Faculty and Staff
Kenneth David Creighton, of Seattle, December 3, at 94. Born in Vancouver, B.C., he studied economics, finance and accounting, and was hired by Stanford in 1958 to head the Office of the Controller. He served under four university presidents and retired in 1987 as associate vice president, business and finance. Moving to the Philippines, he sailed through Southeast Asia to the United States through the Suez Canal. In 2015, he bought a motor yacht and cruised the waters of British Columbia. Survivors: his second wife, Holly Hobart; former wife, Christiane; children, Karyn Creighton Bush, ’73, David, ’75, and Geoffrey, ’77; seven grandchildren; and five great-grandchildren.
Henry Pierre Noyes, of Stanford, September 30, at 92. He served in the Navy before completing doctoral work at UC-Berkeley in theoretical physics. After working on the classified Project Matterhorn at Princeton, teaching at the U. of Rochester and serving at Lawrence Livermore National Lab, he was hired at the nascent Stanford Linear Accelerator in 1962. He would spend the rest of his career at Stanford, earning emeritus status in 2000. In addition to his work on subatomic particle interactions, he became an outspoken opponent of nuclear weapons. He founded the Light Hearted Philosophy Group at Stanford, which hosted speakers from Nobel laureates to U.S. vice presidential candidates. His wife of 68 years, Mary (Wilson, ’48, MA ’74), passed away six weeks after his death. Survivors: his children, David, Alan and Katia; two grandchildren; and two great-grandchildren.
1930s
Marion Roller McConnell, ’37 (English), of Moraga, Calif., November 18, at 100. She was involved with the Stanford Women’s Club of the East Bay, serving as president, and spent more than 50 years volunteering with the American Red Cross. Her interests were disaster relief, blood services and training fellow volunteers. She was also very devoted to her church, St. Clement’s Episcopal, in Berkeley, and served twice as senior warden. Survivors: her husband, Dean Bailey; children, Sue Enger and Michael Bardin, ’64; four granddaughters; and nine great-grandchildren.
Richards Parker “Dick” Lyon, ’38 (general engineering), MD ’44, of Napa, Calif., December 7, at 100. At Stanford, he was a member of the basketball team and Zeta Psi. He served in the Marines, completed his medical training and established a urology practice in 1951. After moving the practice to Berkeley, he spent 35 years as a pioneering pediatric urologist. In retirement, he pursued his passions for photography and winemaking, and, at the age of 93, published his memoir. He mentored countless doctors around the world and, even at 100, used the computer to share his knowledge and expertise to help cure those in need. He was predeceased by his wife, Carol. Survivors: his daughters, Kathleen, Joan and Laura.
1940s
Lester Tottenham Hibbard, ’41 (economics), of Carmel, Calif., October 3, at 97. After serving in the Army Medical Corps during World War II, he returned to Los Angeles and established an obstetrics and gynecology practice. Over his long and distinguished career, he served on numerous medical boards, authored peer-reviewed articles and taught for more than 30 years at the Keck School of Medicine at USC, where he was named vice chair of the ob-gyn department in 1979. Once retired, he enjoyed traveling to far-flung destinations and became an accomplished watercolorist. He was predeceased by his wife, Betty Ann (Welch, ’43). Survivors: his children, David, ’68, Cynthia, John and Peter; four grandchildren; and one great-grandson.
George Otto French, ’42 (bacteriology), MD ’46, of San Luis Obispo, Calif., January 8, at 95. He served in the Air Force and trained as an orthopedic specialist. After moving his family to San Luis Obispo in 1953, he became the second orthopedic surgeon in the county. In addition, he served on the local school board and was an accomplished woodworker and metalworker, raising a family cabin in Lake Tahoe. Summers were spent swimming, fishing and hiking. He was predeceased by his wife, Marion, and son Robert. Survivors: his children Marian “Taffy” French-Gray, ’74, MA ’74, Jane, Skip and Bill; eight grandchildren; and 10 great-grandchildren.
Mavis Moore Leyrer, ’42 (speech & drama), of Seattle, January 15, at 96. Service was a strong value and theme throughout her life. She volunteered for the American Red Cross during World War II, was assigned to coordinate the extracurricular activities of 5,000 servicemen, and later served in numerous organizations, including the Junior League and Children’s Orthopedic Guild, and as a Brownie and Girl Scout leader. She loved animals and was known to carry treats in her pocket in case she ran into a four-legged friend. Survivors: her children, Bill and Libby; four grandchildren; and two great-grandchildren.
John Phleger Pollock, ’42 (economics), of Laguna Niguel, Calif., January 1, at 96. As an undergraduate, he was a member of Zeta Psi and both the baseball and water polo teams. He served in World War II and graduated from Harvard Law School. His career as a trial attorney spanned more than 60 years, and he argued groundbreaking cases before the California Supreme Court and the U.S. Supreme Court. As a boy in Sacramento, he was an Eagle Scout, and later he received the Distinguished Eagle Scout and Silver Antelope awards as an adult. In 2006, he established Camp Pollock, a Boy Scout camp at Lake Arrowhead. Survivors: his wife of 71 years, Juanita (Gossman, ’42, MA ’43); children, Gordon, John, Linda Harrison, ’70, and Madeline Chiotti, ’71, MA ’72; three grandchildren; and six great-grandchildren.
William “Bill” Quackenbush, ’43 (geology), of Amarillo, Texas, December 30, at 96. As an undergraduate, he was a member of Phi Kappa Psi and the track team, and in 2003, he was honored by the Stanford Associates with a Governors’ Award. A World War II and Korean War veteran, he worked for several oil companies, finally settling in Amarillo as an independent geologist. He enjoyed serving with many local organizations, including Amarillo College, the Rotary Club and the Boy Scouts, which awarded him the Silver Beaver and Order of the Antelope. He was predeceased by his first wife, Charlotte, and second wife, Bea. Survivors: his wife, Ruth; children, Louise Wisian and Jack; stepchildren, Howard Beard, Billy Jack McLaughlin, Leslie Biffle, Judy Beard Nichols, Pamela Beard McClain and Aimee Whitfill; and seven grandchildren.
Shirley Houghton Allen, ’45 (graphic arts), of Carmel Valley, Calif., December 27, at 93. After Stanford, she attended the Art Center College of Design in Pasadena, Calif. She then worked in a Los Angeles department store doing drawings and layout, holding a similar job when she moved north to San Francisco. In 1975, she and her husband moved to Lake Tahoe, where she discovered an interest in metaphysical development and personal growth. A lifelong Sierra Club activist, she loved the mountains, was an avid hiker and organized backpacking trips every summer for many years. She was also known for her positive outlook, sumptuous meals, wisdom and resilience. She was predeceased by her husband, David, ’43. Survivors: her children, Vinit, Lucy Sullivan and Holly; two grandchildren; and two great-grandchildren.
Dorothy Jane Broy Brown, ’45, of San Rafael, Calif., November 4, at 92. She was born in San Francisco and settled in Ross, Calif., as a newlywed in 1946. While raising four children, she volunteered for the Marin Charitable Association and the Junior League of San Francisco. Flowers and gardening were central in her life: She belonged to the Marin Garden Club and earned her master’s certificate from the Ikebana Sogetsu School in Tokyo and flower arranging at the de Young Museum. She also served as the headmistress of the Altar Build at St. John’s Church in Ross for 30 years. She was predeceased by her husband of 68 years, Philip. Survivors: her children, Ruth, Phil, Ted and Libby; six grandchildren; and nine great-grandchildren.
Hoyt Bacon Leisure, ’46, of Santa Monica, Calif., November 25, at 92. At Stanford, he was a member of Alpha Delta Phi, but his undergraduate years were interrupted by World War II. Later, he led the Los Angeles-based life insurance agency Leisure, Werden & Terry, where he was known as an innovator of new products and mass-marketing techniques. He was involved with the Los Angeles County Museum of Art for 30 years, serving as a trustee for more than a decade, and was past president of the Santa Monica Beach Club. He was a great raconteur, loved opera and was a perfect gentleman who never forgot a name. Survivors: his wife of 68 years, Jackie; children, Hoyt, Lawrence, ’72, and Charlotte; four grandchildren; and three great-grandchildren.
Merlon Albrecht Howard Williamson, ’46 (economics), of Orinda, Calif., December 30, at 91. She was born in Klamath Falls, Ore., where she developed a lifelong love of the outdoors. After graduating from Stanford, marrying and moving to Orinda, she raised a family and led philanthropy for Oakland Children’s Hospital. In addition, she helped the Orinda Garden Club get invited to join Garden Club of America, and she was honored with an Orinda Community Service Award for her work with historic landmarks. Her fierce bridge play belied a softness of spirit and heart. She was predeceased by her first husband, Thomas Howard, ’43, and second husband, Thomas Williamson, ’48. Survivors: her sons, Tim, Rick and Dave; and eight grandchildren.
