1930s
Phil James Prescott, ’36 (general engineering), of Los Altos, February 6, at 101. He was a member of Phi Gamma Delta. During World War II, he worked for North American aviation in Los Angeles, where he was in charge of scheduling for the P51 Mustang and later he worked on other big projects like the B-70 bomber. He played tennis until he was 90 years old. He was predeceased by his wife, Wilma (Conn, ’36). Survivors: his daughters, Ann Prescott Nelson, ’62, MA ’63, Connie McCabe and Trudy Taylor; six grandchildren; and 12 great-grandchildren.
Adrian H. Thiel, ’36 (political science), of Laguna Hills, Calif., August 17, 2015, at 100. At Stanford, he played in the Band. He then attended Harvard Law School and served in the Army during World War II. He opened his own firm in the Bay Area specializing in real estate law, and he taught at Boalt Law School. He and his wife settled in Piedmont, Calif., and enjoyed many summers at Lake Tahoe. He was predeceased by his wife, Mary. Survivors: his daughters, Linda, Marna and Mary; six grandchildren; and three great-grandchildren.
1940s
Maurice Henry Knox Jr., ’41 (political science), MBA ’43, of San Rafael, Calif., March 1, at 95. He served in the Navy during World War II and then embarked on a 40-year career in the janitorial supplies industry. He served as president of the Northern California Sanitary Suppliers and Jewish Family Service Agency and was active in a number of other civic and social organizations. His passion for classical music was legendary and his thirst for knowledge never waned; he continued to take classes at the Fromm Institute into his 90s. He was predeceased by his son James. Survivors: his wife, Joann; sons, William and John; and four grandchildren, including Jordan, ’10.
Hugh Langdon “Lang” Hilleary, ’42 (economics), MBA ’44, of Portola Valley, March 11, at 96. He worked as a manager at Chevron for 35 years and held many volunteer roles in his community and his church, including serving as president of the Boys and Girls Clubs of the Peninsula. He especially enjoyed golf and shot his age many times, including the last year of his life. Together with his wife, he traveled the world, visiting every continent. Survivors: his wife of nearly 70 years, Charmian (Kolar, ’46); children, Anne Gordon, Tom, David and Robert; six grandchildren; and three great-grandchildren.
Freeman Percival Fountain, ’43 (education), of Durango, Colo., February 29, at 94. A World War II veteran, he earned a medical degree and later served as an Army medical officer during the Korean War. He taught at medical schools in Kentucky and Colorado and, in 1970, entered private practice in physical medicine and rehabilitation in Arizona. He retired in 1994. He loved music, was skilled in woodworking and silversmithing and enjoyed hunting, fishing and his pets. He was predeceased by his wife of 56 years, Jeri. Survivors: his children, Diana Willson, David and Daniel; six grandchildren; and five great-grandchildren.
Pieter A. de Vries, ’44 (biological sciences), MD ’47, of San Rafael, Calif., March 26, at 94. He served in the Naval Reserve and completed his medical training at the U. of Michigan and Boston Children’s Hospital. Considered a pioneering pediatric surgeon, he maintained research appointments at Stanford and UC-Berkeley and served as professor of surgery at Stanford, UC-Davis and the U. of Kansas. A founding member of the American Pediatric and Pacific Pediatric Surgical associations, he delighted in music, fly-fishing, Stanford football and Cal track. He was predeceased by his first wife, Jo. Survivors: his wife of 35 years, Louise (Lazarus, ’55); children, Catherine, MD ’84, Mary, Pieter, Lauren Cutter, Joani, Lynn Tennefoss, ’78, Michael Tennefoss and Nan Chrostek; 15 grandchildren, including Josh Tennefoss, MS ’15; and one great-grandchild.
Molly Ruth White Rudersdorf, ’44 (English), of Georgetown, Ky., September 30, at 92. She was a World War II veteran and a member of Tri Delta and Christ Church Episcopal in Richmond, Ky. She was predeceased by her husband, Ward. Survivors include her daughter, Mary Marshall.
Chase Wickersham Jr., ’44 (economics), of Palm Desert, Calif., March 25. During World War II, he served in the 15th Army Air Corps in Italy. He graduated from Boston U. Business School and spent 50 years as an insurance broker in the Los Angeles area with his own company and other associations. A member of Phi Gamma Delta, he also belonged to the California Club and the Annandale Golf Club. Survivors: his wife of 72 years, Pauline (Smith, ’42); sons, Chase III, John and Paul; seven grandchildren; three great-grandchildren; and one sister.
Julio Cesar Davila, ’46 (biological sciences), MD ’49, of Santa Fe, N.M., March 1, at 94. During a career in clinical care, research, teaching and later as chief of cardiovascular surgery at Temple U., he developed surgical techniques for heart-valve repair and the use of artificial and biological valve replacement and other innovations. He led the heart program at Henry Ford Hospital in Detroit and was a founding member of the Society of Thoracic Surgeons. After retiring in 1988, he wrote about health-care reform and pursued his other interests, including furniture making, fly-fishing and history. Survivors: his wife of 68 years, June; children, Victoria, Cristina, Richard and Rob; seven grandchildren; one great-grandchild; and three siblings.
Theodore D. “Ted” Lachman, ’47 (undergraduate law), JD ’49, of Lake Oswego, Ore., February 28, at 92. He served in World War II and returned to Oregon after completing law school. His long legal career ended with his retirement in 1997 and included being admitted to practice before the Supreme Court and serving as a circuit court judge pro tem. He was a member of Congregation Beth Israel, the Scottish Rite of Freemasonry and Al Kader Shriners. He was predeceased by his wife, Dorothy. Survivors: his children, Joann Frankel and Don, ’72; six grandchildren; and six great-grandchildren.
John L. Church, ’47 (general engineering), MBA ’49, of Spokane, Wash., January 26, of Alzheimer’s disease. He served in the Army Air Corps during World War II and played rugby at Stanford and belonged to Alpha Delta Phi. His career began at Procter & Gamble, and he later worked for Booz Allen Hamilton and several investment banking firms, including First Boston. In retirement, he enjoyed sailing and he wrote a memoir about his childhood in California and Montana. Survivors: his wife, Frances; children, John, ’75, and Eileen; four stepchildren; eight grandchildren; and seven great-grandchildren.
Alan Edward Abel, ’48 (history), of Belmont, Calif., March 4, at 90. He served in the Navy and spent 25 years as director of marketing at Kaiser Permanente. He was well-read, had a sharp sense of humor and knew about many things that had little economic value. He enjoyed writing and believed people should write their own obituary to avoid either over- or understatement of fact. He was predeceased by his son Steven. Survivors: his wife of 66 years, Stephanie; son Scott; one granddaughter; and three great-grandchildren.
Wayne Randolph Brown, ’48 (mechanical engineering), MBA ’50, of San Mateo, February 26, at 93, of lung cancer. An Air Force veteran, he and a friend from Stanford co-founded Brown & Kauffmann, which went on to build thousands of homes in the Bay Area. Golf was a favorite sport, and he also enjoyed traveling the world, discussing politics and spending time with his family at Echo Lake. He was predeceased by his son Terry. Survivors: his wife of nearly 70 years, Bibbits; children, Melinda Norcott, Nathan and Gordon; six grandchildren; and two siblings, including Robert, ’52.
