Faculty and Staff
Cecilia Preciado Burciaga, of Carmel, Calif., March 25, at 67, after a short battle with lung cancer. She was an associate dean and development officer for student affairs at Stanford for 20 years, becoming the University’s highest-ranking Latino administrator. She and her husband were also resident fellows of Casa Zapata for 10 years. In 1994 she joined CSU-Monterey Bay as a founding dean and later served as associate vice president for student affairs. A committed crusader for Latino causes, she was part of the White House Initiative on Educational Excellence for Hispanic Americans and was named one of the top 50 Latina Women of the Year by Latina magazine in 2010. She was predeceased by her husband, Tony. Survivors: her children, Antonio Jr. and Rebeca; and two grandchildren.
James “Jim” Douglas, PhD ’63 (civil engineering), of San Rafael, Calif., February 24, at 98. He graduated from the U.S. Naval Academy and served in the Navy during World War II, retiring as a captain in 1961. He began a second career in academia and taught in the civil engineering department at Stanford from 1963 until retiring in 1980. He was one of the first in his field to apply computer technology to complex engineering problems, and he authored numerous articles
and a book, Construction Equipment Policy. Active in his later years, he was a private pilot and loved flying small, light planes. He was predeceased by his wife of 71 years, Sally. Survivors: his children, Sarah, MS ’79, PhD ’83, Susanna, Bonnie and James; a grandson; and a brother.
Robert Bayard Textor, of Portland, Ore., January 3, at 89, of natural causes. He served in the Army and, after a post in Japan, earned a PhD in anthropology from Cornell. While doing fieldwork in Thailand, he became the first American ordained as a Buddhist monk. He consulted on Peace Corps projects for several years and then accepted a joint position in anthropology and education at Stanford in 1964. He moved full time to anthropology in 1986, and during his tenure he founded the Council on Anthropology and Education of the American Anthropological Association. He took early retirement in 1990 and moved to Portland, where he became a consultant for companies including Motorola. He authored numerous works, including Failure in Japan: With Keystones for a Positive Policy and several publications on the Peace Corps. Survivors include his children, Alex Robertson Textor and Marisa Robertson-Textor.
1930s
Lawrence Wilkinson “Larry” Harris Jr., ’32 (economics), of Carmel, Calif., March 2, at 101. He was on the swim and water polo teams, a member of Chi Psi, head yell leader in his senior year, and he participated in student drama and government. He served in the Army during World War II and worked in the family business, Ames Harris & Neville, eventually becoming executive vice president. After the business was sold to Boise Cascade, he spent the remainder of his career with the company, retiring as corporate secretary. He spent 10 years in the Idaho State Legislature, then retired and moved to Carmel in 1987. Active in alumni affairs, he received the Gold Spike Award in 1970 and the Outstanding Achievement Award in 2002. He was predeceased by his wife of 72 years, Jane. Survivors: his children, Tige, MBA ’68, Caroline Harris Henderson, ’65, Edwin, Kenneth and Louise, ’76; six grandchildren, including John, ’94; and many great-grandchildren.
Richard Christian Barkelew, ’33 (general engineering), of Carmel, Calif., January 11, at 104. He held many patents and founded the Mixet Co., where he designed and manufactured the Mixet shower valve. He took great pleasure in the natural beauty of the Jack’s Peak area and enjoyed caring for his forested land. He was predeceased by his wives Gwendolyn and Mary and his sons, Jim Pauling and Richard. Survivors: his wife, Marcia; and daughter, Anita.
Emmet H. Wilson Jr., ’33 (political science), of Ventura, Calif., February 27, at 100. He was a member of Sigma Nu/Beta Chi. He earned his law degree at Harvard and practiced in Los Angeles. He was predeceased by his wife, Louise (Hudson, ’33, MA ’34). Survivors: his children, Tip and Jim; and stepchildren, Dick Gould, ’59, MA ’60, Jean Gould Bryant, ’61, MA ’62, PhD ’73, and Bob Gould, ’63.
George Wilson Miles Jr., ’36 (chemistry), of Colorado Springs, Colo., February 23, at 98. He was a member of Sigma Nu/Beta Chi. He served in the Air Force during World War II and was awarded the Bronze Star. He worked at Holly Sugar for 40 years, retiring as senior vice president of operations. Active in his community, he had been chair of the St. Francis Hospital board of directors and president of the Pikes Peak Council of Boy Scouts. He enjoyed fly-fishing, playing bridge and golfing. He was predeceased by his wife of 69 years, Mary Elizabeth. Survivors: his children, Molly, George, Julia Grace, Joseph and John; four grandchildren; and six great-grandchildren.
Enid Aurelia Olivi Shoor, ’36, MA ’39 (French and Italian), of Saratoga, Calif., February 14, at 97. She served as dean of students at Mills College and taught foreign language at Saratoga High. She was a member of the AAUW and a supporter of Stanford football, the San Francisco Giants and the opera. She was predeceased by her husband of 59 years, Mervyn, ’35, MD ’40. Survivors: her children, Olivia Dorman, Stanford and Paul; five grandchildren; and a sister.
Mary Virginia Troja Davis, ’39 (graphic arts), of South Pasadena, Calif., November 19, at 94, of pulmonary edema. She was a member of Kappa Kappa Gamma and the golf team. Prior to her marriage she worked as a journalist at the Los Angeles Times. She earned a master’s degree in education at Immaculate Heart College and was a member of the Stanford Women’s Club of Pasadena and the Junior League. She was predeceased by her husband, Lloyd, ’36, JD ’39. Survivors: her children, Nancy Gordon, John, Robert, MS ’80, and Tricia Davis Carney ’80; and three grandchildren.
Harry Nathan Press, ’39 (communication), of Palo Alto, February 6, at 93. He was a member of LSJUMB and managing editor of the Daily. He worked as a reporter and editor for several newspapers before joining the News-Call Bulletin, serving as city editor. In 1966 he returned to Stanford, where he became founding editor of the Stanford Observer, was associate editor of Stanford News Service and helped direct the Knight Fellowship program. He was a loyal Stanford sports fan and was a regular at Sunken Diamond. He was predeceased by his first wife, Martha, his second wife, Mildred, and his daughter Lindi, ’67, MLA ’03. Survivors: his children, Tina, ’69, and Tony; four grandchildren, including Katharine Bauman, ’99; and four great-grandchildren.
Gerould Hammond “Jerry” Smith, ’39, MA ’40, PhD ’46 (chemistry), of Eugene, Ore., March 2, at 96. In 1940 he joined 76 Union Oil Co., where he worked for 44 years until retiring as a senior research chemist. He volunteered with the Orange Empire Council of Boy Scouts and at Bowers Museum in Santa Ana, Calif. He was passionate about the outdoors and traveled extensively throughout the western United States as well as to Alaska, Hawaii and abroad. He was predeceased by his wife of 45 years, Mary Elizabeth “Betty” Smith, ’41. Survivors: his partner of 23 years, Marian Taylor; children, Carolie Martin, Gerould Jr., ’65, MS ’67, David, Charles and Roger; eight grandchildren; and three great-grandchildren.
1940s
Edward Vincent Collom, ’40 (social science/social thought), MBA ’42, of Menlo Park, February 15, at 93. He was president of Sigma Chi. He served in the Navy during World War II. He established a management consulting business and, working out of the Stanford Computing Center, was one of the first users of computerized data support. He was an avid outdoorsman, pilot, fly fisherman and Stanford football fan. He was predeceased by his wife of 63 years, Janet (Watson, ’40). Survivors: his children, Ed, Marty, ’70, Doug, ’74, and Vicky, ’76; and eight grandchildren.