Marjorie “Midge” Hexter Cowley, ’47 (social science/social thought), of Santa Monica, Calif., December 31, at 91. After Stanford, she trained at the Fowler Museum of Cultural History at UCLA and taught prehistoric archaeology for 20 years. Her four books for middle school-age readers grew out of this teaching experience and her lifelong interest in the ancient past. She traveled widely, exploring primitive and ancient art, architecture and nature, and was a gifted graphic designer and calligrapher. A master conversationalist, she was also exceptionally well read and had a deep interest in the people around her. She was predeceased by her first husband, Charles Stein, ’42, MD ’45, and second husband, William Cowley. Survivors: her children, Allison, Ross Stein and Loren; and five grandchildren.
Kathleen Elaine Tiernan Markham, ’47 (history), of San Diego, January 3, at 90. A graduate of Whittier School of Law, she worked in probate, trust and tax law and was a director of planned giving at Whittier College as well as the planned giving department at Rady Children’s Hospital in San Diego. While raising her children, she volunteered in numerous organizations, including the Los Angeles Art Museum Council, Junior Philharmonic and UCLA Medical Center Auxiliary. She enjoyed traveling and reading, but her happiest moments were with her family. She was predeceased by her former husband, Charles, ’47, MD ’51. Survivors: her children, Chuck, Arthur, Daphne and James; five grandchildren; and three great-grandchildren.
Cary Deane Funk, ’48 (economics), of Thousand Oaks, Calif., October 15, at 92. He served in the Navy during World War II and participated in the invasion of Okinawa. A third-generation newspaper publisher, he spent most of his career at the Santa Monica Evening Outlook. Later he co-owned and published the Inyo Register and Mono Herald in Bishop, Calif. He served as president of the California Newspaper Publishers Association and was on the boards of two newspaper bureaus. He covered the 1948 Olympics for the AP, had Dodger season tickets starting with their first season in L.A., and attended the first Super Bowl. Survivors: his wife of 65 years, Joan (Allen, ’49); sons, Bill, Jim, ’79, MBA ’83, and Allen, ’82; five grandchildren, including Lindsay, ’13; one brother, Robert “Ron,” ’50; and one sister.
Rosemary Hines Green, ’48 (German studies), of Lexington, Mass., January 18, at 89. She worked for the government translating German documents and later became a physical therapist for Liberty Mutual Rehabilitation Center. She was a devoted member of St. Brigid and Sacred Heart churches and a dedicated volunteer at the Lexington Food Pantry and Citizens for Lexington Conservation. Her interests included folk dancing, biking, gardening and birding, and she took up kayaking in her 60s. Survivors: her children, Paula, Ken, Cathy and Dave; and nine grandchildren.
Joyce West Green, ’48 (political science), January 22, at 89. She worked as the office manager for a group of allergists before starting her own medical billing business, Medi-Sec Inc. Eventually she transitioned to office manager for UCLA’s division of surgical oncology. She became involved with the John Wayne Cancer Center, helping facilitate its move to St. John’s Health Center in Santa Monica. That involvement led her to a career in development, not only for what became the John Wayne Cancer Institute but also the California Oncology Research Institute. As a result of contracting polio in her 20s, she had tremendous insight into the effects of chronic illness, and she was empathetic and generous to a fault. She was predeceased by her husband, Jack. Survivors: her son, Neal; and two grandsons.
Paula Wilbur Lindsay, ’48, of Pacific Grove, Calif., September 21, at 89. She was a fourth-generation Californian and the grandniece of Ray Lyman Wilbur, president of Stanford from 1916 to 1943. While raising her children, she served as a volunteer in various organizations and especially enjoyed being a hospital candy striper. Later, she returned to school and became a licensed vocational nurse. She and her husband loved exploring the world, visiting every continent except Antarctica. She lived her life to the fullest, and her influence and good works will live on for generations. Survivors: her husband of 69 years, Donald, ’47; children, Joan Kerr, Barbara Selig and Robert; six grandchildren; and four great-grandchildren.
Mary Wilson Noyes, ’48, MA ’74 (education), of Stanford, November 15, at 91. After graduation, she began a teaching career. She taught remedial reading, earned a master’s in art history, became a licensed marriage, family and child counselor, and opened a therapy practice. She enjoyed bird watching, reading and writing poetry, and walking in the Stanford hills. She was predeceased by her husband, Pierre, a physicist and professor at Stanford. Survivors: her children, David, Alan and Katia; two grandchildren; and two great-grandchildren.
Frank Joseph Parr Jr., ’48 (social science/social thought), of Fresno, Calif., January 13, at 91. A Marine Corps veteran, he played football at Stanford and pledged Phi Delta Theta. In partnership with his brother-in-law, he formed Pacific Cut Stone and Granite Co., which bought Superior Academy Granite the following year. He sold the company in 1964 and became active in real estate development in the Fresno area. His lifelong love of golf led to his becoming a member of the USGA Rules of Golf Committee. He was predeceased by his first wife, Joyce. Survivors: his wife, Barbara; children from his first marriage, Michael, Keith and Laura; six grandchildren; and two great-grandchildren.
Davis Walsh Baldwin, ’49 (biological sciences), of San Francisco, November 22, at 89. He pledged Phi Delta Theta at Stanford, served in the Korean War and earned his medical degree from Northwestern U. In 1959, he opened his obstetrics and gynecology practice in Palo Alto. In addition, he served as an adjunct clinical associate professor and the director of the gynecologic pathology lab at Stanford Hospital. To his family, his knowledge seemed infinite, and he taught them curiosity, self-reliance, humor and compassion. Survivors: his wife of 40 years, Patricia; children, L. Blake, PhD ’65, Lucy, Laurie, Bridget, Christopher and Blythe; four grandchildren; one great-grandchild; and one brother, Peter, ’52.
William I. Edlund, ’49 (economics), of San Francisco, December 24, at 87, of cancer. He played football at Stanford, served in the Army and earned a JD from Boalt Hall School of Law. After 43 years with Pillsbury, Madison & Sutro, he joined Bartko Zankel Bunzel & Miller, where he practiced until his death. He was a founder and director of the Law Center to Prevent Gun Violence, a fellow of the American College of Trial Lawyers and past president of the Boalt Hall Alumni Association. His interests were many: jazz concerts, fine wine, museums of all kinds, collecting rare books and playing poker. He was predeceased by his first wife, Margaret (Foss, ’39). Survivors: his wife, Iris; daughter, Campbell, MBA ’83; stepdaughter, Robin McNally; one granddaughter; and his extended stepfamily.
Baron D. Lowe, ’49 (biological sciences), of Sacramento, December 12, at 90. He served in the Army during World War II and earned a second BS in accounting from Golden Gate U. After moving to Sacramento, he and two partners started their own firm, Essary, Del Porto & Lowe. A leader for several professional organizations, he served as president of the California Society of CPAs, and on the boards of Mercy Healthcare and the Sacramento Chamber of Commerce. Still, he found time to enjoy life: He liked to travel, go dancing, listen to jazz and savor a Beefeater martini. Survivors: his wife of 65 years, Jean; children, Brenda Wong, Wesley and Whitney; three grandchildren; and one sister.
Ralph Gano Miller Jr., ’49 (psychology), MBA ’51, of La Mesa, Calif., December 19, at 90. He served in World War II and rowed at Stanford. He worked as an accountant before enrolling as a member of the first class at the U. of San Diego School of Law. Upon passing the bar, he set out in private practice, growing his firm to what is now Miller, Monson, Peshel, Polacek & Hoshaw, specializing in estate planning and tax law. He also served as an adjunct professor at California Western School of Law and co-authored an estate-planning text, now in its 16th edition. An avid sport fisherman, he owned H&M Landing, which offered long-range fishing trips and whale-watching excursions. He was predeceased by one of his children. Survivors: his wife, Jeanne (Watkins, ’51); children Mary, Catherine, Bob and Mark; and six grandchildren.
Alfred S. Wilkins, ’49 (social science/social thought), JD ’52, of Weaverville, Calif., October 24, at 88, after a long battle with Parkinson’s disease. A member of the track and field team and Sigma Chi at Stanford, he practiced law for 64 years, working tirelessly for the environment and wild rivers in particular. He lived on a small ranch in Trinity County, where he enjoyed a quiet life surrounded by family and friends, pets and farm animals. He was predeceased by his wife of 57 years, Marne. Survivors: his daughters, Elizabeth Johnson, ’73, and Emily Mattison, ’88; eight grandchildren; and 13 great-grandchildren.