Robert Pernell Huff, ’48 (history), MA ’49, PhD ’66 (political science), of Stanford, March 7, at 89, of cancer. As Stanford’s first financial aid director from 1958 to 1994, he served under five university presidents, expanding the job from individual students’ needs to budgets, forecasting and identifying sources of support. He became a national leader in the field of college student financial aid, chairing the College Scholarship Service Assembly and Council and serving as president of the National Association of Student Financial Aid Administrators, which established an annual award in his name. After retiring, he became a Hoover fellow. He was predeceased by his wife of 67 years, Mary (McHan, MS ’47, PhD ’64). Survivors: his children, Margaret and Robert III, ’88; six grandchildren; and two brothers.
William Fleming Knowles, ’48, MS ’49 (civil engineering), of Salinas, Calif., December 23, at 91. He was a lieutenant in the Navy and worked for Hampshire Construction for 40 years, as vice president and president. He was also a pilot and chair of the Salinas Airport Commission for 10 years. A modest, generous man who knew how to be a good friend, he belonged to the Salinas Elks and attended the Santa Monica Outlook newspaper boys’ reunion for 50 consecutive years. He was predeceased by his wife of 50 years, Yvonne. Survivors: his children, Greg, Carolyn Overholt and Brook; and three grandchildren.
Robert Early “Bob” Phelan, ’48 (economics), JD ’51, of San Francisco. After serving in the Navy and law school, he worked in the contract division of Southern Pacific Railroad. He then practiced bankruptcy law and became a senior partner of Phelan, Stuppi, Sorensen & McQuaid. A patron of the opera, ballet and symphony, he was an avid gardener and enjoyed cooking for festive gourmet gatherings. Survivors: his children, John and Ann; three grandchildren; and one sister.
James F. Roberts, ’48 (political science), of Roseville, Calif., December 31, at 90. He was a member of Sigma Alpha Epsilon and spent his entire career in the insurance field. A talented golfer, he enjoyed travel and was instrumental in founding St. John’s Episcopal Church. He was predeceased by his wife of 58 years, Iola. Survivors: his daughters, Carolyn Montgomery, Janice Shellito and Sue Entizne; eight grandchildren; and one great-grandson.
William Benjamin Arce, ’49, MA ’51, EdD ’56 (education), of Claremont, Calif., March 7, at 90. He served in World War II, and captained the baseball team at Stanford. In 1956, he joined the athletic staff at Pomona College and two years later was asked to become the athletic director and baseball coach for Claremont Men’s College. Under his leadership, CMS (now combined as Claremont McKenna, Harvey Mudd and Scripps colleges) become a top collegiate NCAA Division III program. In addition, he was the first American to run baseball clinics in Belgium, Sweden, the Czech Republic, Yugoslavia and the People’s Republic of China. In 2001, he was given the Lefty Gomez Award, collegiate baseball’s highest honor. Survivors: his wife of 65 years, Nancy (Truitt, ’51); children, Judy Arce Scott, ’77, Jim and Jeff; nine grandchildren; and four great-grandchildren.
Robert Granville “Bob” Celum Jr., ’49 (industrial engineering), of Oakhurst, Calif., January 3, at 88. He served in the Navy and embarked on a bike tour of post-WWII Europe after graduation. He worked for most of his professional life at Siegfried Engineering and received the San Joaquin Engineer of the Year award in 1994. Known for his strong Christian faith and support of missions worldwide, he was an active participant in the life of his local church. He enjoyed classical music and was a voracious reader. A loyal Stanford alumnus and Cardinal fan, he received a 10-year service pin from Stanford Associates in 1978. He was predeceased by his wife of 49 years, Nancy (Ambrose, ’49), and son Warren. Survivors: his wife, Joanne; children, Carol Anderson, ’75, Connie, ’79, Peter and John; 10 grandchildren, including Christa Anderson Hansen, ’02, Kevin Anderson, ’06, and Kyle Anderson, ’13; and two great-grandchildren.
Diana McBride Powers Evans, ’49 (speech and drama), of Salem, Ore., December 26, at 87, of a stroke. She was a member of Cap and Gown and served as the Oregon chair of President Ronald Reagan’s 1976 and 1980 campaigns. She was predeceased by her son John. Survivors: her children, Elizabeth McBride and Jeffrey Evans; and brother, Albert Powers, ’51.
William Patrick Greenleaf, ’49 (education), of Millbrae, Calif., March 10, at 89. A Navy veteran, he ran track at Stanford and was a member of Phi Gamma Delta. He became a teacher and a coach at Capuchino High, where his favorite sport was football, which he coached for 36 years. He and his family loved to travel, including a seven-month sabbatical to Europe, and friends remember his great sense of humor and the twinkle in his eye. Survivors: his wife of 70 years, Barbara; children, Suzie, Christy, K.C., Dan, Liz and Michael; 13 grandchildren; and five great-grandchildren.
Terry George Lee, ’49 (industrial engineering), of Cupertino, March 25, at 90. He served in the Army during World War II and worked at multiple high-tech companies in the 1950s before dedicating two decades to scientific research in China. In 1980, he came back to the United States and worked at SLAC until his retirement. He enjoyed classical music, gardening and spending time with family. Survivors: his wife of 70 years, Rona, ’48; children, Theresa, Ronald, Jane, Catherine, MS ’85, and Helen; and three grandchildren.
Fern Elizabeth Ellis Lowenberg, ’49 (psychology), of San Francisco, December 21, at 88. She was born in Shanghai and lived in Hong Kong before moving to San Francisco at the age of 12. After graduating from Stanford, she worked in the family import-export business, where she met her husband. She lived a family-centered life and had the privilege of traveling all over the world with her spouse and children. She was predeceased by her husband, William. Survivors: her children, David and Susan; five grandchildren; and two great-grandsons.
Georgette Agnes Marion, ’49 (history), of New York City, December 12, at 89. She worked as a reporter and editor for Mademoiselle, an editor and writer for the Daily News and a news director for Vogue before moving to Venezuela for six years. After returning to New York, she worked as an editor for Glamour and a freelance writer before being hired by the American Cancer Society, where she became vice president of creative services. She retired to Carmel, Calif., and enjoyed several Stanford Travel/Study trips. She eventually returned to New York and spent many satisfying years teaching English as a second language. Survivors include her children, Robert and Marion Collier.
Mary Eleanor McDevitt-Brown, ’49 (chemistry), of Menlo Park, February 5, at 89. During her 40-year career in chemistry, she worked at SRI, Alza and Syntex. She was an avid supporter of wildlife conservation and lived in Menlo Park for 71 years. Survivors: her husband, George Brown; and stepson, Michael Demeter.
Jerome David Oremland, ’49 (psychology), MD ’53, of Sausalito, Calif., February 19, at 87, of complications from cancer. A former U.S. Navy doctor, he was in private practice in San Francisco for more than six decades. He was the chief of psychiatry at Children’s Hospital and a clinical professor of psychiatry at UCSF. An erudite man with a regal manner, he was known for giving lavish parties and giving precise instructions to waiters for how to prepare his after-dinner coffee. He was also an art collector, a novelist, a devotee of the symphony and ballet, and a frequent hiker on Mount Tamalpais. He was predeceased by his wife of 37 years, Evelyn. Survivors: his children, Cici Teter, ’82, Noah, ’85, and Annalisa Herzog; and two grandchildren.