Woodrow “Woody” Miller, ’40 (basic medical sciences), MD ’44, of Los Angeles, March 8, at 93. He served in the Army during the Korean War and practiced internal medicine for many years in Lawndale and Hawthorne. He enjoyed gardening, golf, tennis and classical music. He was predeceased by his wife of 60 years, Joyce. Survivors: his children, Steve, Betsy Jennings, Deborah, Cathy Gemgnani and Barbara Friedman; seven grandchildren; and two great-grandchildren.
Elton Daniel Boone Jr., ’41 (social science/social thought), of La Jolla, Calif., December 3, at 93. During World War II, he had a highly distinguished service with the Marine Corps, flying Douglas SBD dive bombers. He served two tours of duty in the Pacific, completing 85 strikes and participating in 46 combat missions, for which he was awarded four Distinguished Flying Crosses, 14 Air Medals, and several naval unit citations. He attained the rank of major. At Stanford he was a star third baseman on the baseball team, playing as a starter for all three years. He was a member of Phi Phi, and Phi Kappa Psi fraternity. Prior to entering Stanford, he graduated from Inglewood High School, serving as student body president, captain of the debate team, captain and quarterback of the football team and captain of the baseball team. He received high honors for academic achievement and was named outstanding male student. Immediately after the war, he entered USC Law School and received his law degree in 1948, serving as an attorney in private practice in Inglewood, Calif., for more than 40 years, and being on the Inglewood City Planning Commission for 16 years. Survivors: his wife of 67 years, Barbara (Lombard, ’41); four children, including Carol Boone Glaser, ’71, and Norman, ’69; six grandchildren, including Bronwyn Glaser, ’98; six great-grandchildren; and a brother.
Suzanne Norman Malloch, ’41 (psychology), of Portola Valley, January 9, at 92. Prior to her marriage she worked in the Office of Strategic Services and in the United Nations in Paris and New York City. She was active in many community organizations, including the California League of Women Voters, PTA and the Visiting Nurse Association of San Mateo County. Survivors: her husband of 63 years, James; children, Janet, Barbara, Steven and William; and seven grandchildren.
Winifred Jean Spear Sampsell, ’41 (history), of San Marino, Calif., February 20, at 92. She was a member of the golf team and Delta Gamma. She had been president of the Assistance League of Pasadena and volunteered for the Luminaires of the Doheny Eye Institute as well as the Children’s Hospital of L.A. She and her husband enjoyed world travel and collecting English antiques. She was predeceased by her husband, Paul, MBA ’41. Survivors: her children, Susan Sampsell Weller, ’66, and Sherill Sampsell Miller; and three granddaughters.
Douglas Ballard, ’43 (general engineering), of Vancouver, B.C., March 9, at 91. He was a member of Delta Upsilon. He served in the Air Force during World War II. He began his career in lumber, then eventually moved into wholesale hardware and owned Ballard Hardware. His active social life included golfing, evenings at the theater, sailing and playing bridge and tennis. He had a great sense of humor and a strong love for his family. Survivors: his wife of 66 years, Betsy; children, Peter, Phyllis, Dick and Jeannie; and seven grandchildren.
Nancy Cooke de Herrera, ’43, of Beverly Hills, Calif., February 28, at 90. She was a world traveler who had lived in Hawaii and Buenos Aires, Argentina, and made 40 trips to India. She introduced transcendental meditation to much of the Americas, having started her studies in India in the 1960s with the Beatles among her classmates. She was an encouraging mother, a friend to many and a major supporter of Molokai’s Hui Ho’olana educational center. She was predeceased by her second husband, Luis. Survivors: her children, Richard Cooke III, Starr Cooke, ’69, Leighton Cooke and Maria Luisa; four grandchildren; three great-grandchildren; and two sisters.
Francis E. “Bud” Perry, ’43 (general engineering), of Bakersfield, Calif., March 16, at 91. He was a member of Phi Sigma Kappa. While serving in the Navy during World War II, he contracted tuberculosis on a ship at the Panama Canal and lost a lung. He worked at United Electric, which was founded by his father, and later as an electrical consultant. He was an avid water and snow skier and a devoted father. He was predeceased by his wife, Jean, and his son Jon. Survivors: his children, Michael, Linda Elias and Mark; six grandchildren; and eight great-grandchildren.
George D. Ellis Jr., ’44 (general engineering), of Redlands, Calif., January 9, at 89. He was a member of the football team. He served in the Army during World War II and earned a master’s degree from UCLA. He began his career with the California Division of Highways and later worked for Grand Central Rocket Propulsion and as a staff engineer in the propulsion department of the Minuteman Program Office. He was a past president of the Stanford Club of the Inland Empire and a member of the Buck Club. He was predeceased by his wife, Connie. Survivors include three children, eight grandchildren and 10 great-grandchildren.
Edward D. Washburn III, ’44 (geology), of Ventura, Calif., February 27, at 91. He was a member of the baseball team. He earned a master’s degree in geology from UC-Berkeley and worked for Shell Oil Co. Later he became a CPA and had his own accounting practice in Ventura for more than 25 years. Survivors: his wife of 65 years, Liz; children, Margaret, Nan, Cary, Catherine, Ned and John; and five grandchildren.
John Hamilton Wise Jr., ’44 (physical science), of Scarborough, Maine, March 4, at 90. He was a member of Delta Upsilon and the track and field team. He served in the Navy during World War II and later became a test pilot, retiring in 1964. He worked in finance with Loomis Sayles & Co., the Boston Co. and Eaton Vance. He was a member of the Prouts Neck Country Club and served on
the vestry of the Church of the Redeemer. He was predeceased by his daughter Cecilia and a granddaughter. Survivors: his wife of 55 years, Margaret; children, Margaret Stuart and Katherine; and six grandchildren.
Glenna Finley Witte, ’45 (English), of Charlotte, N.C., February 2, at 87, of cancer. As a student intern, she worked with the newly formed United Nations in San Francisco. Later she was a producer for the international division of NBC. She worked at several magazines and was a novelist, selling several million copies of her books for New America Library. She was predeceased by her husband, Donald. Survivors: her son, Duncan, ’75, MS ’77; and two grandchildren.
Jean Margaret Stroud Embach Crane, ’46 (biological sciences), MA ’53 (pathology), of Scottsdale, Ariz., March 1, at 88. She was a member of LSJUMB and participated in student drama. After raising her family, she returned to school to learn computer languages and taught at PVCC. She was a member of P.E.O. for 70 years and was also involved with First Families of Arizona and National Society of the Arts and Letters. Survivors: her husband, Milton; children, Matthew and Gretchen; and two granddaughters.
Charles Lewis “Chuck” Cutting, ’47 (general engineering), MS ’48 (civil engineering), of Corte Madera, Calif., February 5, at 86. He was a member of Tau Beta Pi. After graduation he joined Sverdrup and Parcel, where he worked until retiring as senior vice president. He enjoyed traveling, photography, playing cards and vacationing in Hawaii. An ardent Stanford supporter, he rarely missed Big Game. He was predeceased by his wife, Jane. Survivors include his sons, Charles and David, and a sister.
