1930s
Donald W. Petit, ’36 (basic medical sciences), MD ’40, of La Cañada, Calif., January 17, at 99. A member of Delta Chi who played oboe in the Band, he later served with the Army Air Corps during World War II. He set up a medical practice in Pasadena, Calif., and joined the clinical faculty and did research in endocrinology at the L.A. County-USC Medical Center. He served as a primary physician for 48 years with humor, grace and keen diagnostic sense and cultivated his interests in history, nautical lore and fly-fishing. He was predeceased by his second wife, Betty. Survivors: his children, Katherine Petit Molnar, Charles, Steven, Donna Petit Hatfield and John; stepchildren, Kenneth, Thomas and Margaret Donnelly, Sharon Halle and Elizabeth O’Brien; 12 grandchildren; 11 step-grandchildren; 13 great-grandchildren; and his sister.
Howard William Dougherty, ’38 (applied earth sciences), of Pasadena, Calif., December 28, at 99. He was a member of Beta Theta Pi and worked for his father after graduation. In 1947 he formed his own leasing and exploration company involving natural resources. Among his many interests outside of work, he was regent of Loyola Marymount U., president of the Youth Tennis Foundation of Southern California and finance chair of the committee that built Maryvale, an orphanage in Los Angeles. Survivors: his former wife, Louise; children, William, ’64, Robert, ’67, Patrick, Michael, Mary Dougherty Hampton and Peter; nine grandchildren; and eight great-grandchildren.
Bernadine Elizabeth “Bernie” McKay Thomas, ’38 (Spanish), of Dallas, November 30, at 96. After marrying in El Paso, Texas, she administered her husband’s businesses, including the Sun Glass Co. In the early 1960s she became the executive director of Planned Parenthood of El Paso, where she pioneered the concept known today as “neighborhood outreach workers.” She then volunteered for the Assistance League of El Palo. From the mountains in Mexico, where she was born, to the mountains she loved in El Paso, she lived a full and productive life. She was predeceased by her husband, Remus, and daughter Nancy. Survivors: her children, Remus Jr., Elizabeth Attel and Curtis; three grandchildren; and four great-grandchildren.
Hershey Julien, ’39 (economics), of Sunnyvale, September 18, at 96. He was an Eagle Scout and received a Bronze Star for his Army service during World War II. A graduate of Princeton Theological Seminary, he was ordained a Presbyterian minister in 1951. He served under the Board of Foreign Missions in Brazil and as a pastor in Utah and New Mexico before leaving the ministry in 1972. He earned a master’s degree and PhD in English and served as the assistant to the VP for academic affairs at the U. of New Mexico. He retired to Paso Robles, Calif., and then moved to Palo Alto, where he became active in the Humanist Community of Silicon Valley. He loved carpentry and was an outspoken advocate for alternative energy solutions. He was predeceased by his wife of 58 years, Margaret, and son, Herbert. Survivors: his daughters, Jean Staats and Bonnie Gosliner; five grandchildren; five great-grandchildren; and one brother, James, ’43.
Vernice Louise Carlson Lueth, ’39 (history), of Modesto, Calif., November 18, at 97. She completed a year of graduate study and taught at Oakdale High School and Modesto High School in the 1940s. A homemaker and active community member, she was a member of the Turlock Tuesday Reading Club since 1950 and belonged to the Stanford Women of San Joaquin Valley. She was also a registered member of the Cat Fanciers Association for more than 40 years and was involved in the breeding, raising and showing of Persian cats. She was predeceased by her husband, Dorwin. Survivors include her son, Jonathan.
Brooke von Falkenstein Wunnicke, ’39 (political science), of Denver, September 20, at 96. She earned a law degree from the U. of Colorado and opened a practice in Cheyenne, Wyo., in 1946. After moving to Colorado, she spent 12 years as chief deputy of appeals in the Denver District Attorney’s Office. From 1978 to 1997, she was adjunct professor at the U. of Denver College of Law and served as a consultant and expert witness on legal ethics. She published numerous articles and was the recipient of many honors, including Life Fellow of the American Bar Association and the 1997 William Lee Knous Award, CU’s highest alumnus annual award. She was predeceased by her husband, James, ’38. Survivors include her daughter, Diane.
1940s
Betty Carlton Breeding Corvan, ’40 (social science/social thought), of Vergennes, Vt., December 24, at 96, after a short illness. During college she earned a pilot’s license under a pre-war program and, following the attack on Pearl Harbor, volunteered for the Navy. She served in Washington, D.C., and Pensacola, Fla., and was promoted to lieutenant. After the war, she and her husband invested in a ski lodge at the launching of Mount Snow, Vt., and then established a successful commercial orchard in Charlotte, Vt., before retiring to Vergennes. Active all her life, she was an avid birdwatcher, master gardener and gourmet cook. She was predeceased by her husband of 58 years, Jerome. Survivors: her children, Constance Corvan Noon, Peter Cowdery-Corvan and Jay; five grandchildren; and five great-grandchildren.
William Frank Weeden, ’41 (biological sciences), MD ’45, of Oakland, December 13, at 94. After serving in World War II, he returned to the Bay Area for his residency and then to establish a private practice in internal medicine. He eventually served as president of the Alameda County Heart Association and chief of medicine at Samuel Merritt and Peralta hospitals. Retiring in 1990, he became a docent at the Knowland Park Zoo and joined the boards of Friends of the UC Botanical Garden and the East Bay Zoological Society. Survivors: his wife of 67 years, Patricia (Chubbuck, ’44); children, Barbara, Norman, ’69, Charles and William; nine grandchildren, including Leslie, ’83, and Robert, ’76; two great-grandchildren; and brothers, Alan, ’45, John, ’50, and Donald, ’51.
John Calder Mackay, ’42 (pre-business), JD ’48, of Palo Alto, November 21, at 94. He was a member of Phi Kappa Sigma and served in the Navy. He built the first commercial building on Santa Cruz Avenue in Menlo Park, founded Mackay Homes in 1950 and constructed the Villages in San Jose. He went on to build approximately 15,000 apartments and office parks in the Bay Area and 13 other states. In addition to the family home in Woodside, he bought a cattle ranch in Montana. He served on the board of directors for Children Health Council and was a founder of the Palo Alto Medical Foundation. Survivors: his wife of 72 years, Ellen; children, John III, Edward, James and Ann; 11 grandchildren; six great-grandchildren; and brother, Richard, ’45, JD ’49.
Donald Emanuel Soltero, ’42, of Sequim, Wash., December 14, at 94. He served in the Navy and then started his medical career. His fellowship at the Mayo Clinic was followed by 34 years in Seattle practicing anesthesiology at Swedish Hospital. He was an avid golfer and a member of the fourth degree of the Knights of Columbus. He was predeceased by his wife of 69 years, Mary Steigerwald. Survivors: his wife, Mary Soltero; children, Donald, Michael, John, Sara Gore, Julia Linker and Kathleen; 11 grandchildren; and nine great-grandchildren.
Elizabeth “Libby” Eastman Swoyer, ’42 (letters), of Boise, Idaho, November 27, at 94. She lettered in badminton at Stanford and worked for Time/Life in San Francisco during World War II. Her husband’s advertising career moved the family to far-distant cities from Philadelphia to Wheaton, Ill., and La Cañada, Calif. She was predeceased by her husband, Joseph. Survivors: her children, Mark, Andrew, Sarah Connolly, Mary Anne Murphy and Steve; 14 grandchildren; and five great-grandchildren.
Robert F. Barber, ’43 (general engineering), MS ’47 (mechanical engineering), of Petaluma, Calif., December 18, at 92. He was captain of the golf team and a member of El Campo eating club. He served in the South Pacific before returning to Stanford for graduate school. In 1972 he moved to Sierra Madre, Calif., to work as an electrical engineer for Parsons Engineering. In 2013 he moved to Petaluma to be near his daughter, enjoying monthly lunches with several Stanford friends. He was predeceased by his wife, Mary (Kanney, ’47). Survivors: his daughter, Catherine Woo and Rebecca Biltcliffe; and two grandsons.
