Faculty
Jonathan B. Bendor, of Stanford, November 6, at 75. During his 45 years at Stanford Graduate School of Business, he was a professor of political economics and organizations and a senior fellow at the Hoover Institution. He was known for highly original theoretical works on organizational norms, design, and performance. He fundamentally shifted thinking in his field by using psychologically grounded models of human behavior to understand how organizations and institutions function. He taught at the GSB and in Stanford’s Public Policy Program and was a founding faculty member of the department of environmental social sciences, where he helped to create its PhD program. Survivors: his wife of 44 years, Linda; sons, Josh and Ben; four grandchildren; and brother, Daniel, MD ’71.
Phyllis Irene Gardner, of Stanford, September 10, at 75, of a heart attack. She was a professor of medicine and the associate dean for education at Stanford Medicine. She was the first to discover that an ion channel gene that causes cystic fibrosis—CFTR—is present and functional in immune cells. Her research improved understanding of how the disease affects the immune system and helped lay the groundwork for a new generation of gene therapy programs for cystic fibrosis. She later guided the development of novel drug-delivery systems as a clinical pharmacologist and spearheaded an overhaul of Stanford’s medical school curriculum. Survivors: her husband, Andrew Perlman; children, Nicola and Jay Perlman; four grandchildren; and two siblings.
Gerald Ernest Paul Gillespie, of Scottsdale, Ariz., July 20, at 92. He was professor emeritus of German studies and of comparative literature. He was a renowned scholar who published extensively about Germanic influences on some of the West’s most formidable writers, including James Joyce, Thomas Mann, and Marcel Proust. His subjects ranged from how writers approached biblical teachings to classical tragic theater to great German works. He published or edited more than 20 books, served on the editorial boards of numerous academic journals, and earned prestigious fellowships, including those from Fulbright, Guggenheim, Mellon, and the National Endowment for the Humanities. Survivors: his wife, Adrienne; and brother, James.
Daniel Vernon Madison, of Pacifica, Calif., October 9, at 69. He was a professor in, and associate chair of, the molecular and cellular physiology department at Stanford Medicine. With an expertise in electrophysiology of the hippocampus, he measured electrical activity to study how cell connections change and what happens when the process goes wrong. His laboratory developed tools to record the signals neurons send to each other, and used that data to investigate how communication between neurons is affected by age and disease. He numbered among the world’s most influential neuroscientists whose work led to groundbreaking discoveries in learning and memory. Survivors: his former wife, Sasha; children, Jessica Madison Pískatá and Eric; granddaughter; and three siblings.
Todd Iversen Smith, of Palo Alto, September 24, at 85. A member of the Stanford community for nearly 60 years, he was a professor (research) of physics, emeritus, who helped develop the free electron laser (FEL), a tunable laser capable of producing powerful, precise bursts of coherent radiation, a technology now used worldwide for purposes ranging from imaging proteins to conducting surgery. He published dozens of papers on FELs, superconductivity, and experimental accelerator physics, and was a clever, playful mentor to generations of graduate students. Upon retiring, he volunteered with local repair cafés, fixing everything from clocks to heaters. Survivors: his wife of 55 years, Sandy; sons, Kevin and Alex; four grandchildren; and sister.
Nolan Ryan Williams, of Northern California, October 8, at 43, by suicide. He was a professor of psychiatry and behavioral sciences and the creator of the Stanford Accelerated Intelligent Neuromodulation Therapy, or SAINT, which in clinical trials offered relief to 80 percent of patients with treatment-resistent depression. The FDA-approved, noninvasive therapy uses a device with an electromagnetic coil to stimulate neurons with rapid, intermittent pulses to the targeted spot. He also led studies of Special Operations veterans with symptoms of PTSD and traumatic brain injury that improved through the use of ibogaine—a drug that is illegal in the United States. Survivors: his wife, Kristin Raj, MD ’11; children, Autumn and Hendrix; mother; and brother.
1940s
Leonard James Levy, ’44 (economics), of San Francisco, October 25, at 103. He served as a second lieutenant in the Army and worked as a licensed real estate broker for more than 40 years. A passionate fisherman, he fished wherever he could, from Mexico to Alaska, and devoted much of his retirement to enjoying the sport. He will be remembered for his warmth, curiosity, resilience, and love for his family and friends. He was predeceased by his wife of 53 years, Loretta. Survivors: his children, Katherine and Matthew; and three grandchildren.
Sabra Kranzfelder Driscoll, ’47 (economics), of Palo Alto, July 19, at 100. She was on the Stanford Daily staff. She and her husband, who met hashing at Lagunita Hall, hosted hasher reunions at their home for over 40 years. Before having children, she attended graduate school at San Jose State and nearly earned a teaching credential. She was active in the Stanford Club, AAUW, PTA, Allied Arts Guild, and Grace Lutheran Church, and she enjoyed hiking, tennis, gardening, painting, and photography. She was predeceased by her husband, John, ’48; and son Michael. Survivors: her children, Zoe Driscoll Schirmer, ’73, MA ’74, Will, Barb Larsen, and Mia; nine grandchildren, including Melissa Schirmer Egbert, ’09, MS ’09; and 11 great-grandchildren.
Jean Mary Robertson Jones, ’49 (biological sciences), of Modesto, Calif., June 15, at 97. An extremely active community member, she belonged to Omega Nu and PEO, played bridge whenever possible, and volunteered widely, including reading with children at elementary schools and working in the garden at Centenary Methodist Church. She loved nature, birding, and her cabin in Pinecrest. She was predeceased by her husband of over 60 years, Jack, ’49, JD ’51, and daughter Shellie. Survivors: her daughters Linda Ewing and Dana Dempsey; six grandchildren; and nine great-grandchildren.
1950s
Hal Samuel Needham, ’50 (social science/social thought), of Escondido, Calif., August 7, at 96. He earned several medals for valor as a Marine in the Korean War. During a successful career in business, he rose to vice president of investments at Dean Witter (now Morgan Stanley). He was a lifelong golfer and music lover who also enjoyed travel, cooking, and the arts. He was intelligent, kind, generous, and remarkably youthful in spirit well into his 90s. He was predeceased by his first wife, Nele. Survivors include his second wife, Carol; and stepdaughter, Anneke Seley, ’80.
Wilma Marie Creps La Perle, ’52 (economics), of Bakersfield, Calif., October 13, at 95. She grew up in a farming community and remained actively involved in her family’s rice farm throughout her life. Nominated to testify before a U.S. House Armed Services Subcommittee in Washington, D.C., she helped effect the return of farmland taken from her family and other farmers to establish Beale Air Force Base during World War II. She loved holiday gatherings, spirited discussions, and traveling. She was predeceased by her husband of 46 years, George, ’50, MS ’52; and sons Stephen and John. Survivors: her children, Julie Bradford, Irene Wilkins, George, David, and Thomas; seven grandchildren; two great-granddaughters; and sister, Irene Creps, ’56.
