Faculty
Kurt Mueller-Vollmer, PhD ’62 (German studies), of Palo Alto, August 3, at 91. He was professor emeritus of German studies and humanities. His areas of research included Romanticism, German-American cultural relations, comparative literature and translation studies. He made fundamental contributions to the study of the philosopher and diplomat Wilhelm von Humboldt, for which he was awarded the inaugural prize of the Wilhelm von Humboldt Foundation. In 2000, he received the Commander’s Cross of the Order of Merit of the Federal Republic of Germany. He also directed the graduate program in humanities and the Bing Overseas Program in Berlin. Survivors: his wife, Patricia Ann (London, MA ’58); and sons, Jan David and Tristan Matthias.
Dwight C. Miller, of Corrales, N.M., September 5, at 97. He was a veteran of World War II. From 1966 to 1995, he was a professor of art, specializing in Italian painting of the 17th and 18th centuries, with a particular emphasis on Marcantonio Franceschini, founder of the Bolognese Academy. In retirement, he traveled to Africa and Asia to promote wildlife preservation. He was a lifelong collector of Italian paintings, prints and drawings as well as California landscape painting. He was predeceased by his wife, Marion. Survivors: his children, David, ’73, Angela, ’76, Alicia, ’89, and Dwight Jr.; nine grandchildren; and three great-grandchildren.
1930s
Walter Guido Vincenti, ’38, Engr. ’40 (mechanical engineering), of Palo Alto, October 11, at 102, of complications from pneumonia. He was professor emeritus of aeronautics and astronautics. He served in the Navy during World War II and conducted early research on high-speed flight for Ames Aeronautical Laboratory and at the precursor to NASA. He did advanced work at Cambridge U. thanks to a Rockefeller Public Service Award, and then joined the Stanford faculty just before the Sputnik launch. He also studied the history of engineering and co-founded and directed the interdisciplinary program in science, technology and society. He was the recipient of the Leonardo da Vinci Medal in 1998, the Guggenheim Medal in 2016, Lloyd W. Dinkelspiel Award in 1983 and Stanford Engineering Heroes Award in 2019. He was predeceased by his wife, Joyce. Survivors: his children, Margi Vincenti-Brown, ’71, and Marc, MA ’96; two granddaughters; four great-grandchildren; and sister, Jeanne Vincenti Guichard, ’45.
1940s
Harry Holman Hicks Jr., ’43 (social science/social thought), of San Miguel de Allende, Mexico, June 28, at 99. He was a member of the polo team and Phi Kappa Sigma. He served as a pilot during World War II. After buying a landscaping company, he went on to found and serve as president of construction and development companies in California. He was known for being among the first environmentally conscious developers in California, and as an investor he assisted socially oriented entrepreneurs and start-ups. He was an avid polo player, world traveler and member of the Explorers Club. He pursued big game hunting and promoted international wildlife conservation efforts. He was predeceased by his first wife, Beatrice; second wife, Cecilia (Bergeda, ’44); and son, Roland. Survivors: his wife of 18 years, Dede Whiteside-Hicks; and two grandchildren.
Edith Jeanne Pomeroy Johnson-Smith, ’44 (biological sciences), MD ’48, of London, in September, at 96. She moved to England, where her husband had a long career in national politics. After raising her children, she returned to the medical profession and worked in the dermatology department of the Royal London Hospital. Her interests included classical music, opera, literature, gardening and horses. She was predeceased by her husband of 59 years, Geoffrey. Survivors: her three children and three grandchildren.
Alvin C. Rice, ’45 (economics), of Healdsburg, Calif., November 9, at 96. He was a member of Delta Upsilon. After returning from service in the Army Air Corps during World War II, he finished his degree and began a long career with Bank of America. His rise to vice chairman coincided with the bank’s rise in the financial industry. He also held leadership positions at Pacific Bridge Co., Imperial Bank, American Interstate Bank and First National Bank. He also served as a trustee of the San Francisco Museum of Modern Art and was a member of Stanford’s major gifts committee. He was predeceased by his first wife, Joan (Wonder Elliott, ’47). Survivors: his wife of 35 years, Susan; children, Becky MacGuire, Diana Moore and Ted, ’80; two stepdaughters, Cristin Cronin and Dana Ostermiller; seven grandchildren; two stepgrandchildren; and a great-granddaughter.
Eunice Margaret Erb Goodan, ’47 (English), of Pasadena, Calif., October 3, at 93. She was a longtime docent at the Los Angeles Museum of Natural History and helped to develop the Junior Arts Center at Barnesdall Park. She participated in several philanthropic organizations in the greater Los Angeles area; most recently she was a governor emeritus at the Huntington Library, Art Museum and Botanical Gardens. She was predeceased by her husband of 62 years, Douglas. Survivors: her three children, including Sarah, ’75, and Harry, ’81.
John S. Ehrlich, ’48 (economics), of San Francisco, October 25, at 93. He served in the Navy during World War II. Early work as a stockbroker and in banking led to his career as a creative marketing consultant. He served on the boards of Tay-Sachs Prevention Program, Aid to Retarded Children and other nonprofit and civic organizations. He supported his community by serving on the civil grand jury, Council on Children, Public Health Advisory Committee and the Pedestrian Safety Advisory Committee, and also supported individuals and institutions in the local art and music community. He was predeceased by his former wife, Delia. Survivors: his wife, Coleen; children, Jodi, John Jr., Jill and James; and four grandchildren.
