Obituaries

1930s

Sara “Sally” F. Harwood de Bivort, ’38 (German studies), of Portola Valley, October 1, 2017, at 101. She grew up in San Francisco, married Hervey, ’28, and, together with her husband, raised two children. She spent most of her adult life in Geneva, where Hervey worked for the International Labor Office. The couple moved to Berkeley after they retired. After her husband’s death in 1985, she moved to the Sequoias retirement community in Portola Valley. She was also predeceased by her brother, Wilson Harwood, ’34. Survivors: her son, Lawrence, ’65, and daughter, Carlyle; and a grandchild.

1940s

Elinor “Dede” Hall Smith, ’42 (political science), of Fremont, Calif., March 21, at 97, following a short illness. At Stanford, she was a member of Delta Delta Delta, and she continued to participate in Stanford events throughout her life. In 1942, she married Harry, who was serving in the U.S. Army and stationed in Florida. After World War II ended, the couple moved to Burlingame and started a family. In 1955, they moved to Fremont and opened Dale Hardware, naming it after their daughter. At the store, she supervised the office responsibilities, and continued to worked there into her 90s. She gave her time and resources to the Fremont Symphony Guild, the League of Women Voters and Save the Bay. She was predeceased by her husband; her daughter, Dale; and her son Keith. Survivors: her sons Barry and Garth; eight grandchildren; and 12 great-grandchildren.

Alice Condee Stelle, ’43 (undeclared), of Thousand Oaks, Calif., March 14, at 95. At Stanford, she met her future husband, Allen “Mac,” ’42. In 1956, they moved to Hidden Hills, Calif., where she was elected to the local board for Las Virgenes Elementary. She led the fight to prevent the school’s annexation into Los Angeles Unified School District; after a close race, Las Virgenes Unified School District was formed. She served as trustee for 25 years. She was also a guardian ad litem for teens who had been abused or neglected, and provided a home for unwed pregnant mothers and foster children. Alice C. Stelle Middle School in Calabasas, Calif., is named after her. She was predeceased by her husband of 73 years, and by her son Larry. Survivors: her daughters, Betsey Blum, Jeanie Blount and Debbie, and son Doug; eight grandchildren; eight great-grandchildren; and a sister.

Virginia Rooke Closs, ’44 (humanities), of Palo Alto, March 19, at 95. She was a member of Chi Omega. During World War II, she volunteered for the Women’s Air Raid Defense and was stationed in Honolulu. There, she met her future husband, Bill, who was from Texas and a lieutenant in the U.S. Marine Corps. After the war, while Bill played in the NBA, she raised her children while moving between Indiana, Philadelphia and Texas. Later, after moving to California, she and Bill started their first business, a sporting goods distribution company. As avid sports fans, they provided scholarships for numerous athletes on the Stanford tennis and basketball teams. She was predeceased by her husband of 65 years. Survivors: her children, Linda Hovis, Libby Hatfield and William Jr., ’69, MBA ’73; nine grandchildren, including Ginna Closs, ’99; and five great-grandchildren.

John David Weingarten, ’44 (undeclared), of Los Angeles, February 27, at 95. After attending Stanford, he served in World War II in Japan and the South Pacific. When he returned home, he joined the family business, Milton Weingarten Jewelry. He had two children with his first wife, Rita. He loved his home, Sunday morning breakfasts at Brentwood Country Club, the Santa Monica Farmers Market, discussing politics and sports, and the San Francisco 49ers. He was predeceased by his second wife, Jean; his daughter, Jan; step-granddaughter, Amelia; and sister, Helen, ’48. Survivors: his third wife of almost 30 years, Cyrille Schiff; son, John Milton; stepchildren, Robin Schiff and Tom Schiff; and three grandchildren.

Ariel Schuyler Compton-Cruce, ’45 (biological sciences), MD ’51, of Newport Beach, Calif., February 27, at 94. During World War II, she worked as a nurse, and then became one of only a handful of women to graduate with an MD from Stanford. She worked in emergency departments and eventually became a psychoanalyst. She counseled people in need through Orange County mental health services, in the California state penitentiary system and in private practice. In 2012, she published Couples’ Therapy: A Do-It-Yourself Guide to a Better Relationship. She was predeceased by her first husband, Robert Compton, ’44, PhD ’49. Survivors: her second husband, Richard Cruce, ’50; her sons, Peter, Andrew, James and John, and daughter, Candace Pappas; stepchildren, James, Sydney Harrison, Tom and David; eight grandchildren; and four step-grandchildren.

Barclay “Bob” Martin, ’47 (electrical engineering), of Chapel Hill, N.C., February 2, at 94. He attended the Virginia Military Institute for two years before enlisting in the Army, where he was selected for the Army Specialized Training Program and trained for the Signal Corps. In 1945, he helped set up a radio navigation station in Hofheim, Germany, for flights between Paris and Frankfurt. After receiving his degree from Stanford, he served on the psychology faculty of the U. of Wisconsin for 18 years. In 1971, he joined the department of psychology and neuroscience at U. of North Carolina–Chapel Hill, where he stayed until he retired. He was an avid sailor and enjoyed traveling. Survivors: his wife, Nancy; daughters, Betsy Culbertson, Susan and Laurie; stepchildren, Edward, Robert and Elisabeth Johnson; five grandchildren; three great-grandchildren; and seven step-grandchildren.

Harriett Hills Stinson, ’47 (bacteriology), of San Mateo, January 1, at 91, from natural causes. In 1950, she married Ralf, MD ’51, and they raised their family in Hillsborough, Calif. In 1959, she and her family moved to Liberia for her husband’s sabbatical as a medical missionary. She founded California Republicans for Choice and also helped establish Planned Parenthood of San Mateo County. She was predeceased by her husband and her son Leslie. Survivors: her son Ralf II and daughter, Nell; five grandchildren; a great-grandchild; her sister, Mary Hills Strebl, ’50; and her brother, Austin Hills, ’57.

Raymond Charles Conatser Jr., ’48 (psychology), MA ’51 (education), of Nashville, Tenn., January 22, at 93. He served in the U.S. Navy on the USS Otus for three years and was a school psychologist for more than 30 years. He was a lifelong humanitarian and civic leader, and was a member of, among other organizations, the American Association of University Women, Nashville Peace and Justice Center, the Order of St. Luke, the Wilsonian Club and the United Nations Association. He was an active member of St. Paul’s United Methodist Church in San Bernardino and Calvary United Methodist Church in Nashville. He is survived by his loving family.

Edgar Korrick, ’48 (economics), of Phoenix, March 3, at 92. From 1943 to 1946, he served in the U.S. Air Force. At Stanford, he was a member of the football team. He began his career working in a family-owned department store, Korrick’s, and then became a financial adviser; he retired from Morgan Stanley at age 72. He was a dedicated member of his community in Phoenix and served for 10 years as a member of city council and as vice mayor. From 1987 to 1994, he was involved in the construction of a new terminal at Phoenix’s Sky Harbor International Airport. The project brought him great pride. Survivors: his wife of 69 years, Helen; his daughters, Wendy, ’87, Kim and Susan; and three grandchildren.