Lawrence H. Daniels, ’47 (civil engineering), of Novato, Calif., March 16, at 92. He served in the Air Force during World War II. As a structural and civil engineer, he worked for Kaiser Steel and as an independent engineering consultant for many years. He was a longtime member of SIRS and created both the Investors Lunch Bunch and the SIRS Bridge Club. He and his wife swam every morning at Rolling Hills, rain or shine. Survivors: his wife of 67 years, Evelyn; and children, Wes and Vina.
Theodore Madsen Norton, ’47 (social science/social thought), JD ’49, of Los Gatos, Calif., February 7, at 90. He was on the Daily staff. He served in the infantry during World War II and was awarded the Purple Heart. He earned his doctorate from the U. of Chicago and was a professor in the political science department, specializing in constitutional law, at San Jose State U. for 33 years. He served on the planning commission for the city of Saratoga, Calif., where he was a member of St. Andrews Church and the Saratoga Men’s Club. He enjoyed traveling, gardening and reading.
Calvin C. Enderlin, ’48 (mineral sciences), MS ’49 (materials science/engineering), of San Francisco, March 1, at 89. He served in the Air Corps during World War II before attending Stanford and then worked at National (now Pacific) Can Corp. for 35 years, retiring as a quality control manager. Passionate about aviation, he was a docent at the Oakland Air Museum. Survivors include a sister and a brother.
David Roy Morledge, ’48 (biological sciences), of Boulder Creek, Calif., February 28, at 86. He was on the track and field team. He served in the Army during World War II and later earned his medical degree from Case Western Reserve School of Medicine. He practiced internal medicine in Montana and later completed his residency in otolaryngology and established a practice in Bakersfield, Calif. He retired to the Santa Cruz Mountains and enjoyed hiking the redwood trails, reading and skiing. Survivors: his wife, Renate-Verena; children, Vivian Timperman, David, Thomas, John, Michael, Donna Istvan and Daniel; 14 grandchildren; nine stepchildren; step-grandchildren; and a brother.
Morley P. Thompson, ’48 (economics), of Woodside, March 7, at 86, after a brief illness. He was a member of Beta Theta Pi and participated in student government. He served in the Navy and later earned his MBA and JD; he was also certified as a CPA. He joined Baldwin Piano Co. as a salesman and eventually became CEO of Baldwin-United. He served as president of Stearns Technical Textiles and was on the board of many companies, including Cincinnati Bell and the Kroger Co. In retirement he enjoyed travel and writing. He was predeceased by his wife Patricia. Survivors: his wife Katharine; children, Page Tredennick and Morley Jr.; two grandchildren; and a sister.
Charles A. Clifford, ’49 (basic medical sciences), MD ’49, of Los Angeles, March 1, at 88, of pancreatic cancer. He served in the Air Force. After residencies in general surgery and plastic surgery, he was an instructor on the clinical staff at UCLA and on the staff of St. John Medical Center in Santa Monica, Calif. He was a member of the American Society of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery and enjoyed painting and sculpting.
Janet Louise Chapin Griffith, ’49, MA ’50 (education), of Tucson, Ariz., February 25, at 84, of unexpected complications following surgery. She taught middle and high school prior to becoming an Army wife and accompanying her husband to various assignments around the world. She was an active member of St. Alban’s Episcopal Church and had been president of the Tucson chapter of Kappa Delta. She was also involved in the Tucson chapter of the Stanford Alumni Association, and she enjoyed tennis, ballroom dancing, yoga and summers in the White Mountains. Survivors: her husband of 61 years, Rabun; children, Gaye, Leslie and Ken; three grandchildren; a great-grandson; and a brother.
Philip Alston Snedecor, ’49 (biological sciences), of Portland, Ore., March 3, at 86. He was on the crew team. He served in the Navy during World War II. In 1958 he began private practice in a partnership that became Surgical Associates P.C. Later he began a new career as a board-certified addictionologist and was one of the developers and medical director of the rehab program at Springbrook Institute. He was a lifelong member of Rotary International, and he enjoyed taking his Labrador retriever on daily walks. He was predeceased by his wife, Sally. Survivors: his children, Gordon, Ann Nicholas and Scott; and three grandchildren.
Daniel Croft Weary, ’49, of Kansas City, Mo., February 23, at 85. After three quarters at Stanford, he earned his undergraduate and law degrees at Harvard. He then moved to Kansas City to join the Caldwell Law Firm. He remained a partner at the firm, now known as Husch Blackwell, until the time of his death, and he also served as trustee for the Courtney S. Turner Trust. His favorite activities were traveling the world and playing golf. Survivors: his wife of 60 years, Barbara; children, Alison Henderson, Catherine Robbins, Eileen Boster and Thomas; eight grandchildren; and a sister.
1950s
John Kerry Conway, ’50 (Pacific-Asiatic/Russian studies), of Dallas, March 3, at 95, after a long illness. He served in the Army during World War II. His varied career included work in real estate, for an international trade company, as a sales representative and with the U.S. Postal Service. He was a parishioner at Holy Trinity Catholic Church, where he was a lector and Eucharist minister. He was fluent in three languages, played hockey and belonged to the Dallas Ski Club for 30 years.
Roger Barry Goodfriend, ’50 (psychology), of Monte Sereno, Calif., January 4, at 83, after a 10-year battle with Alzheimer’s disease. He attended medical school in Belgium and then served in the Army. He held various positions at Los Gatos Community Hospital, including chief of surgery and chief of urology. In 1972 he became the first person in the world to disintegrate kidney stones by using ultrasound and an instrument he invented and helped build. He took numerous medical mission trips to foreign countries such as Brazil, Thailand and Grenada. He enjoyed tennis and fishing at Fallen Leaf Lake. He was predeceased by his son Mark. Survivors: his wife of 39 years, Sallija; children, Neal and Annette; four grandchildren; and a brother.
Roy Walter Holmlund, ’50 (mechanical engineering), MBA ’52, of Seattle, July 23, 2012, at 83. He became a CPA and then a corporate financial officer at Pacific Propeller Inc. The son of Swedish immigrants, he took pleasure in his heritage and was interested in Swedish culture. He enjoyed travel, music, reading, woodworking, painting, drawing and weaving. The friendships he made at Stanford were among his most lasting, especially those with fellow dish machine operators at Encina dining hall. Survivors: his children, Kristine and Ingrid, ’81; and four grandchildren.
Rodney John Lamb, ’50 (biological sciences), of Phoenix, March 13, at 87. He served in the Army prior to entering Stanford. He earned his MPH at UC-Berkeley and became the administrator of Cottage Hospital in Santa Barbara, Calif., where he remained until retiring in 1989. The recipient of numerous professional honors, he was elected chair of the California Hospital Association and president of the Hospital Council of Southern California. He was also president of the Rotary Club in Santa Barbara and received the Paul Harris Award. He enjoyed watching his sons play sports, golfing and playing piano. Survivors: his wife, Nancy; his children with his former wife Nanette, Randy and John; and six grandchildren.
Charles Aloysius “Chas” Wagner, ’50 (economics), of San Francisco, December 11. He served in the Navy during World War II. A San Francisco native, he worked with his brothers at Poetsch and Peterson, Tanners, which was founded by his grandfather. He was a 71-year member of the Olympic Club. Survivors include a sister, Marie Wagner Krenz, ’47, MA ’48.