Edward Perry French, ’48, MS ’50 (chemistry), PhD ’53 (materials science), of Santa Cruz, Calif., October 30, at 95. He flew 24 combat missions for the Army Air Force during World War II. He met his future wife while singing in the Memorial Church choir. He spent his career at Rockwell’s Space Sciences Laboratory and helped developed the ion rockets that are only now coming into use on spacecraft. In retirement, he enjoyed sailing on Monterey Bay and guiding tourists past the elephant seals as a docent at Año Nuevo reserve. He was predeceased by his wife of 65 years, Helene (Perham, ’46). Survivors: his daughter, Alison; six grandchildren; and sister.
Marion George Hamilton, ’48 (social science/social thought), of Arlington, Va., September 4, at 93. She played for the golf and tennis team and met her husband while working for the Boeing Corp. They married in Memorial Church. After raising their sons, she worked in banking and retail before becoming a tour guide for the State Department’s antique collection. She also served as a Stephen’s Minister and chaplain at Fairfax Hospital for critically ill patients lacking family support. She enjoyed golf, whitewater rafting, hiking and adventure travel to China, India and Tanzania. Survivors: her sons, Blake, Lance and Drew; and three grandchildren.
Dorothy Ray Lamar Corr Skelley, ’48 (physical therapy), of Azusa, Calif., September 27, at 93. She was a member of the tennis team and played the organ at Memorial Church. She earned a master’s degree in nursing from UC San Diego. She ran a polio clinic in Santa Clara, Calif., and directed health services at Riverside Community College. She also served on the Riverside Symphony Orchestra board for school music programs. She was a lifelong sailor and fan of Stanford sports, and helped found a Stanford Alumni Club in Riverside County. She was predeceased by her husband, Donald Corr, ’49, MD ’53. Survivors: her children, Catherine, Nancy and Philip; and four grandchildren.
1950s
Philip L. Bailey, ’50 (sociology), of Menlo Park, June 4, at 93. He was a member of Theta Chi. He served in the Army during World War II. He spent his career in sales, first for RCA and then for Continental Can Co. He was a lifelong fan of all things Stanford, especially the football team, and volunteered in retirement at the Stanford Hall of Fame. He loved classical music and was an avid tennis player. He was predeceased by his wife of 44 years, Erika. Survivors: his children, Janet, ’77, Jennifer and Bruce; four grandchildren; and sister.
Bernard L. Brickman, ’50 (psychology), of Encino, Calif., September 23, at 90. He rowed crew and met his first wife, Naomi Grossberg, ’51, at Stanford. He later earned an MD from the University of Paris (Sorbonne). He was a general practitioner at Kaiser Permanente, but devoted most of his career to psychiatry and psychoanalysis. He was actively involved with the peace and justice movements during the Vietnam and Iraq Wars. He also enjoyed travel, bird-watching, photography, biking, hiking, motorcycling, sailing and classical music. Survivors: his wife of 58 years, Pearl; children, Lawrence, Joshua Richman, Julianne Hall and Sid Richman; and three grandchildren.
Bruce Marshall Wyckoff, ’50, MS ’63 (civil engineering), of Redwood City, October 10, at 91. He was a member of Alpha Kappa Lambda and played flute in the marching band. He returned to Stanford for a master’s degree after serving in the Army during the Korean War. As an engineer, he spurred innovation in water and wastewater treatment while working for the university, the U.S. Geological Survey, Cal Water and Redwood City. He had a lifelong enthusiasm for folk dancing and was an avid photographer, traveler, hiker and sports fan, with a particular devotion to Stanford women’s basketball. Survivors: his wife of 68 years, Mary Ann (Hice, ’51); children, John, Donald, Jane Cella and Beth Smith; five grandchildren; and two great-grandsons.
Donovan Craven, ’51 (political science), of Bedford, N.Y., December 15, 2018, at 92. He served in the Navy during World War II. At Stanford, he was a member of the crew team. After Harvard Business School, he worked as a sales engineer for Alcoa. During the 1970s and 1980s, he worked with fellow Bedford residents to preserve the rural character and ecological health of their community. Survivors: his wife of 64 years, Avery; daughters, Mary Kelly and Catherine; three grandchildren; and great-granddaughter.
Lester E. Olson, ’51 (undergraduate law), LLB ’53, of Fallbrook, Calif., October 22, at 94. He worked in private practice until receiving a judicial appointment. After a year on the Los Angeles Municipal Court, he was appointed to the Superior Court and served for 20 years until his retirement in 1985. He was an avid skier and backpacker and loved construction, remodeling several of his houses by himself. Survivors include Patrick Anderson.
Joan A. Ward, ’51 (communication), of Santa Cruz, Calif., October 19, at 90. She was a member of Theta Sigma Phi and the Memorial Church committee. She spent two years in Ecuador with the Peace Corps. Her first job was in Switzerland; she later worked in public relations for the 1960 Winter Olympics in Squaw Valley and at KQED in San Francisco. She spent most of her career in the public information office of UC Santa Cruz as a writer, photographer and promoter of various academic divisions. She especially enjoyed introducing her nieces and nephews to opera, symphony, ballet and travel to Europe.
Joseph McCorkle Chez, ’52 (education), of Sacramento, Calif., October 27, at 88, of colon cancer. He was a member of Theta Chi and an All American pitcher for the baseball team. He was inducted into the Stanford Athletic Hall of Fame in 1975. After playing semi-pro baseball, he served in the Marine Corps and later had a career in life insurance. He was an accomplished amateur magician, served as president of the local chapter of the Society of American Magicians, and continued performing weekly in retirement. He was also an elder at Northminster Presbyterian Church. Survivors: his wife of 66 years, Doris (Graves, ’52); daughters, Karen, MS ’79, Leslie Tabernier and Alison Bowman; six grandchildren; and two great-grandchildren.