Phyllis Bleifuss Talbert, ’48 (education), of Henderson, Nev., March 28, at 90. While at Stanford, she was a member of the volleyball and tennis teams. She was a CPA in California and Texas, and, in 1979, received an MBA from San Diego State. She was a member of Mensa and the American Guild of Organists. When she was 15, she began singing in church choirs and continued until she was 83. While living in Nevada, she was president of the Mesquite Club, president of the Nevada Federation of Women’s Clubs, treasurer of the Las Vegas Symphony Society and a member of the Republican Central Committee. She was predeceased by her husband, Lee; son Bruce; and sister, Cynthia. Survivors: her son Donald; two grandchildren; and two great-grandchildren. 

Helen Adele Pinkerton Trimpi, ’48, MA ’50 (English), of Grass Valley, Calif., December 28, at 90. At Stanford, she worked on the Daily and was awarded a Stegner fellowship in poetry. In 1966, she received a PhD in English literature from Harvard. She taught English and creative writing and poetry as a lecturer at Stanford, the College of Notre Dame, the U. of Alberta and Michigan State U. She published six volumes of poetry, a book on Herman Melville and Crimson Confederates: Harvard Men Who Fought for the South. In March 2016, she was interviewed for the Stanford Pioneering Women Oral History Project about her life, work and experiences during her years at Stanford. She was predeceased by her siblings, Sharon Currier, Daniel and Charles Pinkerton; and her former husband, W. Wesley Trimpi Jr., ’50. Survivors: her daughters, Erica Light, ’76, and Alison Corcoran; two grandchildren; and three great-grandchildren.

Wayne J. Stater Jr., ’49 (psychology), of Dayton, Ore., January 29, at 90, from complications of a series of strokes. He was a member of Chi Psi and the rugby team. Prior to Stanford, he served in the U.S. Navy. For his graduate studies, he attended both Columbia U. and the U. of Pennsylvania, where he learned Urdu, Hindi and Sanskrit. He spent more than 30 years as an international business executive, first for Alcan Aluminium, and then with ITT/Alcatel, finishing his career as group general manager for ITT’s Africa/Middle East division. In 1987, he purchased land in Dundee Hills, Ore., and began his next career as a grower of wine grapes. He was predeceased by his first wife, Dorlene. Survivors: his wife, Sylvia; his sons, Chris and Tim, and daughter, Megan; and three grandchildren.

1950s

Irving H. Anderson, ’50 (political science), of Los Angeles, December 18, 2017, at 90. During World War II, he served in the U.S. Navy; he was honorably discharged in 1946 as a seaman first class. From 1951 to 1957, he was married to Virginia Hotchkiss, ’54. In 1965, he married Gwenna Coyne. He was an insurance broker at Marsh & McLennan, and he enjoyed body surfing and sailing. One of his greatest accomplishments was that he had maintained sobriety since 1975. He engaged in random acts of extraordinary kindness, including paying for the college tuition of the son of his housekeeper, whom he considered a member of his family. He was predeceased by Gwenna. Survivors: his son, Chris; stepsons, Charlie and Peter Thomas; eight step-grandchildren; and his loving companion of 23 years, Sheila Bullock.

Frances Dinkelspiel Green, ’50 (speech and drama), of San Francisco, March 18, at 89. In 1949, she married William, ’44; the two were married for 64 years. She was the first female president of the Jewish Community Federation of San Francisco, and in 2013, she won the organization’s Robert Sinton Award for Distinguished Leadership. She also served as president or on the board of the San Francisco Juvenile Justice Commission, the Jewish Home for the Aged, Mt. Zion Hospital and the Judah L. Magnes Museum, to name a few. She enjoyed playing bridge weekly with her cherished friends. Her father, Lloyd, ’20, served as chair of the Stanford University Board of Trustees. She was predeceased by William and her brother, Lloyd, ’52. Survivors: her daughters, Louise and Florence, and her son, David; seven grandchildren; and six great-grandchildren.

Maribeth Harelson Growdon, ’50 (education), of San Rafael, Calif., December 23, 2017, at 88, from complications of pneumonia. After Stanford, she taught elementary school in the Bay Area and New York. She married John in 1954, and the couple moved to Chico. She was actively engaged in the arts and education throughout her life, and with her husband established the Growdon Family Scholarship Endowment, which supports undergraduate students who are majoring in education. After her children left for college, she earned a bachelor’s degree in art from Chico State and later worked as an interior designer. Her art was featured in Chico and Mendocino galleries. She and John visited over 80 countries during their 54 years of marriage. She was predeceased by her husband and by her mother, Florence Rathbun Harelson, ’21. Survivors: children Sara Howard, Jane Loeser, John and Stephen, ’83; and seven grandchildren.

Donald Lee Martin, ’50, MS ’51 (electrical engineering), of Mission Viejo, Calif., August 31, 2017, at 91. During World War II, he served in the U.S. Army and was awarded the Bronze Star. At Stanford, he was a member of Alpha Sigma Phi. In 1948, he married Patricia (Smith, ’48). He worked at Collins Radio for 20 years, retiring as vice president in 1971, and then served as president at MK Products in Irvine, Calif., where he retired in 1986. He was a founding member of Church of the Foothills in Tustin, Calif. He enjoyed waterskiing and snow skiing, and received his pilot’s license. Survivors: his daughters, Eleanor, Linda, Janet and Marilyn, and son, Dwight; nine grandchildren, including Christa Culver, JD ’12; and 11 great-grandchildren.

Roger Olson, ’50 (economics), of Los Angeles, March 17, at 93. He served in the U.S. Navy for nearly four years, and in 1946 was discharged as electrician’s mate 2/C. At Stanford, he was a member of Alpha Delta Phi. He married his college sweetheart, Maile Scott, ’49, and went on to spend the majority of his career as partner, president, chairman and CEO with the mortgage banking firm of Dwyer-Curlett and Co. In 1965, he found a new calling: riding horses. He became a cinematographer and a director, and ultimately produced eight DVDs. In 1980, he met Patricia; they were married in 1986. He was predeceased by his sons, Brigham and Garrick. Survivors: his wife; his daughters, Kristin, Karinne and Leslie; eight grandchildren and four great-grandchildren.

Malcolm Frederick Rice, ’50 (biological sciences), of San Diego, January 22 at 90. At Stanford he participated in the El Tigre Eating Club. He then served in the U.S. Navy as an F9F fighter pilot. He completed a master’s degree at UC–Davis, and spent the past 30 years farming in Arizona and California. Survivors: his daughter, Anne, and son, Andrew; two grandchildren; his first wife, Anita; and a sister.

Elizabeth Bailly Glenn, ’51 (biological sciences), of Friendswood, Texas, February 5, at 87, from dementia. She was a founding member of the French House. In 1952, she married James, ’51, MBA ’56. She was a dedicated feminist, volunteer and community leader, and was involved in the Houston Area Women’s Center, serving as president and on the board of directors; the League of Women Voters; the Assistance League of the Bay Area; and the Houston Symphony League Bay Area. She was honored with several awards, including a Savvy Award in 1986, which recognizes Houston’s outstanding volunteers. In 2000, she was inducted into the Men and Women of Heart Hall of Fame of Texas. She was predeceased by her husband of over 53 years. Survivors: her sons, James III, David and Thomas, and daughters, Elizabeth, Barbara and Martha; nine grandchildren; and two great-grandchildren.