Roger Eaton Wright, ’50 (political science), of Wake Forest, N.C., March 24, at 84. He was a member of Phi Gamma Delta. After serving in the Air Force as a navigator, he worked for the Upjohn Co. He retired to Wrightsville Beach, N.C., in 1988 and then moved to Wake Forest in 2006 to be closer to his sons. He was a loyal fan of Cardinal athletics and the Chicago Cubs. He greatly enjoyed vacationing with his family, golf and fishing. Survivors: his wife of 61 years, Sally; children, Jeffrey, Douglas and Stuart; six grandchildren; and two great-grandchildren.
Albert Joseph Bisson, ’51, MA ’53 (education), of Monterey, Calif., January 18, at 85, after a long battle with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. He served in the Army during World War II. One of the inaugural faculty of Seaside High, he taught mathematics and science there until retiring in 1986. In retirement he worked as a test editor at CTB/McGraw Hill and as a commercial and sport fisherman. He was one of the original docents at the Monterey Bay Aquarium, where he volunteered for 21 years. Survivors: his wife of 56 years, Norma; children, Maryann Tope, Michael, Joseph and John; a grandson; and a sister.
Joseph David Cusick, ’51 (communication), of Los Gatos, Calif., March 27, at 83, of melanoma. He was a member of Delta Upsilon,
the Daily staff and the football and wrestling teams. After serving in the Navy, he spent 30 years working in military aerospace at Lockheed Missiles and Space Co. and at the Air Force Satellite Test Center. An active and enthusiastic alum, he volunteered for reunion planning committees and fund-raising campaigns; he received the Gold Spike Award in 1973. He also chaired the fund-raising campaign for a new memory unit for the Terraces of Los Gatos, where he lived for four years. Survivors: his wife of 61 years, Kathy (Moore, ’51); eight children, including Anne, ’77; 14 grandchildren; and two great-grandchildren.
Ruth Marie Clark Kamena, ’51 (physics), of San Francisco, March 2, at 83, of complications from a fall. She was on the Daily staff. She enjoyed a successful career in programming, beginning with work on guidance systems for the military and rising to the position of senior programmer at EDS. She retired in 1986 and pursued her passion for travel, taking trips to locations such as Greenland, northern Canada and Antarctica. A patron of the arts and sciences, she volunteered at the California Academy of Science as well as the San Francisco Public Library. Besides her family, her two great loves were Stanford, where she and her husband met in math class, and Yosemite National Park. She was predeceased by her husband, John, ’51, MBA ’56. Survivors: her daughter, Bobbi Collins; two grandchildren; and a sister.
William Medina Neff, ’51, PhD ’58 (biological sciences), of Daly City, Calif., February 12, at 83. He was a member of Phi Kappa Sigma. A native San Franciscan, he graduated from Lowell High. He taught at Knox College in Illinois and Chico State U. and retired from City College of San Francisco. He loved the ocean, especially free-diving for abalone, and was one of the first SCUBA divers in the 1950s. He was predeceased by his children Janet and Tris. Survivors: his wife, Joan (Frisbie, ’52); children, Hal and Sue; and a brother.
Denny Lee Tuffanelli, ’51 (basic medical sciences), MD ’55, of Kentfield, Calif., February 3, at 83, of brain cancer. He was a member of Sigma Chi and the baseball team. He served in the Army before completing his residency in dermatology and his fellowship with the National Lupus Foundation. He had a private practice in dermatology and was also a clinical professor emeritus at UCSF, and he was named to the National Lupus Hall of Fame. He enjoyed playing tennis and skiing, and he took biking trips to countries including Thailand, Bali, Italy and Argentina. Survivors: his wife, Sheila (Howell, ’55); children, Lucia Tuffanelli Jampolsky, ’78, Lisa Bouvier, Andrea Webber, Eva and Leah; 11 grandchildren; and one great-grandchild.
James Maurice Gifford, ’52 (economics), of Los Gatos, Calif., March 16, at 83. He served as a lieutenant in the Navy on the aircraft carrier Kearsarge. He was a member of Phi Kappa Sigma and a graduate of Boalt Hall Law School. He practiced law for 53 years and was a member of the Christian Legal Society. He had a tremendous love of life and a kind, gentle spirit. Survivors: his wife of 54 years, Mary; children, Paul and John; four grandchildren; and a sister.
Thomas Samuel “Tom” Glikbarg, ’52 (law), of Atherton, February 13, at 82, after a long battle with multiple myeloma. He was president of Lyon’s Restaurants, a chain of 86 restaurants throughout California and the Pacific Northwest at the time of his retirement. An avid sports and Stanford fan, he attended more than 50 Big Games and was a regular at other University athletic events. He had twice served on the board of directors at the Menlo Circus Club and was a past president of the Springs Club in Rancho Mirage, Calif. He was known for his sense of humor and sharp wit, and he relished time with his family. Survivors: his wife of 52 years, Betsy; children, John, Ellen Shea and Bob; eight grandchildren; and a sister.
Ruth W. Ahrens Jacob, ’52 (education), of San Marcos, Calif., October 3, at 82. She was one of the original Dollies. After graduation she taught in Woodside, then moved with her family to San Diego after her husband finished his time in the Army. She returned to teaching and earned her master’s degree, later becoming assistant principal at MacQueen Middle School. She moved to Lake San Marcos in 2003 and was active in tennis and camping. Survivors: her husband of 59 years, Joe, ’52; children, Paul, ’76, Ann Auten, Adele Psyllos and Jim; and six grandchildren.
Dorothy Dodge, ’53 (communication), of Carmel, Calif., February 4, at 80, after a short illness. She was a member of Cap and Gown and was the first female editor of the Daily outside of wartime. After earning her master’s degree from Columbia U., she returned to California to work for the Marysville-Yuba City Appeal Democrat, where she spent 30 years, first as a reporter and later as a copy editor and city editor. She joined the Monterey Peninsula Herald in 1985 and remained until her retirement in 1997. She had served on the vestry at St. Dunstan’s Episcopal and was active at her home, Del Mesa Carmel, on the library committee and in the computer club.
Lucien C. Faust, ’53 (architecture), of Chapel Hill, N.C., December 22, at 81, of cardiopulmonary failure. He served in the Army and then earned his master’s degree at UNC-Chapel Hill. He worked as a planner for Charlotte and Chapel Hill and then as the planning director for the city of Oak Ridge, Tenn. He was an avid reader, practiced meditation for more than 40 years and published his memoir in 2012. Survivors: his wife of 52 years, Rosmarie; children, Annamarie Streilein, Susan Eissenberg and John; five grandchildren; and a sister.
Diane Blanche “Dee” Jergins, ’54 (English), of Santa Fe, N.M., January 28, at 80, after an extended illness. She played a key role in the evolution of the Guadalupe Street Business District with the opening of her store, Cookworks, in 1981. A strong supporter of her community, she was involved with the Santa Fe Opera, AIDS Foundation of New Mexico and the New Mexico Museum of Art, among others. She was predeceased by her life partner of 35 years, Betty Gardner-Meyers, and her daughter, Daphne Dreyer. Survivors include her best friend of 32 years and husband of two years, Wade Wilson.
Michael Jean Markey, ’54 (mechanical engineering), of Bellevue, Wash., March 2, at 80. In 1958 he joined the family firm, Markey Machinery Co. Inc., where he remained until his retirement in 1996. He was a member of the Jaguar Drivers & Restorers Club of Northwest America, and he loved hiking and backpacking in the Cascade and Olympic mountains. Survivors: his wife, Norma; his daughter, Jocelyn; his first wife, Mary Lee “Mel” Whelchel McConnell, ’54; stepchildren, Debra and Mark Dana; and two step-grandchildren.