Earl Hudson Rosenberg, ’49 (history), of Monterey, Calif., March 30, at 91. An Army veteran, he had a lifelong career as a teacher that brought him to Idaho and Nevada before settling in California, where he worked at Fremont Junior High until retiring in 1983. He took his family on epic camping trips during the summers, directed a number of church choirs and was known for his booming bass voice that could be relied on to restore order to chaos. A writer and lover of food, he was thrilled when one of his recipes was published in Sunset magazine. He was predeceased by his wife of 63 years, Ann (Reppert, ’51). Survivors: his daughters, Elsa, ’73, Marta Lynch, Erika and Andrea; six grandchildren; and one great-granddaughter.
1950s
James Burrows Caldwell, ’50 (electrical engineering), of Portland, Ore., December 30, at 88. Survivors: his wife of 64 years, Patricia; children, Constance Siebenrock, Donald, Susan Hart and Barbara Prueitt; nine grandchildren; five great-grandchildren; and one brother.
Elaine Shepard Arnold Cook, ’50 (English), of Santa Barbara, Calif., February 18, at 87. A member of Cap and Gown, she earned a teaching credential and taught at Narberth Junior High School in Pennsylvania. After returning to the West Coast, she and her husband settled in Seattle, where she overcame her dislike of small boats during the family’s many trips to their property in the San Juan Islands. She volunteered for the Crisis Clinic and the Ryther Group and supported conservation efforts on Waldron Island. Survivors: her husband of 64 years, William, ’51; children, Allison, Jonathan, Heather Cook Lindquist, ’82, and Colin; and five grandchildren.
William F. Dailey, ’50 (speech and drama), of Chicago, February 27, at 87. He wrote a column for the Stanford Daily and was a member of Sigma Chi. In 1959, he opened a Chevrolet-Buick dealership in Livermore, Calif., with his father and brother. In 1970, he left the business to accept an offer from Stanford to join its office of development, where he spent 20 years and was promoted to director of principal gifts. A talented writer with a keen sense of humor, he was a member of the Bohemian Club of San Francisco, for which he wrote numerous comedy programs. Survivors: his wife of 63 years, Judith (Fisher, ’52); children, Scott, ’76, Laurie Dailey Hanley, ’78, and Jane, ’85; five grandchildren, including Jessica Hanley, ’06; three step-grandchildren; and one great-grandson.
Agnes Teresa “Aggie” Heying, ’50, MA ’51 (education), of San Diego, December 13, at 87, of a stroke. A physical education teacher for 38 years, she spent 21 of them at Helix High School in La Mesa. She also taught math in the last years of her career. She loved the Padres and attending the symphony, playing bridge and watching sports—especially tennis, football and baseball. She was predeceased by her former husband, Scott King. Survivors: her children, Leslie Trybull, Jane and Scott King III; six grandchildren; and two siblings.
Anthony Louis Malo, ’50 (electrical engineering), of Fountain Hills, Ariz., March 3, at 90. He joined the Navy at 17 and served in World War II. He taught for many years at Santa Clara U., where he had earned his doctorate, and later became dean of Notre Dame de Namur in San Mateo. As one of the first employees of Hewlett-Packard, he used his fluency with languages to help the company develop its international markets. Survivors: his wife of nearly 50 years, Delores (Palmer, ’50); nine children; three stepchildren; many grandchildren and great-grandchildren; and one brother.
Kent Leigh Colwell, ’51 (economics), of Kentfield, Calif., January 23, at 84. After graduating, he served in the Navy and earned an MBA from Harvard. His 35-year career with Transamerica Corp. started in 1962 and he rose to become president of several subsidiaries and vice president of the corporation. He managed the development of the Ventana Inn and Restaurant in Big Sur, Calif., serving as its president from 1980 to 1997. A member of the Urban Land Institute, he received the first-ever ULI San Francisco Leadership Award. He loved Hershey bars, the 49ers (when they were winning), Maui and movies. He was predeceased by his infant daughter, Caroline. Survivors: his wife of 52 years, Peggy; children, David, Hilary and Stacy; and six grandchildren.
Charles Edward Hewitt, ’51 (Romantic languages), MA ’52 (education), of Santa Monica, Calif., January 29, at 86. At Stanford, he played in the Band and was a member of Phi Sigma Kappa. He was a Fulbright scholar, a professor at Santa Monica College, an Eagle Scout and a Scout leader. He worked as a Spanish teacher at Lincoln Middle School from 1952 until his retirement in 1990. He loved traveling the world and supported his children in their global endeavors. Survivors: his wife, Helen (Todd, ’58); children, Debbie Hudson, Richard and David; and four grandchildren.
Wandaline Kahala Carter Perelli, ’51 (Romantic languages), of San Francisco, March 1, at 86. She was a beloved math and French teacher for more than four decades at Lincoln, Poly, McAteer and Lowell high schools (the last was her alma mater). She was also an active member of the Dominican Chorale, a pianist, dancer and photographer, and she participated in 35 Bay to Breakers races. She was predeceased by her son, Edward Farebrother. Survivors: her daughter, Angela; three grandchildren; and one sister.
Kay Van Vliet Dunne, ’52 (history), of Burlingame, March 10, at 85. She started and ran an interior decorating business for 40-plus years but always found time to volunteer for a number of organizations. A traveler at heart, she was always planning the next trip with her husband, and she also enjoyed skiing and playing tennis and golf. Survivors: her husband, Peter; children, Elizabeth, ’83, Peter and Samantha; and one grandson.
Carolyn Alice Moore Frake, ’52 (philosophy), of Palo Alto, March 1, at 85, of cancer. She received a master’s degree in nursing from Yale U. in 1955. She loved classical music, especially Baroque opera, and was a lifelong baseball fan. Remembered for her commitment to social justice, civil rights and protecting the environment, she was active in anti-war protests and, later, she volunteered for many years at the Palo Alto Food Closet. She never shied away from a political discussion and was uncompromising in her support of the underdog. Survivors: her children, Steven, Kathryn and Scott, ’84, MS ’87; and two grandchildren.
Sylvan Harris Kline Jr., ’52 (economics), MBA ’57, of Tiburon, Calif., March 14, at 85, of kidney cancer. He served in the Navy and spent his career in the financial investment industry, first with Bank of America and later at his own firm, Loveless and Kline. He was a 57-year season ticket holder to Stanford football games and received a 20-year service pin from Stanford Associates for his volunteer efforts on behalf of the university. His interests included sports, finance and current events, and he enjoyed traveling and learning about other cultures. He was predeceased by his daughter Joanne, MA ’01. Survivors: his wife of 49 years, Donna; and daughter Marilyn.
David Edward Rosenkrantz, ’52 (speech and drama), MBA ’54, of San Francisco, March 2, at 85. He joined the executive training program at Macy’s in June 1954 and spent 42 years in various management positions at the company before retiring in 1996. He and his wife worked for environmental, peace and weapons reduction causes and they were patrons of the arts. He was an avid sports fan, hosting several amateur golf tournaments at Tilden Park in Berkeley and taking up running later in life. He also enjoyed traveling and backpacking trips with the Sierra Club. Survivors: his wife of nearly 65 years, Gayle (Nin, ’53); children, Bruce, Lisa, Karen Abramson, Eric and Valerie; five grandchildren; and one sister.