Margaret Adele Gairdner Snow, ’52 (English), of Los Angeles, November 17, at 94. She opened the Johnson & Johnson Pharmaceutical Company’s first West Coast sales offices in downtown Los Angeles and Palo Alto. She later enjoyed a career at Associated Students UCLA (ASUCLA), ultimately serving as the director of the UCLA Student Union and Student Support Services. She was a mentor to hundreds of UCLA undergraduates, graduate students, and administrators, many of whom became lifelong friends. She was a member of UCLA’s Order of the Golden Bruin. She was predeceased by her husband, Clayton. Survivors: her children, Merian, ’78, Margaret Sengstaken, David, ’80, and John; and four grandchildren.
Marjorie Isabel Horchitz Telleen, ’52 (education), of Altadena, Calif., October 12, at 95. She was in the ski club. Her green thumb and love of nature made her an exceptional gardener and a dedicated art and garden docent for more than 40 years at San Marino’s Huntington Library. She was a gifted cook and warm hostess. She had a cheerful spirit and boundless energy and always provided a helping hand, especially at the Episcopal Church of Our Saviour. Survivors: her husband of 73 years, Sherm, ’52, MBA ’56; children, Kenneth Hnottavange-Telleen, ’76, MS ’76, Karen, ’78, and Cindy; five grandchildren; and five great-grandchildren. She predeceased her sister, Annabelle Horchitz Dahl, ’55, by one month.
Julie Evan Holway Pickrell, ’53 (social science/social thought), of Indianola, Wash., September 2, at 93, of heart failure. She performed with the Stanford Chorus at the San Francisco Opera. After working as a dental hygienist, she became a lawyer with an expertise in labor and environmental law. While raising a family, she pursued a wide range of interests, from knitting and gardening to feminist politics. Stanford gave her a broad basis for understanding and pursuing social justice in her community, as well as numerous lifelong friends. She was predeceased by her husband, Keith. Survivors include her children, Mardie O’Connor, Emily, Gary, Jim, and Brian.
Jean Lea Reed Ward, ’53 (art), of Palm Desert, Calif., August 23, at 94, after a long illness. She was on the crew team. She was an avid sailor in her youth, most famously racing against actor Humphrey Bogart. As an adult, she sailed with world-class Star boat and America’s Cup skippers. She was deeply involved with philanthropic organizations in the Newport Beach area. In Southern California, she and her husband had a ranch with an orchard and animals. She traveled extensively, visiting six of the seven continents. She was predeceased by her husband, Edward, ’53. Survivors: her daughters, Calene Fleurke and Lea Bobadilla; four grandchildren; six great-grandchildren; and brother, Thomas Saftig, ’79.
Donald Herbert White, ’53 (economics), MBA ’58, of Medford, Ore., January 11, 2025, at 93, of congestive heart failure. He was a member of Alpha Sigma Phi. He served in the Navy. His career spanned leadership roles at the Northrop Corporation and the Hughes Aircraft Company in Southern California, where he served as president in the 1980s. He served on numerous corporate and civic boards and was honored with MIT’s Corporate Leadership Award in 1984. He was an avid golfer and fisherman, skilled photographer, music lover, and storyteller. He is survived by his wife of 71 years, Jan; children, Marleigh, ’80, and Spencer; four grandchildren; and three great-grandchildren.
Louis Ernest Jones Jr., ’54 (biological sciences), MA ’55 (education), of Roseville, Calif., September 14, at 92. He was a member of Kappa Alpha. He formed Jones Enterprises Inc., sold steel industrial buildings, and invested in real estate. After marrying, he became a teacher and then the assistant superintendent of the Grant Union High School District. He served for years on the Placer County Fair Board. He was a rugged individualist committed to his family, friends, and his beloved home in Roseville. Survivors: his wife of 68 years, Mary; children, Susan McAtee, Debbie Tarke, Louis III, and Jeff; 10 grandchildren; five great-grandchildren; and sister, Martha Jones Romero, ’60.
Vera Alexei Maradudin Olmsted, ’54 (international relations), of San Rafael, Calif., October 16, at 93. She was a member of Sigma Kappa. A gifted pianist and harpsichordist, she taught at the College of Marin, performed with chamber ensembles, and worked with Youth in Arts, the Marin Youth Orchestra, and the Marin Symphony. She was commodore of the Inverness Yacht Club. An avid reader and an enthusiastic traveler, she fostered Russian-American cultural exchanges and was known as “Mama Vera” among poets and artists. She was predeceased by her husband, Richard, ’52, MA ’54. Survivors: her children, Katherine Shannon, Paul, and Nina; and twin brother, Alex Maradudin, ’53, MS ’54.
Richard Remmel Rutter, ’54 (biological sciences), of Emerald Hills, Calif., September 20, at 92. He was a member of Alpha Tau Omega and played water polo. He earned a dental degree from the University of the Pacific, practiced orthodonture in Palo Alto for 25 years, and taught at UOP for 52 years. He became the first chair of the UOP’s Graduate Orthodontics Residency Program, shaping generations of orthodontists at a time when fewer than half of the country’s orthodontics programs offered graduate degrees. He was an avid historian who made a tradition of inviting dental residents to see his vast Wizard of Oz and Sherlock Holmes collections. Survivors: his wife, Joanne; children, Karen Weber and Jim, ’86; five grandchildren; and great-grandson.
Myles Renver Berg, ’55 (physics), MS ’56 (electrical engineering), of Palo Alto, July 28, at 92. Over the course of his career, he worked at San Diego Gas & Electric, SRI International, Aerospace Corporation, MIT Lincoln Library, and Lockheed Missile & Space. His contributions ranged from electromagnetic research and radar tracking to missile-defense systems and digital signal processing. During the Cold War era, he led teams developing technology to counter threats, briefed government officials, and pushed the boundaries of electronic warfare. For helping to advance national security and aerospace technology, he was recognized with Lockheed’s highest honor, the Robert E. Gross Award for Engineer/Scientist of the Year. Survivors: his wife, Carol; four children; five grandchildren; and six great-grandchildren.
Annabelle Lee Horchitz Dahl, ’55 (history), of Pasadena, Calif., November 8, at 92. At Stanford, she was an active Rally Com member who delighted in creating stadium card stunts. A lifelong learner, she passed the bar exam at age 50 and worked as an estate and family law attorney while dedicating significant time to the Legal Aid Society. Stanford connections remained vital, particularly through a 45-year membership in the Stanford Women’s Book Club and collaborating on Class Notes. She and her husband skied and played tennis well into their 80s. She was predeceased by her husband, David, ’53, MD ’56. Survivors: her children, James, Susan, Gregory, and Janet; and seven grandchildren.