Iva Greenspun Hochstim, ’51 (education), of Dallas, October 19, 2017, at 87. After Stanford, she received a master’s degree from Columbia U. Her greatest love was her family. She spent her happiest times with family and friends in Dallas, New York and Martha’s Vineyard, Mass. She is remembered for her sweet and nurturing personality. She supported many arts and charitable organizations. She was predeceased by her husband of 48 years, Ted. Survivors: her son, David, and her daughters, Betsy Fijolek, ’81, and Nancy Goldberg; and seven grandchildren, including Allison Fijolek, ’14.

David Blake Gibb, ’52 (political science), MBA ’55, of Oklahoma City, Okla., January 18. He was a resident assistant at Stanford Village. In 1956, he married Joyce (Cleave, MA ’58). He took classes in avocado culture at Cal Poly and had a home on an avocado farm known as Guacamole Hill in Montecito, Calif. After some years in the automobile business in the Bay Area, he moved back to Santa Barbara and entered the building development field, which he continued with after moving to Oklahoma City in 1984. He was active with several equestrian groups in Santa Barbara. He loved antique sports cars and once won the Ken Miles Trophy for the best representation of a vintage car at Laguna Seca Raceway. Survivors: his children, Blake and Molly; three grandchildren; his longtime partner, Carolyn Allen; and his former wife, Joyce. 

Richard Henry Olmsted, ’52, MA ’54 (architecture), of San Rafael, Calif., December 22, 2017, at 87. At Stanford, he was a member of Kappa Sigma, and met his wife, Vera (Maradudin, ’54). He was a partner in the San Francisco architectural firm Hooper, Olmsted, Emmons and Hrovat, and was primarily involved in below-market-rate housing in the Bay Area. His designs won numerous awards, and he served on the San Rafael Design Review board for 12 years. He had a love and appreciation for California history. As a member of the Inverness Yacht Club, he served as its Commodore in 1975. He was predeceased by his brothers, Franklin and Gerald, ’52. Survivors: his wife of 62 years; children Paul, Nina and Katherine; and six grandchildren.

Janice Off Simis, ’52 (art), of Mono County, Calif., and Ojai, Calif., September 24, 2017, at 87, from a stroke. She met her husband, Charlie, while working for the Curry Company in Yosemite Valley. After they married, they bought property near Mono Lake on Dechambeau Creek. During the summer, she and Charlie managed Vogelsang High Sierra Camp. She also worked as a bookkeeper and packer at the shrimp plant on Mono Lake. She eventually purchased an additional 110 acres surrounding her 25 acres of land, and years later gave an environmental overlay of the entire 135 acres to the East Side Sierra Trust. She was a hiker, potter and environmentalist. She was predeceased by her parents, including her father, Theodore, ’25; and her brother, Ted, ’49, MS ’50. Survivors: a brother.

Cicely Jean Evans Wheelon, ’52 (history), of Santa Barbara, Calif., April 1, 2017, at 87. She worked for architects Pareira and Luckman when they helped design the Los Angeles International Airport, was a “script girl” for Luxe TV Theatre, and acted in a few films after she married John Golenor Gavin, ’52. As a fashion designer for her New York boutique Act III, she was known for her mother-daughter dresses. While married to composer Dominic Frontiere, she became an interior designer. She read the New York Times cover to cover, supported special needs children through SHARE, and loved to dance and debate politics. She was predeceased by her third husband, Albert “Bud” Wheelon, ’49. Survivors: her daughters, Cristina, ’83, and Maria Gavin, MA ’87.

Arthur Freeman, ’53 (undeclared), of Evanston, Ill., March 7, at 93. Before Stanford, he served in the U.S. Army Air Forces. He enrolled in pre-med at Stanford, and in 1955, he received his DVM from Ohio State U. His veterinary career included hands-on clinic work in Bellingham, Wash., then with Jensen-Salsbery Laboratories in Kansas City, Mo. He then joined the American Veterinary Medical Association Journal staff as assistant editor, became editor in chief and eventually retired as executive vice president. Upon retirement, he moved to the Indianapolis, Ind., area, and became adjunct veterinary professor at Purdue U. He was a pilot, painter and clarinetist, and enjoyed tennis and golf. He was predeceased by his wife of 27 years, Marilyn, and two brothers. Survivors: his children, Joel and Mary; four grandchildren; and his dear friend Maxiene Rogers.

Barbara Wassum Lagomarsino, ’53 (education), of Sacramento, Calif., April 8, at 85. She taught at many elementary schools in the Sacramento area and concurrently pursued graduate studies in social science at Sacramento State. Her master’s thesis on the raising of the streets in downtown Sacramento in the early 1860s to protect the city from flooding remains the authoritative source on the subject. After retiring from teaching in the early 1980s, she operated a financial planning business in Sacramento and then moved to Washington, D.C. While living in Georgetown, she worked at the Smithsonian Institution. She retired back in California and dedicated herself to serving her community as a member of the Sacramento Museum and History Commission, the City Preservation Board and the City of Sacramento Design Review Commission. Survivors: her husband of almost 65 years, Bart; her sons, Richard, Ken, Mark and Bob; six grandchildren; and two sisters. 

Donnie Mae Measday Ross, ’53 (communication), of Wickenburg, Ariz., January 24, at 86. While at Stanford, she worked at the Daily. She received a master’s degree in education from Arizona State U. She taught reading and coached swimming in the Scottsdale school district, and also served as department chair of special education at Scottsdale High School, coordinator of the gifted program in the Scottsdale School District and retired as the principal of Kiva Elementary School in 1994. After retiring, she moved to Wickenburg, where she was active in the Episcopal Church. While in her 70s, she hiked the Grand Canyon and completed her first half marathon, finishing first in her age group. She was predeceased by her husband of 59 years, John, MS ’53; daughter Wendy; and granddaughter Pamela. Survivors: her daughters Pamela Plew and Taylor; three grandchildren; and a great-grandchild. 

Wellington White, ’53 (psychology), of La Habra Heights, Calif., March 21, at 87, from Parkinson’s disease. He was a member of Kappa Sigma. After graduating, he entered Officer Candidate School for the U.S. Navy and served with the Special Weapons Unit on the USS Hornet. In 1958, he joined Honeywell Corporation as an electrical engineer. In 1965, he left Honeywell to join the family business, O.H. Kruse Grain & Milling in South El Monte, Calif. He also served as head of the judiciary committee of the National Grain and Feed Association. He had a great ear for music and frequently serenaded his family on his Steinway grand piano. He loved the outdoors and was active in his community. Survivors: his wife, Colleen; his sons, Jeffrey, Bryan and Paul, and his daughter, Lesley; three grandchildren; three sisters; and a brother.

Susanne Fitger Donnelly, ’54, MA ’55 (education), of Los Angeles, February 9, at 85. At Stanford, she participated in Cap and Gown and student government. She dedicated her life to her family and community. She loved learning, was a lifelong athlete, and inspired the best in everyone around her. She held leadership roles at Marlborough School, California Community Foundation, Student Conservation Association and the Hoover Institution. She was predeceased by her husband, Charles, of 45 years, and her son Charles. Survivors: her children Cordelia, Douglas and Jody; and her sisters Dorothy, ’50, and Betty Jo, ’48.

Austin C. Dowling, ’54 (economics), MBA ’58, of Medford, N.J., April 8. He was a member of Phi Delta Theta and participated in ROTC. He served in the U.S. Army from 1955 to 1957. After completing his MBA, he worked in finance positions at Union Bank, Scudder Stevens & Clark and William E. Pollock & Co. He finished his career as the director of the office of finance of Federal Home Loan Bank System from 1984 to 1991. He enjoyed many years of peaceful retirement on Long Beach Island, N.J., and in the welcoming community of Medford Leas. He will always be remembered for his love of a good story, gardening dangerously spicy peppers, sailing undersize boats and fishing quietly as the sun rose. Survivors: his wife, Susan; his daughter, Susan Benson, and son, Timothy; and five grandchildren. 