Bert Stephen Crane, ’53, of Merced, Calif., March 13, at 84. He was a cattle rancher, a walnut grower and very active in his community. A founding trustee of UC-Merced, he was honored with the Distinguished Eagle Scout Award and the UC-Davis Distinguished Achievement Award. Survivors: his wife of 58 years, Nancy (Magnuson, ’57); children, Bert Andrew, Mary and Karen; and seven grandchildren.
Joan Burton Feder, ’53 (psychology), of Beverly Hills, Calif., February 9, at 83. She had a sharp wit and incredible sense of style, she enjoyed lively bridge games and she loved her family and close friends. Survivors: her husband of 62 years, Frank; children, Philip, ’76, Karen and Ellen; and six grandchildren.
Barbara Ann Hawley Hosking, ’53 (education), of Bellevue, Wash., January 18, at 83. In 1982, she established a high school tutoring service, which she ran for more than 20 years, and in 1998 she became a certified tax preparer for H&R Block. Known for her enthusiasm for life and a spirit that filled any room she entered, she was totally dedicated to her family. Survivors: her husband of 63 years, Gerald, ’52; children, Kathy, Michael, Douglas, Timothy, ’81, and Christi; 14 grandchildren; one great-grandchild; and one brother.
Thomas Paul “Tom” Foster, ’54 (political science), of Moraga, Calif., January 25, at 83. After Stanford, where he pledged Theta Delta Chi, he served in the Army and was sent to Germany for two years. He then started a career in sales, working for Colgate Palmolive and for a cosmetics division of Unilever and as his own manufacturer’s representative. An avid reader and sports fan, he maintained a lifelong friendship with his former high school basketball friends and their coach. He was predeceased by his son, Jeffrey. Survivors: his daughter, Carolyn Mullen; three grandchildren; his former spouse, Nancy Deuell; and one brother.
Robert R. Rezak, ’54 (communication), of Concord, Calif., February 12, at 83. His career included corporate communications for Pacific Bell, working as a reporter for the Wall Street Journal, San Francisco News and the Stockton Record and serving as a publicist and arts consultant. When he retired from Pacific Bell after 35 years, he managed the company volunteer program, which had 90,000 participants in California and Nevada. He was a trustee of the Diablo Regional Arts Association and spent 22 years on the executive committee of the Concord Pavilion Associates, the volunteer group for the outdoor concert venue. Survivors: his wife of 57 years, Pat; children, Kevin, Sharon and Alison; and eight grandchildren.
Robert Henry “Bob” Tennyson, ’54 (economics), MBA ’58, of Menlo Park, February 20, at 83. A member of Delta Chi and the Band, he completed two years of active duty in the Army before earning his business degree. He started his 60-year career in the travel industry by purchasing Bungey Travel in Palo Alto. He opened several satellite offices, including the Sequoia Travel Center, which was the first travel agency on the Stanford campus. His wanderlust guided him to more than 100 countries, and he took great joy in helping others see the world. Survivors: his wife of 48 years, Sally; children, Lisa, Janet and John; and two grandsons.
Stephen J. Horrell, ’55 (economics), of La Mesa, Calif., February 23, at 81. A member of Zeta Psi, he started working in the family business—the Singing Hills Golf Resort—after graduation. Over four decades, he and a partner ran the business, hosting top-level tournaments, including the 1956 San Diego Open. He also served as a member of the USGA’s executive committee, as the chair of the PGA Tournament and on the organizing committee for several Super Bowls in San Diego. In 1994, he received a 15-year service pin from Stanford Associates. Survivors: his wife, Linda; daughters, Ann Glaus, Kim Milocco and Lori Brooks; five grandchildren; and two sisters.
Frank Sharp Young, ’55 (electrical engineering), of South Jordan, Utah, February 22, at 82. He worked for Westinghouse in Pittsburgh until he relocated to Los Altos in 1974 to join the Electric Power Research Institute. He enjoyed his work as a high voltage transmission engineer, and he loved serving in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. He was district president of the Pittsburg area from 1959 to 1969, and he and his wife served as missionaries at the training center in Manila, Philippines. Survivors: his wife, Bobbie; children, Kathy Kirkham, Janette Cunningham, Frank, Susanne Bashford and John; 17 grandchildren; 15 great-grandchildren; and one sister.
Gene William Tanke, ’56 (English), of Berkeley, October 27, at 81. A member of El Campo and the Band, he worked as an editor at Stanford University Press and then enjoyed a long career at the University of California Press. He appreciated music, singing with the Baroque Choral Guild in Berkeley, and was an avid reader. He was predeceased by his wife, Helen. Survivors: his son, John; stepchildren, Sylvia and Ilo Kratins; and his sister, Sandra Tanke Newburger, ’58.
Joe Noyes Turner, ’56 (history), of Yucca Valley, Calif., November 11, at 81. A member of Kappa Sigma at Stanford, he became a senior partner at Higgs, Fletcher and Mack in San Diego, retiring from the firm after 33 years and moving his family to Yucca Valley. He and his wife were very active in Alcoholics Anonymous. A gifted storyteller, he loved his men’s group on Tuesday mornings and looked forward to sailing the Delta each year with his sister and brother-in-law. He was predeceased by his sons, Alan and Brian, and his wife of nearly 50 years, Anne. Survivors: his daughters, Nancy Hanson and Jananne; and two siblings.
John N. “Jack” Clark Jr., ’57 (industrial engineering), MBA ’59, of Sacramento, January 23, at 80, of heart disease. He became a partner in the family firm, Cal Central Press. In 1985, he left to form CFO Services Inc., a consulting company. He served on the boards of the Northern California Golf Association and Del Paso Country Club, belonged to the Grandfather’s Club and received a five-year service pin from Stanford Associates. Survivors: his wife, Jane (Alig, ’59); children, Christopher, Jocelyn Clark Penner, Andrew, Amelia Clark Nash, ’93, and Peter; eight grandchildren; one great-granddaughter; and one brother.
Janet Lucille Morris Musson, ’57 (speech and drama), of Goshen, Ky., December 21, at 79. She sang in the Stanford Chorale and was sales manager for the 1956 Quad. She initially pursued a career in public accounting, but after serving as treasurer of the San Jose Civic Light Opera in 1966, she shifted to freelance theater lighting design. Over the next 23 years, she designed for more than 60 productions in the Santa Clara Valley. In 1974, she earned a master’s degree in theater arts and soon after launched a theatrical equipment business, Musson Theatrical Inc. She was elected a fellow of the U.S. Institute for Theatre Technology, having earlier served as treasurer for the organization. Survivors: her husband of nearly 60 years, Warwick, MS ’57; and brother, Fred Morris, ’62.
Sharon Lynn King Wilcox, ’57 (nursing), of Ross, Calif., February 3, at 79. She served on many boards, including the San Francisco Ballet, Friends of Laguna Honda, the Junior League of San Francisco and the Heritage. She was predeceased by her husband of 50 years, Donald. Survivors: her daughters, Lisa Wilcox Corning and Lynn Douglas; and two granddaughters.