1950s
Robert Henry “Bob” Armstrong, ’50 (history), of Everett, Wash., January 16, at 87, due to complications of pneumonia. A member of Kappa Alpha, he built a career in human resources, retiring as director of personnel from Whitworth U. He was a gentle man of strong Christian faith whose greatest joy was found in his relationships. He always had a project or two going and was known for a dry wit and appreciating the everyday pleasures of life. He was predeceased by his wife, Mary (Vaughn, ’57), stepson Matthew Goddard and one grandson. Survivors: his daughters, Leslie Wilson and Ann; stepson John Goddard; and seven grandchildren.
William Wesley Hicks Jr., ’50 (philosophy), MA ’50 (education), of Santa Rosa, Calif., December 12, at 89. A member of Phi Kappa Sigma, he completed a second master’s degree in education at San Diego State U. and earned a bachelor of divinity from Pacific School of Religion in Berkeley. He worked for many years as a teacher for the Santa Rosa City Schools, retiring at age 80. He also participated in many service organizations, including Church World Service, Santa Rosa Democratic Club and Sonoma County Chapter of the United Nations Association. Survivors: his wife, Mary Elizabeth; children, Jay, Peter, Darlene and Stephen; and one grandson.
Marshall “Woody” Keig, ’50 (biological sciences), of Chicago, January 18, at 89. He served as an administrator in the department of high energy physics at Argonne National Laboratory and also worked as a consultant for the Grainger Foundation. An inventor and an avid reader and photographer, he will be remembered for his marvelous smile, intelligence and graciousness. Survivors include his sister.
Cynthia Lyans Ricklefs Mercer, ’50 (mathematics), of Los Angeles, January 12, at 87, of complications from a stroke. She worked as a human “computer” at the Rand Corp. and later took a position in the Science Resource Center for the Los Angeles Unified School District. An accomplished cook, she was interested in healthy eating long before it was popular, and she also enjoyed crossword puzzles, science fiction, music, art and archeology. Survivors: her husband, Robert; daughters, Lucinda, ’78, and Annette; four granddaughters; and three siblings, including Belinda Ricklefs, ’57.
Roberta Pearl Lewis, ’51 (education), of Ocala, Fla., November 19, at 86. She worked as a reporter for the Stanford Daily and at the Stanford Bookstore. After graduation, and while living in Poughkeepsie, N.Y., she won the Dog World award for training her Shetland sheepdog, Drambuie. Eventually, she became a professional dog handler and worked for the American Kennel Club in New York. In retirement, she was a popular dog show judge and traveled extensively in that capacity. She was married first to Dean Holman, ’51, MBA ’52, and later to Seth Campbell.
Charles Hege “Chuck” Sayler, ’51 (geography), of Woodside, November 25, at 86, of cancer. He was a member of the gymnastics team and served in the Navy. After pursuing a graduate degree in meteorology from San Jose State U., he began his career at NOAA, working at San Francisco International Airport. He went on to work in Alaska, Redwood City and Fremont, Calif., in air traffic control centers. An avid mountain climber, he was among the first 100 people to climb Denali, and he treasured raising champion Dobermans all his adult life. Survivors include his wife of 48 years, Mary Anne.
Thomas Lawton Wright, ’51, MS ’52 (geology), of San Anselmo, Calif., November 17, of a stroke. For nearly four decades, starting in 1952, he guided the Standard Oil Co., later Chevron, in its search for oil in the western United States. Considered an authority on Los Angeles-area petroleum deposits, plate tectonics and geological faults, he published a highly regarded monograph on the subject in 1991. In 1993, he received the Distinguished Service Award from the American Association of Petroleum Geologists, after serving a term as its president. He enjoyed backpacking in the Sierra Nevada, was an accomplished gardener and landscaper, and often pored over obsolete maps. He was predeceased by his wife, Louise (Ricks, ’51), and son Paul. Survivors: his children Tom, John, James and Catherine; eight grandchildren; and one sister.
Merrill Dean Anderson, ’52 (economics), of Lafayette, Calif., November 29, at 86. He served in the Army during the Korean War and used the GI Bill to study at the London School of Economics. He was proud of his family’s shipbuilding history at Hunter’s Point, dating back to 1908, a yard that built the Snark for author Jack London. In 1967, he purchased Alameda Yacht Harbor (now Fortman Marina), doubled its size and sold it 17 years later. In 1986, instead of sailing into retirement, he constructed a new 400-berth marina, also in Alameda. Those who knew him remember his sense of humor, love of family and passion for the history of the Bay Area. He was predeceased by his wife, Christel. Survivors: his children, Chris, Peter, Alexi and Ashley; and seven grandchildren.
Thomas Frederick Grose, ’52 (classics), of Pasadena, Calif., May 24, 2013, at 82, of cancer. Survivors include his sister, Susan, ’64.
Curtiss Randall Hungerford, ’52 (speech & drama), of Middleton, Idaho, October 24, at 86, of lung failure. He played in the Band and hosted a KZSU radio show, 15 for Stanford. An accomplished musician, he served in the Sixth Army Band at the Presidio in San Francisco. After earning a master’s degree in mass communications and a doctorate in education from USC, he was a professor of higher education at Brigham Young U. for many years. He was predeceased by his wife, Darleen. Survivors: his daughter, Mary; and many grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
Trevor Clarence “Chad” Looney, ’52 (physics), of Albuquerque, N.M., January 20, at 86, of a heart condition. After Stanford, he went to work for Sandia National Laboratory, retiring in 1992 as an instrumentation engineer. During his career, he measured the effects of atomic explosions at Eniwetok Atoll, Bikini Atoll and the Nevada test site. Once retired, he and his wife toured most of the West by car and enjoyed cruises with their family. He was also fond of hiking, reading and playing with his computer. Survivors: his wife of 66 years, Betty; children, Bradley, Valerie Looney Dean and David; five grandchildren; and three great-grandchildren.
Laurence R. “Larry” Schechter, ’52 (basic medical sciences), MD ’55, of Kentfield, Calif., January 18, at 88. After serving in the Army and graduating from medical school, he completed an orthopedic surgical residency at Stanford Hospital and a fellowship in bone cancer at New York Memorial Hospital. Later he did a traveling orthopedic fellowship, studying in Paris, Florence, Bologna, Vienna, St. Gallen and Gothenburg, an experience that made him an enthusiastic traveler for the rest of his life. Settling in Marin County, he practiced orthopedic surgery for 41 years and was a clinical professor at UCSF for more than 20 years. He was a season ticket holder for the 49ers, Stanford football and the San Francisco Giants, and he loved working in his garden and playing with his dogs. He was predeceased by his wife, Patricia “Robin” (Wurzburg, ’59), and son, Kevin. Survivors: his daughter, Jamie; two grandchildren; and one sister.
Charles Martin Stark, ’52, MA ’53 (education), of Fresno, Calif., January 22, at 88. He served in the Navy for two years and started his basketball coaching career at Fowler High School in California, followed by Clovis and Bullard high schools. From there, he spent most of his career at Fresno City College—becoming the first women’s basketball coach and compiling a 132-44 record with three conference titles. He was also an accomplished golfer, winning the Fresno championship in 1959 and 1960 and serving as the pro at Fig Garden golf course for several years. He was predeceased by his wife, Bernadine, and son Jeff. Survivors: his children Rebecca Stewart, Steven and Chad; and five grandchildren.
William Ross “Bill” Berglund, ’53 (economics), of Napa, Calif., November 24, at 86, of Alzheimer’s disease. His family has been in business in Napa for nearly 150 years, starting in the 1870s on Main Street with a store that would become Young’s Hardware. After earning an MBA from Wharton, he joined Berglund Tractor & Equipment, started in Napa in 1922 by his father. The company was sold in 1988, when he turned to real estate, vineyards and investing projects. He loved outdoor adventures, especially fly-fishing trips with his son, and he was a self-proclaimed “go-getter with no quit gear.” He was predeceased by his daughter Gretta and his former wife, Barbara. Survivors: his children Lesley and Gregory; two granddaughters; and one sister.
Harry Kirkham Loskamp, ’53 (geology), of Chattaroy, Wash., October 23, at 84. He was a member of the rowing team and Phi Sigma Kappa. After graduation, he worked for Union Oil Co. in the northwest territories of Canada. He served in the Army in Moorheim, Germany, and received the National Defense Service Medal and the Army Occupation Medal. He then worked in the insurance industry as a claims manager, retiring in 1992. One of his hobbies was assembling model airplanes, and at last count, there were 68 flying from the ceiling of his home office. Survivors: his wife, Elizabeth; sons from his first wife, Ingred, Edwin and Alvin; stepchildren, David, Denise and Cari; 10 grandchildren; and two great-grandchildren.