Marlee Garbett Powell, ’54 (political science), of Sonora, Calif., January 24, at 85, from Alzheimer’s disease. In the 1980s, she became involved with a movement called Beyond War, which sought to bring an end to the nuclear arms race. In the early 1990s, she moved to Sonora to be closer to her daughter and grandchildren and soon became involved in local government. In 1996, she was elected to the city council and won reelection twice. In 2002, she became the second female mayor of the city. She worked on numerous projects with the city, including an expansion of Sonora Opera Hall, and outside of politics, she supported many community organizations. She was predeceased by her husband, Owen, ’52, MBA ’54. Survivors: her son, Anthony, and her daughters Kate Powell Segerstrom, ’77, and Lindsey Fish; four grandchildren; and two great-grandchildren.

Carol LeMasney Hayes, ’55 (art), of Sausalito, Calif., February 21, at 84. At Stanford, she met her husband, Allan, ’55. In 1980, she started Summerhouse Antiques. Then, in 1989, she took a trip to Santa Fe, N.M., where she fell in love with Southwestern Indian pottery. Her business soon evolved into Summerhouse Indian Art. Her interest in Southwestern pottery led to her writing several books, including Southwestern Pottery, Anasazi to Zuni and The Desert Southwest: Four Thousand Years of Life and Art. She served on the Sausalito Trees and Views committee and on the board of directors of the Sausalito Historical Society and the Museum of the American Indian in Novato, Calif. Survivors: her husband; and her sons, Mark and Keith. 

Don Hibner Jr., ’55 (philosophy), LLB ’62, of La Cañada Flintridge, Calif., February 11, at 83. He worked on the Stanford Law Review. In 1962, he joined the Los Angeles law firm of Sheppard, Mullin, Richter and Hampton, where he became partner in 1968, and practiced antitrust law litigation and economics for more than 40 years. He contributed to over 10 antitrust treatises, wrote numerous law review articles, co-authored a book on antitrust litigation, and from 2005 to 2017 wrote more than 60 antitrust law blog posts. He enjoyed mentoring young lawyers and was a judge in the UCLA Law School Moot Court program for more than 10 years. He was an equestrian and served as a member and president of the Flintridge Riding Club board of directors. He was predeceased by his brother, John. Survivors: his wife, Scarlett (Chambers, ’61).

Russell Lawler, ’55 (history), of Idyllwild, Calif., January 3, at 84. He was a member of Zeta Psi and played on the basketball team. After graduating, he was drafted by the Syracuse Nationals; he went on to play AAU basketball. He was on the San Francisco Olympic Club team, played for the San Francisco Investors and for European Club basketball teams in the summer. He was selected as an AAU All-American in 1957. He worked for several years in industrial real estate in Palo Alto, then switched course and earned a master’s degree in counseling at Sonoma State. He devoted years to counseling public high school students and volunteering at a juvenile camp. Survivors: his wife, Judith; his daughter, Carrie Avery, ’84, and son, Michael; five grandchildren; and former wife, Judy (Avery ’59).

Susan Stark Pollock, ’55 (undeclared), of Portola Valley, February 24, at 84. At Stanford, she met her husband, Jim, ’52, MS ’54. Throughout her years raising her family in Texas and Southern California, she was an avid outdoors enthusiast and gardener, eventually going into a floral design business with friends. She retired to the Seattle area, where she designed and tended an award-winning garden. She spent the final three years of her life happily in California, with a new wonderful community of friends at the Sequoias. She was predeceased by her husband. Survivors: her sons, Doug, Steve and Bruce, ’83, MA ’84; four grandchildren; two great-grandchildren, and a sister.

Carol Straus McDonald, ’56 (history), of Houston, March 28, at 83, from cancer. In 1956, she married Don, and in 1958, when he finished law school, they moved to Houston. There, she joined St. Martin’s Episcopal Church. She was a member of the Houston Country Club and River Oaks Garden Club. Honoring her husband, her proudest legacy was broadening awareness and compassion around the challenges of dementia. She co-founded the Alzheimer’s Women’s Association for Resources and Education, which has raised nearly $4 million and supports families affected by the disease. She spent time forging lifelong friendships and traveling around the world. She was predeceased by her husband and by her sister, Suzanne Murray. Survivors: her daughter, Lili McDonald Pickard, and son, John; and six grandchildren.

George Ormay Sheldon, ’56 (economics), MBA ’60, of San Francisco, March 9, at 84. At Stanford, he was a drum major for the Band. He was a captain in the U.S. Air Force and flew Boeing KC-97s. He returned to Stanford to study business, and worked for nearly 30 years at Curley-Bates Sporting Goods Company, rising to CEO and eventually purchasing the company. At Curley-Bates, he launched and built the Easton Bat franchise as well as the Mizuno sporting goods franchise in North America. He was an active member of the Young Presidents’ Organization of Northern California. An avid outdoorsman, he enjoyed hiking, backpacking and fishing. Survivors: his life partner, Rita Channon; his sons, Wayne and Barry, and daughter, Gail; and five grandchildren.

John Burton Whalen, ’56 (biological sciences), of Piedmont, Calif., March 25, at 83, from Parkinson’s disease. He was a member of Delta Tau Delta and was a pole-vaulter on the track team. In 1960, he received his MD from McGill U., and from 1962 to 1963 served as a lieutenant in the U.S. Navy. For 50 years, he practiced pediatrics, with a special interest in treating children with cystic fibrosis. After his retirement in 2007, he was recognized by the UCSF Benioff Children’s Hospital for his commitment to improving the health of children in Oakland. In 2009, he was named a Breath of Life honoree by the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation. He loved his family, skiing, tennis, Bible study and poetry. Survivors: his wife of over 55 years, Bobbie; his son, Ray ,’81, and daughters, Becky McKeen, Melissa Ryan and Amy Griffith; 11 grandchildren; two sisters; and a brother. 

Margaret “Marnie” Rogers Hartmann, ’57 (chemistry), of Newark, Calif., December 9, 2017, at 82. She was a chemist at Archer Daniels Midland, the Veterans Administration, Dow Chemical, Stanford Research Institute, Dexter Midland Corporation and Jones Hamilton. After retiring, she took Osher Lifelong Learning Institute classes in Berkeley and indulged her passion for Stanford sports. In addition to enjoying time with her family and friends at Bass Lake, Minn., she loved traveling around the world. She took each of her eight grandchildren on a trip of his or her own. She was predeceased by her former husband, Stanley, ’55; and her brother, Samuel Rogers Jr. Survivors: her daughters, Margaret Winkelman and Barbara Lahaie, and son, Eric; eight grandchildren, including Megan Winkelman, ’13, MA ’13; and a sister.

Margot Plant Prickett, ’57 (education), of Tiburon, Calif., February 10, at 82, from pneumonia. After graduating from Stanford, she received her law degree from UC–Berkeley. She was the first woman on the staff of the California Law Review. From 1961 to 1988, she was staff attorney for Justice Daniel Shoemaker and Associate Justice Allison Ross of the California 1st District Court of Appeal. She served on the Tiburon Fire Board for 38 years and helped implement the paramedic system in southern Marin County. From 1996 to 2012, she was a docent at the Legion of Honor and the de Young Museum. She enjoyed playing bridge and attained the status of Life Master several times. She read voraciously, and wrote articles and book reviews for the Ark, a newspaper in Marin County. Survivors: her husband of 36 years, Morgan; and a brother.