David McFall Boaz, ’58 (social science/social thought), of San Diego, January 11, at 79, of heart failure. He joined the Navy and became a fighter pilot, serving his country for 31 years. He then embarked on a 31-year career as a commercial pilot for Western, Delta and Hawaiian airlines. As chief pilot for Delta, he flew a charter jet from Athens to Atlanta carrying the Olympic torch for the 1996 Olympic Games. He was also a skilled sailor who completed two Transpac races. Known for telling tales from his fascinating life experience, including running with the bulls in Pamplona, Spain, he lived large and colored outside the lines. Survivors: his wife, Judy; children, Katrina Bradley and Travis; and two siblings.
Janet Louise Backstrom, ’59 (history), of Fairfax, Va., January 5, at 78, after a two-year battle with cancer. She worked briefly in San Francisco before starting a 27-year career with the federal government, with postings in Washington, D.C., Europe and Asia. She enjoyed all things political, music, dining out and being with family and friends. Her quick wit and sense of adventure endeared her to all.
James Scott “Jim” Griffin, ’59 (philosophy), of Lakewood, Wash., March 2, at 78. At Stanford, he played on the tennis team and was a member of Phi Delta Theta. His career as a real estate developer including founding Alpental Ski Resort and the Bank of Honolulu, and he was the author of How to Make Money in Commercial Land. He had an adventurous and competitive spirit, was an active member of his community and loved nothing better than playing outdoors with his family. Survivors: his wife of 56 years, Wendy; children, Scott, Sterling, Whitney and Ashley, ’87; and 14 grandchildren.
1960s
Jerene Mary “Jeri” Vix Newman, ’60 (nursing), of San Diego, March 29, at 76. She worked in San Mateo County as a public health nurse before moving to Minnesota with her husband and settling in San Diego to raise her family. From Scouting to schoolwork, she supported her children’s activities and was very involved in the community. She and her husband traveled around the world, giving to the less fortunate and encouraging adventure in everyone. Survivors: her husband of 58 years, Don, ’60, MD ’64; children, Jen Leck, Jill Chalmers and Craig; and five grandchildren.
Mary Alice Mount Borgens, ’61 (biological sciences), of Tacoma, Wash., March 31, 2013, at 74. After earning a master’s degree in management information systems in 1983, she worked in that field for a few years before switching to teaching. She taught at all levels, from preschool to university, including special education classes in Pearce, Ariz., and Auburn, Wash. Her hobbies were sewing, playing bridge and taking walks with friends. Survivors: her children, Chris Jones and Julianne Briggs; four grandchildren; and two siblings.
Franklin Bard Brutzman, ’61 (mathematics), of Townville, S.C., January 28, at 75, of complications of lung cancer. At Stanford, he managed the Sunday Flicks and performed in the symphony orchestra, where he met his first wife, a fellow member of the oboe section. He worked as an actuary for the Wyatt Co. in San Francisco and later for the Tillinghast and Tower Perrin firms in Atlanta and Charlotte, N.C. The constants in his life were baseball, the oboe and an ever-growing circle of friends. He was predeceased by his wife, Laura (Laird, ’63). Survivors: his wife, Marie; children, Christian, Joseph, Anna and Mary; and nine grandchildren.
William Buchanan Cottrell, ’61 (political science), JD ’68, of Oakland, January 23, at 75, of respiratory illness. After Stanford, he joined the Army and served in Korea. In 1968, he was one of the first lawyers to join the newly formed public defender office in Santa Clara County. He served as a public defender for 30 years and was known for his legal fluency and ease in the courtroom. He generously taught young lawyers the art of courtroom advocacy and leaves behind a generation of defenders inspired by his wit and wisdom. Survivors: his children, Olivia and Daniel; and three grandchildren.
Susan Barbara Koessler Postal, ’61 (sociology), of New Rochelle, N.Y., February 7, 2014, at 73, after a recurrence of cancer. The founder of and teacher at Empty Hand Zen Center in New Rochelle, she earned a master’s degree from Harvard and had an abiding interest in religion and foreign cultures. She loved flowers, birds and baking Christmas cookies and exhibited compassion and commitment to her chosen path. Survivors: her children, Leslie and Jonathan; and five grandchildren.
Timothy Arnstein, ’62 (economics), of Rancho Mirage and Napa, Calif., February 5, at 75, of a migrainous stroke. He was a leading commercial carpet salesman in Northern California. A member of the men’s tennis team at Stanford, he also excelled at golf and swimming. He supported the arts and was a member of the California Tennis Club, Dolphin Club and Presidio Golf Club. Survivors: his wife of more than 30 years, Barbara; and sister.
Daniel Lester Nay, ’62, MS ’62 (electrical engineering), of Rancho Palos Verdes, Calif., May 27, 2015, at 80. A beloved husband and father, an engineer and entrepreneur, he was also a gun enthusiast who enjoyed skiing, NASCAR, travel and anything that sparked his imagination. If he saw a wounded animal on the road, he would take it to the veterinarian and pay for its care. He did not talk much, preferring to let his actions speak for themselves.
Carole Anne Vernier, ’62 (communication), of San Francisco, at 75, of heart failure. She worked as the assistant to Herb Caen, the San Francisco Chronicle columnist, until his death in 1997. During her two stints at the newspaper, from 1971 to 1979 and 1989 to 1997, she answered the phones that rang off the hook, opened mail, and fielded calls from press agents and publicists eager to get their clients’ names into the column. After Caen died, she worked on the copy desk, became a freelance book editor and, in 2015, got involved with a French TV documentary about her former boss. Survivors: her son, Dirk Clarke; and one sister.
Roger Douglas Johnston, ’63 (history), of San Marino, Calif., February 2, in a skiing accident in Switzerland. He was a member of Alpha Delta Phi, played water polo and volunteered for the Peace Corps. A graduate of the American Institute for Foreign Trade and NYU School of Business, he worked for Manufacturers Hanover Trust Co. and retired from Citibank Banamex USA as chief credit officer. He loved opera and travel, but his passion was leading hikes into the wild for inner-city children who had never seen a forest or an ocean. Survivors: his wife of nearly 50 years, Tony (Taylor, ’63, MA ’64); three daughters, including Jennifer, ’93, and Samantha, ’96; four grandchildren; and his brothers, David, ’65, and James, ’69.
Nancy Force Newton, ’63 (French), of Lexington, Ky., January 24, at 74. She was predeceased by her husband of nearly 35 years, Norman. Survivors: her children, Norman, Mary Bennett and William; seven grandchildren; and one brother.
Lynne Sherwood, ’63 (economics), of Spring Lake, Mich., January 10, at 74. She earned an MBA from Harvard and joined the family-owned JSJ Corp. in 1981 as a member of the board of directors. She spent 35 years at Goldman Sachs in New York as a securities analyst and vice president. In 1997, she took an active role in the management of JSJ, serving as chair of the corporation from 2005 to 2011. Her many civic engagements included serving as president of the Grand Haven Area Community Foundation and the Spring Lake District Library board of trustees.