John Burdette Nelson Jr., ’53 (basic medical sciences), MD ’56, of San Clemente, Calif., January 11, at 85. A member of Delta Upsilon, he practiced general, thoracic and vascular surgery in Riverside, Calif., for more than 30 years. A back injury forced him to retire from surgery, but he found a second career as the senior vice president of medical affairs at the local community hospital. After retiring a second time, he moved to San Clemente and enjoyed the beach life. An outdoors man at heart, he taught his daughters the fine arts of horsemanship, boating, fishing and shooting, passions he delighted in sharing with his grandchildren. Survivors: his wife, Frances (Maechtlen, ’53); daughters, Catherine, Pamela Martin and Stephanie Lowry; four grandchildren; and two great-granddaughters.
Mark Christian Scott Jr., ’53 (history), of Las Vegas, January 23, at 85, following an extended illness. He was a member of Phi Gamma Delta and served in the military in Germany from 1954 to 1956. With a law degree from the U. of Utah, he worked as an attorney and then the district attorney for Elko County. In 1972, he was invited to join the firm of Beckley, Delanoy and Singleton, serving as managing partner until his retirement. A member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, he loved working with the youth and a great highlight was serving in the Nevada Las Vegas Mission. He was predeceased by his daughter Mary. Survivors: his wife of 64 years, Patricia; daughters Stefanie Owens, Ann Probert, Karen Soderberg and Bonnie Pruneda; 19 grandchildren; and 20 great-grandchildren.
Jordan Rockwood “Dan” Wilbur, ’53 (psychology), MD ’61, of Menlo Park, October 1, at 84. A member of Theta Delta Chi and the Stanford rowing team, he served in the Navy during the Korean War. He was head of the pediatric oncology program at Children’s Hospital at Stanford and, in 1977, began a private practice in San Francisco. More recently, he enjoyed staying in contact with his long-term surviving patients and studied the psychosocial effects of childhood cancer. He was predeceased by his first wife, Violet; second wife, Carolee; and stepdaughter Michelle McKay. Survivors: his children, Teresa Boldt, ’78, MA ’81, Bruce and Benjamin; stepchildren Maria and Michael McKay; three grandchildren, including Kevin Boldt, ’07; one great-grandchild; and one brother, Greg, ’56, MBA ’60.
Margaret Babb Grant Young, ’53 (political science), of Sacramento, December 27, at 85. After college, she took a job with Crocker Bank in San Francisco, where she met her future husband. She loved taking her family to visit historical sites and on long summer vacations in Coronado, Calif. Moving to Sacramento in 1973, she continued her involvement with the PTA and volunteered with the Assistance League, serving one year as president. Later, once her children had graduated college, she worked for the United Way of California and enjoyed many hobbies, including genealogy. She was predeceased by her husband of 59 years, Stephen. Survivors: her children, Kathryn Gugeler, Eleanor Millar and James; grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
Catherine Ros “Kay” Davies Frakes, ’54 (education), of Santa Barbara, Calif., December 8, at 84, after a long illness due to Lewy body dementia. She was a military wife, living in four states in three years. She taught for 29 years in the Santa Barbara City Schools and was a librarian at the Cate School in Carpinteria, Calif. In retirement, she founded Vistas Lifelong Learning, was an elementary school tutor and volunteered as a librarian for the Santa Barbara Cancer Center’s research department. She loved to travel, play tennis, swim, and hike in the Alps and the Sierra Nevada. Survivors: her husband, George, ’54, MA ’58; children, James, ’79, Laura and Robert, ’85, MA ’85; and four grandchildren, including Hannah, ’19.
Edward Perry Griffing, ’55, MS ’55 (mathematics), of Fairfax, Va., December 31, at 83, from a heart attack. He completed an advanced science program at the U.S. Naval Postgraduate School in Monterey, Calif., and received an MBA from Memphis State U. He served 22 years as a naval officer, retiring in 1977 as a commander. He then spent 12 years with the Detroit Edison Co. as a nuclear engineer manager. After moving to Fairfax, he worked as a tax preparer with H&R Block and, in 1998, became an enrolled agent with the Internal Revenue Service. From 2000 on, he ran his own tax preparation business. He taught himself Spanish, read mathematics books for fun and visited more than 30 countries. Survivors: his wife of 56 years, Kennon; daughters, Kathleen Craig, ’83, and Elizabeth; and one grandson.
Marcia Jan McCready Hayes, ’54 (education), of Mobile, Ala., December 21, at 84, of cancer. She taught elementary education in Mountain View, Seattle and Lynnwood, Wash., for several years before marrying and raising a family. She remained active, playing tennis and bridge, and traveled extensively with her husband. Although she spent the past 43 years in Mobile, she always missed California. She said she wouldn’t leave the West Coast for love or money, and she left for both. Survivors: her husband of 60 years, J. Walter; children, Donna Mackin, Katharine Hunter and Scott; and four grandchildren.
Leland Robert Kugelgen, ’54 (psychology), MD ’58, of Berkeley, December 14, at 83. He practiced medicine in the East Bay for 45 years, retiring in 2007. Specializing in internal medicine and cardiology, he was known to his colleagues and patients as a caring and compassionate physician. He enjoyed music, playing the fiddle, and spending time in his favorite places, including Stinson Beach, Tuolumne Meadows and the Canadian Rockies. He was predeceased by his first wife, Nancy (Lindsay, ’55). Survivors: his wife, Marilyn; sons from his first marriage, Owen, Evan, ’83, and Bruce; stepdaughters, Jennifer Passantino, Jocelyn Larkin, Hillary Trimble and Roberta Hauser; and 13 grandchildren.
Margot Grace Monroe Alexander, ’55, MA ’56 (education), of Redwood City, December 29, at 83. In a career that spanned 40 years, she taught generations of elementary schoolchildren, first in Southern California and then in San Jose’s most underserved communities. She was an active member of the Methodist Church and loved to sing, read, travel, laugh and discuss current events. She was predeceased by her husband, Alan, ’53. Survivors: her children, Jessica Brown, Jeremy Cunningham, Grace Reddy and John Reddy; three grandchildren; and one sister.
Robert P. “Bob” Dinapoli, ’55 (basic medical sciences), MD ’58, of Rochester, Minn., October 14, at 83. After completing two medical residencies at the Mayo Clinic, he joined the clinic’s neurology department, where he helped establish the neuro-oncology subspecialty group. Before retiring in 1999, he taught medical students and residents, researched emerging treatments for brain tumors and guided patients through life-threatening diagnoses. He loved history, woodworking, sailing, performing Dixieland jazz, Stanford Cardinal athletics and the San Francisco 49ers. Survivors: his wife of 56 years, Anne; daughters, Constance O’Sullivan, ’83, Carolyn Leslie, ’86, and Susan, ’86; and nine grandchildren.
Wilmer Collier “Bill” Allen, ’56 (basic medical sciences), MD ’59, of Orem, Utah, January 27, at 82, of complications from pneumonia. He had a fellowship in Graz, Austria, where he met his wife, and served as a surgeon for the Air Force in Turkey. After living in Pennsylvania and California, he and his wife settled in Colorado, where he practiced as an orthopedic surgeon and served as an LDS bishop. After retiring in 1995, they moved to Orem, serving an LDS Temple mission to Guatemala City for 18 months. His interests included classical music, painting, scuba diving, target shooting, fishing and gardening. Survivors: his wife, Anneliese; children, Dailand, Douglas, Steven, David, Lisa Clegg, Sonya Sizer and Karen; 24 grandchildren; four great-grandchildren; and two siblings.
Alan Taylour English, ’55 (materials science/engineering), of Summit, N.J., October 21, at 82. He was a member of Phi Kappa Sigma and received a 15-year service pin from the Stanford Associates in 1987. After Stanford, he served on the USS Essex as a communications officer and then attended MIT, earning a PhD in metallurgy. He was hired by Bell Telephone Laboratories as a member of its technical staff, receiving numerous patents and publishing applied research papers. Later he served as head of global customer programs. Known as the “smartest and nicest guy in the room,” he loved playing the guitar, hiking, learning new languages and challenging his mind. Survivors: his wife of 62 years, Jerry (Fitzgerald, ’56); children, Christopher, Anderson, Eric and Holly; seven grandchildren.
Gerald L. “Jerry” Severin, ’56 (basic medical sciences), MD ’59, of Pleasanton, Calif., October 27, at 82, of multiple sclerosis and prostate cancer. A member of Phi Sigma Kappa, he interned at Minneapolis General Hospital and did his residency in dermatology at Stanford. He toured the world for eight months before serving as a battalion surgeon in Germany during the Cold War. He was the first dermatologist to practice in the Livermore Valley, closing the office after 32 years to accept a request to run the dermatology department at the VA Hospital in Livermore. An avid skier, he also enjoyed canoeing and piloting small airplanes. He served as president of the San Francisco Dermatologic Society and chief of staff at Valley Memorial Hospital. Survivors: his wife of 58 years, Charlotte (Wood, ’58); children, Jack, Kim Coberg and Julie Frey; eight grandchildren; one great-grandchild; and one sister, Sue, ’60.