Donald Ross III, ’54 (history), of Novato, Calif., January 21, at 80. He was a member of Kappa Alpha. He served in the Marine Corps and the Marine Corps Active Reserves. He had a 40-year career in the insurance industry, attended NYU’s Graduate School of Business and earned a paralegal certificate at Sonoma State U. Over three decades, he served seven terms as president of the Stanford Alumni Club of Marin/Sonoma and was awarded a 15-year service pin from Stanford Associates; he considered his election to the organization in 2007 his most cherished honor. He was predeceased by his wife of 47 years, Jane. Survivors: his children, Deirdre, Donald IV and Janet; and two grandchildren.
Daniel J. Simundson, ’55 (history), of Roseville, Minn., January 28, at 79. He earned a BD from Lutheran School of Theology in Chicago, was ordained as a minister in 1959 and served as hospital chaplain at Washington U. Medical School in St. Louis. He received a PhD from Harvard and joined the faculty of Luther Seminary in St. Paul, where he taught for 31 years. He authored numerous books on the Old Testament and was awarded an honorary doctorate from the U. of Iceland. After retiring he was active in his church, with the Golden K Kiwanis Club and with the Icelandic American Association of America. He was predeceased by his wife of 38 years, Sally. Survivors: his children, Ann-Marie Pucillo and Susan; three grandchildren; and a brother.
Geraldine Marie Smith Meister, ’57 (history), of San Francisco, March 4, at 77, after a brief battle with cancer. She was on the Daily staff. She began her teaching career in Sacramento public schools, then moved to George Washington High in San Francisco, where she taught economics, government and history for 38 years. After retiring she led the United Educators of San Francisco-Retired Division and served as co-chair of the Protect Our Benefits committee. She enjoyed lectures, films and museums, and she and her husband shared a life of adventure and world travel. Survivors include her husband of 57 years, Dick, ’56, MA ’57.
James Rogers Bowditch, ’58 (English), February 19, at 79. He was a member of the soccer team. He earned a PhD from Harvard and was a Fulbright scholar in Japan. He served as a headmaster in Rome, Torino and Ethiopia, and he spent 17 years as a full professor at John Cabot U. in Rome. He loved his summer home in Chocorua, N.H., and he received the Citizen of the Year award from the Chocorua community in 2012. He taught a variety of courses through Adventures in Learning, and he read a book every day. Survivors: his children, Bruce, Mark and Rachel; his former wife, Chris; four grandchildren; and a sister.
Hope Baptistine “Babs” Brownyard, ’59 (political science), of Palm Desert, Calif., February 5, at 74. She had a 25-year career with Hewlett-Packard. After moving to Palm Desert in 1999, she became active in AAUW and NOW and served on the RSVP board. She was known for her intelligence, intuitive manner and wit. Her favorite saying was “If it doesn’t make you giggle, don’t do it.” She was predeceased by her partner of 25 years, Barbara Pregno. Survivors: her wife, Elissa Hepner; Elissa’s children, Michael, Jeffrey, Soleil and Marcie; and a sister.
Caroline Ann Mathews Dais, ’59, MA ’60 (education), of Yuba City, Calif., March 6, at 75. She spent three decades as an educator, working as a kindergarten teacher and developmental specialist for Marysville Joint Unified School District. She loved to socialize, ski, go to concerts and the theater, swim and read. She cherished being a mother and grandmother and was happiest playing with her grandchildren. She was predeceased by her daughter Caroline Ann Riddle. Survivors: her children, Harry and Marikathryn; four grandchildren; a great-grandson; one sister; and three brothers.
Jone Camden Kirk Schoeffel, ’59 (political science), of North York, Ontario, March 5, at 75, following a long struggle against her fourth cancer. She was a member of Cap and Gown. She earned a master’s degree from Cornell and studied at the U. of Vienna on a Fulbright fellowship. A naturally gifted teacher, she taught at Havergal College and Appleby College in Toronto and also tutored numerous students after retiring. Survivors: her husband of 50 years, Ron; children, Mark and John; and three grandchildren.
1960s
John Wesley Patterson, ’60 (education), of Solvang, Calif., February 20, at 73. He served in the Navy from 1958 until 1986, flying 245 combat missions and earning the Meritorious Service Medal, 25 Air Medals and three Navy Commendation Medals. After retiring he moved to the Santa Ynez Valley, where he worked at the Santa Barbara Research Center for 15 years. He was president of the Santa Ynez Valley Rotary Club and enjoyed golf, fishing, bridge and Monday night football groups. Survivors: his wife of 52 years, Pauline; children, Linda Smith and David; two granddaughters; and a brother.
Lanette Lee Smith, ’62 (history), of Basalt, Colo., February 6, at 71. A Colorado resident for more than 35 years, she was passionate about preserving the land of the West and participated in many wilderness preservation organizations. She was an accomplished writer and wrote travel articles for major magazines. She loved hiking, snow and water skiing and running. Survivors: her partner of 30 years, Steve Hilbert; and a sister.
Suzan Irene Behrman Stewart, ’62 (history), MA ’63 (education), of Palo Alto, March 3, at 72, of cancer. She was a member of Cap and Gown, participated in student drama and graduated Phi Beta Kappa. She taught in Palo Alto schools—Terman Junior High, Gunn High and Palo Alto High—for 42 years, retiring in 2006. She coached Paly’s Mock Trial program, was active in Democratic politics and was involved in a get-out-the-vote drive for the 2012 election. She was predeceased by her husband, Jim, ’59, JD ’62. Survivors: her children, David and Amy; and three grandchildren.
Mary Balch Birch, ’63 (international relations), of Missoula, Mont., September 23, at 70, of complications related to Alzheimer’s. She was a member of Cap and Gown. She earned master’s degrees from Columbia U. and the U. of Montana. As a professor of social work at the U. of Montana, she offered numerous nonconventional courses including animal rights and spirituality. She loved the outdoors, wilderness and travel, and her life was rich with friendship and family. Survivors include her life partner, Lee Metzger.
William Wallace Butler, ’63 (biological sciences), of Calistoga, Calif., March 11, at 72. He was a member of Zeta Psi. He served in the Air Force in Vietnam and spent more than five years as a prisoner of war after being shot down. Later he attended veterinary school and opened his own practice in Calistoga in 1978. His varied interests included playing piano, guitar and bass, singing, planes, race cars and motorcycles. He loved to travel, especially to sunny beaches. He was predeceased by his first wife, Julie Davis, ’63. Survivors: his wife, Teresa; children, Peter, Bo, Sheila, Carol, Courtney and Kenzie; and six grandchildren.
Susan Dean Woods Gilroy, ’64 (history), of Lowman, Idaho, March 13, at 71, of cancer. She earned several graduate degrees and was a librarian at American and Alaskan Indian Art School. She retired as library director at Travis Air Force Base. Survivors: her children, Riley and Gwen; three grandchildren; and a sister.
Bruce Fowler Wolfe, ’65 (classics), of Belvedere, Calif., March 7, at 70, of complications related to a 16-month battle with cancer. He served in the Army and then earned his law degree from Hastings College of Law. He was a private practice attorney in San Rafael, Calif., for 13 years; he also co-founded Attorney’s BriefCase Inc., a legal research software company. He traveled frequently to Africa to pursue his interest in wildlife photography, and he was passionate about music and cooking. Survivors: his wife, Tina High; his children from a previous marriage, Sara Sturman and Andrew; and stepchildren, Cynthia Stallone, Kristi High and Rebecca Seligman.