Herbert Dorsey Atkinson, ’56 (education), of Exeter, Calif., June 18, at 91. He was a member of Alpha Tau Omega and played football and rugby. He served in the Army’s 101st Airborne Division. He devoted his career to farming and helped lead farming business organizations by serving as a director of the Sierra Citrus Association and as a district delegate of the Cling Peach Association. Devoted to his community, he was president of the EUHS Booster Club and the Kiwanis Club and a Presbyterian church elder. He played golf and tennis, and loved to ski on water and in the snow. Survivors: his wife of 66 years, Nancy; sons, Kirk, David, and Troy; and eight grandchildren.
William Lander Tooley Jr., ’56 (economics), of Ketchum, Idaho, September 20, at 91. He was a member of Alpha Delta Phi. He was a Naval Reserve communications officer. After earning an MBA from Harvard, he worked in his family’s hotel operations—the Pickwick and Knox Hotels—before focusing on commercial real estate development. He joined the Murdock Development Company; co-founded Ketchum, Peck & Tooley; and later established Tooley & Company, which managed millions of square feet of office space in Southern California and San Francisco. He was a jazz enthusiast and deep-sea fisherman who found his greatest joy in the outdoors. Survivors: his wife of nearly 60 years, Reva (Berger, ’54); sons, William, Patrick, MBA ’98, and James; and five grandsons.
Belinda Ricklefs Besag, ’57 (history), of Oakland, November 7, at 89. She was a computer programmer at Lockheed and a bookkeeper for KPFA, and she worked on movement and dance with the New Shakespeare Co. of San Francisco. Beginning in 1975, she became a ballroom dance and Lindy hop instructor, founding Sunday Swing at the Lake Merritt Dance Center and Live Oak Park. She enjoyed writing stories about her life and family and caring for a series of beloved cats. Survivors: her step-siblings, James Somerville and Joyce Tombre; and nieces, Lucinda Mercer, ’78, and Annette Mercer.
Mary Hasselle Robinson Bewley, ’58 (French), ’59 (education), of Eatonville, Wash., July 24, at 88, of congestive heart failure. She taught French in the U.S. Air Force dependent school in Japan for three years, and math and science to fourth graders in the Eatonville School District’s gifted program for 26 years. She was a parishioner of Christ Episcopal Church of Puyallup, active with 4-H, a master gardener, a talented floral designer, and president of the Dogwood Garden Club. She loved playing bridge and traveling. She was predeceased by her son Sam. Survivors: her husband of 66 years, Dan; children, Deborah Price, Thomas, PhD ’99, and Karen Bewley Trujillo, ’98; and seven grandchildren.
Louis James Hopkins, ’58 (electrical engineering), of Seattle, May 3, at 88. He was a member of Alpha Kappa Lambda and played baseball. He worked at the Ampex Corporation, capturing data related to early NASA and Department of Defense missions, and at Simmons Precision, seeking high-accuracy measurement data for Boeing. He founded Northwest Technical Corporation, a sales engineering business focused on optics and light measurement in service of the growing high-tech industry in the Pacific Northwest. He oversaw the family wheat and canola farming operations as well as family-owned apartment buildings in St. Louis. He was predeceased by his wife, Marilyn. Survivors: his sons, Randall and Jordan; five grandchildren; and companion, Jean Free Bolton, ’58.
James Fredrick Kleerup, ’58 (mechanical engineering), of Highlands Ranch, Colo., September 12, at 89. He co-founded Peripheral Business Equipment, which manufactured computer peripherals and went public as Pertec. He branched out into facilities development, construction, and management for several companies, then worked for the Los Angeles County Office of Education as the maintenance and operations officer for more than 100 facilities. He earned community service recognition from numerous organizations, including the Boy Scout Council of Orange County, Planned Parenthood, and Stanford. He was scoutmaster of Troop 850 for 21 years, guiding hundreds of boys and mentoring 62 Eagle Scouts. Survivors: his wife, Ginger (Austin, ’59); children, Eric, ’84, and Marjorie; and three grandsons.
Suzanne Marie Hardgrove Murchison, ’58 (French), of Sacramento, Calif., September 24, at 89. As a mother with three young children, she moved with her husband to Hawaii, where she immersed herself in activities and became a leader with the Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts. Returning to Sacramento, they built their forever home and opened a travel agency dedicated to student tours in Europe. She was fiercely devoted to family and providing opportunities to enrich her children’s lives. She was predeceased by her husband, Donald, ’58. Survivors: her children, Timothy, Allison Malecki, ’82, and Andrea; six grandchildren; and four great-grandchildren.
Vicki Bever Cox, ’59 (English), of San Francisco, October 11, at 88, of Alzheimer’s disease. She received her teaching degree from Radcliffe College and taught in public schools in Boston and California. When the family moved to Paris, she embraced French culture and language and forged lasting friendships. After moving to Minneapolis, she was an active member of the Minnesota and national Planned Parenthood boards and supported other charities dedicated to women’s causes. She loved traveling, piano bars, dancing with her husband, and reading to her grandchildren. Survivors: her husband of 66 years, David, ’59; sons, Brian, ’86, MBA ’93, and Carson; and seven grandchildren, including Elena, ’21, India, ’22, and Sophia, ’24, MS ’25.
Patricia Gayle Engasser, ’59 (basic medical sciences), MD ’62, of Palo Alto, October 12, at 87. She was a clinical associate professor of dermatology at Stanford and at UCSF School of Medicine. She also practiced at Kaiser Permanente for 30 years. She published over 35 papers, earned numerous awards, served on the board and executive committee of the Academy of Dermatology, and was a renowned lecturer at conferences and universities in South America, Asia, Europe, and across the United States. In 1991, Stanford awarded her the Gold Spike, the university’s highest honor for volunteer service. She was a trailblazer who paid it forward by mentoring many young doctors. Survivors: her daughter, Christina Rooke Jones, ’90; and two grandchildren.
Grant Knute “Gary” Hagestad, ’59, MS ’60 (civil engineering), MBA ’64, of Campbell, Calif., October 26, at 88. He was a member of Sigma Alpha Epsilon. He co-founded Estate Homes, a homebuilding business he expanded to include Estate Homes of Dublin, Estate Homes of Fairfield, and Estate Homes of Vacaville. The Estate Homes companies have built more than 1,500 single-family homes throughout the Bay Area. He loved hiking, traveling, and watching football. He was predeceased by his first wife, Patricia Graham Smith, ’60; and son, Erik, ’88. Survivors: his wife, Betty Nelson Gravdahl; daughters, Jeanne, ’85, Colleen Carscallen, and Lori Poujol; six grandchildren; eight great-grandchildren; and sister, Laura Hagestad Stallone, ’63.