Robert Douglas Barker, ’43 (general engineering), MS ’47 (electrical engineering), of San Francisco, December 1, at 93. At Stanford he was president of Alpha Sigma Phi and a member of the soccer and swim teams. He served in the Navy during World War II and subsequently in the Naval Reserve. He pursued a career in advanced radar design and spent nearly 30 years with Hughes Aircraft Co., where he was responsible for designing the radar for the Navy F-14 Tomcat fighter aircraft. He was predeceased by his wife of 61 years, Grace, and daughters Anne and Ellen. Survivors: his children, Virginia, Susan and Robert; three grandchildren; and one sister.
Mary Patricia “Pat” Dooher Bryant, ’43 (social science/social thought), of Redding, Calif., January 2, at 92. She earned her teaching credential from Chico State U. and taught at Enterprise High School. She was also a librarian at Shasta High School. A longtime member of the Riverview Golf & Country Club and St. Joseph Parish, she also belonged to the Redding Women’s Improvement Club and Shasta County Republican Central Committee. She was predeceased by her husband, John, and son Joe. Survivors: her children, Mary Jane Jones, Jeff and Jim; four granddaughters; and five great-grandchildren.
Wyland S. Cripe, ’43 (economics), of Micanopy, Fla., December 28, at 93, of Alzheimer’s disease. A member of Theta Delta Chi and the track and field team, he interrupted his education to join the Navy after Pearl Harbor had been bombed. Following veterinary school, he established a practice in Elk Grove, Calif. In 1968 he became director of the UC-Davis/Universidad de Chile Veterinary Medicine exchange program through the Ford Foundation. Later he did work for the United Nations FAO in Venezuela and helped build a college of veterinary medicine at the U. of Florida, serving as dean of student and public services. He was predeceased by his wife of 71 years, Marnelle. Survivors: his daughters, Aline Hommes, Carra, Kirsti Cripe Rauser, Elizabeth Vaughn and Anna Moo; and four grandchildren.
John L. Levy, ’43 (general engineering), MBA ’48, of Berkeley, January 11, at 93. At Stanford he was a member of Phi Beta Kappa and the boxing team. He served in World War II, stationed at Guantanamo, Cuba. After earning his MBA, he worked for Bechtel Corp. for many years as an estimator on large construction projects. Shifting his focus from business to spiritual exploration, he co-founded San Francisco Venture, helped develop the Esalen Institute and served as executive director of the C.G. Jung Institute of San Francisco. He was a serious meditator, had a deep love of nature and had a special capacity for bringing people together. He was predeceased by his first wife, Barbara. Survivors: his wife, Adele; stepchildren, Leigh, Gus, Melissa, Alison and Jonathan; and two grandchildren.
Gloria Giannini “GG” Anello, ’44 (economics), of Pacific Grove, Calif., October 9, at 92, following a short illness. She was devoted to her four children and enjoyed community service, in particular her multiple terms as president of Santa Clara U.’s Catala Club. She spent many college vacations working as a hostess at her mother’s Italian restaurant and grew up to become a fabulous cook. Her other passions were lifelong learning and Carmel-by-the-Sea, where she purchased the perfect beach cottage in 1971. After her husband’s death in 1996, she retired to Canterbury Woods in Pacific Grove, where she made new friends and renewed her friendships with Stanford chums and alums. She was predeceased by her husband of 54 years, Peter, ’46, and son Ralph. Survivors: her children, Peter Jr., Anna-Louise Anello Rosen and Antoinette; and two grandsons.
Ralph Larry Ashton, ’44 (political science), of Salt Lake City, December 20, at 92. After serving in World War II, he joined the family’s business, Ashton Brothers, which grew from a department and grocery store to include an oil-well supply and construction company. A natural athlete, he excelled at tennis and basketball and played golf into his late 80s. He was also active in many civic organizations, a great storyteller and unbeatable at gin rummy. He was predeceased by his wife of 56 years, Virginia (Walker, ’47). Survivors: his children, Michael, ’71, Larry, Virginia Bostrom and Marjorie Coleman; and six grandchildren.
Ralph Richard Heppe, ’44 (mechanical engineering), MA ’45 (aeronautics and astronautics), of Cupertino, January 18, at 91, of cardiac arrhythmia. He was a member of El Tigre and worked at Lockheed California Co. for 41 years, serving in a variety of positions until retiring as president. His interests included woodworking, stained glass and travel, and he was involved with the management of Napili Kai Beach Resort in Maui, Hawaii. He was predeceased by his wife of 57 years, Patricia (Kennedy, ’45), and son Bruce. Survivors: his children, David, Mark and Janice; five grandchildren; and four great-grandchildren.
Rex Martin Golobic, ’45 (general engineering), of Foster City, Calif., January 8, at 91. He was a member of Theta Xi and served in World War II. A well-known figure in the bowling industry, he owned several bowling alleys in the Bay Area and was past president of the Northern California Bowling Proprietors Association and the Bowling Proprietors Association of America. He also loved books, good company and the 49ers. He was predeceased by his first wife, Dolores. Survivors: his wife, Reiko; children, Robin Alcorn, Randel Crites and Rick; and four grandchildren.
Patricia A. “Trish” Wetmore-Berg, ’45, of Pacific Grove, Calif., September 21, at 90. Her first job was working for an insurance company and she invested a portion of her earnings in the stock market. Her talent for investing allowed her to endow a scholarship at Stanford in honor of her father, Clyde Wetmore, Class of 1913, MD 1915, providing financial aid to medical students. Playful, acutely perceptive, caring and eloquent, she was generous to many and a source of companionship to her fellow residents at Canterbury Woods, where she and her husband moved in 1992. She was predeceased by her husband, Walter Berg. Survivors: her children, Elizabeth Sorensen and Walter Jr.; three grandchildren; and five great-grandchildren.
William Edgar “Bill” Fulwider, ’46 (education), of Santa Rosa, Calif., January 18, at 93. He served as a World War II bomber pilot. At just 26, he became the youngest auditor in the state of California when the board of supervisors for Sonoma County appointed him to the post. He was re-elected seven times as auditor and controller. Known as a genial man, he was passionate about horseshoe tossing, barbershop singing and the charitable works of the Salvation Army. Survivors: his wife, Lynn; daughter, Diana Grant; six grandchildren; and several great-grandchildren.
William H. Hornby, ’47 (humanities), MA ’47 (communication), of Denver, November 18, at 91. He served in the Army Signal Corps during World War II. After the war, he worked for the federal government’s Marshall Plan in Paris and for Stars and Stripes, the U.S. military newspaper, and did graduate work at the London School of Economics. He worked for the San Francisco News and Associated Press before returning to his home state of Montana to become the press aide to Gov. Hugo Aronsen. In 1957 he began a four-decade career at the Denver Post, rising from copyreader to senior editor. He was predeceased by his daughter Mary, stepdaughter Patricia and third wife, Barbara Welch Sudler. Survivors: his wife, Suzanne; daughters Melinda Barnard, ’75, PhD ’86, and Megan; stepchildren, John Sullivan, ’68, Leli Sudler, Jamie Sudler, Rochelle Darling, Charissa Cruz and Christine Sparks; six grandchildren; three great-grandchildren; and one sister, Anne Christman, ’54.
Elizabeth Ann Sotzin Miller, ’47 (psychology), of Greenbrae, Calif., December 19, at 89. After Stanford she joined the Roos Brothers retail executive training program in San Francisco and became summer manager of Tahoe Tavern Shops and a member of the New York buying office. She was an active volunteer for a number of organizations and, in 1983, became director of volunteer services at St. Mary’s Hospital and Medical Center. She was predeceased by her husband of 52 years, Jack. Survivors: her son, John; and two granddaughters.