Francis Joseph “Frank” David, ’57, of Santa Rosa, Calif., January 10, at 81. He earned his medical degree from Georgetown U. and served two years as a captain in the Air Force. In 1964, he moved his family to Santa Rosa, where he practiced dentistry for more than 45 years, becoming an active supporter of his local community. A loyal man known for his easygoing manner, he had a warm sense of humor, loved sports and was devoted to his family. He coached CYO teams, volunteered at the Hannah Boys Center for at-risk youth and raised funds for the parish of St. Eugene Catholic Church. He was predeceased by his first wife, Barbara. Survivors: his children, Karen Short, Frank Jr., Larry and Greg; two grandchildren; one sister; and former spouse, Joan Ferrero.
Elton Keith Slatore, ’57, MS ’61 (civil engineering), of Salt Lake City, January 4, at 81, of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. He moved to Utah shortly after graduation and, except for a stint in Nevada, spent the rest of his life there. Despite helping to build many of the great highways and dams in the West, he was most proud of his two sons. They remember him for his kindness, caring and humility, and for being their number-one cheerleader. Survivors: his wife, Sharon; sons, Christopher and Jonathan; four grandchildren; and three siblings.
Ronald Worth Hovey, ’58 (industrial engineering), of Sacramento, December 19, at 84, of lung cancer. He was a member of Phi Sigma Kappa and served in the Navy during the Korean War. After 30 years working for the California State Automobile Association, he retired in 1995 as district manager. He was predeceased by his wife, Janet. Survivors: his daughter, Colleen Cline; and sister, Norma Hovey Davis, ’51.
Gordon Crosby Wickersham, ’58 (Spanish), of Bakersfield, Calif., December 1, at 80. He was a member of Phi Kappa Psi and the track and field team. After serving in the Army, he studied gemology and joined the family’s fine jewelry business. A lifelong Bakersfield resident, he was past president of the Bakersfield Rotary Club and enjoyed serving in the choir of St. Paul’s Episcopal/Trinity Anglican Church. An avid tennis player, he also loved music and acting and was known for his off-the-wall humor. Survivors: his wife, Betty; sons, Greg, Ted and Alex; and three grandchildren.
Mary Ann Clinton Gardner, ’59 (communications), of Belmont, Calif., December 12, at 79, after a brief illness. After graduation, she worked for United Press International in San Francisco. In 1961, she married, moved to Belmont and raised five children. She was a talented cook and an avid knitter, and she volunteered her time at Immaculate Heart of Mary Church for the annual dinner dance. She was proud of her 121-yard hole-in-one at Sunken Gardens and was a familiar presence for decades at the Stanford Stadium. She was predeceased by her husband of 46 years, Christopher, MS ’60. Survivors: her children, Julie Savage, Jenny Fields, Amy Wooliever, Christine and Robert, ’96; eight grandchildren; and one brother.
Robert Riggs Nordhaus, ’59 (history), of Washington, D.C., December 24, at 79, of prostate cancer. He served a year in the Army Reserves and then attended Yale Law School. Moving to Washington, D.C., after graduation, he helped craft much of the groundbreaking federal energy legislation passed after the 1973 oil embargo. Later he served as the general counsel to the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission and the U.S. Department of Energy during the Carter and Clinton administrations. He spent the balance of his career in private law practice. In addition, he served on the adjunct faculties of two law schools. He spent as much of his free time as possible in the mountains of his native New Mexico, hiking in Europe and in the creeks of the Chesapeake. Survivors: his wife, Jean; children, Ted and Hannah; two grandchildren; and three siblings.
Wolcott Tuckerman Schley, ’59 (English), of Santa Ynez, Calif., January 9, at 79, after a 10-month battle with cancer. He and his brothers grew up on horseback at their ranch in the Santa Ynez Valley. From then on, he was most himself in the outdoors—working cattle, fixing fences—and he competed in many equestrian disciplines. He and his first wife, Nancy, ran a riding school near Solvang, and in 1972, he co-founded the Santa Ynez Valley Hunt. He and his second wife, Teona, became the editors of the Los Padres Sun and also owned and edited the Santa Ynez Valley Guest magazine until they retired in 2014. Survivors: his wife, Teona; children, Jessica and Daniel; stepson, Kent Sidney; one granddaughter; and three brothers, including Kenneth, ’65.
1960s
SueAnne Sewell Gruell, ’60 (sociology), of Riggins, Idaho, November 6, at 78. She earned her private pilot’s license, shuttling the family to and from various places, and was active in the fund-raising arm of the Children’s Home Society. After moving to Riggins with her second husband and building a home on the Main Salmon River, she served on the local election board, as treasurer of the Salmon River PTA and on the Idaho County Fair committee. Together they enjoyed hunting, fishing, camping and gardening; she was nicknamed the Canning Queen because she took pride in canning the bounty from their prolific garden. She was predeceased by her husband, Jack. Survivors: her daughters from her first marriage, Allison and Kimberly Strathearn; several grandchildren and great-grandchildren; and two siblings.
Barbara Snidow Lewis, ’60 (social science/social thought), of Arcadia, Calif., November 30, at 78. Born in Los Angeles, she made her home in Newport Beach and Arcadia. Her priority was family, and she will be dearly missed by all her loved ones and friends. Survivors: her children, Mary Lewis Downey and Jim; three grandchildren; and one sister.
John Valentine “Jack” Bock Jr., ’61 (industrial engineering), of Palos Verdes Peninsula, Calif., January 3, at 76. A member of Theta Chi, he served in the Navy on the USS Topeka and then earned an MBA from UC-Berkeley. In 1967, he joined Prudential Insurance Group and had a successful career as VP in charge of investments until his retirement in 1996. For the next 12 years, he worked at J.W. Childs & Associates as managing director. He served on the National Multiple Sclerosis Society board of trustees. An avid reader, sports enthusiast and gardener, he also loved to travel and cherished the friendships he made while golfing with the Terrible Twenties. Survivors: his wife of 48 years, Elaine; children, Julie Kawecki and John; five grandchildren; and one sister.
Robert Alan Martin, ’61 (economics), of Berkeley, January 10, at 76, of complications from Parkinson’s disease. He was a member of Sigma Chi and earned his JD from UC Hastings College of the Law. He worked as an attorney at firms in San Francisco for many years before opening his own law practice in 1991. An avid photographer, he loved to travel the world with his family and to gather with friends to play music, laugh and talk over a delicious meal. Survivors: his wife, Katarina; children, Erik, Carl and Anna; two grandchildren; and one brother.
Mark Gregory Steidlmayer, ’61 (general engineering), of Yuba City, Calif., January 12, at 76. He received his law degree from the U. of San Francisco and worked as an attorney in Yuba City for 50 years. A wildlife and waterfowl enthusiast, he was a lifetime supporter of the California Waterfowl Association and Ducks Unlimited. Family and friends remember his strong intellect, kind heart and unfaltering willingness to lend a helping hand. He was predeceased by his daughter Anne Marie. Survivors: his wife of 46 years, Traude; daughters Therese Ricks and Susi MacKenzie; four grandchildren; and four siblings.
Sanford Bryant “Sandy” Schulhofer Jr., ’62 (political science), of Los Angeles, January 25, at 75, after a long battle with diabetes. A member of Theta Xi, he received his law degree from the U. of San Fernando Valley and practiced for 40 years, serving as a judge pro tem from 1980 to 1986. He was respected for his bravery and strength of character as he faced the multiple ordeals of his last years. Survivors: his companion of many years, Nancy Rutter; sons, David, Jason and Adam; five granddaughters; and one sister.
Lyman Daniel Bedford II, ’64 (economics), of Point Richmond, Calif., November 18, at 74. After law school, he served in the Air Force. For decades, he practiced law in the Bay Area, primarily as a trial lawyer doing civil litigation. He was a founding partner of McQuaid, Bedford & VanZandt, practicing for years before becoming a partner at Hanson Bridgett. Known for his quick wit and huge cadre of jokes, he enjoyed golfing, fly-fishing, river rafting and competitive racing on his sailboat. He was predeceased by his wife of 33 years, Kristine. Survivors: his children, Susan and Michael; two grandchildren; and four sisters.
David Leonard Bershad, ’64 (art), of Calgary, Alberta, January 21, at 74, after a yearlong battle with cancer led to heart failure. During his Marine Corps service in Vietnam, he was captured and held prisoner, and he was decorated many times for bravery and leadership in combat. In the course of his long teaching career, first at the U. of Calgary and then at St. Mary’s U., he was recognized as an international authority on the Italian High Renaissance and Baroque and received countless awards. He also consulted to various federal agencies in cases of art theft and forgery. He was predeceased by his wife, Sonia.