Emory McCrea Lee, ’59 (biological sciences), MA ’64 (history), of Cupertino, Calif., November 18, at 88. Choosing to devote his career to public service, he started by working with troubled youth in San Francisco’s Chinatown before joining the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). He spent the next 40 years at HHS, eventually serving as executive officer and acting regional director in San Francisco. He was a co-founder and board member of the Chinese Culture Center, Chinese for Affirmative Action, and the Stanford Asian Pacific American Alumni Club. He was inducted into Stanford’s Multicultural Alumni Hall of Fame in 2014. Survivors: his wife of 65 years, Ayleen, JD ’81; children, Randall and Marceline; and five grandchildren, including Maya, ’25.
1960s
David Earle Smith, ’60 (chemical engineering), of Princeton, N.J., and Palo Alto, December 28, 2024, at 86. He was a chemical engineer at FMC Corporation who was highly respected for his knowledge and problem-solving skills. He had many hobbies, including hunting, playing tennis, and riding horses. He also enjoyed skiing at Dodge Ridge, trout fishing in Pinecrest, fly-fishing on the Klamath and Eel rivers, and spending time at The Wooley Camp. He loved to travel, hike in the redwoods, and share meals with his friends. Survivors include his nephew, Douglas.
Jean Carr Trimble, ’60 (nursing), of Red Bluff, Calif., October 4, at 98, of Alzheimer’s disease. She was one of the first single mothers admitted to Stanford and later earned a master’s in public health from the UCSF. She was a founding faculty member of the nursing department at De Anza College in 1966. She retired in 1990 having trained hundreds of nurses and contributed to the program’s national reputation. After relocating to Red Bluff, she worked as a psychiatric nurse for Shasta County Mental Health. She was predeceased by her former husband, Lloyd; son Thomas Turkisher; and grandson. Survivors: her children, Bonnie Hale, Linda Turkisher, Edward Turkisher, Teresa Glynn, and Amy Carroll; seven grandchildren; and five great-grandchildren.
Robert William Hayward, ’61 (biological sciences), of La Cañada Flintridge, Calif., November 8, 2023, of Alzheimer’s disease. He was a member of Beta Theta Pi. After medical school at UCLA and an internship and residency at Yale, he completed a diagnostic radiology residency at Stanford and became an assistant professor of radiology. He later took a position at O’Connor Hospital in San Jose while continuing to guest lecture at Stanford. He and his second wife traveled and lived internationally for many years. He was predeceased by his first wife, Lana (Caffey, ’62); and second wife, Ruth (Sutherlin, ’61). Survivors: his daughters, Erica and Wendy; stepsons, Gregory and Sean Finney; two grandchildren; and three stepgrandchildren.
Sheila Ann Wiese Kober, ’62 (history), of San Mateo, Calif., August 31, at 84, of Alzheimer’s disease. She earned a master’s degree in design and owned her own interior design business, working on numerous embassies and private residences in the Washington, D.C., area. She enjoyed playing golf throughout her life. Survivors: her sons, Chris, ’86, and Derek, ’89; and four grandchildren.
Harry Luhn Sheehy, ’62 (economics), MBA ’65, of Chicago, August 24, 2024, at 92. His business career included roles at Standard Oil Company; Cresap, McCormick and Paget; and Citizens Savings and Loan Association, where he was vice president of human resources. In his 40s, he attended dental school at Northwestern University (NUDS). He opened a practice in Michigan but eventually returned to NUDS, where he spent 12 years as a dental professor. He also launched the university’s dental practice management program, which became the Division of Practice Management. He was a lector and Eucharistic minister at Old St. Patrick’s in Chicago, and founded the parish’s first finance committee. Survivors include his wife of almost 50 years, Carolyn.
Robert Leroy Spence, ’62 (mechanical engineering), of San Mateo, Calif., November 10, at 85. He was a member of Phi Kappa Sigma and played water polo. He served in the Navy on the USS Blue and taught at the Nuclear Power School in Vallejo. He later joined the family real estate business and became general partner of Borel Place Associates. He was a board member, director, or president of numerous organizations, including Mills-Peninsula Hospital and the San Mateo Family Service Agency. He belonged to the Bohemian Club for 51 years. Survivors: his wife, Kristi (Cotton, ’63, JD ’81); children, Brooksley, Kimberley Shapiro, ’98, Alexander, and Jonathan; five grandchildren; two stepgrandchildren; and two siblings.
Edward Sporl Tucker, ’62 (biological sciences), of Essex, Conn., March 7, 2025, at 84. He was a member of Delta Kappa Epsilon and on the Chaparral staff. He attended medical school before serving on submarines during the Vietnam War. Then he completed psychiatry and neurology fellowships at Yale and joined a small practice in Essex, where he remained for 47 years. He treated over 12,000 patients, driven by his love of medicine, kind nature, and sense of humor. He was a ranked tennis player in New England, ran 11 marathons, finished his first Ironman Kona in 1984, and founded a triathlon series in Connecticut. Survivors: his wife, Jeanne-Yvonne Ager; and son, Ike.
Charles Martin Hartwig, ’63 (electrical engineering), of Livermore, Calif., in February 2025, at 83. He was a member of Alpha Tau Omega and played football. He worked in the aerospace industry at Lockheed Martin before earning a PhD in physics and electrical engineering at USC. He spent 35 years at Sandia National Laboratories working across a range of projects. He was a science lead on the Accelerated Strategic Computing initiative, which maintained some of the world’s most powerful supercomputers. He loved road-trips throughout the West, hiking, camping, and cross-country skiing. Survivors: his wife, Doris “Khabira” (Allred, ’64); children, Gunthar and Johanna; five grandchildren; and brother, Robert, ’65, MS ’67.
Robert John Burt, ’64 (physical science), MS ’66 (geology), of Menlo Park, September 19, at 83, of cancer. He played basketball and tennis. After doing mineral exploration with the Duval Corporation in Canada, he worked as a U.S. Geological Survey hydrologist for 30 years, with postings to Tacoma, Wash., Honolulu; Washington, D.C.; and Menlo Park. While in D.C., he collaborated with a project manager at the World Bank to show government officials in Assam, India, how to construct bamboo wells to irrigate crops during drought, a significant development for that region. Survivors: his wife of 57 years, Rebecca (Kendall, ’69); children, Rebecca, Emily, ’97, and Jeffrey; and six grandchildren.
Roger William Green, ’64, MA ’69 (history), of San Francisco, November 4, at 83. After attending Harvard Law School, he practiced law for 40 years, primarily in the civil service with the Navy. A passionate follower of the arts, he was a longtime season ticket holder of the San Francisco Ballet and frequently volunteered during Nutcracker season. He was also an avid collector of antiques, with more bright, colorful Handel lamps than tables on which to put them. Survivors include his cousins, Nita Carter, Kay Freeman, Joan Gill, and Carol Parkinson.