Ellen Ann Baily Raffensperger, ’47 (nursing), of Santa Barbara, Calif., January 9. She worked as a nurse in New York City before marrying and moving to California and then Washington, D.C., where her husband worked for NASA. She returned to nursing at Sibley Hospital, achieved certification as a critical care nurse and was co-author of two books on nursing. She and her husband traveled extensively and she was proud of her ability to pack for two people on a monthlong trip using one small tote bag. She was predeceased by her husband of 58 years, Maurey, ’51, MS ’53. Survivors: her daughters, Maura and Karen; and one grandson.
Thomas Edward Summers, ’47, MA ’49 (international relations), of Cape Elizabeth, Maine, September 19, at 96. He served in the Army during World War II and entered Stanford on the GI Bill. He worked for the Federal Reserve Board and was later commissioned to the U.S. Department of State as a foreign service officer. He served as an economic officer in Switzerland, Washington, Belgium and Paris. Survivors include his wife of 49 years, Lydia.
Peter Andreas Szego, ’47 (engineering science), of San Jose, September 28, at 89, of heart and kidney disease. During World War II, he served as a dental technician in the Army. He taught at Rice U. and Santa Clara U. and was devoted to progressive causes, joining an interracial group that drove across the country to participate in the March on Washington in 1963. After working in research at Ampex Corp. for more than 10 years, he left his engineering career to become staff to the Santa Clara County supervisor. Long before computer programs existed for drawing political boundaries, he worked with U.S. Rep. Phil Burton to draft political districts that would be fair and representational of constituents. In 2013 he received the AARP California Percy Andrus Award for Community Service. He was predeceased by his companion, Lee Sturtevant. Survivors include his sister, Veronica Szego Tincher, ’51.
Marilyn Lorraine Roughton Walters, ’47 (education), of Pebble Beach, Calif., October 2, at 89. After marrying and moving to Pebble Beach, she taught at the Pacific Grove Cooperative Nursery School for 24 years. She was an active member of the Monterey Peninsula Country Club for 59 years, playing golf and enjoying social activities with close friends. She was predeceased by her first husband, Addis Herd; second husband, Ronnie Walters; and one grandson. Survivors: her children, Linda Colvin, Cindy Kausin and Allen; five grandchildren; and nine great-grandchildren.
Francis Eugene “Gene” Yates, ’47 (basic medical sciences), MD ’51, of Pacific Palisades, Calif., January 20, at 87. He served four years as a medical officer in the Navy and then enjoyed a long and illustrious career in medical research. His academic posts included Harvard, Stanford, USC and UCLA, and he was a principal scientist at NASA and the pharmaceutical company ALZA Corp. He loved to ski and hunt, good food and wine, and he was known for his unflagging generosity. Survivors: his wife of 65 years, Margaret (Barnett, ’47, MD ’51); children, Katherine, Gregory, Peter and Eugene; and seven grandchildren.
Hugh A. Eyerly, ’48 (economics), MBA ’50, of Walnut Creek and Pebble Beach, Calif., November 7, at 88. He joined the Navy after high school and was a member of Delta Upsilon at Stanford. His career in finance spanned 40 years as VP at Cutter Lab in Berkeley and at Shaklee Corp. in San Francisco. He served as president of several boards, including the National Association of Accountants (East Bay chapter) and the Financial Executives Institute (S.F. chapter). A lifetime fan of the Giants and 49ers, he also loved jazz, carpentry and a glass of great wine. He was predeceased by his wife of 50 years, Barbara. Survivors: his daughters, Jan Thompson and Katie Pingree; and five grandchildren.
Robert Eugene Johnston, ’48 (electrical engineering), MBA ’50, of San Jose, January 20, at 91. He served in the Army Air Force during World War II, an experience that gave him a profound commitment to pacifism and the practice of non-violence. He worked for Richmond Chase and later Jennings Radio before finding his true vocation at Center for Employment Training. His great passions were the mountains and serving the poor and fighting for social justice. Survivors: his wife, Terry (Burke, ’48); children, Bill, Paul, Michael, Stephen, Annie, Barbara, Mary, Daniel, David, Peter, ’87, and Matthew; 25 grandchildren; nine great-grandchildren; and his sister.
Phyllis Ann Graham Leis, ’48 (speech & drama), of Los Angeles, November 26, at 87. She was a member of the Rally Committee and played leading roles in a number of plays. An active volunteer, she was an officer in the Junior League of Los Angeles. She and her second husband were avid golfers and winners of many tournaments. Later she turned to painting and became an accomplished artist. She was predeceased by her first husband, James Redding, ’44, MBA ’48, and second husband, Lewis Leis. Survivors: her sons, Douglas, ’76, and Richard Redding; and five grandchildren.
George Arthur Probert Jr., ’48 (education), of Monrovia, Calif., January 10, at 87. A jazzman extraordinaire, he played with many jazz greats, including Bob Scobey and Kid Ory. He was also an acclaimed TV and film music editor who worked on iconic television series such as Dallas, Lost in Space and Charlie’s Angels. He was predeceased by his wife Patricia and daughter Velvet. Survivors: his wife Margreet; children, Crystal, Heather, Michael and Glen; and four grandchildren.
George M. Black, ’49 (communication), of Bad Homburg, Germany, October 7, at 85. After graduation, he joined the Air Force and then took a job in advertising for J. Walter Thompson in San Francisco. He transferred to the agency’s offices in New York and then Frankfurt, Germany, advancing to creative director and ultimately director. Following his retirement, he was hired as a consultant by Nestlé, which took him all over the world. He was a man who loved life and knew how to live it. Survivors: his wife, Bibi; and brother.
Ned Chapin, ’49, of Menlo Park, December 27, at 87. At Stanford he played percussion in the symphony orchestra. He earned an MBA from the U. of Chicago and served in the Army Corps of Engineers during the Korean War. He received a doctorate from the Illinois Institute of Technology and worked at Stanford Research Institute for 10 years, though the bulk of his career was spent as an independent consultant operating InfoSci Inc. At age 60 he took a job as professor of information systems in the California State U. system. He wrote eight books and was the founding editor of the Journal of Software Maintenance and Evolution. He was predeceased by his wife of 60 years, June, EdD ’63. Survivors: his daughters, Suzanne and Elaine; and one grandchild.
Kenneth Vernon Marr, ’49 (civil engineering), of Carmichael, Calif., January 1, at 90, of complications from a fall. He was a decorated WWII veteran who served with the Army Corps of Engineers in Okinawa. After graduating from Stanford, he moved to Sacramento and joined the Art Sauer Engineering firm and rose to become a partner. He was an active volunteer and community member, and in retirement enjoyed traveling the world. Known for his humility and quiet strength, he was a man with many lifelong friends. He was predeceased by his granddaughter. Survivors: his wife of 67 years, Betty; children, Carolyn Fischer, Janet Bachelor and Bob; five grandchildren; and one great-granddaughter.
Walter Lindsay Moffatt Jr., ’49 (economics), of Brentwood, Calif., December 31, at 90, of a stroke. He served in the Philippines during World War II and was a member of Chi Psi. After graduation, he returned to Brentwood to farm and a long career in the insurance business. He was a Brentwood Elementary School trustee and served on the Delta Memorial Hospital board. Survivors: his wife of 63 years, Jeanne (Rogers, ’50); children, Lindsay Samudio and Jim; five grandchildren; and one great-grandchild.
1950s
Samuel Parham “Sam” Applewhite III, ’50 (undergraduate law), JD ’52, of Scottsdale, Ariz., February 17, 2014, at 84, after a long illness. He served two years in the U.S. Army Judge Advocate General’s Corps during the Korean War and then moved to Phoenix, where he was a founding attorney in the firm that would become Ryley, Carlock & Applewhite. He practiced law for more than 50 years while also serving as board president of Boyce Thompson Southwestern Arboretum and founder and president of Butterfly Lodge Museum, both in Arizona. Survivors: his wife, Karen; children, Robin Applewhite Howarth, ’83, MA ’83, Jennifer Applewhite Bridgman, ’83, and Todd; and two grandchildren, including Trevor Howarth, ’17.