Mary Katherine Miles Morrison, ’52 (English), of Kohala Coast, Hawaii, October 13, at 89. She won the Historic Preservation Honor Award from the Historic Hawai’i Foundation for her writing. After raising her children, she set sail from Coyote Point on San Francisco Bay, roamed the South Pacific for five years, spent a decade living in French Polynesia and finally settled in Hawaii. Wherever she went, she remained an avid fan of Stanford football. She was predeceased by her first husband, Robert Bremner, ’49, MBA ’51, and her second husband, Richard Morrison, ’35, MD ’41. Survivors: her children, Robert, Elizabeth and James, ’83; stepchildren, Angus Morrison, PhD ’73, Mirra Morrison, MS ’91, and Rory Morrison; and grandchildren, stepgrandchildren and great-grandchildren.
Waldemar Seton III, ’52 (chemical engineering), of Portland, Ore., May 30, at 89, of progressive supranuclear palsy. He was a member of Phi Kappa Sigma. He first worked for Monsanto Chemical and Western Kraft. A position with Georgia Pacific brought him to Toledo, Ore., and then to Arcata, Calif., before his return to Portland. In 1975, he formed Seton, Johnson and Odell Consulting Engineers and remained with the group until retirement. He served his profession by chairing the combustible metals group of the National Fire Protection Association and his community by chairing the board of Oregon Episcopal School. His lifelong pursuits included fishing, bird hunting, traveling, tennis, golf and bridge. Survivors: his wife of 68 years, Patsy (Ball, ’54); children, Laurie, Debbie, Lynn and John; nine grandchildren; and nine great-grandchildren.
Ralph L. Wagner, ’52 (civil engineering), of Lake Arrowhead, Calif., August 15, at 89. He was a member of Delta Chi and NROTC. He served in the Naval Civil Engineering Corps during the Korean War. He later earned a master’s degree from USC. Among many other projects, he was involved in planning the utility and environmental systems for Walt Disney World. He founded an independent engineering consulting agency that completed numerous projects in Lake Arrowhead. He promoted various civic efforts and was named Lake Arrowhead’s citizen of the year in 1977. Survivors: his wife of 39 years, Ianita; children, Shelley, Rick, Peggy, Linda and Suzanne; three grandchildren; and 10 great-grandchildren.
Donald Lochead Cleland, ’53 (biological sciences), of Portland, Ore., October 7, at 87, of a stroke. He was a member of Alpha Kappa Lambda. He earned a master’s degree and MD at the U. of Oregon medical school (today Oregon Health & Science U.). As a captain in the Army, he directed the surgical program at Second General Hospital in Landstuhl, Germany. He practiced general surgery for nearly 30 years and taught surgical residents at OHSU, where he was professor emeritus. He served his profession and community on numerous hospital boards, committees and foundations. He enjoyed fishing and was a lifelong Stanford sports fan. Survivors: his wife of 60 years, Marilyn; children, Kathleen, Laurie Anne, ’83, Donald and Mike; three grandchildren; brother; and sister, Molly Cleland Ellis, ’61, MA ’63.
Frank Robert Nunes, ’53 (economics), of Pebble Beach, Calif., November 6, at 88. He was a member of Phi Sigma Kappa and the boxing team. With his brother, he co-founded a fresh produce company and built it into an industry leader. He served on numerous professional and civic boards, including the Western Growers Association, and was president of Central California Lettuce Co-op. For his service and philanthropic support of the SPCA and other organizations, he was honored with awards from the Grower-Shipper Association of Central California, the National Steinbeck Center, Community Foundation of Monterey County and United Way. He also enjoyed traveling, skiing, water-skiing, tennis and golf. He was predeceased by his companion, Marie Woerz. Survivors: his children, Bob Jr. and Kimberly; five grandchildren; and brother, Tom, ’50.
Mary Katherine Manning McCarthy, ’55, MA ’56 (education), of Los Altos, September 23, at 85. Her long-term work with the Assistance League of Santa Clara County included chairing a program for blind children, and she helped create an apartment complex for people recovering from illnesses at Stanford. She cooked and served meals for the Urban Ministry soup kitchen in Palo Alto. She was especially active as an art docent and volunteer art teacher for elementary schools and at the Legion of Honor and de Young art museums. She was also a devoted member of the choir at St. Nicholas and volunteer accountant at the Jesuit retreat house in Los Altos. She was predeceased by her husband, William, ’52, MS ’55, PhD ’66. Survivors: her eight children, her grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
Eric A. Wittenberg, ’55 (civil engineering), of Newport Beach, Calif., September 15, at 86. He was a member of Zeta Psi, ROTC and the basketball team. As co-founder of Wittenberg-Livingston, he developed and built homes throughout Southern California. He was past president of the state chapter of the Building Industry of America and was voted Builder of the Year in 1978. He was an avid scuba diver and also pursued adventure while fly-fishing in Kamchatka and Chile, traveling to New Guinea and Antarctica and exploring the wreck of the Titanic in a Russian submersible. Survivors: his former wife, Claudette Yeoman Shaw, ’56; wife of 38 years, Cynthia Easley Robinson, ’59; children, Eric, Carla Wilson, Tom, Brooke Meyer and Ben Robinson; nine grandchildren; great-granddaughter; and brother.