Beverly Brown Warburton, ’57 (economics), of Pagosa Springs, Colo., December 16, 2017, at 82. She spent her career as a CPA. In 1960, she moved to Colorado, and was instrumental in helping secure green space in Boulder County. She volunteered for the Forest Service, Bristlecone Hospice and the League of Women Voters. An accomplished horsewoman, she rode two sections of the Colorado Trail with her horse, Princess, and a packhorse that carried her oxygen equipment. She was a founding member and a regular contributor to the Southwest Colorado Trails Roundtable. She was predeceased by her first husband, Lawson, ’56. Survivors: her husband, Ed Haynes; her daughter, Janet, and son, Doug; four grandchildren; and a brother.

W. Temple Ashbrook, ’58 (civil engineering), of Ashland, Ore., January 25, at 81. At Stanford, he was a member of both the tennis team and the rowing team. He had a long career in construction project management, working on classroom buildings for Whittier College and San Fernando Valley State College and dormitories for USC and Claremont Men’s College, as well as major projects for L.A. County Hospital and the La Jolla Cancer Research Foundation. He loved the outdoors and volunteered for the World Council of Churches, among other organizations. Survivors: his second wife, Loretta; his sons, William and Bradley, MS ’94; two grandchildren; and a sister.

Virginia Uhler Fanelli, ’58 (social science/social thought), of San Jose, February 9, at 81, from cancer. At Stanford, she was president of the Associated Women Students. She was appointed to the Saratoga City Planning Commission and in the late 1970s became general manager of the Saratoga Country Club. She founded Fanelli Consulting, a land development and management business. In 1982, she was elected to the Saratoga City Council, and she served as mayor of Saratoga in 1984 and ’85. She was predeceased by her second husband, Dom Fanelli. Survivors: her partner, John Ralston; her sons, Steve and Jim Laden; her stepsons, Mike, Nick, Steve and Joe Fanelli; nine grandchildren; and four great-grandchildren.

Frederic A. “Tony” Schraub, ’59, MS ’60, PhD ’65 (mechanical engineering), of San Luis Obispo, Calif., March 8, at 80, following a long illness. At Stanford, he was a member of Sigma Chi and Phi Beta Kappa, as well as a resident assistant. He worked in the nuclear energy division of General Electric in San Jose for 10 years. Following his time at GE, he worked for several other companies, including Acurex Corp., where he managed an international consortium that built a solar power plant in Spain, one of the world’s first, and Orchard Supply, where he was VP of operations. He retired in 2014. He enjoyed golfing and skiing, and was an artist, a pilot and a sailor. Survivors: his wife of 35 years, Shiela; his daughter, Kimber Quinney, and sons, Eric Mayers, Adam and Rick; five grandchildren; a sister; and a brother. 

1960s

Lynne Berthiaume Dwyer, ’60 (psychology), MA ’63 (education), of Lake Oswego, Ore., November 5, 2017, at 78. Upon graduation, she took the position of assistant dean of student affairs at Whitman College in Walla Walla, Wash., and worked there for two years before marrying Robert Dwyer Jr., Gr. ’61. After her children left for college, she became director of counseling at St. Mary’s of the Valley High School in Beaverton, Ore. She was devoted to her family and friends, and volunteered her time to many causes that were close to her heart. She loved to travel, especially to visit her children, and she enjoyed gardening. She was predeceased by her son Philip. Survivors: her husband of 55 years; her daughters, Kelly Bloch and Katherine Spielmann, and sons, Robert and David; and nine grandchildren. 

Philip Vahan Sarkisian, ’61 (political science), of Oakland, Calif., February 24, at 78, from pancreatic cancer. He practiced general law in Sacramento for 10 years and was an administrative law judge for 10 more. In 1984, he was appointed to the Alameda County Municipal Court and two years later to the Superior Court. He served as presiding judge of the court for two years, overseeing the merger of the two courts. He officially retired in 2004 but continued to serve as a judge in San Francisco County and Alameda County until November 2017. He took more than 20 cruises with his wife, Barbara, and several golf trips with his friends to Ireland, China and New Zealand. Survivors: his wife of 53 years; his daughters, Catherine and Elizabeth; four grandchildren; and a brother.

Lewayne Dorman Gilchrist, ’63 (English), MA ’64 (education), of Mercer Island, Wash., January 25, at 76, from a stroke. At Stanford, she participated in Cap and Gown and met her husband, Jim, LLB ’64. In 1981, she received her PhD in social work from the U. of Washington, where she was a renowned prevention researcher in the UW School of Social Work, associate dean for research, director of the doctoral program, director of the Prevention Research Center and interim dean. The school’s Doctoral Mentor Award is named in her honor to recognize her commitment to doctoral education. Upon her retirement, she established a fund at the university to provide financial aid to doctoral students. Survivors: her husband; her sons, Hart and Matthew; five grandchildren; and a sister.

Harlow Walker Sheidley, ’63 (history), of Colorado Springs, Colo., January 26, at 76, from Alzheimer’s disease. She met her husband, William, ’62, MA ’66, PhD ’68, while studying at Stanford-in-France. She worked as a librarian in Palo Alto until 1966, when they moved to Storrs, Conn. In 1990, she received her PhD in history from the U. of Connecticut, and from 1992 until her retirement in 2009, she was a history professor at the U. of Colorado–Colorado Springs. Among her many scholarly works was the book Sectional Nationalism: Massachusetts Conservative Leaders and the Transformation of America, 1815–1836. She loved mentoring her students, sharing meals and conversation with friends, and visiting her children and grandchildren. Survivors: her husband of 55 years; her daughter, Jennifer Conklin, and son, Nathaniel, ’90; four grandchildren; her sister, Eleanor Willemsen, ’60, MA ’62, PhD ’65; and a brother.

Ralph Orville McCurdy, ’64 (electrical engineering), of Folsom, Calif., February 6, at 81. He served in the U.S. Air Force and graduated from American River College with an associate’s degree before he came to Stanford. Survivors: his daughters, Pamela Hale, Dawn Semjenow and Teressa Keeton, and son, Lance; seven grandchildren; three great-grandchildren; and a brother. 

Roger Charles Rhoads, ’64 (history), of Pebble Beach, Calif., March 19, at 75, from a stroke. He was a member of Delta Tau Delta and the track and field team. He spent his career in the stock and bond business in Los Angeles and retired to Pebble Beach 18 years ago. He enjoyed golf, fishing, traveling and spending time with his family. He was predeceased by his wife, Linda, and his father, Henry, ’39. Survivors: his daughters, Kristin and Amy; six grandchildren; a brother; and a sister.

Bruce V. Stadel, ’65 (biological sciences), of Potomac, Md., March 4, at 74, from a lengthy illness. At Stanford, he was a member of the boxing team. In 1969, he received his MD from UCLA. In 1974, after receiving his MPH at the U. of Washington School of Public Health, he joined the National Institutes of Health as a research scientist and an epidemiologist. He worked on women’s health issues and population control policies. In 1987, he moved to the FDA, where he served as medical officer and chief of the epidemiology branch until his retirement in 2005. He was predeceased by his sons, Gordon and Peter. Survivors: his wife, Zidi Berger; and his sister, Patricia Stadel, ’62, MS ’72.