Mary Margaret Meyer Daegling Baty, ’50 (education), of Aliso Viejo, Calif., December 31, at 85. She taught in Marin County schools, wrote children’s books and was an accomplished musician who played the violin, guitar and piano. Diagnosed with multiple sclerosis, she was wheelchair bound for the last decade of her life but was an inspiration for her courage, zest for living and dedication to her family. She was predeceased by her first husband, William Daegling, ’48, MBA ’50. Survivors: her husband, Jackson, ’49; children, Eric, Barbara and David; stepdaughter, Jean Young; five grandchildren; and four great-grandchildren.
Walker Smith Jr., ’50 (geography), of Costa Mesa, Calif., December 21, at 87. He served in the U.S. Coast Guard during World War II and belonged to Zeta Psi at Stanford. After graduation, he worked for the family-owned Shasta Forest Co. and later founded the Shasta Savings and Loan Association. He then became active in both residential and commercial real estate development, expanding his business from California into Oregon, Washington and Illinois. An avid golfer and tennis player, he was a founding member of Big Canyon Country Club in Newport Beach and a longtime member of the Newport Harbor Yacht Club. He was predeceased by his wife of 57 years, Molly. Survivors: his children, Kim, Walker III and Clarke.
Hugh Edgar DeWitt, ’51 (physics), of Berkeley, March 28, 2014, at 83. He was a theoretical physicist who worked at Lawrence Livermore Laboratory for more than 39 years. A Fulbright Fellow in 1956, he later taught as a visiting professor at the U. of Iowa and mentored graduate students at UC-Berkeley. He also contributed to public policy issues, including free speech, human rights for scientists throughout the world and a ban on nuclear testing. He was predeceased by his daughter, Laila. Survivors: his wife of 59 years, Sanne; sons, Ralph and Joel; and three grandchildren.
Leland T. Stewart, ’51 (electrical engineering), MS ’57 (engineering science), PhD ’65 (statistics), of Palo Alto, October 26, at 85, of Parkinson’s disease. A member of Alpha Sigma Phi, he worked for more than 30 years for Lockheed, specializing in Bayesian statistics in the company’s research division. He loved golf, playing the banjo and traveling with his wife. He was predeceased by his wife, Mary, and daughter Carol Hyde. Survivors: his daughter Louise, ’80; and three grandchildren.
Paul Lewis Davies Jr., ’52 (political science), of Piedmont, Calif., November 19, at 84. He served in the Army before earning a law degree from Harvard. His career was spent at Pillsbury Madison & Sutro in San Francisco, and he also served as general counsel of Chevron during the company’s acquisition of Gulf. Deeply engaged in his community, he chaired the boards of the Hoover Institution and the California Academy of Sciences, served on many others and was presented with a 35-year service pin from Stanford Associates. He was predeceased by his wife of 46 years, Barbara. Survivors: his children, Laura Davies Mateo and Paul III, ’83, MBA ’87; seven grandchildren, including Wesley Mateo, ’08; and one sister.
John Douglas Driggs, ’52 (economics), MBA ’54, of Phoenix, December 11, at 87. He served in the Navy during World War II and then served a mission for the LDS church. At Stanford he was a member of Phi Gamma Delta and the rugby team. His 35-year career with Western Savings and Loan ended when he retired in 1989 as board chair. Dedicated to public service, he completed two terms as mayor of Phoenix and was founding chair of America’s Second Harvest, a national food bank network now known as Feeding America. Survivors: his wife, Gail; sons, Douglas, Andrew, Thomas, Adam and Peter; 19 grandchildren; and seven great-grandchildren.
Barbara Margaret “Bobbie” Adams Litton, ’52 (economics), of Ventura, Calif., November 24, at 84, of lung cancer. After graduation, she worked for Stanford Research Institute. She moved to Ventura in 1960 and worked with Hutchison, Horn, Johnson & Hey. Known for her optimism, elegance and gourmet cooking, she never complained and thought of others before herself. Her home was a haven for all who visited there, its cupboards always stocked with chocolate. She was predeceased by her second husband of almost 40 years, Richard. Survivors: her children, Brian, Michael, Mark and Jody; and three grandchildren.
Oliver Imbler “Olly” Norville, ’52 (undergraduate law), JD ’54, of Portland, Ore., November 13, at 86. A Navy veteran, he settled in Portland, where he served as an assistant city attorney before entering private practice in 1959. He was chief legal counsel for the Portland Development Commission for 30 years and worked pro bono for many organizations, including the Oregon Parks Foundation and the Portland-Suzhou Sister City Association. Family was the center of his life, and he was committed to giving more than he received. Survivors: his wife of 61 years, Mary (Bulkeley, ’53); children, David Conant-Norville, ’76, Elizabeth, John, ’77, Margaret Norville Roberts, ’80, Anne Williams, ’89, and Peter, ’85; 15 grandchildren; and one sister.
Claire Collins Skall, ’52 (education), of Kentfield, Calif., January 22, at 85. She loved ice-skating and music of all kinds and always sought adventure. She was involved with many organizations, including Guide Dogs for the Blind, Hospice By the Bay, California Heritage Council and Marin Symphony. Survivors: her children, Charlotte Skall Winters and Michael; four grandchildren; and her brother.
Robert Leighton “Bob” Hoegh, ’53, MA ’54 (education), of Modesto, Calif., December 24, at 84. He was a member of the football team and Phi Gamma Delta. After Stanford, he served in the Army for two years and then joined the staff at Downey Thomas High School, where he coached football and track and taught history, physical education and French. In 1961 he transferred to Modesto Junior College to coach football, track and softball. He enjoyed trips to the Sierra and time at his cabin at Bass Lake. He was predeceased by his first wife, Judy (Thomas, ’54). Survivors: his wife, Donna; children, Milo Menard II, Robyn, Korina Blazeby and Leslie; and five grandchildren.
Douglas Wellman Pinto, ’53 (basic medical sciences), MD ’56, of San Francisco, December 12, at 83, after a long illness. At Stanford he was a member of Zeta Psi and played football in the 1952 Rose Bowl. After completing his residency he spent two years in the Navy. His medical career spanned nearly 50 years as a thoracic surgeon on the staff of California Pacific Medical Center. He was a great reader, a talented artist and an avid outdoorsman. He was predeceased by his daughter Elizabeth. Survivors: his children, Susan, Jennifer Pinto-Martin, ’78. Douglas Jr., Carolyn Pinto Haury, John, Rita and Ana; 16 grandchildren, including Charlotte Martin, ’15, Emily Martin, ’10, and Nora Martin, ’12; two great-grandchildren; two siblings; and his former wives, Elizabeth Hazard, ’55, and Ira Pinto.
William Guerrant “Bill” Honsaker, ’54 (industrial engineering), of Meza, Ariz., December 17, at 81. He served in the Marine Corps and was a member of Delta Upsilon. A longtime resident of Newport Beach, Calif., and Houston, he loved his work as an engineer into his mid-70s. He was predeceased by his wife of 60 years, Marion. Survivors: his children, Patricia Kubeisy, Cynthia McFall and Bill; eight grandchildren; and two great-grandchildren.
Anne Medhurst Evans Sutherland, ’54 (physical therapy), of San Jose, November 3, at 81, of complications from Parkinson’s disease. She spent her career as a physical therapist for the Visiting Nurse Association. After retiring, she moved to Pacific Grove, where she was a docent for the Monterey Bay Aquarium. She was predeceased by her husband, William, ’54, MS ’57, PhD ’65. Survivors: her children, Catherine McCaffrey, Elizabeth Loar, Margaret Schaefer and Will.
Clarence R. Stay, ’55 (psychology), MA ’61 (history), of Berea, Ohio, April 21, 2011, at 77, of cancer. He was a professor at Kent State U. in the 1970s. Survivors: his children, Kathleen Mehnert and Leslie Salzgeber; six grandchildren; six great-grandchildren; and one sister.
