine nieces; four nephews; as well as her yellow lab Allie.
2014
Spencer Shearer MA '14
Spencer Shearer MA '14 died Nov. 26, 2021, at age 34. Spencer was born June 6, 1987.
2015
Jaimie Keller MA ’15
Jaimie Keller MA ‘15 died Nov. 16, 2021 at age 46.
2017
Brightonn Golez PharmD '17
Brightonn Golez PharmD '17 died Aug. 11, 2023, at age 31. He was a lifelong Alaskan, born on July 30, 1992, on the anniversary of his parents. Brightonn proved early in life to be exceptional. His intellect and ability to learn were unparalleled and he advanced quickly in his education. He graduated from West High School in 2010 and later went on to Pacific University’s accelerated pharmacy school, earning his doctor of pharmacy in 2017.
Brightonn was well-known for his humor, being the life of the party and his love for free-spirited travel. His presence in the room was bright and his charisma never went unnoticed, as you couldn't help but be drawn to his incandescence. He was always ready for an adventure and wanted to have the best and most elite experiences he could find. Brightonn was not averse to standing up for what he believed, to defend his family and friends and was always ready to ride. You knew every time Brighty was there, as he would say, "it's gonna be litty!".
Brightonn is survived by his life partner, Luis Arellan; his parents, Arthur and Taunja Golez; his five siblings, Brandi, Britnee, Breanna, Breoncca and Brysonn; his nieces and nephews, Cisco, Cilena, Giovanni, Janessa, David, Dwayne, LeNaya, LeMonte and Mylene; as well as numerous other family and friends around the world.
Grace Nguyen-Arada DHS '17
Grace Nguyen-Arada DHS '17 passed away on Aug. 12, 2024 at age 34. She was born on Dec. 14, 1989 in Mũi Né in Vietnam. She was raised by Phong Vo, a diligent single mom. Grace had always been an independent child ever since she became aware that her mom was the main financial source of her family. She babysat her sister, Emily Nguyen, as early as first grade to enable her mom to work. Any chores such as cooking, feeding, bathing, cleaning the house, and doing homework was upon her shoulders as a kid.
Despite the hardships that her family has faced, she was able to excel in her education and continued to be a straight “A” student throughout years at Mui Ne 3 Elementary School, Le Hong Phong Middle School, and Phan Boi Chau High School. She knew that education was the best pathway for a better life and once she had completed high school, she was given an opportunity to study in the United States as an international student in 2009.
Her mom was worried about the cost of living in the U.S., but Grace was determined and told her mom that all she needs is a flight ticket and she will take care of the rest. Luckily, she had relatives in Oregon that helped her get settled as she started studying at Portland Community College. From there, she was able to graduate with two associate degrees.
Even as a full-time student, Grace had multiple jobs in order to pay for her tuition and living expenses. She was often commuting by bus or train, regardless of the weather. She would eventually move out on her own and live with roommates that she had met at school.
She met her future husband, Louie Arada, in 2014 through a mutual friend and they instantly hit it off. In 2015, she got accepted to a dental hygiene program at Pacific University. Worried about the financial cost, she agreed to move in with Louie at his parents’ house in order for her to focus on her studies.
In May 2017 she got engaged and later that summer graduated with a bachelor’s degree. On Dec. 15, 2018, she had a destination wedding in her hometown of Phan Thiet, Vietnam. She and her husband eventually saved up enough to move into their new home in Vancouver, Wash. in February 2020 and she gave birth to her first-born son, Lionel Arada, in October 2021.
In May 2024, Grace was diagnosed with stage four colon cancer that metastasized to the liver while she was 28 weeks pregnant. She gave birth to her second son Landon Arada in June in order to start chemo, but due to complications with her health she had to stay at the hospital for a month. She eventually returned home to spend time with family and friends until she passed away at age 34.
Grace Nguyen Arada was a caring mother, loving wife, and a dear friend to many. We will always carry her memory in our hearts.
2023
Catrina Campbell DHS '23
Catrina Campbell DHS '23 died in October 2024 at age 37.