John Fulton Crutcher, ’56 (geology), of Sequim, Wash., September 2, at 85, of cancer. He was a member of Beta Theta Pi. He earned an MS in geology from UC Berkeley and worked in Alaska and Australia. His interest in Southeast Asia led to a position with the U.S. government as a China specialist. In this capacity, he moved with his family to Vietnam, Taiwan and Hong Kong. He also lived in The Hague, Netherlands and Brussels. As an avid sailor, he guided the development of the Aberdeen Boat Club and sailed with his son in the South China Sea Race from Hong Kong to Manila, Philippines. Survivors: his wife, Marie-Paule; former wife, Carol Davis; children, Anh Oppenheimer and John; two grandsons; and brother.
Emmet Wright “Jim” Luttrell Jr., ’56, MA ’57 (education) of Redwood City, September 10, at 85. He was a member of Sigma Alpha Epsilon and held the Stanford record in the 400-meter hurdles for 16 years. He was a high school teacher, athletics director and track and cross-country coach for 38 years; at Woodside High, he coached the girls’ track team to a state championship in 1984. To inspire future athletes, he led a summer municipal track-and-field camp for children. He enjoyed camping trips with his family and was a deacon and elder at Trinity Church in San Carlos, Calif. Survivors: his wife of 62 years, Rhoda; children, Jim, Rick, Sheri Siguenza, Linda Kiefer and Laura Perdikomatis; 10 grandchildren; two great-grandchildren; and stepsister.
Lennart A. Palme Jr., ’56 (Latin American studies), MBA ’58, of Santa Barbara, Calif., September 28, at 83. He spent his career in commodities trading, first in Chicago and then as founder of his own investment company in Santa Barbara. In retirement, he was an active member of Toastmasters and a docent at the Reagan Ranch Center. He was predeceased by his first wife, Esterly Osterhaus. Survivors: his former wife, Virginia Fischer; children, Cole, Pam and Chris; and two grandchildren.
Homer Theodore “Ted” Craig III, ’57 (political science), JD ’61, of Alameda, Calif., June 22, at 86, after a long battle with Alzheimer’s disease. He served in the Navy. As an attorney, he practiced in partnership and then in solo practice, where he specialized in family law. He was an avid sports fan and coach for his children’s teams and he enjoyed sailing, running, bicycling and playing tennis. He was also a devoted student of a wide range of spiritual practices, and together with his sister and others developed their own workshop, Agape, in the early 1980s. Survivors: his children, Carrie, Ted IV, Katherine, Andy, Eric, Kristen and Lara; and 12 grandchildren.
Victor Gus Kyriakis, ’57 (political science), of Millbrae, Calif., October 3, at 84. He earned a JD from UC Hastings. He was a city council member and served two terms as mayor of Daly City. He was a member of the American Hellenic Educational Progressive Association for more than 50 years and a longtime member of Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church in San Francisco. Survivors: his wife of 58 years, Stella; and children, Tina and Steve.
Gerald Forbes “Jerry” Bays, ’58 (sociology), of Sacramento, Calif., October 1, at 83, after a long battle with Parkinson’s disease. He was a member of Theta Xi. He served two years in the Navy on the USS Midway. After an initial career with Maxwell House Coffee, he became an investment counselor in Sacramento. His community service included membership on the boards of the Sacramento Symphony and the Sacramento Regional Foundation. He also enjoyed dancing, traveling, camping, fishing and Stanford events. Survivors: his wife of 58 years, Claudia; children, Derek, Heather, Hillary and Holly; and four grandchildren.
Loretta Ann “Lori” Reeves Keller, ’59 (history), of Pleasanton, Calif., September 29, at 81. She earned a master’s degree from George Washington U. She spent most of her career as an elementary school teacher. The teaching she most enjoyed was serving as a docent for more than 30 years at the Hirshhorn Museum and Sculpture Garden in Washington, D.C. Survivors: her husband, Alan, ’57, MS ’58; sons, Rick, MS ’93, and Carl; and six grandchildren.
Theodore H. Pope, ’59 (civil engineering), of San Luis Obispo, Calif., October 2, at 81. He was a member of Delta Upsilon. After graduation, he served in the Navy on board the USS Lexington and in Antarctica. He later worked in sales for Kaiser Cement and Raychem, then as a regional manager for the construction laser division of Spectra Physics. After management positions with Pacific Architects and Mirafi, a Parkinson’s diagnosis motivated him to retire, open a franchise of Wild Birds Unlimited together with his wife, and devote more time to birding and the Audubon Society. Survivors: his wife, Bonnie; children, Elizabeth Courteau and Jonathan; four grandchildren; and sister.
Thomas Brennan “Tim” Quinn, ’59 (history), of Los Angeles, September 28, at 82, of dementia and scoliosis. He was a member of Zeta Psi and the golf team. He made a career in golf, both in the U.S. and Japan, as a writer for Golf Digest, golf teacher and course designer. In 1980, he was awarded first place in the writing competition organized by the Golf Writers Association of America. Survivors: his wife, Ann (Mitchell, ’63); daughters, Ashley Quinn Postlewaite, ’87, and Barclay Blyle; two grandchildren; brother; and sister, Ann Quinn Clark, ’60.