James Dawson Thomas, ’55 (mechanical engineering), of Arcadia, Calif., December 28, at 81. He was a member of Chi Psi. After earning an MBA from Harvard, he took a job with Standard Oil. He then joined the aerospace industry in Southern California, working for TRW, Northrop and Boeing. His second career in real estate started in the early 1990s and he served as president of the Arcadia Association of Realtors and was named Arcadia’s Realtor of the Year in 2009. He loved to hike with his dogs and had a passion for travel, especially to Maui. Survivors: his wife, Janet; children, Laurie Wyatt, Diane Reifert, Christine Nickerson and Jim Jr.; three grandchildren; and one sister, Barbara Thomas Anderson, ’57, MA ’59.
Karen Elizabeth Ekegren Eknoian, ’56 (history), MA ’57 (education), of San Jose, July 18, at 78. She taught in high schools in San Jose and Santa Barbara but most of her career was spent in San Jose Unified schools, retiring as a teacher of ESL. She and her art historian husband traveled on several art tours, but her main love was her cabin in her native state of Montana. Survivors: her husband, Jerry; sons, John and Jeremy; and three grandchildren.
Lois Allen, ’57 (psychology), of Palo Verdes Estates, Calif., December 28, at 79, of pneumonia. She studied French at the Sorbonne and taught high school English and reading at Phineas Banning High School in Wilmington, Del., for many years. Her hobbies included sewing, cooking, golf and bridge and she volunteered at a battered women’s shelter. Survivors: her daughter, Tracy Allen Blanton; two grandchildren; and two siblings, including Ann, ’53.
Edwin Roderick “Rick” Cline, ’57 (mechanical engineering), JD ’64, of South Pasadena, Calif., December 20, at 78, after a long illness. He served in the U.S. Naval Reserve and enjoyed a long career as an intellectual property attorney with Christie, Parker and Hale, retiring as senior partner. A world traveler and avid hiker, he was known for his quick wit and insatiable curiosity about history, geology and astronomy. Survivors: his wife, Victoria; daughters, Sara Tammen, Lee, ’87, and Theodate; stepdaughters, Eva Basler and Amy Hammond; their children and grandchildren; one grandson; and one sister.
Christian Conrad Eric Hoebich, ’57 (mechanical engineering), of Morgan Hill, Calif., October 19, at 80, of pneumonia. A member of Alpha Tau Omega, he served as an Army engineer and spent two years as coordinator of the Army Rocket and Guided Missile Agency’s solid fuel ramjet studies. In 1972 he started Hoebich Venture Management and in 1989 joined his wife in the ostrich-breeding business. After retiring he enjoyed travel and time on his 450-acre ranch. Survivors: his wife, Susan; and children, Mark and Marianne.
Richard Allan “Dick” Walker, ’57 (history), of Scottsdale, Ariz., January 3, at 80. He was a member of Theta Chi and played golf at Stanford. He started his career in the insurance business and later worked in the restaurant industry in Hawaii and Southern states. When he lived in Asheville, N.C., he started a building and maintenance company. Survivors: his children, Craig, James, Michael and Leslie; eight grandchildren; and his twin brother, Doug, ’57, MA ’63.
Josseph Rynear, ’58 (German studies), of Taos, N.M., December 20, at 78. An astrologer known as “the Starwatcher,” he delivered twice-daily star forecasts on KTAOS radio for 37 years. After leaving Stanford, he studied Russian at the Army Language School in Monterey, Calif., returning to the Bay Area after a tour of duty in Germany for graduate work in American history at San Jose State U. An erudite philosopher and scholar, he also had a column in the Taos News and wrote short stories. Survivors: his wife of 55 years, Alice; son, Christopher; and one grandson.
Terence Wolf “Terry” Lerner, ’59 (English), of Overland Park, Kan., January 20, at 76, of lung disease following heart surgery. He was a member of Alpha Tau Omega and commissioned a second lieutenant in the Army after graduation. He spent the bulk of his career as an investment adviser with H.O. Peet & Co., though he was associated most recently with Geha & Associates. He was a loyal Royals fan all his life, an accomplished golfer and a board member of the Jewish Community Center of Kansas City. Survivors: his brothers, Joe, ’57, and Mick, ’66; one sister; and devoted companion, Elece Cohen.
Joan Elizabeth Glover Michalek, ’59 (chemistry), of Santa Rosa, Calif., December 25, at 77, of respiratory complications. She volunteered for more than 30 years at the Luther Burbank Home and Garden and was a long-standing member of the choir at St. Eugene’s Cathedral. She was an excellent cook and baker, winning many ribbons at Sonoma County fairs. Survivors: her husband of 54 years, Joe; children, Carolyn Bischof, Katherine, Suzanne King and Christopher; four grandchildren; and three siblings, including Leon, PhD ’62.
1960s
David Frank Pilmer, ’60 (chemical engineering), of Middleton, Wis., January 17, at 76, of metastatic melanoma. He was a member of Alpha Kappa Lambda and, after graduation, served eight years in the Navy. He then received a master’s degree in mechanical engineering and worked as a nuclear engineer for Southern California Edison for nearly 40 years until retiring in 2008. His hobbies were varied—from restoring classic cars and playing piano to opera and fine wine. Survivors: his wife of 50 years, Linda; children, R. Alexander, Denise Pilmer Taylor and Theodore; four grandchildren; and two siblings.
William Anthony Sullivan, ’60 (history), of Pasadena, Calif., November 30, at 76. He served in the Air Force and was a member of Phi Kappa Psi. After earning a law degree from Santa Clara U. and several years in private practice, he joined Lockheed in Burbank and spent 28 years in its corporate legal department, retiring in 2002. He remained in the Air Force Reserve, becoming a judge advocate, and retired as a colonel with the award of the Legion of Merit. He volunteered for Pasadena’s Utility Advisory Commission and police department and served as foreman of the Los Angeles County Civil Grand Jury in 2003. Survivors: his wife of 15 years, Nancy; daughters, Margaret Wise and Marian, ’90; four grandchildren; Nancy’s daughters, Susan Strong and Linda Cantey; and one brother, Robert, ’63.
David A. Vaughn, ’60 (economics), of Hillsborough, Calif., December 7, at 76, of cancer. After graduation he served in the Navy and then started a career of 16 years as an IBM salesman out of San Francisco and Geneva. In 1979 he started his own company, North Bay Development and continued as president until his death. He was an avid skier and enjoyed golf, but travel was his main focus in the last 15 years. Survivors: his wife, Linda; children, Heather Marsh and Bradley; and four grandchildren.
Georgeanne Whitney, ’60 (economics), of Los Angeles, September 27, 2013, at 73. After graduating from Stanford she received a law degree from USC. She worked for a California appellate judge until she was able to retire and then became a flight attendant for US Airways. She traveled the world, sending pictures and cards from exotic places to friends. Survivors include her husband, Brian Perry.
Melvin John “Jack” Rowe III, ’63 (psychology), of Medford, Ore., November 11, at 73, of myelodysplastic syndrome. After serving in the USAF Medical Corps, he held teaching and research positions at UC-San Diego and UC-Irvine. From 1975 to 1994, he practiced neurology and clinical neurophysiology in Long Beach, Calif., and was director of the LB Memorial Medical Center neurology lab. Following a move to Texas, he taught at Texas Tech U. Medical Center, retiring in 1999. He loved the Zen of mowing with a tractor, science fiction, TED talks and Gilbert and Sullivan. He was predeceased by his wife Connie. Survivors: his wife Janet; children, Carrie Rowe Bellis, Katie and James; stepchildren, Stacey and David Seaman, Bob Vigil and Lisa Vigil Schattinger; five grandchildren; and one sister.