Barbara Jane Chamberlin Van Dongen, ’64 (history), of Albuquerque, N.M., November 13, at 74, of ovarian cancer. With advanced degrees in education and librarianship, she built a career as a teacher, librarian and school district library coordinator. She loved art, gardening and the outdoors of New Mexico. Survivors: her husband of 53 years, Richard; and two siblings.
Nora Frances Crow, ’65 (classics and English), of Northampton, Mass., May 13, 2016. She earned a doctorate in English from Harvard U. and joined the faculty at Smith College in 1971. During her 45-year career there, she taught courses in essay writing, satire, and the literature of the 18th century. She wrote The Poet Swift and published reviews in Swift Studies and The Scriblerian, which were widely applauded by 18th centurists. Her classes were known for rigor and laughter, and, as a scholar of the Gothic and an aficionado of humor, she would have appreciated the irony of dying on Friday the 13th. Survivors: her daughter, Margaret Jaffe; and three siblings.
Hobart Dean Moxness, ’65 (mechanical engineering), of East Stroudsburg, Pa., December 23, 2015, at 72, of cancer. After graduation, he joined the Air Force and discovered that flying was in his blood. When his military service ended, he was hired by Eastern Air Lines and enjoyed a successful B-727 flying career. Following that company’s demise, he and his wife ran a computer store until he was hired by North American Airlines in 1995. Once retired, he and his wife traveled the country in their RV. Survivors: his wife of 34 years, Diane Hall; children, Meredith and Eric; two grandchildren; and one sister.
George Patrick “Pat” Seery, ’65 (political science), of Tallahassee, Fla., January 29, at 73. He was a member of Phi Kappa Sigma and earned a master’s degree in religion from Florida State U. Survivors include his wife, Tandy.
Fergus Flanagan, ’66 (history), of Maui, Hawaii, December 17, at 72, of cancer. At Stanford, he played on the football team and pledged Delta Tau Delta. He earned a master’s degree in psychology from the New School for Social Research and taught in New York City, Canada and California. While teaching at San Rafael High, he also served as a counselor at Sunny Hills Children’s Center, where he met his second wife. They spent a year traveling, eventually making their home on Maui, where he taught special education and coached basketball at Hana School. He embraced the area’s simple, natural lifestyle, and the community, in turn, embraced him. Survivors: his wife, Lori; daughters, Sarah Flanagan and Jane Wood; one grandson; and three siblings.
James Burton “Jim” Roe, ’66 (political science), of Lake Oswego, Ore., December 19, at 72, of acute myeloid leukemia. At Stanford, he was a member of Kappa Alpha and participated in the study-abroad program in Germany. He earned his medical degree from UC-Irvine and trained as an orthopedic surgeon before practicing in California and Oregon. His outside interests included heli-skiing, sailing, motorcycles and travel. Survivors: his wife, Lynne (Ludwig, ’67); daughters, Allison Roe Eshel and Amanda; two grandchildren; and one sister.
Emily Denman Thuss, ’66 (English), of San Antonio, December 5, at 71. She was predeceased by her husband, Charles Jr., and son Carter. A force for improving neighborhoods and local communities in San Antonio, she and others founded the Monte Vista Historical Association. She led the fight against the demolition of homes in the area and chaired the development of the Monte Vista Historical District Master Plan. In addition, she started new projects at Habitat for Humanity and served in various city positions, from chair of the San Antonio Housing Trust to commissioner on the San Antonio Zoning Commission. In 2014, she was inducted into the San Antonio Women’s Hall of Fame. Survivors: her partner, Tommy Adams; sons, Charles III, ’93, MA ’95, Wendel and Andrew; seven grandchildren; and three sisters.
Dean Richard Bowman, ’67 (history), MA ’68 (education), of Scotts Valley, Calif., October 31, at 71, of brain cancer. At Stanford, he played baseball and football and participated in the study-abroad program in England. He taught in elementary schools for more than 40 years, from New York to Alaska, inspiring thousands of young minds and mentoring dozens of teachers. After moving to Scotts Valley in 1971, he and his wife helped form Community Covenant Church, and he volunteered on the Santa Cruz Suicide Prevention Hotline for 11 years. His passions included sports, history, politics, walking his many dogs and boogie boarding at Seacliff Beach. Survivors: his wife of more than 45 years, Janice; children, Gregory, Alison and Ingrid; seven grandchildren; and two siblings.
Michele Thayer “Shelley” Hackett Gibson, ’68 (political science), of Estes Park, Colo., January 14, at 70. She worked as an editor in California, Texas and Northern Virginia, switching to volunteer work after the birth of her first child. Following a divorce and a move to Estes Park in 2000, she worked for the Rocky Mountain Nature Conservancy and got involved with her church. She is remembered for the loving care and support she provided, especially during difficult times. Survivors: her husband of five years, Ray; children, Rachel Timbie Hiemstra, ’96, MA ’97, and Nicholas Timbie; three grandchildren; and two siblings.
Glenn Nichols Thomas, ’68 (history), of Kent, Ohio, January 21, at 70, of cancer. In 1976, he was recruited by Kent State U. as one of the first two information sciences faculty in the college of business. During a career that spanned more than 35 years, he was a founding member of the Center for Information Systems, served as associate dean of the college, and coordinated the information systems curriculum for many years. Twice a finalist for the university’s Distinguished Teaching Award, he loved being in the classroom with students and took great joy in following the careers of those he had taught and mentored. Survivors: his wife of 48 years, Jeanette (Hays, ’67); and son, Justin.
1970s
Stevenson Atherton, ’71 (history), of San Antonio, December 7, at 68. A lifelong student of the liberal arts, he enjoyed literature, politics and history, and he loved to ski, hike, hunt and fish. He worked for a number of years in the heavy machinery business and thereafter engaged in various corporate development, financial services and entrepreneurial pursuits. Energetic, affable and charming, he was fortunate to be surrounded throughout his life by an unwavering group of friends. In 1990, he received a 10-year service pin from Stanford Associates for his volunteer service to the university. Survivors: his children, Parker, Annabel, Andrew and Maxwell; three grandchildren; his stepmother, Flora Crichton; and two brothers, including Geary, ’72.
Christopher M. Dobson, ’71 (biological sciences), of Dallas, Ore., February 13, 2016, at 65, of injuries sustained in a fall at home. After six quarters at Stanford, he graduated from UC-Berkeley and earned a master’s degree from Oregon State U. He loved engaging conversations, especially on controversial topics such as religion and politics. Those who knew him were touched by his hospitality and generous spirit, as well as his curious, questioning mind. He was an amazing cook and opened a restaurant in Portland, Ore., in 1981, and his dream of having a winery was realized when he moved to acreage with a vineyard in the Dallas area in 1988. He always made time for his children, sharing memories of cooking together, camping trips and treks to search for morel mushrooms. Survivors: his children, Florian, Vita and Siena.
Daniel C. Elliott, ’71 (biological sciences), of Novato, Calif., October 22, at 66. A proud Eagle Scout, he was a member of the sailing team and Phi Kappa Sigma at Stanford. He received his medical degree from George Washington U. and later was board certified in insurance medicine. He spent 30 years advising the long-term care community. Together with his sons, he enjoyed fishing, hunting and tales around the campfire, and he will be remembered for his love of family, kindness, patience and sharp wit. Survivors: his wife, Sally; sons, Matt and Joe; and four siblings.
Walter Kimball Johnson, ’71 (electrical engineering), of Reno, Nev., January 29, at 75. He joined the Navy out of high school and served for six years on nuclear submarines. With advanced degrees in biomedical engineering, he embarked on a career in academia at the Stanford Linear Accelerator, Lovelace Research Institute, Texas Tech U. and the U. of Nevada-Reno. He served for many years as a professor and the assistant dean of the college of engineering at UNR. A lover of nature and the outdoors, he could fix or build anything and delighted his children and grandchildren with handcrafted tree houses, rocking horses and other creations. Survivors: his wife of 48 years, Marilyn; daughters, Krista Watts, Laura Oler, Shireen Dodini, Jannika Meier and Emily Osborn; 18 grandchildren; his stepmother, Florence; three siblings; and two stepbrothers.
Alton Alfred “Al” Grueneich Jr., ’72 (sociology), of Newport, N.H., November 16, at 65, of complications from Parkinson’s disease. With graduate degrees in law and health care management, he worked in a number of jobs, but his lifelong passion was renovating residential buildings. His projects took him to Massachusetts, Florida and Maryland, and he also lived in the Philippines. He loved to sail and listen to music, and his eyes sparkled when he talked about his father’s military service and international travels aboard the USS Augusta. Survivors include his two sisters, including Dian, ’74.
Katherine Ann “Kate” Helsell Lazarus, ’72 (sociology), of Enumclaw, Wash., January 18, at 67. She took great satisfaction in being a Christian Science practitioner. She also loved folk dancing, poetry, quiet time, the mountains, forests and rivers, and her family. She was predeceased by her son Jonathan. Survivors: her husband, Jonathan; children Brynne Lazarus Streif, ’00, and Ben; and seven siblings.