1960s
James Marc Elster, ’60 (political science), of San Diego, September 15, at 88. He was a member of Sigma Nu/Beta Chi. He earned a master’s degree from American U. and also attended the Naval War College. He started his military service as an aviator and went on to command an air anti-submarine squadron and the naval air station on Guam. As a civilian research analyst in the 1980s, he was selected as a special assistant to the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff and helped formulate national defense strategy at the highest level. In retirement, he enjoyed restoring antiques, volunteering for Habitat for Humanity, giving swimming lessons to the children of the Special Olympics and playing bridge. Survivors: his wife, Carol; children, Colin, Christian and Jennifer; and four grandchildren.
Thomas D. Petersen, ’60 (biological sciences), of La Mesa, Calif., October 2, at 81. He was a member of Beta Theta Pi and the swim team. He earned his MD from Washington U. and helped advance the field of orthopedic surgery. As the founder of Alvarado Orthopedic Research, he held 31 patents for surgical instruments and other medical innovations. He was also a property investor and, with his daughter, co-founded a nonprofit tutoring service. Survivors: his wife, Mary Gail; children, Donald, Michael, Laura Nuno and Theresa Bozhor; eight grandchildren; a great-granddaughter; and two sisters.
Sue Ann Pullin Bailey, ’61 (English), of Salem, Ore., April 20, at 81. She focused her efforts on raising her children and managing the family business in Woodinville, Wash., for 40 years. Her interests included gardening, sewing, quilting, cooking, theater, travel and helping animals in need. She and her husband were active members of Cottage Lake Presbyterian Church in Woodinville, and she served as a deacon and an elder at the Salem First Presbyterian Church. Survivors: her husband of 59 years, Rod, ’59, MBA ’61; children, Elizabeth Earls, Ben and Will; three grandchildren; and sister.
Bradley Douglas Inman, ’62 (civil engineering), of Medford, Ore., August 30, at 78, of myeloid leukemia. He was a member of the crew team and Sigma Alpha Epsilon. He spent his career in construction management. He was a fellow in the American Concrete Institute and served a term as president of the American Society of Concrete Contractors. He was also instrumental in forming Green Springs Fire and Rescue. Survivors: his wife, CJ; children, Wayne and Tonya; seven grandchildren; and sister.
Barbara Lynn Behrend Rounds, ’62 (basic medical sciences), MD ’66, of Fair Oaks, Calif., July 5, at 85. She completed her Stanford degrees while a single mother of five children. After finishing her internship in New Orleans and residency in Ukiah, Calif., she focused on psychiatry and psychoanalysis, with additional training at UC Davis. She maintained a private medical practice in Fair Oaks for nearly 40 years. She was predeceased by her second husband, Arthur Root, and her son Mike. Survivors: her children Steve, Pam, Ron and Tahm; four grandchildren; two great-grandchildren; and three sisters.
Suzanne Lefranc Horney Sheppard, ’63 (art), of Bullhead City, Ariz., August 23, at 77, after a long battle with multiple sclerosis. She performed with the Dollies. She enjoyed a successful career as an artist, despite the limitations of her disease. In 2013, she had a solo show at the Architeqt Gallery in Philadelphia and participated in several earlier juried shows in New York and New Mexico.
Randolph Kaye Vahan, ’63 (history), LLB ’66, of Los Angeles, September 14, at 77, of cancer. He was a member of Delta Tau Delta and the rugby and football teams and president of the Law Association. He practiced law for 50 years and was on the board of the California Museum of Science & Industry. He also had a career in entertainment, appearing on The Tonight Show, in the movie Shrunken Heads and in several commercials. He enjoyed sports, dancing, cooking and golf. Survivors: his wife of 30 years, Susan; children, Katharine Meadows and Jonathan; two grandchildren; and sister.
Charles William “Chuck” Horton, ’64 (civil engineering), of Hayward, Calif., August 9, at 76, of Lewy body dementia. He was a member of Phi Kappa Sigma. He did three tours with the Naval Construction Battalions in Vietnam. After working for the family construction business and other firms, he opened his own business in 1982. As a general contractor, he renovated numerous hotels in the Bay Area. He loved science, astronomy and racing cars. Survivors: his daughters, Melissa, Erinn Kato, Gretchen and Kelsey; granddaughter; and brother.
Pierre Joujon-Roche, ’64 (communication), of Culver City, Calif., April 29, at 77. He was a member of Theta Xi. He earned an MBA in marketing from USC. During his many years of community service, he was involved with both the Los Angeles and Culver City Chamber of Commerce, Western Hemisphere Marathon, Lions Club and Culver City sister city committee. He also enjoyed traveling, skiing, playing golf and tennis, and cheering for the Stanford football and basketball teams. He was predeceased by his son, Gregory. Survivors: his wife of 44 years, Nancy; daughter, Aynee; and two grandchildren.
Philip Warren Arnold, ’67 (history), of San Francisco, September 6, at 74, of pancreatic cancer. He sang in the choir. He later earned a PhD in political science from the U. of Wisconsin–Madison. He worked for the city and county of San Francisco in public utilities, human services and other roles. With the Recreation and Parks Department, he served as acting director of the San Francisco Zoo. In retirement, he was on the governing board of the San Francisco Housing Authority and volunteered for the Bay Area Ridge Trail and the San Francisco Parks Alliance. The Phil Arnold Trail in Golden Gate Park was dedicated in February. Survivors: his wife of 33 years, Monique Zmuda; former wife, Stephanie Kelvin Prieto, ’69; children, Daniel, ’01, Paul Zmuda, Adrienne Bechelli and Misha Arnold; grandson; and brother.