Nancy Van Dyne Fleming, ’65 (nursing), of Westmont, Ill., January 19, 2024, at 80, of ovarian cancer. She earned a master’s in maternal/child nursing at UCSF, and a master’s in nurse midwifery and a PhD in women’s health at the University of Illinois Chicago. She was a general practice nurse, educator, Lamaze instructor, researcher, author, and women’s health counselor, and was most proud of her role as a certified nurse-midwife (CNM), delivering almost 1,000 babies and leading the charge to secure hospital credentials for CNMs in Illinois. She loved to travel and shared her passion for adventure with her grandchildren. Survivors: her husband, Robert Smallwood; children, Kristin Danzinger and Karin Rohn; and four grandchildren.
Bernard Allan Mayer, ’65 (statistics), of Chicago, September 12, at 82, of pancreatic cancer. He was in the marching band. He served in the Army. He worked in technology at the Northern Trust Bank for over 30 years. He spent many years preparing food for the Hope’s Table ministry. A lifelong lover of baseball, he regularly attended Chicago White Sox games and maintained an impressive collection of baseball cards. He was an avid rock climber and skier in his younger years, and cherished traveling with his family (whether to a national park, Africa, or Europe). Survivors: his wife of 45 years, Kathryn; children, Laura Carter and Brian; and three grandsons.
Donald DeFraga, ’67 (economics), of San Francisco, July 28, at 79, of heart failure. He was a member of Delta Chi. After graduating from Rutgers Business School, he became a consultant at Arthur Andersen & Co. He moved into real estate and property investment, first with Colonial Realty and later with Coldwell Banker, with detours he took along the way that included importing the “Skate-Cycle” and co-owning the bar-restaurant Greeley’s. He was a film buff known for his generosity and infectious laugh. Survivors include his nephew, Matthew.
Roberta Marie Williams Robertson, ’69 (music), MA ’70 (education), of Los Altos, September 22, at 77. For 43 years, she worked across the Los Altos School District, teaching vocal music, orchestra, strings, brass, and guitar to more than 30,000 students. After retiring in 2012, she devoted herself to travel (including to Russia, China, and Scandinavia), gardening, ballroom dancing, playing piano, swimming, walking the neighborhood, and spending time with her grandchildren and friends. She was the life of the party, and her smile could light up any room. Survivors: her husband of 50 years, Frank, ’65; children, Angela and Anthony; and three grandchildren.
Louis Edward Wolcher, ’69 (history), of San Clemente, Calif., November 7, at 78. He was a member of Alpha Kappa Lambda and played baseball. He graduated magna cum laude from Harvard Law School. He was a distinguished scholar, philosopher, and professor of law at the University of Washington School of Law for more than 30 years. He lectured before the European court of human rights, earned Fulbright scholarships to teach in Slovenia and France, and was a visiting professor around the world. He published four books, loved golf, and had a wonderful sense of humor. Survivors: his wife, Susan (Haluk, ’72); children, Sarah Wolcher Schneider, ’96, and Edward; and five grandchildren, including William Schneider, ’28.
1970s
Raymond John Anzelc, ’70 (psychology), of Los Angeles, March 11, 2025, at 76.
Steven Anthony “Tony” Edwards, ’70 (English), PhD ’81 (religious studies and humanities), of Pittsburgh, May 5, 2024, at 75, of Parkinson’s disease. He earned a master’s degree from UC Santa Barbara. An emeritus professor of philosophy of religion at the University of Pittsburgh, he chaired the department for several years and was a faculty member of the Program in Cultural Studies. Survivors: his wife, Lisa Kerestesi; son, Miles; stepson, Alec Kerestesi; and three siblings.
Richard Glenn Davito, ’71 (biological sciences), of Brookfield, Wis., August 16, 2024, at 75, of lung cancer. He graduated from the University of Illinois Rockford School of Medicine and practiced general orthopedics in the Milwaukee area for 34 years. He was an avid fisherman, adventurous traveler, die-hard Green Bay Packers fan, and longtime Corvette owner. He loved entertaining friends and family in the summer on his pontoon boat at Okauchee Lake, Wis. Survivors: his wife of 52 years, Cindy; son, Brandon, ’99; and two grandchildren.
Arthur Charles “Charlie” Hoffman Jr., ’73 (history), MBA ’76, of Fremont, Neb., November 23, at 74, after a short illness. He was editor-in-chief of the Stanford Daily. He founded and led five companies, including, for the last 34 years, Medical Armor Corporation, the second leading supplier of protective cut-resistant gloves for surgeons. A champion of the Daily, he served as board chairman of the Stanford Daily Publishing Corporation, board president of the Friends of the Stanford Daily Foundation (which he helped to found), and was in the inaugural class of the Stanford Daily Hall of Fame. Survivors: his wife of 44 years, Jane Martin-Hoffman; sons, A.C., John, Andy, and Joey; and six grandchildren.
Linda Pearl Hooker Pudalov, ’73 (undeclared), of Parker, Colo., October 21, 2024, at 73, of pancreatic cancer. After suffering injuries from a motorcycle accident requiring extensive occupational therapy, she returned home and enrolled at Colorado State University. Inspired by the physical and occupational therapists who had helped her, she chose to major in occupational therapy. She worked as a therapist for head injury rehabilitation and eventually offered therapy to patients in their homes. A convert to Judaism, she was active in the temple as a sisterhood volunteer, assistant treasurer, and board member. She was an early environmentalist and loved boating and RV-ing with her husband. Survivors: her husband of 49 years, Mitch; children, Emily and Eric; and sister, Karen Hooker Michalak, ’69.
Mary Kathryn Clarke, ’75 (biological sciences and English), of Lehi, Utah, October 12, at 72, of Parkinson’s disease. She earned an MD from the University of Texas Southwestern and practiced as a forensic and surgical pathologist. She had an abiding love for animals and was a nature enthusiast. She and her longtime partner were patrons of the San Diego Zoo and the Sierra Club. She was predeceased by her partner, Bruce Hauswirth. Survivors: her children, Carolyn Stevenson and James Wigginton, JD ’13; seven grandchildren; sister; and former husband, Scott Wigginton, ’75.
Ben Clark Scheible, ’75 (political science), of Reno, Nev., April 17, 2024, at 71. He was on the track and field team. He attended McGeorge School of Law and practiced in California until 1995, when he left the law to become a teacher. He earned accolades from students and colleagues and was named Teacher of the Year multiple times. He loved history, abandoned buildings, dad jokes, TV marathons, buffets, exploring Nevada’s ghost towns, and visiting the monuments in Washington, D.C. Survivors: his daughters, Melanie, ’11, Kimmy Scheible Ambrose, ’13, MA ’13, and Danielle Lemke; three grandchildren; and two sisters.
David Lee This, ’75 (economics), of Brea, Calif., September 23, at 72, of cardiopulmonary arrest. He spent his career in management and development with the Automobile Club of Southern California. In 1980, he rode his bicycle from his home in Fullerton, Calif., to Washington, D.C. Survivors: his wife of 50 years, Carol; children, Evan and Alison; and two grandchildren.