Deveda McDonough Littauer, ’66 (psychology), of Los Altos Hills, February 11, at 73, from cancer. At Stanford, she performed in Gaieties. She received her master’s degree from San Jose State and was a psychologist for 35 years at Davis Intermediate School in San Jose. She established scholarships for students who otherwise might not have been able to attend college. The library at Davis Intermediate is named in her honor. She loved music, the arts, and helping others, and supported the Kohl Mansion, the San Francisco Museum of Modern Art and the Second Harvest Food Bank, among other institutions. Survivors: her husband of almost 50 years, Ernest; and her brother, Joel, ’69.

Katharine McComish Ketron, ’67 (English), of Troy, Ohio, February 9, at 72. After graduating from Stanford, she married Milton, and in 1968, the couple moved to Ohio. She worked at Dettmer Hospital, PMI Food Equipment Group and B.F. Goodrich, and retired in 2012. She served on the Tri-County Board of Recovery and Mental Health Services for many years. She enjoyed reading, quilting, gardening and yoga. Survivors: her daughter, Rebecca; a sister; and two brothers.

Ejnar Nicolai Christian Thompson Jr., ’67 (history), of Ventura, Calif., January 12, at 72. He and Miki Haneda were married in 1969 at the Officers Club at NAS Moffett Field, in Mountain View. They moved to Ventura in 1975, where he worked in sales and later as a substitute teacher. An avid reader and music lover, he enjoyed teaching piano to his granddaughters. Survivors: his wife; his children, Mariko Thompson Beck and Christian; three grandchildren; his mother; and a sister. 

Laurie McCutcheon Berg, ’68 (German studies), of Thousand Oaks, Calif., September 23, 2017, at 71, from pancreatic cancer. After Stanford, she did graduate work in management at UCLA, followed by working at a small chain of garages in Washington, D.C. She earned a master’s degree in hospital administration, and worked at St. John’s Regional Medical Center in Oxnard from 1978 to 1982. She greatly enjoyed working at Tom Anderson Guitarworks for the past 28 years. She enjoyed singing in her church, the Church of the Epiphany in Oak Park, Calif., and had supportive and loving friends and family. She was predeceased by her sister Nancy. Survivors: her sister Libby.

Douglas Gunesch, ’68 (English), of Portland, Ore., October 31, 2017, at 71, from Lewy body dementia. At Stanford, he was a member of the wrestling team. He was an adventurous, self-made man who was devoted to living a mindful and sustainable life. He moved his family to Portland as his children reached school age so they could be close to family and stay connected to the outdoors, which meant a great deal to him. A teacher at heart, he took great pride in his roles as a loving husband, parent, coach, scout leader and general contractor. Survivors: his wife, Tobia “Terri” (Hochman, ’68); his children, Anah, ’95, and Moses; and a grandchild.

Mary Ruth Harvey, ’68 (communication), of Seattle, July 11, 2017, at 70, from lung disease. At Stanford, she worked at the Daily. In 1977, after spending some time as a reporter, she graduated from the U. of Washington School of Medicine, then taught medicine at the U. of Alabama. She moved back to eastern Washington, opened a family practice clinic, and later worked as an emergency room physician at Swedish Hospital in Seattle. After her retirement, she continued her life of service through regular volunteer work at home and abroad. She taught medicine in Russia and helped to establish public health clinics in Kenya and Mexico. Survivors: her daughter, Alexis Rado; a grandchild; and a sister.

Judith Kooker Paulus, ’69 (political science), of Menlo Park, March 3, at 70. She received her master’s and PhD in international affairs and international economics from the Johns Hopkins Paul H. Nitze School of Advanced International Studies. While completing her doctoral work, she was a consultant for the Hudson Institute in Paris. She also served on the senior international staff of the U.S. Treasury Department and held positions with Sara Lee Corp., Citibank and FMC Corp. She completed her career at Stanford, as associate director of media and international affairs at the Freeman Spogli Institute for International Studies. She enjoyed polo, country music and spending time with her granddaughter. Survivors: her daughter, Brittany Balogh; and a granddaughter.

Richard Hammond Tubman Jr., ’69 (English), of Hilo, Hawaii, February 21, at 71, from natural causes. He was a member of Zeta Psi. He was a regional vice president for First Capital Financial in Chicago and for Minoco Oil and Gas Co. in Beverly Hills. He was senior pastor at North Shore Christian Church in Paia, Hawaii; an English teacher for Iao Intermediate School and Baldwin High School in Wailuku, Hawaii; and, from 2000 to 2014, a licensed real estate agent. Survivors: his daughter, Claire Park, and son, Richard; a grandchild; and three sisters.

1970s

Jeffrey Kent Child, ’75 (human biology), of Bakersfield, Calif., March 28, at 65. At Stanford, he was a member of the rowing team. In 1979, he received his MD from the U. of Cincinnati, and interned at Santa Barbara Cottage Hospital from 1979 to 1980. He then completed his residency and a fellowship at UCLA. He was best known for his quirky jokes and unique personality. Survivors: his wife, Cherie; his daughters, Chloe, Charlotte and Katie, and son, Alexander; and two sisters.

Jeffrey Bernstein, ’76 (medical microbiology), MS ’77 (biological sciences), of Seabeck, Wash., March 14, at 64, from brain cancer. He was a vascular surgeon for more than 30 years in the Seattle area. His interests included scuba diving (in which he received a number of advanced technical certifications), cycling, swimming, music and spending time with his family. He spent his final months surrounded by friends and family, and was never at a loss for a dinner partner, a swim buddy or someone with whom he could share a bowl of ice cream. Survivors: his wife, Ruth; sons Zachary and Ethan; a brother; and a sister.

Paul A. Nancarrow, ’76 (biological sciences), of Piedmont, Calif., April 2, at 63, from Alzheimer’s disease. At Stanford, he was a member of Theta Delta Chi and played trombone in the Band. He received his MD from UC–San Diego, and interned at the U. of Washington Hospital. He completed a radiology residency at UCSD and a fellowship at Boston Children’s Hospital, and served on the faculty at UC–Davis. He was a pediatric radiologist for more than 24 years at Children’s Hospital in Oakland; he retired in 2011. Survivors: his wife, Catherine; his sons, Jay, ’07, and Scott; and his brother, Cliff, ’73.

Daniel Navejas, ’76 (economics), of El Paso, Texas, February 15, at 64. At Stanford, he met his first wife, Margaret Palacios, ’77, who passed away when she was 26. He was a civil rights advocate in his Stanford days, and devoted his life to helping the less fortunate as reflected by his position as chief financial officer for the Opportunities Center for the Homeless for the last 10 years. He was an avid fan of boxing, horse racing, golf, basketball, football, the Godfather movies and road trips. He was predeceased by his first wife; his sister Estela Bustillos; and his stepdaughter Brenda Hernandez. Survivors: his second wife, Santa Ana Mendez; his son, Daniel, and daughter, Celeste; stepchildren Gabriel Mendez, Sandra Hernandez, Abel Hernandez, Jorge Mendez and Brian Bazari; and two sisters.