Richard Farnsworth Goodale, ’68 (English), of Aberdour, Scotland, July 22, at 72, of metastatic adenocarcinoma. He played tennis, was a member of the Glee Club and Theta Chi and studied abroad in England. After eight years with Arthur D. Little, he guided organizations through strategic and organizational change as an independent management consultant. He developed a particular passion for golf and, in combination with his talents for writing and strategy, published books on Scotland’s top golf courses. He was predeceased by his daughter Lindsay. Survivors: his wife, Josie; daughters Caitlin and Melissa; and two siblings.
1970s
Maureen Roberta Sweeney Norgaard, ’70 (English), of San Marino, Calif., September 4, at 70, of cancer. She worked as a paralegal in San Francisco and Washington, D.C. She served her community as a volunteer in the San Marino schools, as a member of the Pasadena Guild for Children’s Hospital of Los Angeles and as an officer of the Pasadena Quarterbacks. Survivors: her husband of 47 years, Chris, ’70; children, Michael and Anne; and brothers, John Sweeney, ’68, JD ’72, MBA ’72, Robert Sweeney Jr., ’74, and Mark Sweeney, ’76.
Lawrence A. “Larry” Rosenzweig, ’70 (economics), of Iowa City, Iowa, July 31, at 70. He was on the basketball team and a member of Sigma Chi. He ran the family business before retiring to focus on community service as a board member for several charitable organizations. He also enjoyed sailing, especially on Lake Michigan. Survivors: his wife, Cynthia; daughters, Anna, Molly, Leah and Sofie; and four siblings.
Thomas Edgar Holliday, ’71 (political science), of Los Angeles, August 22, at 71, of complications from pneumonia. He was a member of Zeta Psi and the football and baseball teams. He earned his JD from USC and worked for Gibson, Dunn & Crutcher as a criminal trial lawyer for 35 years. He was a fellow of the American College of Trial Lawyers and was voted Criminal Defense Lawyer of the Year by the Century City Bar Association. He served on the boards of the Children’s Law Center, American Air Museum in Duxford, England, and the American Foundation for the Imperial War Museum in London. He was also a competitive weightlifter. He had recently been accepted into a master’s degree program in World War II studies. Survivors: his wife, Marci; children, Devon Holliday Pothier, ’99, and Thomas; stepdaughter, Jessica Merliss; five grandchildren; and four brothers, including Roy, ’78.
Thomas Armand “Tommy” Martinez, ’71, MS ’72 (civil engineering), of Seattle, November 5, at 70, of Lewy body dementia. He was a member of Phi Delta Theta. He founded and managed electric and contracting companies in San Diego, Salt Lake City and Seattle. Among the many adventures in his life, he particularly enjoyed skiing at Snowbird, sailing the Baja Ha-Ha and from New Zealand to Tahiti, summiting Mount Shasta, completing the Coast to Coast Walk in northern England, hiking the Tour du Mont Blanc and trekking the mountain ranges of the American West. Survivors: his wife, Emily; daughters, Maile, Alana and Kela; four granddaughters, including Luz, ’22; father, Marty; and two siblings.
Eric Richard Haas, ’73 (history), of Petaluma, Calif., October 20, at 68. He earned his JD from UC Hastings and practiced law with Burnham Brown in Oakland for 35 years. His interests included books, music, art, travel and the San Francisco Giants. Survivors: his wife, Rosmary; daughter, Allyson; and two brothers.
1980s
William Anthony “Bill” Aiello, ’81 (physics), of Vancouver, British Columbia, October 1, at 59, of cancer. He earned a PhD in applied mathematics at MIT. He worked at Bellcore and AT&T Labs in network security and cryptography research before becoming head of the U. of British Columbia computer science department. In this position, he helped develop UBC’s Academic Development Leadership Program to help incoming administrators build confidence and expertise as leaders. He was passionate about environmental protection, U.S. politics and Stanford sports, and he deeply loved his family and friends. He is survived by his wife of 36 years, Karen Parrish; children, Sam and Juliana; father, Frank; and four siblings.
Susan Lynn Garcia Baker, ’81 (international relations), of Aurora, Colo., September 6, at 60. She worked as a financial consultant. Survivors: her husband, West Twomey; mother, Phyllis Garcia; and two siblings.
1990s
James Kan-Chao “Jim” Foo, ’94 (economics), of Philadelphia, August 10, at 47, of complications from amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. He earned an MBA in finance from NYU. He worked first for Ernst & Young, then at Bryn Mawr Capital Management. In 2017, he and a partner founded an investment firm, Tournus Capital Partners. His interests included world travel, collecting fine wines and the films of Alfred Hitchcock, but he was especially passionate about sports and an avid supporter of Stanford athletics. Survivors: his wife, Elizabeth; children, Cassandra, Vivienne and Kent; mother, Susanna; and brother.
Business
David Pershing Hull, MBA ’47, of Santa Barbara, Calif., July 26, at 101. He flew 145 missions as a Navy fighter pilot in World War II. He worked for Merrill Lynch for 33 years in Houston, where he became a vice president and branch manager. In retirement, he enjoyed playing golf and tennis, acting (including a part in The Two Jakes) and writing. He was predeceased by his wife, Diana, and son Bennett. Survivors: his children, David, Holiday Cowan and Margaret Wright; stepchildren, Marcy Burton and Allison Boomer; five grandchildren; two stepgrandchildren; and one great-grandchild.