Jonathan Harold Roise, ’67 (communication), of Managua, Nicaragua, October 14, at 67, after a long battle with cancer. He was the editor in chief of the Daily and a member of Project South, a radio documentary group that presented on KZSU. He left Stanford to work with Environmental Works, a nonprofit community development organization in Seattle. He moved to Managua in 1990 to direct the Quaker Center, and he co-founded Si a la Vida, an organization that provides street children with structure and mentorship. Survivors: his son, Joshua; and two siblings.
John Arthur Westsmith, ’67 (political science), MBA ’73, of Placerville, Calif., February 20, at 73, while on holiday in New Zealand. He served in the Army. His 30-year career in the banking industry included work in business and technology management, national and international. He was a 16-year resident of El Dorado County. Survivors include a brother and three sisters.
1970s
Thomas C. H. Mills, ’72 (political science), of Santa Fe, N.M., February 19, at 63. He earned his JD from Hastings College of the Law and practiced for 31 years in New Mexico. He was deputy cabinet secretary of the Energy, Minerals & Natural Resources Department and implemented many vital policy changes. He also held leadership roles in many philanthropic organizations, including the Food Depot and Sangre de Cristo Girl Scout Council. He is remembered for his integrity, intellect, satirical humor and good heart. Survivors: his wife, Renee Julien; mother, Roberta; a sister; and two brothers.
James Donovan Penrose, ’76, MA ’77 (English), PhD ’87 (German studies), of Phoenix, March 18, at 58. He taught at the Thunderbird School of Global Management and Glendale Community College as well as in California, Minnesota, Washington and Switzerland. His sons were his pride and joy and he loved playing and hanging out with them. His faith guided him throughout his life, and he will be remembered for his profound wisdom and unrelenting love. Survivors: his wife of 32 years, Carol (Thomas, ’83); children, Colin, ’10, and Andrew, ’12; two sisters; and a brother.
Janet Anne Buxton Goehring, ’79 (human biology), of Littleton, Colo., March 4, at 55, after a yearlong battle with ovarian cancer. She earned a JD from the U. of Denver Law School and worked as an attorney for the city of Denver and Santa Clara County, Calif. In 1996 she joined the National Conference of State Legislatures and eventually became program director for the Trust for Representative Democracy. She loved the outdoors and regularly volunteered at Carson Nature Center. She also volunteered for the disabled skiing program at Winter Park, and she enjoyed playing tennis. Survivors: her husband, Jeff; son, Daniel; sister, Cynda Buxton Wilcox, ’62; and two brothers, including Richard Buxton, ’70.
1980s
Ann-Marie Basich Lence, ’80 (English), of Salt Lake City, February 28, at 54. She received her JD from Loyola Law School in Los Angeles. A loving, devoted and nurturing mother, she attended every concert, play and sporting event in which her children participated. She served two terms on the board of trustees of Rowland Hall-St. Mark’s School. She loved crossword puzzles, kale shakes and Pilates, and she had an irrepressible need to correct grammar mistakes. An avid Stanford supporter, she volunteered for reunion committees, hosted the Utah Stanford New Student Send Off parties and belonged to the Cardinal Club. Survivors: her husband, Robert, ’79; children, Bryan, ’06, Kristen, ’08, MS ’09, and Erin, ’13; mother, Blazenka Basich; and two brothers.
Scott Foreman Zarrow, ’80 (political science), of Tulsa, Okla., December 30, at 54, of colon cancer. He was a member of Beta Theta Pi and the Daily staff. He graduated from the U. of Texas law school and returned to his hometown of Tulsa to work for the family business, Sooner Pipe and Supply, where he served for many years as general counsel. He was on the boards of the Tulsa Housing Authority and Hillcrest Healthcare System, and he was former president of Congregation B’nai Emunah and the Tulsa Jewish Retirement Center. Survivors: his wife, Hilary; children, Alison, ’10, MA ’10, and Rachel, ’13; mother, Maxine; and two sisters.
Business
William Harrison “Bill” Heflin, MBA ’48, of Mount Vernon, Wash., March 2, at 86. He served in the Naval Reserve and was in the electronics business in the United States and Canada for many years. In the 1970s he was senior vice president for Latin America and the Far East at GTE, and after retiring he set up and operated New Mexico Technet. He enjoyed his 15 years in New Mexico, fishing and taking photographs for his wife’s book. He was elected as an Honorary Past Master at Mount Baker Lodge #36, and he received a five-year service pin from Stanford Associates. Survivors: his wife of 64 years, Jean; children, Sue Ellen and William; a grandson; and two great-grandsons.
Robert T. “Bob” Franceschini, Gr. ’53, of Atherton, February 12, at 82. He was president of Coors West & Regal Beverages and a co-founder of Evergreen Savings and Loan Assoc. Deeply involved with his community, he had been president of the Sequoia Foundation, president of the YMCA in Redwood City and president of the Redwood City Chamber of Commerce, which named him Man of the Year in 1974. He was a member of the Palo Alto Hills Golf and Country Club for 36 years, a lifelong Stanford fan and an avid gardener, fisherman and duck hunter. He was predeceased by his wife of 52 years, Nadine. Survivors: his children, Robyn Budelli, Robert Jr. and Richard; five grandchildren; and a sister.
William Ronald “Ron” Dietz, MBA ’68, of Lisle, Ill., March 21, at 70. He served in the Navy during the Vietnam War. He began his career at Citibank in New York and later became senior vice president and division executive. He had also been CEO of Anthem Financial and American Savings Bank of New York in Indianapolis, and he retired as president and CEO of the W.M. Putnam Co. in Bloomington. In 2010 he became board chair of the DuPage Children’s Museum in Naperville, Ill. Survivors: his wife, Carol; son, David; stepchildren, Jeff and Cindy Gies; four grandchildren; and a brother.
Earth Sciences
Peter Michael Dranchuk, Gr. ’63 (petroleum engineering), of Edmonton, Alberta, September 13, at 84. His love of learning led him from a small town in northeast Alberta to the U. of Alberta to study petroleum engineering. Armed with undergraduate and master’s degrees and a fellowship, he ventured to Stanford only to return to the U. of Alberta, where he taught for 35 years. His career took him around the world, but it was his love of languages that took him into the workingman’s part of town. Always quick to share a joke or a laugh often led to a meal and more conversations. Exploring the world’s cultures through the eyes of the workingman fascinated him. He was predeceased by his wife, Hilda. Survivors include his two children, Dilys and Peter.
Education
Daniel J. “Dan” Gonsalves, MA ’56, of Modesto, Calif., February 25, at 81, after a sudden illness. He served in the Army. A teacher and coach, he helped open Grace Davis High in 1961. He taught physical education, health and math and was head football and wrestling coach for 17 years. The recipient of many awards, he was named the 1990 California Athletic Director of the Year and elected to the 2009 California Wrestling Hall of Fame. Survivors: his wife of 53 years, Chella; children, Jean Ann Smith, JJ and Joyce; eight grandchildren; and a sister.
Sophia Dimitriadis Henke, MA ’57, of Rolling Hills, Calif., January 17, at 79. Born in Los Angeles, she attended public schools and earned her undergraduate degree at Occidental College. Survivors: her husband, Richard, MD ’60; children, Rick, Jim, Bill, Maria Elswick and Jon; and six grandchildren.