Joan Elizabeth Trusty, ’77 (English), of Birmingham, Mich., November 17, at 70. She was an accomplished attorney for over 40 years and, as the first female lawyer hired by EDS, a pioneer for other female lawyers. She was an avid gardener, interior decorator, reader, published author, teacher, mentor, leader, and traveler who visited all seven continents. She was a faithful member of Sanctuary Church in Birmingham, where she led Bible study classes, served in a variety of church leadership positions, and skillfully led the renovation of the church building and interiors. Survivors: her husband, Scott Moore; daughter, Paige Moore; and grandson.
Richard Metcalf Bowles Jr., ’78 (mechanical engineering), of Coeur d’Alene, Idaho, July 9, at 68, of pancreatic cancer. He was on the crew team. He began his career at Hewlett Packard, then worked for over three decades at Intel, where he led some of the company’s most important projects, including developing USB and Intel’s first mobile processors. He was one of EE Times’ Top 100 Most Influential People in Semiconductors. In retirement he founded bTech Ventures and co-founded the CARM Safety Foundation to make gatherings and schools safer. For 50 years, he honored veterans by playing taps. Survivors: his life partner, Barbara Schoeffler; children, Alexandra Crotty, Ryland, and Taylor; five grandchildren; and brother.
Patwin Eugene Peckham, ’78 (human biology), of Aliso Viejo, Calif., September 2, at 69. He was on the sailing team.
1990s
Carl Alexander Wescott, ’90 (symbolic systems), of San Francisco, July 7, at 58. He had an extensive career in technology and business, leading the creation of scalable, secure, highly available, mission-critical software systems that were intuitive to use. He was the founding CTO of GoingOn Networks, which provides an on-demand private academic social network for students and faculty. Previously, he was a top executive at companies including ZoomSystems, CriticalArc Technologies, and Tritonic. The companies he worked with raised tens of millions of dollars in venture capital. He was most recently based in Dubai. Survivors: his sons, A.G., C.M., and D.; parents, Ward and H.M.; and sister.
Clarisse Beauregart Perrette, ’91 (English and political science), of Chicago, January 21, at 55, of cancer. She was on the Stanford Daily staff. She worked as an associate producer on a film before moving to Washington, D.C., and joining AOL, where she helped launch one of the first matchmaking websites. After moving to New York and studying at the School of Visual Arts and the Art Students League, she became a full-time artist, making brilliant and colorful work about the struggle between everyday needs and the desire to create meaning. She was actively engaged with causes focused on the environment, education, and the arts. Survivors: her husband, Larry Freed; daughter, Adelaide Freed; parents, Virginia and Jean; and three siblings, including Virginie-Alvine, ’89.
Sunil Kumar “Sonny” Singhania, ’94 (computer science), of Los Angeles, June 26, at 52. He was in the Sanskriti Club. He was an accomplished physician and educator, a huge sports fan, and a devout husband, father, and son. He was a kind and patient teacher of many subjects, from clinical medicine to skiing, and was an active member of the Viennese Ball Opening Committee as an undergraduate. A group of his Stanford friends gathered over the alumni reunion weekend to remember him and celebrate the power of friendship. Survivors: his wife, Nupur Kumar; daughters, Prianna and Anya; and parents, Ram, MS ’69, and Aruna.
2000s
Alison Kiehl Friedman, ’01 (political science), of Kamuela, Hawaii, October 5, at 46, of colon cancer. She was in the 6th Man Club. She advanced civil rights at People for the American Way, navigated national security issues as district director for Representative Jane Harman, and founded the Alliance to Stop Slavery and End Trafficking. Appointed by President Barack Obama to monitor and combat trafficking, she championed international anti-slavery efforts, launched SlaveryFootprint.org, and co-authored a U.S. executive order banning exploitative recruitment practices. Her leadership contributed to the resolution of a hostage crisis in Pakistan. Survivors: her husband, Mark Waner; daughter, Olivia; parents, Kristina and Robert; and sister, Anne, ’05.
2010s
Daniel Aaron “Danya” Naroditsky, ’19 (history), of Charlotte, N.C., October 19, at 29. He was a chess teacher and commentator who achieved the title of grandmaster at 17. At the time he died, he was ranked No. 22 in the world in bullet chess. He was a resident grandmaster and head coach at the Charlotte Chess Center and had more than 600,000 combined followers on his Twitch and YouTube channels, where he livestreamed games and guided viewers through notable plays. He published two books and was a chess columnist for the New York Times. Survivors include his mother, Elena Schuman; and brother, Alan.
Business
Jonathan Edwards Slater, MBA ’62, of Santa Fe, N.M., January 21, 2025, at 88. He was a beloved and masterful English teacher. He was department chair and house dean at Newton South High School in Massachusetts, head of New York City’s Little Red School House and Elisabeth Irwin High, and head of The Latin School of Chicago, Shady Hill in Cambridge, Mass., and Saint George’s in Spokane, Wash. In retirement, he volunteered in high schools, guided graduate classes at Harvard, and helped Kitchen Angels deliver meals to homebound residents. He was predeceased by his wife, Karen. Survivors: his children, Kristin Slater-Huff, David, Melanie, and Andrew; and six grandchildren.
Robert Bostwick “Bear” Beim, MBA ’70, of Atherton, Calif., August 26, at 82. He was a first lieutenant in the Army. He specialized in tax and financial planning at Arthur Andersen before co-founding Beim & James, a real estate firm that developed, acquired, and managed commercial properties across the western United States. He was later the managing director of Woodside Asset Management and continued his investment career at Osborne Partners Capital Management. Deeply committed to education and health care, he was on the board of directors at Lucile Packard Children’s Hospital for over a decade. Survivors: his wife, Nancy Cummings-Beim; children, Tucker, Carter, and Margaret; six grandchildren; and brother.
John Robert Hardwick, MBA ’70, of Los Altos, September 25, at 84, of cancer. He served in the Air Force and worked on the camera for the U-2 spy plane. With an abiding interest in computer science, he spent much of his career as a self-employed computer software developer. An avid amateur ham radio operator, he erected a 30-foot ham radio antenna at his home. After business school, he took an 11,000-mile driving tour of Europe and eventually visited 70 countries during his lifetime. Survivors: his wife of 58 years, Gloria; daughter, Heather Hardwick Rhodes, ’97; and grandson.
Steven George Gillis, MBA ’77, of Thousand Oaks, Calif., August 28, 2024, at 78, of kidney disease. He served in the Navy. He worked in medical sales for several major companies and opened and managed two major medical diagnostic facilities in Ventura County, Calif. He also worked as an independent consultant and owned and operated a staffing business. He was a longtime Amateur Radio Club member, teaching classes in Morse code and fostering interest in electronics. Survivors: his wife, Gail; children, Kristin Gillis-DeSanto and Andrew; and four grandchildren.