Richard Joseph “Dick” Dunn, MBA ’56, of San Francisco, October 29, at 95. He served in the Army during World War II and was awarded a Purple Heart and Bronze Star. He spent his career as an investment counselor with Scudder, Stevens and Clark and retired as partner. As a member of the Sovereign Military Order of Malta, he organized a pilgrimage to Lourdes and participated personally 23 times. He was elected president of the Order’s Western Association and to the Order’s sovereign council. For his community and church service, he was knighted at the Vatican as a Knight Commander with star of the Order of St. Gregory the Great. He was predeceased by his wife, Marygrace. Survivors: his children, Richard, Marianne Daly, Anthony, Noelle Petersen and Gregory; nine grandchildren; and two brothers.
Rolf Erik Westgard, MBA ’57, of St. Paul, Minn., May 20, at 89. He served in the Army. After a brief position with Burroughs, he moved to 3M and spent much of his career working on classified imaging products for the U.S. government. He became proficient in both French and Japanese and also pursued interests in astronomy and Mayan history. In retirement, he enjoyed golf and remained actively engaged with the Lions Club, in Democratic politics, as a Big Brother and a lecturer for the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute. He also served on the session at Macalester Presbyterian Church and was a trustee for Metropolitan State U. Survivors: his wife, Lindy (Wells, ’55); children, Erik, Richard, Lisa and Karen; and eight grandchildren.
Donald Warren Peterson, MBA ’58, of Portola Valley, Calif., September 5, at 88, of secondary sideroblastic anemia. He served in the Navy. He spent his career in finance and retired after 20 years as chief financial officer of Morgan Equipment Co. in San Francisco. He had a lifelong love for ice cream and jazz music. He was predeceased by his son, Michael. Survivors: his wife, Nancy (Simons, ’59, MS ’61, MA ’75); daughter, Karen Peterson-Iyer, ’88; and five grandsons, including Chris Iyer, ’22.
Steven C. Brandt, MBA ’65, of Palo Alto, April 26, at 82, of a stroke. He served in the Coast Guard. He founded and led several business ventures, worked as a management consultant and served on the boards of international companies. He brought this experience into the classroom as a senior lecturer at the Stanford Graduate School of Business, where he taught for 21 years. He also published three books on management and entrepreneurship. In retirement, he and his wife enjoyed sailing and running a farm on San Juan Island in Washington. He was predeceased by his wife of 58 years, Judy, ’82. Survivors: his sons, Eric and Peter; three grandchildren; and brother.
Joseph Edward Sandberg, MBA ’71, of Wilmington, Del., September 8, at 70. He worked for 25 years as a computer specialist at DuPont and for 17 years as a database designer for Arkieva, a supply chain software company. He enjoyed sailing, skiing, reading and doing crossword puzzles, and he traveled extensively in Europe and Africa. Survivors: his wife of 26 years, Maureen; and sister.
Jack Borden Smyth, MBA ’75, of Houston, August 30, at 72, of coronary artery disease. He was a serial entrepreneur in the field of computer software. He loved skiing, playing tennis and driving fast cars, but was especially devoted to his daughters. Survivors: his wife, Linn; and daughters, Khrysti Barry, Karen Skinner and Maclean Gerding.
Earth, Energy and Environmental Sciences
Horace Edward “Ed” Tolle, MS ’56 (geology), MBA ’64, of Barrington, Ill., October 11, at 85, of congestive heart failure. He served in the Air Force. He held leadership positions in administration, marketing, and travel management at Exxon and United Airlines. In retirement, he continued to represent the airline’s retirees and devoted himself to church service in the form of fund-raising for Advocate Good Shepherd Hospital. Survivors: his wife of 62 years, Jean (Bashor, ’55, MA ’56); children, Jeff and Anne; and five grandchildren.
Education
Merton Thomas Jones, MA ’51, of Daly City, Calif., October 9, at 95. He taught biology and chemistry for 33 years at his alma mater, George Washington High School in San Francisco. He enjoyed volunteering, square dancing and golf. He was predeceased by his wife, Catherine, and daughter Gwen. Survivors: his sons, Jeff and Garrett; five grandchildren; and great-granddaughter.
Theresa Wai Tow Leong, MA ’63, of Foster City, Calif., July 21, at 91. She taught math for many years at Field Moore Academy in Burlingame, Calif., and then at San Mateo High School. She later had a career in accounting with Varian. She enjoyed taking long walks, gardening and lifelong learning. She was predeceased by her husband, James. Survivors: her sons, Douglas and Reynold; and five grandchildren.
Jack Dean Christensen, PhD ’73, of Fresno, Calif., at 92. He served in the Navy during World War II. He taught in the history department at Fresno State. His passions included photography, travel, foreign languages and especially literature and music. He also enjoyed following college football, cooking and caring for his backyard orchard. He was predeceased by his wife, June, and son Dean. Survivors: his children, Eric and Lane; eight grandchildren; sister; and stepsister.
Engineering
Homer J. Olsen, MS ’49 (civil engineering), of Gig Harbor, Wash., October 20, at 95. He served in the Army Air Corps during World War II. He worked as area manager at Peter Kiewit before founding his namesake company in 1963. He contributed to more than 200 construction projects, including major highway, river and water infrastructure projects. He established scholarships at several universities, including Stanford, to return the support he received as a student. He was predeceased by his second wife, Alice Joyce Deyoe. Survivors: his first wife, Janet Whitehead, Gr. ’49; children, Mary Kelly, Barbara Curtis and Robert; grandson; and two siblings.
Henry George Prosack, MS ’61 (mechanical engineering), of Fairfax, Va., October 30, at 90. His career in the Air Force included service in the Vietnam War. As a civilian, he worked as an engineer with Vitro Systems and Delex Systems, primarily focused on Navy defense programs. He was also a youth football and baseball coach for many years. Survivors: his wife of nearly 70 years, Frances; children, Kathleen, Carl, Eugene, Joan and Henry; 10 grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.