William Richard Wandrey Jr., ’63 (economics), of Silvis, Ill., November 30, at 72, after an extended illness. A member of the track and field team at Stanford, he went on to 40-year banking career, first with Northern Trust Co. in Chicago and then Midwest National Bank in Moline, which was started by his father. After retiring in 2005 as community bank president of MidAmerica National Bank, he and his wife cruised to various parts of the world, and he pursued his passions, including history, equestrian activities and taking his grandchildren to the circus every year. Survivors: his wife, JoAnn; children, Andrew, Sarah Cramer and Rachel Plumb; and 10 grandchildren.
1970s
Edward S. Lowe Jr., ’70 (economics), of Bainbridge Island, Wash., October 31, at 66, following a six-month struggle with cancer. He worked for more than 30 years as a designer and builder of custom homes on Bainbridge Island. He also designed and built for the Northwest College of Art & Design in Poulsbo, Wash. Survivors: his wife, Patti; daughter, Brittany; and two sisters.
William Jacob Carter, ’71 (communication), of Los Gatos, Calif., December 10, at 71. He served in the Air Force and was active in the black student union and the drama department. He worked in corporate sales, leaving in 1984 to become founder and owner of Protocol Limousine Service. His passions included art, world music and nature, and he was especially proud of his contributions to the Potrero Hill Neighborhood House, a youth empowerment center in San Francisco. Later he focused on helping veterans suffering from trauma and mental health challenges. Survivors: his daughters with Patricia Carter Hayes, ’72, Amber Carter Randolph, Autumn Black and Ayana; two stepsons with Joan Harvey, Jason and Adam Harvey; seven grandchildren; and two sisters.
George Alan Proctor, ’71 (economics), MBA ’75, JD ’75, of Palo Alto, December 8, at 65, following a long illness. He fought for consumer rights and more effective government through a career at the Federal Trade Commission, ultimately serving as the agency’s first chief information officer. He was also an entrepreneur, active in local and state politics and a counselor for three years at BSA Camp Navarro. Survivors: his wife of 38 years, Anne (Coffey, ’73); sons, Christopher, ’06, MA ’06, Haley, Devon, ’10, MS ’11, and Douglas; mother, Dorothea; and two brothers.
Theodore “Ted” Bleymaier, ’72 (political science), MA ’73 (education), of Spring Hill, Tenn., April 4, 2014, at 64, of ALS. A member of Beta Theta Pi, he played quarterback on the 1968 freshman football team, throwing three touchdowns in the team’s four games. He served in the Air Force and as VP of International Word Entertainment and felt blessed to have played golf in more than 40 countries around the world. Survivors: his wife, Ann; daughters, Misha Farris and Brianna; and four siblings.
Wayne Allen Burdick, ’73 (political science), of Pacific Grove, Calif., December 2, 1994, at 43, of coronary artery disease. He was a member of Theta Chi and participated in Stanford in Government. He was a practicing attorney in Santa Clara when he died. Survivors: his mother, Mary; and six siblings.
Susan Lee Hanna Spalding, ’73 (psychology), of San Diego, November 17, at 63. A graduate of the business school at UCLA, she served as president of the Stanford Alumni Club of Los Angeles County and volunteered with several local charities, including the Junior League of Los Angeles. She enjoyed movies, swimming and dancing. Survivors: her children, Tyler, Craig and Kimberly; and two grandchildren.
1980s
Michael Anthony Dean, ’83, of Ann Arbor, Mich., November 19, at 53, after a 10-year battle with cancer. He worked for 30 years at what is now Raytheon BBN Technologies. He enjoyed travel, hiking, geocaching and spending time with his family. Survivors: his wife, Nancy; and sons, Jason and Noah.
Blaise G. Stoltenberg, ’85 (mechanical engineering), of Golden, Colo., December 16, at 52, of leukemia. At Stanford he rowed crew and was a member of Kappa Alpha. He earned an MS in civil engineering from the U. of Colorado-Boulder and worked most recently at the National Renewable Energy Laboratory. His passions included travel, renewable energy, the Solar Decathlon, experimental airplanes and the outdoors. Survivors: his wife, Leslie Light; children, Clay and Caroline; mother, Hilaire Daly; and father and stepmother, Herb and Jeannette.
1990s
Steven Edward Ramirez, ’93, MS ’95 (electrical engineering), of Corpus Christi, Texas, November 9, at 43. During his career he worked at Trilogy and Webify Solutions as a software consultant and a project manager and, most recently, at IBM as a business practice manager. He was known as a kind and gentle man, devoted father and a respected colleague. Survivors: his daughters, Morgan and Gabriella; parents, Tony and Tillie; and four siblings.
Business
Norman B. Baldwin, MBA ’47, of Cupertino, January 21, at 94, of respiratory failure. He served in the Navy during World War II, assigned to the Seabees in the South Pacific. After Stanford, he eventually opened a real estate office in Palo Alto. Upon retiring in 1980, he and his wife traveled frequently. He was predeceased by his wife, Louise. Survivors: his children, Phyllis Swan, Ann May and Howard, ’77; five granddaughters; and four great-grandsons.
Claude U. “Bud” Stone Jr., MBA ’51, of Morton, Ill., December 29, at 88. He worked for Caterpillar Inc. for 33 years, retiring in 1985. He was also an Illinois State senator. Active in a number of civic organizations, he was a member of the Morton Planning Commission for 30 years, served on the City of Peoria Planning and Zoning Commission and was a member of the Illinois State Archeological Society for more than 62 years. He was predeceased by his wife of 54 years, Mary. Survivors: his children, Sandra Ludwig, Karen McEntire and Thomas; six grandchildren; five great-grandchildren; and his stepsister.
James C. Van Pelt, MBA ’54, of Norfolk, Va., December 10, at 93. He served in World War II and the Korean War, earning the Bronze Star with Valor, and taught at the Industrial College of the Armed Forces and the Naval War College. With a doctorate in business administration from George Washington U., he served as a professor at Old Dominion U. and Christopher Newport College. Later he earned special recognition from the YMCA as a senior citizen for swimming laps over a five-year period that equaled the distance across America. He was predeceased by his wife, Mary. Survivors: his children, James Jr., Amanda Van Pelt Scott and William; eight grandchildren; and two great-grandchildren.
Phillip Jourdan Barr, MBA ’69, of Tacoma, Wash., October 25, at 75, of Parkinson’s disease. He served in the Army Chemical Corps and later in the Army reserves. After earning his MBA, he started a 30-year career with the Weyerhaeuser Co. He also served as president of the Pulp and Paper Transportation League and a member of the board of visitors at Tacoma Community College. Happiest when hiking with family and friends, he was an active member of Tacoma Mountaineers and climbed in India, Nepal and Mexico in addition to the Northwest. He lived the idea of “family first,” teaching his children the importance of perseverance and finding the good in every person. Survivors: his wife of 46 years, Mary; children, Melissa Busche and Ryan; and three grandchildren.
Frank Thomas Zayle, MBA ’69, of Greenwood Village, Colo., November 26, at 69, of cancer. He attended Penn State U. on a track scholarship and earned a degree in industrial engineering. He was a member of Phi Sigma Kappa. Survivors: his wife, Sandra; sons, Bryan and Derek; three grandchildren; and two siblings.
Earth Sciences
Robert Burwell Fulton III, PhD ’49 (geology), of Charlottesville, Va., November 19, at 93. A Phi Beta Kappa graduate of Johns Hopkins, he served in World War II and was awarded the Bronze Star. He enjoyed a 50-year career in international mineral exploration, including 35 years with DuPont, and later did consulting work based on his fluorspar expertise that brought him to more than 60 countries. A senior fellow of the Society of Economic Geologists, he loved travel second only to family. He was predeceased by his wife of 60 years, Mariamne (Cross, ’46). Survivors: his children, David, Martha Fulton Bayard, Nancy Fulton Boyer, Laura Fulton Bennett and Robert IV; eight grandchildren; and one great-grandson.