Engineering
James Clifford de Broekert, MS ’55, Engr. ’57 (electrical engineering), of Cupertino, Calif., August 12, at 95. From 1955 to 1969, he worked as a research engineer and lecturer in systems techniques laboratories at Stanford, where he was responsible for research and development of programs for electronic military applications. He also taught courses in electronics and solid-state circuit design. He co-founded Argo Systems in 1969, founded Advent Systems in 1978, and was selected as one of 46 pioneers of the National Reconnaissance Office after 40 years of service. While working in the radar systems group of North American Aviation, he helped develop airborne radar displays and range tracking computers. Survivors: his wife, Maria, and a multitude of children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.
Gary Judson Smoot, MS ’57 (civil engineering), of Yakima, Wash., October 21, at 95, after a stroke. He served in the Navy. As pioneers in controlled atmosphere cold storage, his family business, Smoot Brothers Construction, contributed to the livelihood of the fruit industry and the economy of the Yakima Valley. He also helped farmers in Chile construct warehouses to extend the longevity of their crops. He was an expert skier, mountaineer, fisherman, golfer, tennis player, sports car driver, and small-plane pilot. He and his wife climbed all the major peaks in Washington state. He was predeceased by his wife of 61 years, Virginia; and son, Gary Jr. Survivors: his daughter, Kim Gasenica; three granddaughters; two great-granddaughters; and brother.
John Norton Stallard, MS ’61 (mechanical engineering), of San Jose, September 6, at 88, of complications from Parkinson’s disease. He was a captain in the Army, stationed at White Sands Missile Range in New Mexico. After his military service, he moved to San Jose and worked at IBM for 32 years. For a decade during his retirement, he worked at the local hardware store. He was active in the local neighborhood association and volunteered at the trolley barn in San Jose History Park as a repairman and host. Survivors: his wife, Sally; and children, Michael, Teri, Barbara, and Richard.
Barry Herman Schechtman, MS ’64, PhD ’69 (electrical engineering), of San Diego, October 5, at 82, of Parkinson’s disease. During his career at IBM, he made significant contributions to the fields of magnetic recording materials, read/write head design, and device architecture. He then became the executive director of the National Storage Industry Consortium, an organization uniting leading U.S. companies and universities in storage research. There he oversaw groundbreaking collaborations on next-generation recording heads, media, tribology, and servo systems. He found joy in travel and treasured gathering with friends and family. Survivors: his wife, Marjolaine Tourangeau; children, Christiane, Robert, and Andrew; and five grandchildren.
Claude Cordell Green, MS ’65, PhD ’69 (electrical engineering), of Los Altos Hills, February 12, 2025, at 85, of pneumonia. He was a pioneer of modern computer science and artificial intelligence. He helped create the ARPANET and was one of the first DARPA program managers for artificial intelligence and speech understanding. He earned the Grace Murray Hopper Award for establishing the theoretical basis for logic programming. In 1981, he founded the Kestrel Institute to foster exploration and collaboration among scientific researchers. He also spearheaded the establishment of the annual New Directions in Software Technology conference. Survivors: his wife, Christine; children, Jeffrey, Laura, MFA ’12, and Nicholas; four grandchildren; and sister.
Gerald B. Stringfellow, MS ’66, PhD ’68 (materials science and engineering), of Salt Lake City, October 3, at 83. After working in the Solid State Research Laboratory at Hewlett Packard, he became a pioneer in LED technology and dean of the college of engineering at the University of Utah. His research was key in developing light-emitting diodes, or LEDs. His numerous honors include election to the National Academy of Engineering and National Academy of Inventors, and he was especially proud to receive the prestigious Frank Prize from the International Organization on Crystal Growth. Survivors: his wife of 63 years, Barbara; children, Anne Brookman, Heather, and Michael; four grandchildren; and two siblings.
Donald Maurice Kaplan, PhD ’68 (computer science), of Vancouver, British Columbia, November 20, 2024, at 84, of pneumonia. He taught at the University of Toronto and York University, consulted for Fortune 500 companies, and launched a tech company focused on thin-client computing before co-founding a publishing company catering to the cruise line industry. A visionary in hospitality, he opened the original Mr. Greenjeans, Ginzberg and Wong, Hot Jam, and Bagel Nosh in Toronto, and Malibu Jack’s in Ottawa. He wrote a science fiction novel and loved classic cars, Brioni suits, a double Stoli with tonic and lime, and perfectly grilled steak. He believed in saying yes and saw adventure as a way of life. Survivors: his wife, Laura; children, Deborah and James; and stepson, Alexander Mullen.
Nicholas Philip Sands, PhD ’93 (electrical engineering), of Sausalito, Calif., March 5, 2025, at 67, of glioblastoma. He earned his bachelor’s degree in physics from Oxford. He enjoyed a distinguished career in electrical engineering and high-speed digital communications. Known for his hard work, dedication, and innovation, he made significant contributions to the industry and was granted 19 U.S. patents. He was passionate about sailing, racing, and taking long voyages with his wife. He was actively involved with the Sausalito Yacht Club, where he served in various leadership roles and was well known as the emcee of Trivia Night. Survivors: his wife, Renee Linde; son, Robert; parents, Phil and Shirley; and sister.
Humanities and Sciences
Hall Leinster Crannell, PhD ’64 (physical science), of Damascus, Md., September 8, at 89, after a long illness. From 1967 to 2001, he was a physics professor at the Catholic University of America. He was the principal investigator on numerous National Science Foundation grants, researching nuclear structure using intermediate- and high-energy electrons and photons. He was an American Physical Society fellow and served on several nuclear science advisory committees. He had a passion for equity and was a strong advocate for women in science. His travels took him all over the world, and he was an avid carpenter. He was predeceased by his first wife, Carol (Argus, PhD ’67). Survivors: his second wife, Sue Seabold; and daughters, Annalisa, Francesca Garrison, and Tasha Jessup.
Thomas Leslie Sherman, MA ’66 (English), of Philadelphia, August 28, at 84, of lung disease. After teaching literature at Antioch and Swarthmore, he changed careers and worked as a professional photographer, photography teacher, and writer, naming his business Words and Pictures. Later he worked in development and communications at nonprofits. Preparing healthy food was a central passion, and his dinner group met monthly for 20 years. He supported grassroots organizing for racial, social, and economic justice in the greater Philadelphia area. Survivors: his wife, Nancy Middlebrook; daughter, Rachel; and two siblings.