Linda Ray Bridgford Gantes, ’78 (psychology), of Laguna Niguel, Calif., December 22, 2017, at 61. At Stanford, she was a member of the Dollies. She was active in the schools and community of Laguna Niguel, where she raised her four children. She was also a member of PEO International, a service club that supports women’s projects. Survivors: her husband, John, ’76; her children, James, Allan, Jacqueline and J.D.; her parents, Janet and Allan Bridgford, ’57; a sister; two brothers, including Richard Bridgford, ’82, JD ’85; and two grandchildren.

1980s

Nancy Hoffman, ’80 (sociology), MA ’83 (education), of Inverness, Calif., March 4, at 59, from cancer. She was a member of Kappa Alpha Theta and Cap and Gown. She began her career in education at Crystal Springs School in Hillsborough. Over the next 30 years, she served as a history teacher, coach, academic dean, assistant head of school, department chair, dean of students and in various other roles at Castilleja School, Marin Academy and Sonoma Academy. She was an avid reader and a deep thinker with interests in Native American culture, children’s literature and Russian history. She loved horseback riding, hiking in the hills of Marin and nordic skiing. Survivors: her sisters, Karen Gilhuly and Sheila Lee; and close friend Elizabeth Leahy.

1990s
Laura Wheelock, ’90 (English and French), of Orcas Island, Wash., July 3, 2017, at 48, from cancer. She was a member of the track and field team. After graduating from Stanford, she developed a volunteer program for the Oracle Corp. She later earned her master’s degree in public policy at the Kennedy School at Harvard. In 2005, Laura and her partner, Markus, created Magic Carpet Rides, a program that provides students and families with homestays and volunteer projects in Guatemala. They lived for many years in Antigua and in San Juan La Laguna, a Mayan community on the shores of Lake Atitlan, before returning to Orcas Island. Survivors: her partner of almost 17 years, Markus Naugle; her sons, Nikko and Orion; her mother and father; and two brothers. 

Business

Kenneth E. Smiley Jr., MBA ’53, of Rancho Palos Verdes, Calif., and Barrington, Ill., February 3, at 88, from pneumonia. Prior to Stanford, he received a degree in economics from Occidental College. He was a veteran of the U.S. Navy; during his service, he was stationed in Guam. He was predeceased by his first wife, Marilyn; his sister, Sue Dixon; and his brother, Douglas. Survivors: his wife, Bonnie; his daughter, Jill Asbjornsen, and son, Kenneth; his stepsons, Scott and Ken Smith; his grandchildren and great-grandchildren; and a sister.

Shelden Sundgren, MBA ’59, of Thousand Oaks, Calif., March 13, at 89. Before Stanford, he received an bachelor’s degree in chemistry at UCLA and served as a U.S. Navy officer on the USS Johnnie Hutchins, stationed in Boston. His career began in chemical research and development at Shell Oil in San Pedro, Calif., and continued at Stauffer Chemical in Point Richmond, Calif., and New York. He also worked at Armco Steel, Hitco and North American Aviation, where he eventually retired. He was active in the Methodist Church and often served as a bible study teacher. He was a Master Mason, an avid reader and an accordionist. He was predeceased by his son, Robert. Survivors: his wife of nearly 60 years, Charlene; his daughter, Karen; three grandchildren; and a sister. 

James A. Stegner, MBA ’60, of Minneapolis, November 10, 2017, at 83, from multiple myeloma. After earning his MBA and embarking on a three-month tour of Europe, he began working with Texas Instruments. He became a financial analyst with Investors Diversified Services, where he met his wife-to-be, Jane, who also worked there. His career took him to several investment firms, including Eaton and Howard Mutual Funds; Columbia Savings and Loan; the St. Paul Companies; and New England Life Insurance. He took early retirement to spend time volunteering and enjoying his family. His travels included trips to Africa, South America, Costa Rica, Alaska and Hawaii. Survivors: his wife, Jane; sons Aaron and Jansson; and four grandchildren.

George Chalmers, MBA ’62, of Santa Barbara, Calif., March 18, at 84, from Parkinson’s disease. He received his bachelor’s degree in business from Antioch College, then enlisted in the U.S. Army and was assigned to the Counter Intelligence Corps in Washington, D.C., for two years. He began his career as an analyst with Economic Research Associates in Los Angeles. He moved on as a developer of shopping centers in the Phoenix area, and, in 2015, he retired as an asset manager for a real estate investor. He had a passion for golf and treasured his time and friendships at Old Ranch Country Club in Seal Beach, Calif. Survivors: his second wife, Barbara; his sons, Jeffrey and Christopher, and daughter, Sheba de Ponce; and five grandchildren.

Philip Thornton Clover, MBA ’62, of Chapel Hill, N.C., February 20, at 82. In 1957, he received his bachelor’s degree in industrial administration from Yale. After receiving his MBA from Stanford, he worked with General Electric for 23 years. He was vice president of finance and operations for Western Union North America and capped off his career by founding Clover Consulting Company. In his final years Phil volunteered for many organizations, including one that helped the underprivileged complete their tax returns. Perhaps his proudest volunteer effort was serving as a trustee of the Ridgewood (N.J.) Public Library, where he helped guide the institution through a $4 million renovation and expansion, almost doubling its size; it was completed in 1998. He was predeceased by his father, Philip Petrie Clover, Class of 1915. Survivors: his wife, Denise; sons Greayer, Ted and Sam; three grandchildren; and a sister. 

Education

Stanley A. Baker, MA ’48, of Modesto, Calif., February 22, at 96. At Stanford, he was a member of the Band. He was a World War II veteran and served in the U.S. Coast Guard. He graduated from DePauw U. and was an educator for 30 years. He was a member of the Musicians Union and played piano professionally throughout Southern California and Western Michigan. Upon retirement from teaching, he moved back to Bass Lake, Mich., where he actively served his community. He was a Rotarian and a Mason, and he delivered Meals on Wheels. In 1993, he was named Mason of the Year. He was a lifelong member of the Methodist Church. He was predeceased by his brothers, Phil, Porter, Fritz and Raymond. Survivors: his wife of 74 years, Miriam; his children, Donna Darnell, Joan Spry, Hyatt, Steve and Lester; and his grandchildren. 

Patricia Jo Meyer Lola, MA ’57, of Dallas, March 15, at 85, from complications of a fall. She attended U. of Colorado and U. of Denver, and was a member of Delta Delta Delta. In 1963, she moved to Texas, settling in Dallas. A lifelong supporter of the Lamplighter School, she worked as kindergarten coordinator there for more than 20 years. In addition, she was an active member of Brookhaven Country Club and St. Andrews Methodist Church in Plano, Texas. She was predeceased by her brother, Mike Schlaikjer. Survivors: her husband of 61 years, Joe, MS ’57; her daughter, Dodie Butler, and son, Kirk; and two grandchildren.

Engineering

Robert C. Allen, MS ’51 (mechanical engineering), of Ventura, Calif., February 3, at 92, from Alzheimer’s disease. He enlisted in the U.S. Navy and attended flight school before receiving his bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering from Cornell U. He spent his career working for Marquardt and Hughes Aircraft as an aerospace engineer and also in the development of Ramjet engines. He enjoyed fishing, hunting, boating, golfing and travel. He was predeceased by his son, Robert. Survivors: his daughter, Tracey.

Robert Wesley Helliwell, MS ’65 (materials science and engineering), of Morgan Hill, Calif., August 7, 2016, at 86, from Alzheimer’s disease. He worked at Pearl Harbor in Hawaii for 25 years. In 1992, he moved to Thailand and married Somjit. Survivors: his wife; his sons, Martin and Brian; and four grandchildren.