Education
Donald Charles Lehmkuhl, MA ’49, of San Mateo, December 15, at 92, following a brief illness. He served in the Marine Corps during World War II and was recalled to active duty in the Korean War. In 1953 he joined the San Mateo Union High School District. Starting at Burlingame High, he moved to Mills High School when it opened in 1958, serving as athletic director of boys’ athletics and guidance counselor. After retiring, he opened a private marriage and family counseling practice. Survivors: his wife of 61 years, Mary; daughters, Teresa Budesa and Joanne; and one grandson.
Leonard A. Herbst, MA ’54, of Palm Desert, Calif., December 7, at 89, of acute myocardial infarction. A World War II veteran, he dedicated his career to K-12 and postsecondary education. He worked as a teacher, principal, associate dean of education at San Francisco State U. and superintendent of schools at Moreland School District in San Jose. He enjoyed traveling around the world, golf, jazz and dancing. Survivors: his wife of 62 years, Katherine (Chesney, MA ’51); children, David, Rebecca Kumagai and Suzanne Pomeroy; and five grandchildren.
James John “Jim” Reding, MA ’55, of Pebble Beach, Calif., October 25, at 87. He served in the Navy during World War II and wrote 22 Months based on his experiences in the Pacific. He taught for 20 years in the Campbell School District and spent more than 50 years restoring historic buildings along the Central Coast. A longtime resident of Capitola and Pebble Beach, he was the founding director of the Wharf-to-Wharf Race and contributed to many projects around the Monterey Bay. Survivors: his wife of more than 40 years, Barbara; children, Tim, Terry, Carol Sisney, John, ’98, and Mary; seven grandchildren; and two siblings.
George Norris Smith, Gr. ’61, of Mesa, Ariz., December 10, at 87, after a serious fall. An Army veteran, he served as superintendent of the Flowing Wells School District in Tucson, Ariz., for 14 years. In 1967 he was named superintendent of the Mesa Unified School District. After retiring, he served as an executive vice president of Northern Arizona U. He received numerous awards during his long career and was appointed twice by President Ronald Reagan to serve on the President’s Intergovernmental Advisory Council on Education. He was predeceased by his wife of 57 years, Mary Alice, and grandson Mark Johnson. Survivors: his children, Diana Thomas, Jennifer Johnson, David and Scott; 17 grandchildren; 30 great-grandchildren; and his longtime companion, Shauna Setlow.
James Grant Snider, PhD ’64, of Los Osos, Calif., November 17, at 86, in a head-on car collision with an alleged drunk driver. He distinguished himself in his career as a psychologist, researcher, writer and university professor. He moved recently to Los Osos after retiring from Cal State-Fresno in the School of Education, advanced studies department. Survivors include his wife, Loretta.
Engineering
Robert Byron Ward, MS ’58, PhD ’63 (electrical engineering), of Redwood City, December 28, at 88. A Navy veteran, he started his career at Sperry Gyroscope Co., transferring in 1963 to Lockheed Missile and Space Co. in Palo Alto. In 1981 he received the Robert E. Gross Award as engineer/scientist of the year in the advanced systems division. The holder of several patents, he retired from full-time work in 1993. He recorded textbooks for blind students, managed Little League teams and had three crossword puzzles published. Survivors: his wife, Louise; children, Byron and Kim; stepson, Neil O’Connor; and three siblings.
James William “Pat” Doyle Jr., MS ’63 (mechanical engineering), of Beavercreek, Ohio, November 16, at 82. He entered the Air Force in 1953 and served until retiring as a lieutenant colonel in 1982. He then enjoyed working as an Air Force Museum volunteer at Wright-Patterson. He was a dedicated genealogist and family historian and served for 30 years at the LDS Family History Center. Survivors: his wife of 59 years, Marianne; children, Brian, Barry, Maura and Sheila; and four grandchildren.
David Bruce “Dave” Lorenzen, MS ’72 (industrial engineering), of Santa Rosa, Calif., January 7, at 69, of cancer. He served in the Air Force and worked for a variety of companies in the Bay Area as an industrial engineer and IT manager. His free time was spent with his children and volunteering at the Salvation Army. He also enjoyed researching his family’s history, reading and vacations to Hawaii. He was predeceased by his wife, Judith. Survivors: his children, Julianne Bradbury, Jeffrey and Jennifer; and two brothers.
Ivan Milovan Pesic, MS ’84 (engineering), of Santa Clara, Calif., October 20, 2012, at 61, of cancer. Founder, president and CEO of Silvaco, a leading provider of TCAD, circuit simulation and IC CAD software tools, he worked for many years in the semiconductor, MEMS and biomedical industry, most recently as a senior process engineer of a fabrication facility. Survivors: his wife, Kathy; and children, Yelena and Iliya.
Humanities and Sciences
Virginia Anne “Jinny” Vernon Chennell, MA ’47 (communication), of Santa Barbara, Calif., December 19, at 92. She worked as a society news writer for Palo Alto Times before moving to San Diego, raising her family and becoming active in the League of Women Voters. She taught freshman English at UCSB and, later, at San Marcos High School, developing elective courses in mythology, science fiction and the Bible as Literature. She was a world traveler with a special interest in native arts, crafts and culture. She was predeceased by her husband, H. Ward, ’48. Survivors: her children, Chris, Irene and Nancy; and four grandchildren, including Chris Stiedemann, ’10, MS ’11.
Jean Louise Tait Burke, MA ’48 (education), MA ’53 (anthropology), of Los Altos, January 10, at 93. During World War II, she served as a communication officer in Newport, R.I. After marrying in 1949, she and her husband traveled and lived in Lebanon, Turkey, Japan, Iran, Morocco, Brazil and Venezuela, where he consulted as a civil engineer and geologist and she did anthropological research. From their home base in Los Altos, she taught anthropology at De Anza Community College in Cupertino and entertained friends and family with stories and cuisine from their international adventures. She was predeceased by her husband, Harold, ’47, MS ’52, PhD ’53.
Merrill Raymond Moremen, MA ’50 (history), of Fullerton, Calif., December 12, at 90. He was a longtime teacher of history and political science at Fullerton College, later becoming dean of the social sciences division. A veteran of World War II, he traveled extensively in Europe and cultivated a garden of beautiful roses and bountiful fruit trees. Survivors: his wife of 54 years, Iris; children, Margaret Lawrence and Philip, ’84; three grandchildren; and one sister.
Adelaide Edith “Laddie” King Glass Bleecker, Gr. ’52 (English), of Santa Cruz, Calif., January 6, at 86. Before having children, she worked at the Emporium department store in San Francisco and later for the Palo Alto school district. In Santa Cruz, she was an avid bridge player and an active member of the Daisy Auxiliary. But the central focus of her life was always her family and many friends. Survivors: her second husband, Bruce; children and stepchildren, Michael Glass, Cynthia Round, Stephen Glass, David Bleecker, Janet Bleecker, Robyn Shiely and Mark Bleecker; many grandchildren; and one brother.
Vernon L. Anderson, PhD ’54 (German studies), of Orem, Utah, December 31, at 95. While serving in Germany during and after World War II, he fell in love with the German language. He joined the faculty of Brigham Young U. in 1956 and later taught at Southern Illinois U. During two short breaks from teaching, he worked for the U.S. State Department in Brazil and later served as a Peace Corps director in Venezuela. With his rich baritone, he became a polished interpreter of German lieder and sang opera while bathing his young children. He was predeceased by his daughter Martha. Survivors: his wife, Geraldine; children, Julie Allphin, Colette Gill, Vern Jr., David, Susan Schilling, Jonathan and Laurence; stepchildren, Richard, Ariel, David and Stephanie Bybee and Diane Bybee Anderson; 32 grandchildren; numerous great-grandchildren; and three brothers.
Sally Marguerite Furay, PhD ’55 (English), of San Diego, January 10, at 88, following a stroke. She entered the Society of the Sacred Heart in 1944, made her first vows in 1947 and her final profession in 1952 in Rome. During her 42-year tenure at the U. of San Diego, she served as academic vice president and provost; she also taught courses in English and in law and held administrative roles as dean of arts and sciences and department chair. She participated on many boards and received a number of honors and awards, including the San Diego Woman of Achievement and the Governor of California’s Award of Merit for Achievement in Education and Women’s Rights. Survivors include two sisters.