James Stephen “Steve” Taylor, PhD ’66 (history), of Auburn, N.Y., May 22, at 89. He devoted more than four decades to teaching history, primarily at Wells College in Aurora, N.Y., and later at the University of West Georgia. During his academic career, he held multiple fellowships and published a number of scholarly books. He had a love for travel, good food, great books, musical theater, and the sharp wit of a well-crafted limerick. His heart was forever split between the rugged beauty of the Oregon coast and the tranquil charm of Aurora. He was especially fond of his dogs who were his constant companions. Survivors: his wife of 60 years, Marie; children, Laura, Mark, and Amy; and four granddaughters.
Richard John Meyer, PhD ’68 (biological sciences), of Portland, Ore., July 7, at 85. He served in the Army Reserve as a medic. He was a professor at Humboldt State University (now Cal Poly Humboldt) for 30 years, teaching biology, zoology, and microbiology sciences, and serving twice as the biology department chair twice. He and his wife co-taught the popular History of Biology course. Beginning in 1970, he wrote and illustrated a parody collection of scientific articles called The Stomatopod: An Organic Journal of the American Stomatopod Society. He was an avid runner and cyclist who operated a bicycle repair shop with his son. He loved cooking, gardening, and learning most of all. Survivors: his wife of 60 years, Paulette (Merrill, ’66, MA ’67); children, Erika and Rod, ’94; granddaughter, Brook Thompson, MS ’22; and two sisters.
Phillip Wickboldt Banda, PhD ’69 (biophysics), of San Mateo, Calif., November 16, at 85. He pursued melanoma research at UCSF and then taught biochemistry, research methodology, and toxicology at Palmer College of Chiropractic and San José State. He later joined Applied Biosystems, traveling across the country to help laboratories set up peptide-synthesis systems, including at the National Institutes of Health. He was called out of retirement to establish a DNA analysis center for the federal government at Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory. He learned Spanish and French later in life, and loved wine-making and the mountains. Survivors: his wife of 59 years, Carolyn (Patten, ’65); daughter, Margaret; and brother.
Randall Kenyon Bartlett, MA ’69, PhD ’71 (economics), of Northampton, Mass., October 8, at 80, of complications from Guillain-Barré syndrome. He was a professor of economics at Smith College for more than 40 years. He was a passionate outdoorsman and a talented musician, skilled with a piano, guitar, and banjo. His wonderful baritone voice filled his home and the halls of Smith College. He was devoted to his family, always striving to support them and offer a laugh or advice. He brought charm, wit, and a smile to everyone he encountered. Survivors: his wife of 53 years, Catherine (Payne, ’69); children, Randall Jr., Ellika, and David; seven grandchildren; and three siblings.
Michael Lee Conniff, MA ’69 (Latin American studies), PhD ’76 (history), of San Jose, June 23, at 83. He was a professor of Latin American history. At San José State, he created the Global Studies Initiative and launched the university’s short-term, faculty-led, study-abroad program.
At the University of South Florida in Tampa, he founded the Center for Latin American and Caribbean Studies. At the University of New Mexico, he was the director of an NEH-sponsored program on “The Columbian Voyage and Its Legacies.” He earned three Fulbright scholarships to Brazil and published textbooks, monographs, and two novels. He was a lifelong sailor. Survivors: his wife, Anne; three sons; stepson; grandchildren; and great-grandchildren.
Randy Roy Whitney, PhD ’71 (physics), of Newport News, Va., November 18, 2024, at 79, of cardiopulmonary insufficiency. His career at accelerator laboratories spanned over 40 years and included Stanford’s High Energy Physics Lab, Berkeley Lab, Los Alamos Meson Physics Facility, Bates Research and Engineering, and ENS Paris-Saclay. He was the first experimentalist awarded scientist emeritus at Jefferson Lab, where he set up the networking and computing infrastructure and served as associate director for administration, chief information officer, and chief technology officer. In retirement he established BNNT Materials, producing nanoscale ceramic fibers known as boron nitride nanotubes. He held 17 patents. He was predeceased by his wife of 36 years, Destnne Currier. Survivors include his brothers, Daniel, MS ’70, and Brad.
Ward Frederick “Fritz” Schwenk II, Gr. ’73 (chemistry), of Rochester, Minn., September 22, 2024, at 77. He attended medical school at McGill University and practiced at the Mayo Clinic for his entire career as a pediatric endocrinologist. He was beloved by patients and staff and known for his iconic dad jokes. He was a mentor to young people around the world through Destination Imagination, helping to develop problem-solving skills. A travel enthusiast, he visited over 100 countries on all seven continents. He loved theater, saw each of Shakespeare’s 39 plays performed on a stage, and saw every Cirque du Soleil show around the world. Survivors: his wife of 46 years, Nina; children, Avery and Kelsey; and three grandchildren.
William Kent Gibson, MA ’75 (communication), of Los Angeles, October 23, at 77, of a stroke and dementia. As a producer and sound designer, he won an Emmy in 1981 for his work on Carl Sagan’s PBS miniseries Cosmos and was nominated for two additional Emmys. He worked on musical projects with performers such as Olivia Newton-John, John Lennon, Bing Crosby, and Fleetwood Mac, as well as numerous television shows. He was a founding partner of Rosebud Films, he owned the company Soundesign, and he was a forensic audio, video, and facial-recognition expert. He was predeceased by his husband, Millard Tipp. Survivors include his sister, Linda, and nephew, Jason.
Law
Bernard Joe Phillips, JD ’74, of Paris, May 23, at 77. He worked at the Federal Trade Commission in Washington, D.C., before moving to Paris to work at the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development, where he became the head of the competition policy division. He enjoyed playing golf and traveling. Survivors: his wife of 30 years, Bénédicte Larre; stepsons, Romain and Hector; and six stepgrandchildren.
Medicine
Roy Johnson Riblet, PhD ’72 (genetics), of Santa Cruz, Calif., May 6, at 82, of pneumonia. He earned a bachelor’s degree in biological sciences from the California Institute of Technology. He completed postdoctoral research at the Salk Institute, then continued his research in genetics and biology at the Fox Chase Cancer Center in Philadelphia and the Torrey Pines Institute for Molecular Studies in La Jolla, Calif. Post- etirement, he was a visiting scholar at UCSD. Survivors: his wife, Edwina (Peters, ’65); children, Abigail Riblet Hartman, ’91, Andrew, and Christian; six grandchildren; and sister.
Sustainability/Earth
Otto MacKenty Schmidt, MS ’58 (geology), of Avon, Conn., September 7, at 92. He served in the Army Corps of Engineers. He worked as an exploration geologist for ExxonMobil before becoming a certified financial analyst in the New York City area. He spent his career as an oil industry analyst at Paine Webber; Auchincloss, Parker & Redpath; and Bankers Trust. He earned respect for his financial research and predictions for the future of the petroleum and energy industries. He loved the mountains, hiking, fishing, and boating. He built beautiful fine furniture. Survivors: his wife, Pilar; children, Katherine Nickel and Otto; four grandchildren; and sister.