Richard Thomas Suttle, ’72 (human biology), November 12, at 66. He was a champion wrestler, a conscientious objector, a dentist, a middle school teacher and a friend to all who knew him. He loved to backpack, shoot hoops, watch Seinfeld, philosophize and spend time with family. Survivors: his three siblings, including John, ’68.
Paul Richard Davis, ’75 (electrical engineering), of Corvallis, Ore., December 14, at 70, of cancer. After high school, he served in the Air Force. His career began at Stanford National Laboratory Accelerator and continued at Applied Theory and Hewlett Packard before he launched his own business. In 1979, he became the founder and chief engineer of Videx Inc., whose product line includes portable data collectors and electronic locks. He was known as a visionary who loved technology—and flying helicopters. He was also a passionate supporter of the Stanford Asian Liver Foundation and was proud to make a difference in many lives around the world. Survivors: his wife of 28 years, Tammy; children, Brittany and Chad; his mother, Irene; and three sisters.
Ronald Hironori “Ron” Uyeshima, ’77 (communications), of San Mateo, December 5, at 61, of complications from pancreatic cancer. He earned an MBA from Northwestern U.’s Kellogg School of Management and enjoyed a long career in banking and real estate. In the 1990s, he owned and operated a successful print shop in Palo Alto and, after selling the business, worked as a management consultant to other small business owners in Northern California. He loved movies, poker, golf, the Giants and a good cigar, and he took particular pleasure in discovering new music, books and restaurants, and recommending them to his large circle of friends. Survivors: his wife, Sarah; father, Taikyo; and brother.
1980s
Barbara Ann “Bambi” Markel, ’81 (political science), of Marion, Mass., December 20, at 57, of pneumonia. After Stanford, she won a fellowship for a year of work, study and travel in Israel. Later, she earned a master’s in philosophy in Arabic studies from Oxford and an MBA from Yale and studied at the San Francisco Institute of Art. Her kindness knew no bounds, and she was known for her warmth, wit and loving nature. She adored the water and would go out in any vessel available, although she preferred sailboats to all others. Survivors: her partner, Peter Miller; mother, Janet; and sister.
1990s
Jane Margaret Lim Fell, ’92 (public policy), of Denver, January 14, at 45. Born in Los Angeles, she graduated as valedictorian from Villa Park High School and, after Stanford, earned a law degree from UCLA. She gave her heart and soul to everything she did and expected nothing less from everyone else. She was a beloved wife and mother and a compassionate friend. Survivors: her husband, David; son, Gavin; parents, Mark and Grace Lim; and sister, Alice Lim Rydberg, ’90.
Business
Peter deCourcy Hero, MBA ’66, of Portland, Ore., August 21, at 73, of cancer. During his long career in public service, he spent 19 years as CEO of the Silicon Valley Community Foundation and was a recognized authority in the field. His contributions to the field of philanthropy were also considerable: He served as founding chair of the Public Broadcasting Service Foundation and was a founding member of the Skoll Foundation. His other positions included director of the Oregon Arts Commission and president of the Maine College of Art and Design. Survivors: his wife, Bonnie; children, Alexander, Christopher and Molly; two granddaughters; and two brothers.
Education
Marjorie Elizabeth “Marge” Reese Reid, MA ’51, of Carpinteria, Calif., January 9, at 89. She met her husband at Stanford, raised four children and did volunteer work at Bakersfield Memorial Hospital. In the 1980s, they moved to Carpinteria, where she volunteered at the Santa Barbara Cottage Hospital Auxiliary, serving as president for two years. She started riding horses in college and later competed in trail events at horse shows. In addition, she loved competitive bridge, gourmet cooking, and games of dominoes and gin rummy. She was predeceased by her husband, Eugene, ’51, MS ’52, and son Chet. Survivors: her children Jenny, Scott and Kip; two grandchildren; and one great-granddaughter.
Dixie Bob Gowin, MA ’52, of San Carlos, Calif., November 14, at 90. He earned a doctorate in philosophy from Yale and was a professor of philosophy of education for nearly three decades, retiring in 1990. In addition, he wrote several books, including Learning How to Learn and The Art of Educating with V Diagrams. Survivors: his partner, Virginia Pugliese; children, Sarah, Robin, ’80, and John; and ex-wife, Dorothy Bancroft-Gowin, ’50, MA ’52.
Charles Robert “Chuck” Marshall, MA ’58, of Ventura, Calif., January 4, at 86, of Alzheimer’s disease. A Korean War veteran, he taught elementary school for 39 years in Northern California, retiring from the Campbell School District in 1991. In retirement, he played piano for Broadway musicals put on by various schools in the San Jose area. He also sang in the Community Presbyterian Church choir and served as a church deacon. Survivors: his wife of 63 years, Edie; children, Kay Woodburn and Douglas; six grandchildren; and two great-grandchildren.
Byron Birdsall, MA ’60, of Anchorage, Alaska, December 5, at 78. He and his wife taught English in Uganda, where he started painting professionally. After returning to the States, he was hired as art director of a public television station in American Samoa. Two years later, he accepted a job as creative director for an advertising agency in Alaska. He fell in love with the area—the stunning beauty of the landscape and the people who lived there—and stayed for 41 years. He was predeceased by his first wife, Lynn. Survivors: his second wife, Billie Jean Winship; children, Joshua and Courtenay; stepchildren, Pamela Bell and Timothy Winship; two granddaughters; and six stepgrandchildren.
Engineering
John McCandlish Ross, MS ’53 (electrical engineering), of Wickenburg, Ariz., December 15, at 93. He served in the U.S. Army Signal Corps during World War II and earned his bachelor’s degree from Cornell U. Over the course of his career, he worked for Motorola, Goodyear Aerospace and Lockheed Martin, retiring in 1986. He was active in the Episcopal Church and as chair of IEEE and a board member of both the Stanford and Cornell clubs of Phoenix. He was predeceased by his daughter Wendy and one granddaughter. Survivors: his wife of 59 years, Donnie (Measday, ’53); children Pamela Plew and Taylor; three grandchildren; and one great-granddaughter.
James Blair Farison, MS ’61, PhD ’64 (electrical engineering), of Waco, Texas, January 19, at 78, of Alzheimer’s disease. Born on a farm in Ohio, he joined the faculty at the U. of Toledo in 1964. During his 34 years there, he served as dean of engineering and, in 1986, received a UT outstanding teacher award. After retiring from UT in 1998, he moved to Waco and became chair of the engineering department at Baylor U. He and his wife were longtime members of Westgate Chapel, and he helped out with Sunday school. Survivors: his wife of 55 years, Gail; sons, Jeff and Mark; four grandchildren; and four siblings.
Joe Clark Wilson, Gr. ’62 (electrical engineering), of Simi Valley, Calif., November 5, 2015, at 82. He was a Navy veteran, a Point Mugu civil servant for 26 years, lover of all things Western and spy novels, an aluminum can collector extraordinaire, a master fisherman in all bodies of water except Lake Casitas, a willing date for a granddaughter’s tea party, a holder of one patent in electronics, an extraordinary auto mechanic (if you owned a rotary Mazda) and a proud organ donor. Survivors: his wife of 56 years, Elinor; children, Mark, Kim Blackburn, Jane Posey and Paul; grandchildren; and three siblings.
Paul W. Pheneger Jr., MS ’64, PhD ’68 (electrical engineering), of Laramie, Wyo., December 19, at 75.
Pearl Tom Louie, Gr. ’67 (computer science), of San Francisco, November 11, at 93. She worked as a mathematician at NASA for more than 20 years. She enjoyed parties and family gatherings and, as an avid sports fan, she especially loved attending Stanford football games. She was predeceased by her husband, James. Survivors include her three siblings.
Karl William Schade, Gr. ’70 (mechanical engineering), of Safford, Ariz., January 13, at 70. After Stanford, he returned to the family business and served as general manager and president of the Southeastern Arizona Bottling Co. Stepping back from his active position in 2013, he turned to his interests in painting, playing the guitar, traveling in his RV and soaking up the beauty of the Arizona desert and mountains. He was a longtime member of the First United Methodist Church of Safford, serving in many leadership roles, was active in the Boy Scout program and volunteered as a youth basketball coach. Survivors: his wife of 49 years, Paula; children, Karl, David and Allison; nine grandchildren; his mother, Margaret; and one sister.