Constance Ruys, PhD ’56 (speech & drama), of San Jose, December 14, at 92. Born in the Netherlands, she came to the United States in 1927. She spent 25 years as a professor of drama at Cedar Crest College, Wesleyan College and New Mexico Highlands U. She directed plays from the Greek classics to Shakespeare, modern musicals and a full-scale opera. After retiring, she dedicated her life to caring for dogs, cats and other animals.
James Delwin “Jim” Lyon Jr., MA ’61, MFA ’72 (speech & drama), of Portland, Ore., August 29, at 78. He taught at Bucknell U. and Portland State U. and later worked for the Burlington Northern Railroad in Oregon and Nebraska. He was a lifelong model railroader and custom painter of railroad models in all scales.
Martin Joseph “Marty” Molof, PhD ’63 (psychology), of Goleta, Calif., November 13, at 78. He had a successful career as a research analyst and program evaluator with several government agencies. He retired to Eugene, Ore., where he pursued his love of classical music and art, serving as a docent at the U. of Oregon Museum of Art. After moving to Santa Barbara County in 2006, he joined the docent family at the Santa Barbara Museum of Art. He was a lifelong bachelor who leaves numerous friends who admired and respected his intellectual interests and friendly, outgoing personality.
Steven Ferris Arnold, MS ’67, PhD ’70 (statistics), of State College, Penn., December 6, at 70. After joining the statistics department at Penn State U., he wrote two textbooks and co-wrote Kendall’s Theory of Statistics, a widely cited treatise in the field. He served on the Academic Standards Committee and consulted on many local projects, including the Diabetic Foot Clinic in State College. He retired as professor emeritus in 2013. Well-read and widely traveled, he could speak intelligently on topics ranging from Faulkner to foreign affairs, and he never passed up a chance to watch a basketball game or tennis match. Survivors: his wife of nearly 50 years, Rana; sons, Timothy and Christopher; two grandchildren; and two sisters.
William John McInerny, PhD ’68 (chemistry), of Palo Alto, November 17, at 74. He was an undergraduate at Loyola U. in Chicago and did his postdoctoral research fellowship at Tulane U. Teaching was always his passion, and he was very dedicated to helping his students succeed. A professor of chemistry at City College of San Francisco for more than 40 years, he also taught at San Francisco State U., Patton College and Palmer College. In addition, he was founder and director of the Tutoring Center in Menlo Park, helping students of all ages realize their academic potential. Survivors: his wife, Ginny; daughter; and one grandchild.
John Howard “Jack” Beebe, MA ’70, PhD ’72 (economics), of Portola Valley, November 25, at 72, of cancer. He earned his BA from Williams College and a master’s degree in industrial engineering from the U. of Texas-Austin. Then he taught at California Polytechnic State U. for three years before enrolling at Stanford. In the late 1970s, he took a job at the San Francisco branch of the Federal Reserve, where he rose to become director of research, retiring in 2002. He was a great traveler and outdoorsman and respected as an honest and ethical person in all that he did. Survivors: his former spouse, Patricia Pfeiffer; and three siblings.
Gerald Blane Merner, Gr. ’72 (sociology), of Victoria, B.C., April 2, 2014, at 75, of esophageal cancer. He earned his undergraduate and master’s degrees from the U. of British Columbia and worked as a social worker and sociological research officer for the government of British Columbia from 1960 to 1997. In retirement he enjoyed participating in the Archaeological Association of British Columbia. Survivors: his wife of 54 years, Margaret; children, Ronald, Geoffrey and Pamela; and one brother.
David Lester Wessel, PhD ’72 (psychology), of Berkeley, October 13, at 72. After teaching at San Francisco State U. and Michigan State U., he went to Paris in 1976 to work for IRCAM, the prestigious center for research into electronic and acoustic music. He came to UC-Berkeley in 1988 to lead the newly created Center for New Music and Audio Technologies and conduct research into the psychology of musical listening. For more than a quarter of a century, he taught students from all parts of the university, from music to computer science, engineering, statistics and psychology. He was also a creative, improvisatory performer. Survivors: his wife, Fee; sons, Scottie and Robin; and brother.
Law
Richard Walden Rhodes, JD ’52, of Moraga, Calif., December 24, at 91. A World War II veteran, he was a partner in the Palo Alto law firm of Moerdyke, Anderson, Evans and Rhodes from 1952 to 1959, when he devoted himself full time to his judicial duties as a municipal court judge. He was appointed in 1968 to the Superior Court of the State of California for the County of Santa Clara. His civic activities included serving as president of the Saratoga Chamber of Commerce and charter president of the Saratoga Rotary Club. In later years, he enjoyed researching his family’s history, collecting watches and watching the 49ers, Giants and Stanford football. Survivors include his wife of 64 years, Dean (Sorenson, ’51, JD ’57).
Robert Allen DeWitt, JD ’62, of Pasadena, Calif., January 18, at 83. He spent his entire legal career at Paul, Hastings, Janofsky & Walker, chairing the firm’s tax department for many years. He was also chair of the taxation section of the L.A. County Bar Association in 1974. A lifelong music lover, he co-founded the Los Angeles Chamber Orchestra and served on the board of the American Youth Symphony Orchestra. He was a renowned collector of HO gauge brass model trains and an accomplished lepidopterist who started chasing butterflies as a boy. Survivors: his wife of 25 years, Roxanne Christ; and sons, Robert Jr. and Andrew.
Arthur Joseph “Jay” Fritz Jr., JD ’65, of San Francisco, December 30, at 74. After passing the California bar, he joined Fritz Companies, an international transportation service firm started by his father. By the time he retired in 1988 as chair of the company, Fritz was the leading firm of its type in the world. He then served on numerous boards and focused on Fritz Cellars, a Sonoma County winery he founded in 1979. Survivors: his wife of 46 years, Barbara; children, Arthur III, Clayton and Jenner; and seven grandchildren.
Charles Baird “Charlie” Stark Jr., JD ’65, of San Francisco, December 16, at 77, of ALS. He served in the Air Force prior to law school. After five years in Los Angeles at Blyth and Co. in corporate finance and securities analysis, he moved to San Francisco and joined Shuman, Agnew & Co. He was vice president of corporate finance, director of financial evaluation and became partner and VP of the company. In 1976 he founded Charles B. Stark Jr. PC, where he handled mergers and acquisitions and served as a valuation expert for closely held companies. In retirement he served as adjunct professor at the U. of San Francisco Law School. Survivors: his wife of 45 years, Frances; daughters, Marianna Perry and Frances; one granddaughter; and one brother.
Medicine
James Theodore Fluvog, MD ’54, of Modesto, Calif., January 5, at 90. He served in the Navy during World War II. After completing medical school and moving to Modesto, he served as the first director of tuberculosis and chief of chest diseases for Stanislaus County Hospital, later to become Scenic General Hospital. In 1964 he went into private practice and became consultant in chest diseases for several county health departments. In his spare time, he designed a new bronchoscope and was the first to teach CPR to the Modesto Fire Department when it was a new procedure. Survivors: his wife of 68 years, Leonora; children, Margaret Luebke, Karen Conran and James; two grandsons; and five great-grandchildren.
Fay Carol Faxon Benbrook, MD ’57, of Frasier Park, Calif., November 9, at 83, of complications due to Alzheimer’s disease. She worked as a school physician in Los Angeles while raising her daughters. From 1972 to 1989 she had a private practice in adult and child psychiatry and also served as assistant clinical professor in child psychiatry at UCLA. A true adventurer, she loved hiking, camping, skydiving and scuba diving. She invested well and shared her fortune generously with family, friends and charitable causes. She was predeceased by her husband, Samuel. Survivors: her daughters, Carol Hitner and Diana; five grandchildren; and one great-granddaughter.