Henry Mayer Halff, ’64 (psychology), of San Antonio, August 10, 2015, at 72. He earned a doctorate from the U. of Texas at Austin and became a distinguished research psychologist. He taught at the U. of Illinois Urbana-Champaign and later managed research programs at the Office of Naval Research in Arlington, Va. He was a pioneer in computerized instruction, serving as a consultant and founding his own firm. As great as his love of adventure was his love for Texas, its country music, barbecue and beer. He is remembered for his fine mind and for tirelessly serving his fellow human beings. Survivors: his wife, Jean; son, Larry; stepsons, Bradley and Brent Watson; and one brother.
Max Foorman Gruenberg Jr., ’65 (political science), of Juneau, Alaska, February 14, at 72. A member of the Alaska House of Representatives from 1985 to 1992 and again starting in 2003 until his death, he served as majority leader in the 1980s and was a longtime member of the House Judiciary Committee. A former family attorney, a Navy veteran and an Eagle Scout, he was known for his kindness and honesty and for telling corny jokes. Survivors: his wife, Kayla Epstein; sons, Bruce and Daniel; two grandchildren; and four siblings.
C.E. Long III, ’65 (biological sciences), of Novato, Calif., February 2, at 72, of multiple myeloma. Born on the Army base in Fort Lewis, Wash., and raised in West Texas, he moved to California after high school. At Stanford, he was a member of Alpha Tau Omega and participated in the overseas program in Beutelsbach, Germany. He attended medical school at Yale U. and served two years of active duty in the Medical Corps on Okinawa, Japan. Returning to California, he taught in the division of orthopedic surgery at Stanford School of Medicine and then had a private practice in Novato. He spent the rest of his career with the Permanente Medical Group. He was predeceased by his wife, Karen (Fong, ’65). Survivors: his sons, David and Michael; two grandchildren; and one sister.
Christopher Archer “Kit” Tuveson, ’66 (electrical engineering), MS ’72 (industrial engineering), of El Dorado Hills, Calif., April 13, 2015, at 70, of kidney cancer. He started working for Hewlett Packard as a student and was hired full-time after graduation. He spent 37 years with HP, serving as facilities manager when the company opened a new plant in Rohnert Park, a controversial project that was ultimately welcomed by voters. When he retired, he was global director of facility operations and global director of environmental health and safety. He was an active community volunteer and taught courses on facility management around the world. Survivors: his wife of 28 years, Afton Auld; daughters, Jennifer McElroy and Carrie Wozadlo; four grandchildren; and one brother.
Charles “Chuck” Despres, ’67 (history), of Crescent City, Calif., February 20, at 70, of complications following a stroke. After Stanford, he studied Chinese and taught English to medical students in Hong Kong. Returning to the States, he received a teaching certificate and worked as a teacher and principal in Edgewood, Calif. He also taught English to non-native speakers in the Sunnyvale Elementary School District. An enthusiastic traveler, a language junkie and a lifelong learner, he loved the redwood forests and his favorite swimming hole in the Smith River. He was predeceased by his son Seth and step-granddaughter Jessica. Survivors: his wife, Catherine; son Eli; two grandchildren; five step-grandchildren; five step-great-grandchildren; and two siblings.
Catherine Miriam “Cathie” O’Gara, ’68 (biological sciences), of San Francisco, March 5, at 69. A graduate of Georgetown U. School of Medicine, she practiced internal medicine in San Francisco from 1978 to 2006. She was a longtime supporter of local fine arts, including ACT, the San Francisco Symphony and San Francisco Opera. Survivors: her daughters, Susanne Smialowicz Doring, Alexa Smialowicz Bastelica and Sarah S. Mills; two grandsons; and two siblings, including Marie O’Gara Lipman, ’76, MA ’78.
1970s
Thomas Charles Jones, ’70 (sociology), of Oakland, March 13, at 71. After Stanford, he earned a master’s degree in criminology, a doctorate in psychology and a law degree. He dedicated his life to public service, working for the California Correctional Facility at San Quentin and serving in higher education. Most recently, he worked as a private consultant providing services to legal and civic organizations. Survivors: his wife, Mary Patterson-Jones; daughters, T’Nesia Jones-Hurley, Desiree, Rosialee, Carol and Terry; one granddaughter; his mother, Rosia Lee Rand; and one sister.
Edward Stephan Zapletal, ’70 (philosophy), of South San Francisco, February 19, at 67, of ALS. As an undergraduate, he was a member of the Band, and later he worked for many years at the Boston Company as a chartered financial analyst. After retiring, he pursued his interest in genealogy, researching his father’s family in Croatia. He also mentored several current Stanford students, remaining active until his final days. Survivors: his wife, Nouane; children, David and Alexa; his mother, Dawn; and two sisters.
Ann Bernetta Alley Ervin, ’71 (history), of Arlington, Texas, February 6, 2015, at 66, of a heart attack. She was an educator, daughter, wife, mother, grandmother, aunt, friend and Christian. Survivors include her husband, Kenneth.
James Warren Keller, ’72 (economics), of San Mateo, January 23, at 65, of brain cancer. With an MBA and a law degree, he dedicated himself to public education, beginning his career in the Palo Alto Unified School District and ending as the deputy chancellor of the San Mateo County Community College District. His greatest passion, besides fast cars and finely crafted guitars, was his family. He also loved Maui, tailgating at Stanford football games and his annual sojourns to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Survivors: his wife, Sabrina Schulz; daughters, Kathryn, Christina Oxsen and Sarah Castillo; one grandchild; and two siblings.
Daniel Leslie Brenner, ’73 (social science/social thought), MA ’73 (communication), JD ’76, of Beverly Hills, Calif., February 15, at 64, after being struck by a vehicle while crossing a street in West L.A. He was a Los Angeles County judge, appointed by Gov. Jerry Brown in 2012, and an expert in communications law. Prior to his appointment, he had been a partner in Hogan Lovells’ communications, media and entertainment department after serving as the vice president of the regulatory department at the National Cable and Telecommunications Association. For several years, he performed stand-up comedy and taught a comedy course at UCLA Extension. He also served on the faculty of UCLA’s law school and wrote two legal textbooks. Survivors: his partner, Robert Kunst; and two brothers, including Robert, ’68.
Linda Lorraine Blachly White, ’75, MS ’77 (biological sciences), of Denver, February 27, at 62, of lung cancer. She earned an MD from UC-San Diego and served for 10 years on the faculty of the health professions department at Metropolitan State U. of Denver, where she helped develop the integrative health-care curriculum. She was also an accomplished writer, publishing a series of books and articles about complementary medicine and a college textbook on personal health. Besides playing the piano and violin, she loved to swim in the ocean, hike with her dog and laugh with friends and family. Survivors: her husband, Barney, ’75, JD ’78; and children, Alex and Darcy, ’09.
Marc Seichi Muramatsu, ’77 (biological sciences), of Beaverton, Ore., January 7, at 61. He played trombone in the Band and spent his college summers as a national parks ranger. After medical school, he completed a residency in dermatology at the Naval Hospital in San Diego. Following a six-month tour on the USS Juneau, he resigned his Navy commission as a commander in 1992. He and his family settled in Oregon, where he practiced dermatology with Kaiser Permanente for 22 years. In retirement, he enjoyed travel, photography and classic movies. Survivors: his wife of 37 years, Paula; sons, Keith, Kyle and Kurt; and two sisters, including Saundra, ’78, MS ’80.