Wayne Robert Fuller, MS ’83 (computer science), of Oak Hill, Va., October 3, at 56, of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. He had more than 20 years’ experience in telecommunications and retired as VP of operations of Fluke Networks. During the 11 years he lived with ALS, he worked to raise money to find a cure for the disease and, in 2016, the D.C./Maryland/Virginia ALS Association created the Wayne Fuller Top Team Award in honor of his efforts. A dedicated and loving family man, he cherished family time and cheering for the University of Virginia, the Redskins and the Nationals. Survivors: his wife of 32 years, Kimberley; daughters, Jessica Heuther and Brittany; mother, Frances; and four sisters.
Humanities and Sciences
Virginia Miller Shaffer, MA ’39 (speech and drama), of Greenbrae, Calif., December 16, at 103. A graduate of Allegheny College and Yale U., she taught English, speech and drama at both the high school and college levels. Later, she taught a public speaking course to ophthalmologists at UCSF. She and her husband, a glaucoma specialist, enjoyed traveling to all parts of the world and being active members of their church, first in San Francisco and then in San Anselmo, Calif. She was predeceased by her husband of 68 years, Robert, MD ’39, and son William. Survivors include her sons John and Stuart.
Harry A. Bacas, Gr. ’49 (English), of Santa Rosa, Calif., November 17, at 94. A World War II veteran, he taught at Mills College before moving to Washington, D.C., where he joined the Evening Star (later renamed the Washington Star) as a copy boy and was promoted to reporter. As a union leader, he led the first successful strike at the newspaper in 1958. He went on to serve as editor of the Sunday magazine, the city desk and portfolio sections. An auto enthusiast and a cyclist, he competed in road rallies and enjoyed numerous cycling vacations in the United States and Europe. He was predeceased by his wife, Eliza. Survivors: his children, Hilary Bacas Vos and Alexander; stepdaughters, Eliza Wingate and Bridget McCoy; one grandchild; three stepgrandchildren; and two step-great-grandchildren.
Mary Louise Hale Rector, MA ’49 (Spanish), of Rochester Hills, Mich., December 5, at 94. An intrepid world traveler, she lived and worked in Morocco and Spain and had fond memories of climbing a pyramid in Egypt. In her career, she worked as a teacher and librarian. She and her husband lived in New York, North Carolina, California, Arizona, Spain, American Samoa, the Philippines and the Netherlands before setting in Illinois. Later, after moving to Utah, she enjoyed excursions to the Great Salt Lake and up the canyons. She was predeceased by her husband, Lee, and infant son Christopher. Survivors: her son Lou; and two grandchildren.
David Buchtel Cox, MS ’50 (chemistry), of Santa Rosa, Calif., September 29, at 89. He received his undergraduate degree from DePauw U. and a doctorate from the U. of New Mexico. His career included working for Mobil Oil Corp., Battelle Memorial Institute and Chem-Trend Inc. He was predeceased by his wife, Myrtle (Hammell, MS ’51). Survivors include his sons, Paul and Evan.
Evelyn Murphy Stretch, MA ’50 (speech and drama), of Belmont, Calif., November 4, at 93. Remembered for her kindness and joie de vivre, she loved traveling, the company of friends and family, music and all things Irish. She was predeceased by her husband, William. Survivors include her children, Sue, Terry and Rob.
Donald Aaron Neumann, Gr. ’53 (economics), of San Francisco, November 24, at 91. He served in the Army and enjoyed a distinguished career in economics and a long tenure as chief economist at Kaiser Engineers. His passions included skiing, classical music, hiking and spending time in Paris, and he truly savored every moment and experience.
Stanley Dean Johnson, MA ’61 (art), of Idaho Falls, Idaho, January 12, at 85. He was a veteran of the Korean War and worked as a salesman in insurance, the audio-visual field and art. A member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, he enjoyed fishing, design, sports, jazz music, cooking and gardening. Survivors: his wife of 59 years, Peggy; children, Deidre Warden, Bern and Seneca; five grandchildren; and eight great-grandchildren.
Henry E. “Hank” McGuckin Jr., PhD ’66 (speech and drama), of Santa Rosa, Calif., December 17, at 86. A Korean War veteran, he earned his doctorate while also pursuing a career as a singer. He ultimately chose the academic path and taught speech communications at San Francisco State U. for 33 years. Born to a family of labor organizers, he participated in the antiwar movement of the 1960s and the San Francisco State U. strike of 1969. After retiring, he became a gourmet cook and an avid runner. Survivors: his wife of 63 years, Jacqueline; children, Nadia and Eric; and two grandchildren.
Glenn John Heyer, MA ’69 (history), of Arlington, Va., December 3, at 71. He earned his law degree from Georgetown U. and served in the federal government for 30 years, primarily as general counsel for the Committee for Purchase from People Who Are Blind or Severely Disabled. Survivors: his wife, Carolyn; children, Charlie and Amanda; two grandsons; and one brother.
Jack Edmund Dixon, PhD ’70 (French), of Victoria, B.C., at 93. He grew up in England and joined the Royal Air Force in 1940. Once the war was over, he continued flying with the Oxford University Air Squadron and, after moving to Canada in 1953, he joined the Royal Canadian Air Force and served as a security officer with NATO in France. Returning home to Canada, he enjoyed a long and fulfilling teaching career at the U. of Winnipeg until his retirement in 1990. He founded and was active with the Vancouver Island Aircrew Association and was involved with the Canadian Forces Cadets. Survivors: his wife, Rika, and daughter, Jacqueline.
Robert Leo Hassur, PhD ’70 (biological sciences), of Chico, Calif., October 29, at 82, of Parkinson’s disease. He was a professor of biology at San Jose State U. from 1958 to 1991. Survivors include his wife, Dorothy.
Mark Pierson Pentecost III, Gr. ’86 (English), of Athens, Ga., January 16, at 64, of ALS. The birth of his first child charged his life with new meaning, and he shifted careers from academia to become a psychotherapist. He worked for many years at Family Counseling Services in Athens. An avid reader with an astonishing mental archive of authors and ideas, he could be counted on to share new perspectives on a wide range of subjects, especially psychology, philosophy and social issues. Most of all he loved his family and will be remembered for his wisdom, enduring humor and kindness. Survivors: his wife, Jane Howell; sons, Owen and Thomas; mother, Mrs. Mark Pentecost Jr.; and two sisters.
Law
William Julius Lasarow, JD ’50, of Studio City, Calif., November 22, at 94. He graduated from the U. of Florida and served in the Army during World War II. In 1973, he was appointed as a U.S. bankruptcy judge for the central district of California, where he served until his retirement. He was predeceased by his son, Richard, ’74. Survivors: his wife, Marilyn (Powell, ’50); daughter, Elizabeth Lasarow-Tozzi, ’77; and granddaughter, Samantha Lasarow, ’11.
Konstantine P. George, JD ’58, of Long Beach, Calif., January 20, at 85. He served in the Korean War and graduated from Claremont Men’s College, where he played on the 1954 undefeated Pomona-Claremont football team. After law school, he opened a law practice in Long Beach, which he ran for more than 50 years. He was a life member of the Long Beach Yacht Club and for many years was a senior emeritus member of the Virginia Country Club. Survivors: his wife, Deborah; daughters, Vicki Avila and Stephanie; and three grandchildren.
Medicine
Cleona May Opgrand Harman, MA ’48 (physical therapy), of Rancho Palos Verdes, Calif., December 25, at 96, of complications due to Alzheimer’s disease. She was proud of her home state of Minnesota and of her Norwegian heritage. She enlisted in the Army in 1944 and was assigned to a hospital unit in New Mexico, where she worked as a physical therapist with amputees. After receiving her degree from Stanford, she worked with polio patients in Los Angeles and with children suffering with cerebral palsy. Once her own children were grown, she became a real estate broker in the L.A. area. Active in the Lutheran Church and an accomplished clarinet player, she loved to read, especially poetry, and always placed the needs of others before her own. Survivors: her husband of 67 years, Ward, Engr. ’48, PhD ’54; children, Sharon, Lynda and Fredric, ’82, MS ’83; four grandchildren, including Allison, ’18; and two sisters.
Raymond Roger “Ray” Kauffman, MD ’51, of San Mateo, January 16, at 99. At just 8 months old, he and his 2-year-old brother were placed in foster care, where they remained for 12 years. Dreaming of someday becoming a physician, he earned a BS from UC-Berkeley, attended UCSF Dental School and was sent to the Philippines as a dental officer aboard a ship during World War II. Following medical school and a residency in plastic surgery, he used his dental training to become a maxillofacial surgeon. He maintained a medical practice for many years in San Mateo and Burlingame, and eventually became chief of surgery at Peninsula Hospital and president of the California Society of Plastic Surgeons. A crooner with his barbershop quartet, along with fellow doctors, he was also an avid golfer, a lover of animals and teller of funny stories. He was predeceased by his wife of 70 years, Patricia. Survivors: his children, Teresa, Antoinette, Raphael, Diane and Laurence; four grandchildren; one great-grandchild; and two brothers.