Viola Mary Owen, Gr. ’59, of Aptos, Calif., November 26, at 93. She was a teacher, administrator, editor and writer. The youngest child in her family, she will be missed by her numerous great- and great-great-nieces and nephews and her many close friends.
Juanita Glorianne “Glo” Hall Rice, MA ’61, of Bryan, Texas, January 26, at 82. She completed her undergraduate degree at the U. of Denver. She became an elementary school teacher and, after moving back to her home state of Texas, earned her PhD in curriculum development from Texas A&M and had a career in school administration. She was active in the First Baptist Church, Bryan, and in the Gideons International. She enjoyed knitting and sewing and was a licensed pilot. She was predeceased by her husband, George, PhD ’64. Survivors: her children, Jennifer Wiginton and John; five grandchildren; one great-grandchild; and a brother.
Marjorie K. Balazs, MA ’63, of Los Altos, March 9, at 80. She graduated from Washington U. in St. Louis and received an honorary doctorate from U. of San Francisco. He was the founder of Balazs Analytical Laboratories. Survivors include a brother and a sister.
Robert Burtch Rogers, Gr. ’64, of Napa, Calif., March 11, at 93. He served in the Navy during World War II and later earned his PhD in sociology at USC. He was a public school teacher and guidance counselor at Washington Junior High. He was predeceased by his first wife, Jean. Survivors: his wife, Grace; children, Nina Bailey, Jennifer Grant, Merrill Hearnsberger and Robert; seven grandchildren; and one great-grandchild.
Gabriele Lusser Rico, PhD ’76, of Cupertino, March 15, at 75, of cancer. She lectured on the application of brain research to writing, learning and the creative process. Her book, Writing the Natural Way, described a brainstorming process she created called “clustering.” She taught at San Jose State U. for more than 40 years and held an endowed chair at Notre Dame in Belmont, Calif. Survivors: her husband, Richard Ressman; children, Stephanie, Suzanne and Simone; and stepson, David Ressman.
Engineering
Robert Boyer Muchmore, Engr. ’42 (electrical engineering), of Sonoma, Calif., February 28, at 95. He was one of Professor Terman’s early electrical engineering students. After working on radar during World War II, he worked for Hughes, STL and TRW (now Northrop Grumman), retiring as a senior vice president and chief scientist. His book Essentials of Microwaves was used for decades in introductory classes. He was a passionate photographer, owned a vineyard and had a lifetime membership in the Sierra Club. He was predeceased by his wife, Betty (Vaughan, ’38). Survivors: his children, Andrew, ’67, and Douglas, ’71; five grandchildren, including Christopher, ’97, MA ’98, Patrick, ’02, MA ’02, and Mary Beth Muchmore Percival, MD ’07.
Preston Parkinson Nibley, Engr. ’42 (mining and mineral engineering), of Ogden, Utah, March 12, at 94. His career in the oil business involved projects all over the world, including work on the Canol Project, through the Northwest Territory, Canada, as well as work in the Middle East with ARAMCO. After transferring to Mobil Oil Co., he opened an engineering office in London and also worked on the Alyeska Pipeline. He was a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and served in various assignments. He loved gardening, classical music, BYU football and basketball, the stock market and telling jokes and puns. He was predeceased by his wife of 66 years, Betty. Survivors: his children, Bonnie Cannon, Susan Mansesr and Carolyn Sukhan; 16 grandchildren; and 35 great-grandchildren.
Lester Alaric Roberts, MS ’47, PhD ’51 (electrical engineering), of Palo Alto, February 28, at 87, of multiple myeloma. He worked in space communications designing traveling wave tubes, then became interested in medical and biological engineering and contributed to the design of Cochlear implants, DNA synthesizers and angioplasty fiber-optics. At the time of his death, he was an R&D engineer at the Stanford Genome Technology Center. His interests included wilderness exploration, music, travel and photography. He was also involved in environmental and social causes and served weekly meals to the homeless. Survivors: his wife of 64 years, Barbara; children, Susan Roberts-Manganelli, Anne, Stephen, Paul, Cynthia Roberts McCabe and Jan Roberts Silk; and 11 grandchildren, including Simone Manganelli, ’05, MS ’09.
Byron Jirden Bennett, MS ’49, PhD ’52 (electrical engineering), of Tustin, Calif., March 7, at 92. He served in the Navy during World War II. He was an associate professor at Texas Tech and Stanford Research Institute and worked at IBM before joining the faculty of the electrical engineering department at Montana State College in 1960. He became dean of the MSC School of Engineering in 1963 and remained until 1982. He served on the Bozeman Deaconess Hospital Board and held various roles in organizations such as the Rotary and the United Methodist Church. He was predeceased by his wife, Dana Jo, and daughter Lucy. Survivors: his children, Noelle Abbott, Beth Ellen Bennett-Biesi, Megan, John, Clark and Scott; and several grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
Peter Marshall Fitzgerald, MS ’56, PhD ’62 (electrical engineering), of Petaluma, Calif., February 18, at 79. He was an early entrepreneur in Silicon Valley, founding and serving as president of Stanford Telecommunications Inc. Later he taught and lectured internationally and was one of the founders of the Estonian Business School. His hobbies included working on house projects, hiking and reading, and he took great pleasure in sailing with his sons in the San Francisco Bay and being in the San Juan Islands with his wife. Survivors: his wife, Pat; his former wife, Claire; five children; three stepchildren; 11 grandchildren; and four step-grandchildren.
Robert Henry Kruggel, MS ’64 (electrical engineering), of Essex Junction, Vt., February 28, at 72, of cancer. He worked for Bell Labs as an electrical engineer before moving to IBM to work as a memory design engineer. After retiring in 1996, he created a handyman company, raced his car and enjoyed woodworking, paragliding and fishing. He also taught engineering classes at Vermont Technical College. Survivors: his children, Cyndi Osgood and Michele; two grandchildren; his mother, Hildegard McRuiz; two sisters; and his former wife, Ann Klein.
Joel Steven “Steve” Zucker, PhD ’75 (electrical engineering), of Manhattan Beach, Calif., February 2, at 71, of a heart attack. He was a pioneer in the computer science field, working at Fairchild, RAND and UNIX-based start-up Interactive Systems Corp. before finishing out his career at Sun Microsystems. In retirement he volunteered with AARP as a tax preparer, supported his local Democratic Club and practiced yoga. Survivors: his wife, Moira; children, Joshua, ’90, and Danielle; three grandchildren; and a brother.
Frank Lavallart, MS ’00 (electrical engineering), of San Diego, February 3, at 48, while skiing a double black diamond run at the top of Mammoth Mountain. Born and raised in France, he was a passionate sailor and especially loved Hobie Cats, sailing with his family and windsurfing on Mission Bay. He was also a cyclist, hiker and mountaineer. He worked with many technology firms, including Hamilton Standard, Medtronics, Hewlett-Packard and Qualcomm. Survivors include his wife, Kaina, and son, Alexandre.
Humanities and Sciences
Richard Nelson Blomberg, MS ’47 (chemistry), of Chester, Vt., May 21, 2012, at 87, of cancer. He worked for DuPont for 33 years. After retiring he moved first to Virginia, then to North Carolina, where he was on the Penland School of Crafts board of directors. Later he moved to Vermont to be closer to his daughter’s family. He was active with the Boy Scouts, was a glass blower and blacksmith and was active in an inventor’s club and bicycling groups. Survivors: his wife of 63 years, Dorothy; daughter, Erica Bingham; and a granddaughter.