Paul Jonathan Young, Gr. ’68, of Arlington, Tex., September 9, of heart failure. He had more than 45 years of civil and environmental engineering experience, specializing in water quality management, computer modeling and regulatory compliance. He participated in numerous national water professional associations and taught water quality studies at the U. of Texas at Arlington and Manhattan College. In retirement, he became editor and publisher of a journal on autism and Asperger’s syndrome. He was an active Kiwanis member and served on the board of Shepherd of Life Evangelical Lutheran Church in Arlington. He was predeceased by his wife, Nancy Riney. Survivors: his wife, Lyn; four stepchildren; six stepgrandchildren; and sister.
Roy Don Dodson, MS ’80 (civil engineering), of Spring, Tex., December 10, 2018, at 63, of Parkinson’s disease. He established his own civil engineering and hydrology firm in 1983. As a member of Champion Forest Baptist Church, he sought to use his talents to serve the Lord through the church. Survivors: his wife of 38 years, Pamela; children, Alana Harrison and Bradley; and grandson.
Humanities and Sciences
James Edmond Furman, MA ’70 (history), of Los Angeles, February 24, at 71, after a long illness. He earned a master’s degree from Church Divinity School of the Pacific, an Episcopal seminary, and was ordained a priest in 1974. He assisted at several churches in Los Angeles and in the Diocese of San Diego before becoming rector of St. Peter’s Church in Honolulu. His most recent service was as rector of St. Nicholas’s Church in Encino, Calif. He published articles on church issues and a book on Christian education. He also served as chaplain of the Canadian Society of Southern California and president of the Inter-Anglican Study Program, and was a member of the Confraternity of the Blessed Sacrament.
Caroline Matheny Dillman, MA ’76 (sociology), PhD ’79 (education), of Roswell, Ga., September 30, at 92, of Alzheimer’s disease. She taught sociology at Agnes Scott College, then moved to Reinhardt College where she also directed off-campus programs and continuing education. She served as president of the Roswell Historical Society and on the board of the Alpharetta Historical Society. She wrote prolifically on education, sociology and genealogy, and launched her own genealogical press in 1990. She was predeceased by her husband, Frederick. Survivors: her children, Cynthia Meyers and Sandy Santra.
Mark Louis Von Hagen, MA ’81 (history), PhD ’85 (history and humanities), of Tempe, Ariz., September 15, at 65, following an extended illness. He was Bakhmeteff Professor of History and chair of the history department at Columbia U. before accepting a position at Arizona State U., where he was founding director of both the School of Historical, Philosophical and Religious Studies and the Office of Veteran and Military Academic Engagement. He also served as dean of the philosophy faculty of the Ukrainian Free U. in Munich. His numerous publications focused on modern Russia and Ukraine. He was an outspoken advocate of human rights and defender of dissidents, including support for the LGBTQ community. He served terms as president of the Association for Slavic, East European, and Eurasian Studies and of the International Association for Ukrainian Studies. Survivors: his spouse, Johnny Roldan-Chacon; and brother, Luke.
Law
Donald W. McMurchie, LLB ’49, of Sacramento, Calif., September 9, at 97. He served in the Army Air Corps during World War II. In 1952, he and a Stanford classmate founded Files and McMurchie, a firm that continues today as Lenahan, Lee, Slater, Pearse and Majernik. In his 40-year practice of law and additional consulting work in retirement, he advocated for local government agencies and was responsible for the creation of many recreation and park districts in Sacramento. He was passionate about history, classical music, long drives on back roads, and travel with his wife and friends, but he saw his family as his crowning achievement. He was predeceased by his wife, Doris. Survivors: his sons, David, Paul and Stephen; five grandchildren; and three great-grandchildren.
George Edward Stephens Jr., LLB ’62, of Edina, Minn., October 11, at 83. After practicing with other firms, he joined Paul, Hastings, Janofsky and Walker and headed the probate and trust department for 35 years. In retirement, he pursued interests in golf, skiing, bridge, music and art. He was a docent at the Huntington’s Chinese Garden and was on the board of the Armory Center for the Arts. Family and friends were his greatest source of happiness. Survivors: his wife of 54 years, Gretel; children, Thad, JD ’96, Mary Stephens-Levy and Ned; five grandchildren; and two brothers.
Walter Michael Uhrman, LLB ’65, of Encino, Calif., October 12, at 78. He worked as a lawyer in Los Angeles. He lived with a diagnosis of multiple sclerosis for 46 years, all the while maintaining close relationships with friends from school and his havurah. Survivors: his wife, Judy; five daughters; and 12 grandchildren.
Medicine
Robert Alvin Fairbanks, MA ’84, of Norman, Okla., June 4, at 74. His education included a JD, MBA and master’s degrees in four fields.
He retired with the rank of colonel after a decorated career in the Air Force. His civilian career included teaching law and political science and work as a medical negligence attorney. As a member of the Leech Lake Band of Ojibwe, he was an advocate for Native American rights. He published numerous works on Native American sovereignty and constitutional law issues, promoted educational preparation and opportunities for Native American students and was founding editor of the American Indian Law Review. He also enjoyed fishing with his children and grandchildren, coaching softball and serving as a Scout leader. Survivors: his wife of 52 years, Linda; children, Chele Crosby, Kim, Robert II, Michael, Richard and Joseph, ’05; eight grandchildren; and six siblings.