1980s
Steven Corson Mitchell, ’81 (economics), of Santa Rosa, Calif., February 29, at 56. He was a member of Kappa Alpha and worked at the Stanford Daily. A skilled attorney known for representing clients with dignity and class, he worked at Geary, Shea, O’Donnell, Grattan and Mitchell and was selected as a Northern California Super Lawyer in business litigation for the past three years. He loved the outdoors, where he could fly-fish and nurture his garden, music—especially the Grateful Dead— and tailgating outside Stanford Stadium. He was a true family man who loved his family unconditionally. Survivors: his wife of 30 years, Terri (Dobbels, ’81); children, Scott, Emily, ’13, Amy and Jenny; mother, Janice Ide Mitchell, ’52; and three siblings.
Cameron Michael Turner, ’85 (communication), of Altadena, Calif., March 12, at 52, of septic shock following pneumonia. A talented journalist, he wrote news and opinion pieces for Pasadena Now, the L.A. Times and other print and online media, and he worked as an editor for Lee Bailey’s radio program Radioscope. In addition, he created a political blog, and was a commentator and news panelist on TV and a well-known public speaker. He collected movie memorabilia and spent countless hours playing board games with his daughters. Survivors: his wife, Mignon; daughters, Jordan and Jasmine; father, Raymond; and three siblings.
Business
Hubert Carver Perry, MBA ’37, of Whittier, Calif., February 20, at 102. His career with Bank of America spanned three and a half decades, with a break to serve in World War II. He was a staunch supporter of PIH Health Hospital, starting in 1955 when he joined a grassroots effort to build a new hospital to serve his community. He served on the board for more than 40 years, including many years as chair, and as treasurer of the PIH Health Foundation board. In addition, he served as president of the Whittier Chamber of Commerce. A childhood friend of Richard Nixon’s, he was a trustee of the former president’s foundation and helped found the Nixon Presidential Library in Yorba Linda, Calif. He was predeceased by his wife of 71 years, Louise (Bacon, Gr. ’37). Survivors: his children, Lee, Brian, Ellen and Mark; seven grandchildren; and three great-grandchildren.
Thomas Joseph Ferrari, MBA ’52, of Stockton, Calif., January 15, at 95. A World War II veteran, he ran a successful business in San Francisco as the vice president and general manager of Ellis Brooks Leasing. He was well-respected in his field and a devout Catholic. He enjoyed travel, camping and white-water rafting. He was predeceased by his wife of 58 years, Georgianna (Harmon, MA ’52). Survivors: his children, Elise and Thomas Jr.; and three grandchildren.
Richard James Massey, MBA ’62, of Mill Valley, Calif., January 24, at 80. He served in the Army and enjoyed a long career as a stockbroker with UBS, working until the day before he was hospitalized. He loved the world of business and had an encyclopedic knowledge of music. Following his divorce and the tragic death of his fiancée, Mary Chesterfield, he met the last great love of his life, Alice Corning, and they traveled, attended the symphony, opera and music festivals, and shared time with her family.
Tiina Repnau, MBA ’76, of Simi Valley, Calif., September 6, 2014, at 72, of breast cancer. In addition to Stanford, she was a graduate of MIT, and she worked for the Rand Corp. Survivors include her brother.
Earth Sciences
Francois Maurice Jouaux, MS ’94 (petroleum engineering), of Woodside, March 27, at 46, in a head-on collision with an allegedly drunk driver. A software engineer at Apple, he was also a dedicated husband, an extraordinary father, a beloved son and a treasured friend and member of the La Honda community. In addition to kitesurfing, he enjoyed windsurfing, skiing and snowboarding and fishing. Vibrant, funny and energetic, he was always willing to lend a hand or liven up a party. Survivors: his wife, Arancha (Casal, MS ’95, MS ’02, PhD ’02); two sons; his father, Bernard; and one brother.
Edgar Rene Rangel-German, MS ’98, PhD ’03 (petroleum engineering), of Mexico City, March 23, at 42, of heart failure. A distinguished engineer and energy industry reformer, he served as a commissioner of the Mexican National Hydrocarbon Commission, where he was one of the chief architects of the country’s energy reform. He also served as a faculty member of the Mexican National Autonomous U. In 2015, he was inducted into the Mexican Academy of Engineering. Friends and colleagues were touched by his cheerful and supportive manner and remember his unending kindness. Survivors: his wife, Jennifer O’Donoghue, PhD ’06; children, Ximena and Liam; his parents; and siblings.
Education
Robert Henry Corbett, MA ’46, of Rocklin, Calif., February 7, at 97. After serving in the Army Air Corps, he earned his master’s degree at Stanford and was hired to teach at Placer High School in Auburn, Calif. He transferred to Placer Junior College, which became Sierra College, where he taught psychology for more than three decades. Known for his wonderful sense of humor, he often told entertaining stories about his childhood, many of which were true. Survivors: his wife of 58 years, Jane; children, Suzanne, Charles, Robert, William, Marijane Sheefel and Katherine Dallas; eight grandchildren; and three great-granddaughters.
Paul Armstrong, MA ’49, of Redwood City, January 17, 2015, at 93. He served in World War II, earning a Purple Heart, and became a respected teacher, coach, counselor, vice principal and principal of Hillsdale High School in San Mateo. In 1983, he came out of retirement to supervise student teachers for nine years at San Francisco State. He was honored to be inducted into the sports hall of fame at Burlingame High School, he loved Pismo Beach and the Stanislaus River, and he cherished his family above all else. Survivors: his wife of 69 years, Barbara; daughters, Terry Tringali and Robin Kurotori; four grandchildren; and one great-granddaughter.
Anthony Joseph “Duke” Campagna, MA ’49, of San Mateo, Calif., March 5, at 95. A veteran of both World War II and the Korean War, he taught at San Mateo and Hillsdale high schools. In addition, he was founder and director of La Honda Music Camp and directed the Red Cross swimming programs. For 20 years after his retirement, he joined his brother in the restaurant business at Salvatore’s in San Carlos. He was predeceased by his wife of 62 years, Betty. Survivors: his children, Tony and Diane; two grandchildren; four great-grandchildren; and two brothers.
Hugo Roberto Rinaldi, MA ’49, of San Rafael, Calif., December 5, at 95, of cancer. He was a noted musician and an educator who, during World War II, conducted the U.S. Army Band for four years. After Stanford, he became the director of music for the San Rafael School District and received an award in 1970 for the most innovative public school music program in the state of California. He also founded the San Rafael Chamber Orchestra as well as the Marin Symphony Youth Orchestra and Orchestra Piccola. For 38 years, he was resident conductor-violinist for SF Civic Light Opera performances. Survivors: his wife, Faith; daughters, Teresa Cooper and Nancy Boatright; and two granddaughters.
Jane Ainel Stallings, PhD ’70, of Walnut Creek, Calif., January 31, at 87, of an arterial aneurysm. She earned her doctorate in early education and worked at Stanford Research Institute, Vanderbilt U. and the U. of Houston. She became the first woman dean at Texas A&M and also worked for the World Bank. After retiring in 1999, she began to write and published her first novel in 2011. Survivors: her children, Lisa, Larkin, Shaun Anzaldua and Joshua; nine grandchildren; and two brothers.