Richard Henry “Dick” Harris, MA ’49 (communication), of Salt Lake City, March 14, at 93, after a short illness. He served in the Army during World War II. He was a news reporter, magazine writer and editor and public relations consultant in the San Francisco Bay Area and San Diego through the early 1970s. He then worked as a journalism professor at Utah State and San Diego State for almost 20 years. Outside of work, he enjoyed time with his family, his church, physical fitness and golf. He was predeceased by his wife of 66 years, Henrietta. Survivors: his children, Sue Glenn, Nancy Jones, Richard, ’69, and Mark; 12 grandchildren; and 19 great-grandchildren.
Lafayette Hachiro Noda, PhD ’50 (chemistry), of Plainfield, N.H., February 9, at 96. One of nine children born to Japanese immigrant parents, he earned his undergraduate degree from UC-Berkeley but was sent to internment camps in Wyoming and Colorado after the bombing of Pearl Harbor. He left in 1943 and returned to graduate work; after receiving his doctorate, he began a career in researching adenylate kinase. In 1957 he joined the biochemistry department of the medical school at Dartmouth, and in 1960 he was named department chair. He remained at Dartmouth until retiring in 1981. He became a Quaker in his 20s, and those values guided his life and his commitment to nonviolence and social activism. Survivors include his children, Kesaya, ’73, and David.
Karl Walter Krantz, PhD ’51 (chemistry), of Lexington, Va., March 6, at 94. He worked on the Manhattan Project during World War II and then for DuPont and GE in a career in silicone polymer chemistry. He enjoyed exploring family genealogy and working on his summer cottage at Lake George, N.Y. Later he had a home near Seneca, S.C., where he had a part-time career as a securities representative. He moved to Lexington in 1998 to be closer to children and grandchildren, and his interests included reading, poetry and music. He was predeceased by his wife, Betty. Survivors: his children, Kathryn Krantz-Toffey and David; four grandchildren; and two great-grandchildren.
Alfred Uihlein Elser Jr., MS ’58 (statistics), of Greenwich, Conn., February 24, at 78, following a long illness. He worked in marketing and management positions for IBM from 1958 until 1994. He was a board member of the Joseph Schlitz Brewing Co. and the Schroeder Manatee Ranch Inc. Active in his community, he started and led the SeniorNet computer school at Greenwich Senior Center. He was a longtime member of Christ Church, Greenwich, and he belonged to numerous clubs, including Indian Harbor Yacht Club and the First Friday Club. Survivors: his wife, Anne; children, Alfred III, Amy Elser Hall and Elizabeth; two grandchildren; and a brother.
Allan Shale Krass, PhD ’63 (physics), of Potomac, Md., January 3, at 77, of complications from leukemia. He was an assistant professor of physics at Princeton and UC-Santa Barbara, then joined the Hampshire College faculty as a professor of physics and science policy. After 20 years he moved to the Washington, D.C., area, where he worked as a physical science officer with the U.S. Arms Control and Disarmament Agency and served as an adjunct professor at Georgetown U.’s School of Foreign Service. He was predeceased by his first wife, Judith Ginzler. Survivors: his wife, Dorothy; a daughter from his marriage to Elaine Morton, Caroline; two grandchildren; and a sister.
Walter Earl Pearson, MA ’64 (mathematics), of Eugene, Ore., March 11, at 91. He served in the Army during World War II. He taught high school math, calculated missile trajectories on the ENIAC computer and eventually joined NASA, where his work directly contributed to the moon landing of Apollo 11. His varied interests included farming, history, Dixieland jazz, movies, politics, chess and U. of Oregon football. He was a master woodworker and a world traveler, visiting six continents with his wife. Survivors: his wife of 65 years, Marge; children, Jim, Greg, Jan Halvorson, Paul and Tom; and eight grandchildren.
Roger Holmes Cinnamond, MA ’65 (art), of Eureka, Calif., February 26, at 83. After completing his degree at Stanford, he took a teaching position at the College of the Redwoods, where he taught art history, graphic design, photography, drawing and creative workshops for 23 years. After retiring in 1988, he continued to teach part time at College of the Redwoods branch campuses and at Humboldt State U., and he also participated in art shows and produced commissioned works. He practiced meditation for 43 years, and he loved spending time with his family, especially on long summer vacations on the Smith River. Survivors: his wife, Jane (Royce, ’58); children, Julie Hall and Scott; and four grandchildren.
Robert Raymond Gagne, PhD ’74 (chemistry), of Diamondhead, Miss., February 18, at 64, after a short illness. He taught chemistry at the California Institute of Technology before starting his own chemical research and development firm, Maxdem Inc. Later he founded Mississippi Polymer Technologies, and he also helped other start and grow their own businesses. Survivors: his mother, Eva Gagnon; four brothers; two stepsisters; and a stepbrother.
Law
Roland M. “Rollie” Paulson, Gr. ’49, of Colorado Springs, Colo., March 20, at 90. He served in the Navy during World War II and the Korean War. He was a district manager with Farmers Insurance Group for 25 years, achieving President’s Council, the company’s highest honor. He enjoyed playing tennis, watching sports, working on complex crossword puzzles and traveling the world. Survivors: his wife of 56 years, Nicole; children, Edward Bartlett, Eric, Cristine and Lisa; eight grandchildren; a great-grandson; and two brothers.
Nicholas Chris Petris, JD ’49, of Oakland, March 20, at 90, of Alzheimer’s disease. The son of Greek immigrants, he was an East Bay representative in the California legislature for 37 years. An advocate for health care, environmental protection, farm workers and bay conservation, his ideas were often controversial and ahead of their time. He retired in 1996, unable to run again due to term limits. He was predeceased by his wife of 60 years, Anna. Survivors include his brother.
William Buchtel “Bill” Collister, Gr. ’51, of Denver, February 11, at 89. He served in the Army Air Corps during World War II, earned his undergraduate degree from Princeton and completed his JD at the U. of Denver College of Law. He was an oil and gas attorney in Denver for more than 50 years and had been president of the Denver Petroleum Club. He and his wife traveled widely, visiting more than 50 countries and every continent except Antarctica. Survivors: his wife of 51 years, Alice; a sister; and two brothers.
Phillip Seymour “Phil” DeCaro, JD ’61, of Evergreen, Colo., February 27, at 77, of heart failure. He was awarded the CIA’s Intelligence Star for extreme courage under hazardous conditions—one of only a few hundred people to have received the award. In addition to being an attorney, he was a rancher and horseman, a pilot and a ski patroller. He was a family man who was in love with his wife, a supportive, loving, active father and a doting grandfather. His favorite way to celebrate anything was with an ice cream party. Survivors: his wife of 38 years, Gale Gatto; children, Lisa, Lara and Phil; three granddaughters; a brother; and Lisa and Lara’s mother, Barbara.
Medicine
Richard Appel “Dick” Hoe, Gr. ’53 (physical therapy), of Fresno, Calif., November 10, at 88. He served in the Navy during World War II. He taught middle school in the Fresno Unified School District for 30 years and was named Teacher of the Year for Fresno County in 1981. After retiring he became a stay-at-home grandpa. Survivors: his wife of 60 years, Gloria; children, Robert and Nancy; and a granddaughter.