Richard Ellis Covert, MS ’66 (mechanical engineering), of Portland, Ore., February 6, at 79. Prior to Stanford, he earned a bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering at Iowa State U. and worked for Allison Engine Company, a division of General Motors, in Indianapolis. After receiving his master’s degree, he worked for several engineering companies in Southern California, including Delta Electronics, where he worked on the lunar rover. He later worked at Teledyne Ryan and at McDonnell Douglas in Arizona. He fell in love with the desert and built his dream home in Fountain Hills, Ariz. He later moved to Portland to be closer to family, and among his favorite activities was watching science shows with his grandchildren. Survivors: his wife, Margaret (Bartz, MS ’67); daughter, Kristin; and two grandchildren.

William J. Clemens, MS ’68 (mechanical engineering), of Northville, Mich., February 12, at 73, from respiratory failure. In 1966, he received a bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering from UC–Davis, and he worked for the Ford Motor Company for over 30 years. Survivors: his wife, Judith; his daughter, Michelle Halgren, and son, Derek; and three grandchildren. 

Barry A. Papermaster, MS ’77 (electrical engineering), of Dallas, April 2, at 64. In 1976, he received his bachelor’s degree from Yale in laser physics, and following Stanford, he received an MBA from the U. of Chicago. He enjoyed a long and rewarding career in technology sales and marketing for the semiconductor industry. He belonged to multiple running clubs in the Dallas area, routinely taking home medals and trophies in 5K events. He had a lifelong interest in running, downhill skiing and kayaking. Survivors: his wife of 31 years, Cheryl Buckles; his sons, Zachary and Benjamin, and daughter, Ariel; his mother; and two sisters.

Clifford Fountain, MS ’78 (materials sciences and engineering), of Eugene, Ore., March 17, at 87, from complications of Parkinson’s disease. He graduated from the U. of Oregon with a bachelor’s degree in physics. He served in the U.S. Air Force as a special investigator, and worked at the U.S. Navy’s research facility in China Lake, Calif., from 1961 to his retirement, when he moved to Eugene. He was an accomplished engineer and scientist, photographer, maker of useful things, tinkerer, wily card and chess player, aficionado of cookies and ice cream, and an exceptional friend, provider, father and husband. Survivors: his wife of 62 years; two children; and a grandchild. 

Humanities and Sciences

Reed H. Johnston, MS ’51 (physics), PhD ’51 (chemistry), of Wellesley, Mass., April 5, at 95. In 1943, he received his bachelor’s degree in mathematics and physics from McGill U. After graduation, he served in the Canadian Army as a lieutenant. After receiving his graduate degrees at Stanford, he pursued Canadian defense work before moving to the United States in 1961 to work at consulting firm Arthur D. Little. As an independent consultant in the mid-1970s, he invented two-way automated communication system technology, a metering infrastructure solution used by electric utilities. He loved classical music, summers at his cottage in Maine, bridge and his family. Survivors: his wife of 68 years, Shirley; his sons, David, Hugh and Donald, and daughter, Shelagh; eight grandchildren and a great-grandchild.

Arthur Hornig, PhD ’55 (physical science), of Lexington, Mass., February 12, at 93. He served in the U.S. Navy at the end of World War II. He moved to Northern California, and in 1949, he married Sarah Raisbeck (they divorced in 1979) and they had three sons. In 1961, he moved to Massachusetts and pursued a scientific career that included specialties in fluorescence spectroscopy and pyrolysis. He had a lifelong interest in music, favoring the Baroque and Renaissance periods, and sang with the choirs of Holy Trinity Church in Menlo Park and Church of the Advent in Boston, as well as other local ensembles. Survivors: his sons, Charles, Tim and John; three grandchildren; and three great-grandchildren.

Elsie Kent, MA ’65 (French), of Palo Alto, October 24, at 97. Born in London, she dropped out of school during World War II in order to help with the war effort. From 1943 to 1945, she worked for the Royal Navy. She married Paul in 1945, and they moved to San Francisco in 1948. In 1950, they moved to Palo Alto, where they raised four children. In 1963, she graduated with highest honors from San Jose State, receiving a bachelor’s degree in French with a minor in German. She then proceeded to Stanford for her master’s degree. She taught French and German at Chabot Community College in Hayward for 20 years. After retirement, she joined a Santa Clara hiking group; attended San Francisco orchestra concerts, opera and plays; and traveled to Asia, Europe and New Zealand. Survivors: her husband; her daughters, Rosalind Herlands, ’69, and Beverly, and sons, Roger and David; 11 grandchildren, including Ryan Herlands, ’99; and three great-grandchildren.

William C. Austin, PhD ’66 (biological sciences), of Victoria, British Columbia, March 22, at 81. After receiving his doctorate, he took a faculty position at Simon Fraser U. in Canada. While there, he was instrumental in establishing the Bamfield Marine Station. He then left to establish a consulting and research firm, the Khoyatan Marine Laboratory, as well as a teaching facility, the Marine Ecology Centre, both on Vancouver Island. He inspired people with his knowledge of and passion for marine life and the environment. He was involved in environmental preservation and fought for the protection of rare, 9,000-year-old glass sponge reefs along the coast of British Columbia. He was predeceased by his wife, Diane. Survivors: his daughter, Judy Kenzie, and son, John; and five grandchildren. 

Paul David Gayer, MA ’66 (economics), of Silver Springs, Md., February 7. In 1956, he received his bachelor’s degree in sociology from Ohio State U. He served in the U.S. Navy and worked in the government as an economist, most recently at the Department of Health and Human Services. He enjoyed bridge, played trombone in the big band tradition and sang in the choir at Christ Congregational Church. He was predeceased by his wife, Sylvia; and his sister, Julie Cahoon. Survivors: his daughter, Jennifer Gelman, and sons, David and William; and a brother. 

Richard Higginbotham, MA ’67 (international relations), of Modesto, Calif., March 25, at 76, from prostate cancer. He received a bachelor’s degree from the U. of San Francisco. In 1965, he married Vickie, and they moved from Oregon to New York, where Dick attended Columbia U. and worked in social services. In 1968, he moved to Modesto and began teaching political science at Modesto Junior College; he retired from MJC in 2010. He was devoted to sharing history with his students and engaging them in current events; his goal was to create an informed citizenry to participate in our democracy. He was predeceased by his sister Barbara Clark. Survivors: his wife of 52 years; his sons, Bradford and Brian; his grandchildren; two sisters; and a brother. 

Medicine

Gil Drake Tolan, MD ’69, of Fredericksburg, Texas, December 17, 2016, at 74, from complications after an automobile accident. In 1964, he graduated with honors from Oregon State U., with a degree in biochemistry. He enjoyed a 20-year career as a flight surgeon in the U.S. Air Force and retired as a colonel. He then pursued medical options in the private sector; his research interests focused on diabetes, heart health and nutrition. He was involved with Health by Design in San Antonio, Young Life, the Optimist Club, mentoring medical students and international medical relief efforts in Honduras and Africa. He was an active and faithful member of the Hill Country Church, where he was a deacon. He was predeceased by his first wife, Margaret. Survivors: his wife of 11 years, Kathy; his sons, Mark and Scott; a grandchild; and his brothers, Tod, ’71, and Tim.