Engineering
Edouard Clemens “Buck” Thys, Gr. ’54 (electrical engineering), of Olympic Valley, Calif., January 29, at 86. After serving in the Korean War, he headed to the European Alps, forever cementing a lifelong passion for skiing. He was president of Precision Founders Inc., a metal casting company he and his brother purchased and grew to 400 employees. In 1993, he retired to Squaw Valley and devoted himself to masters ski racing. His last waking moments were spent speeding down the Squaw Valley slopes he loved. Survivors: his wife, Nina; children, Anne, Beatrice, Edith and Barry; six grandchildren; and one sister.
Steven William Highter, MS ’95 (civil engineering), of Fullerton, Calif., March 10, at 48. He worked in the planning division of the sanitation districts of Los Angeles County in Whittier, becoming head of the district’s public information section in 2014. He was an accomplished chef, always put people at ease and had an unabated love for his alma mater Notre Dame. Survivors: his daughters, Sydney and Sheridan; mother, Carolyn Leach; father, Bill; one sister; and his love, Johnine Shoemaker.
Humanities and Sciences
Francis P. King, MA ’48, PhD ’53 (social science/social thought), of New York, March 3, at 93. During World War II, he served in the Army Air Corps and later received a Fulbright grant to study at the École des Sciences Politiques in Paris. In 1953, he joined Teachers Insurance and Annuity Association-College Retirement Equities Fund in New York, retiring as a senior research officer. He wrote or co-wrote numerous articles and books on retirement and benefit planning, and he served as chair of Tuition Exchange Inc. for 20 years. Survivors include his husband, Kelly Karavites.
Richard Perry Simpson, MA ’56 (political science), of Roseville, Calif., August 21, 2015, at 85. He served in the Air Force and worked as the administrator of Kern, Yuba and El Dorado counties, retiring as head of Cal-Tax. In 1982, he won national recognition for a landmark study on the impact of public employee pension systems. Devoted to good government and social justice, he was also known for his quick wit, loyalty to friends and encyclopedic knowledge of history, music and literature. He was predeceased by his first wife, Phyllis. Survivors: his wife, Claudia; children, Shelley Stankeivicz and Peter; stepchildren, Ryan Eberhard and Stacy Spector; three grandchildren; two step-grandchildren; and four siblings.
James Birdsey Gregory, PhD ’58 (chemistry), of Long Beach, Calif., January 13, at 90, of lung cancer. During World War II, he flew B-17s and was shot down over Germany. He was held as a POW for nine months and later received an Air Medal and a Purple Heart. He worked as a teaching assistant at Stanford and spent 20 years in the research department at Union Oil Company of California. His last posts were at the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration and Conrail, where he served as a vice president. He was predeceased by his first wife, Marilyn (Schaefer, ’49, MS ’51), and his daughter, Linda Gregory Strong. Survivors: his wife, Dorothy; two grandchildren; and three great-grandchildren.
William George Wiegand, PhD ’60 (English), of Portola Valley, February 29, at 87. He came to Stanford as a member of the Stegner Fellowship program, during which his second novel, The Treatment Man, won the Joseph Henry Jackson Award. After teaching creative writing at Stanford and Harvard, he joined the faculty at San Francisco State U., becoming department chair. He loved sports, had an encyclopedic memory for statistics and was constantly reading—everything from the New Yorker to manuscripts from former students to Entertainment Weekly. He was predeceased by his wife, Cary Stone, ’53. Survivors: his stepchildren, Miriam and Gregory Stone, ’81; and one brother.
Clifford Charles Ashby, PhD ’63 (speech and drama), of Lubbock, Texas, May 28, 2015, at 89. During World War II, he served as a radio operator in the Merchant Marines and became interested in theater as an undergraduate at Reed College. After receiving his doctorate from Stanford, he began his teaching career at Texas Tech. In 2001, he was awarded Texas Tech’s highest faculty honor, the Chancellor’s Award of Excellence. He enjoyed expedition canoeing and once completed an 1,100-mile, single-canoe run of the Yukon River. Survivors: his wife, Sylvia; children, Alison Woodson and Jonathan; one granddaughter; and one sister.
Robert Gust Luoma, DMA ’67 (music), of Portland, Ore., October 15, at 86, after suffering a major stroke. He taught at Carleton College, the Eastman School of Music in Rochester, N.Y., and the Community Music Center in Portland. The last 25 years of his life were spent writing books, singing with the Portland Symphonic Choir and acting in productions at Music Theater of Oregon. His latest book was Stirred But Not Shaken in Life and in the Arts: Memoirs with a Twist. Survivors include his partner, William Wells, DMA ’68.
Law
Richard H. “Bud” Zahm Jr., JD ’53, of Pebble Beach, Calif., November 28, at 87, after suffering a stroke. Following law school, he served in Korea as a legal officer. As an attorney, he worked with performing artists at Capitol Records before becoming general counsel with Mobil Oil in California and New York. He was a member of the Stanford Law School Board of Visitors, served as commodore of the Stillwater Yacht Club and enjoyed extensive travel with his wife. Survivors: his wife of 56 years, Nancy; sons, Richard and Steven, ’87; and three grandchildren.
Robert N. “Bob” Mittelstaedt, JD ’58, of Selah, Wash., January 11, at 82, of leukemia. After law school, he joined the Judge Advocate General Service, retiring as a lieutenant colonel in 1979. He earned an environmental law degree and went to work for the Wilderness Society until his mother became ill and needed his help. In Yakima, Wash., he joined the Audubon Society and the Nature Conservancy, where he made friends and enjoyed hiking, birding and educating youngsters about the environment. Survivors: his wife, Maia; stepson, Denny Kelly; and two siblings.
Hugh C. Gardner III, JD ’71, of Hermosa Beach, Calif., February 25, at 73, after a long illness. After law school, he joined McCutcheon, Black, Verleger & Shea in Los Angeles and eventually became a partner. In 1988 he moved to Sidley & Austin. He was appointed to the superior court bench in 1992 and retired in 2006, serving in Los Angeles and Santa Monica. A collector of early blues and rock ’n’ roll records, he also loved literature, philosophical discussions, skiing and computer games. Survivors: his wife, Kathleen; son, Clinton; stepsons, Timothy and Patrick Olson; and one step-granddaughter.
Medicine
Donald Martin Gray, MD ’51, of Alameda, Calif., January 21, at 97. A World War II veteran, he was an anesthesiologist until his retirement in 1988. He was also an accomplished clarinetist and played in the Bohemian Club band for many years. His hobbies included stained glass art and making lamps out of musical instruments, and he was known for his generous nature and sense of humor. He was predeceased by his wife, Joan. Survivors: his children, Philip, Brian, Pamela Price and Emily; four grandchildren; and three great-grandchildren.
Crittenden E. “Crit” Brookes, MA ’53 (education), MD ’60, of San Francisco, February 27, at 84. He was a psychoanalyst for more than 50 years and taught at UCSF and the C.G. Jung Institute. In addition, he was a fellow of the American Academy of Psychoanalysis and Dynamic Psychiatry and a member of the Interregional Society of Jungian Analysts. An avid photographer, a nature lover and a black belt in aikido, he was loved by many and will be deeply missed. He was predeceased by his son Jedidiah. Survivors: his wife of 36 years, Mauna Berkov; children, Jesse, Lisa Kift and Aaron; three grandchildren; and one sister.
