IN MEMORY OF
GREGORY BALDWIN '58
Greg Baldwin passed away on June 25, 2011 at the age of 70 from a brain tumor. Greg was born on December 21, 1940 and was a well-known architect and urban designer. His father, George Baldwin, was general manager of the Port of Portland; his mother, Maurine, was a teacher. Baldwin graduated from Wilson High School in 1958 and then headed east to Harvard College, receiving a Bachelor of Arts in 1962, a Master of Architecture in 1966, and a Master of Urban Design in 1967 from Harvard University. In 1969, Greg received a fellowship from the American Academy in Rome. He also received a Marshall Prize and a Fulbright Fellowship for post-graduate studies. Greg met his wife, Joan Lamb, a native of suburban Philadelphia, in 1963 while attending graduate school. They moved to Portland in 1968 to start a family and career. Their son, Benjamin Lamb Baldwin, was born in 1968.Greg, Joan and Ben returned to Portland where their daughter, Sera Gregory Baldwin, was born in 1973. His grandchildren, William, Hugh and Sofia, and his sister Suzie's grandchildren, Oliver, Katherina, Ella, and Arleah, all have grown from his gifts of time and love. According to D.D. Row from The Oregonian, "whether at work or play, Greg Baldwin lived hard, passionately. Architect and urban designer Greg Baldwin wasn't known for a landmark building, project or even a particular aesthetic style. A sampling of Greg's work in Oregon include: the MAX system, lead architect and urban designer Portland transit mall, lead architect and urban designer Eliot Tower, lead architect Tom McCall Waterfront Park, urban designer Simon and Helen Director Park, lead architect and urban designer Oregon Health & Science University's Schnitzer Campus, master planner Mary Stuart Rogers Music Center at Willamette University, lead architect Multnomah Athletic Club, master plan for facility and lead architect for Loprinzi West End addition Bank of America Financial Center, co-principal designer River District Vision and Development Plan, lead urban designer. For brief periods Greg worked with Skidmore, Owings and Merrill, Environmental Disciplines, Inc. and Portland Public Schools. In 1979, he joined ZGF Architects and became a partner in 1985. Much of his nearly 44-year career in architecture was influenced by his commitment to integrate urban design and architecture and create a more livable environment through cooperative public and private partnerships. Greg had the ability to design at both the urban and the human scale. A number of his projects, perhaps most notably Portland's MAX Light Rail System (a recipient of a 2002 Presidential Design Award), have been recognized nationally for design excellence and became models for other cities. He served on a number of design awards juries, public boards and councils, from the original Central Eastside Industrial Council to the Portland Arial Transportation, Inc. board. He was an active member of the Harvard Graduate School of Design Alumni Committee and Urban Land Institute. Greg was an accomplished and quick vintage racing driver piloting Alfas, Lolas, and an Elden in events at Portland International Raceway. He was also a skilled craftsman and carpenter, again enhancing and enriching the people and environment around him. A public memorial service has been scheduled for Aug. 18, 2011, http://www.wilsonalumni.com/In_Memory/BaldwinMemorialService.png.
DAVID R. RILEY '58
Capt. David R. Riley (Retired) age 71 of Beavercreek passed away Sunday, June 5, 2011 at Hospice of Dayton. He was born March 28, 1940 in Spokane, WA, the son of Lee and Louise (Duncan) Riley. He is preceded in death by his parents and 2 brothers Daniel and Lee Riley. He is survived by his loving wife Anna (Formigoni) Riley, a son Scott (Randye) Riley of Laguna Hills, CA, a daughter Michelle (Scott) Henrick of Lunenburg, MA, 3 brothers Michael (Joyce) Riley of Oak Harbor, WA, Steve Riley of Portland, OR, Mark (Kathy) Riley of Fredericksburg, VA, mother-in-law Rosa Formigoni, brother-in-law Luciano (Silvana) Formigoni, and several nieces and nephews. Capt. David R. Riley served 31 years and retired with the United States Navy as pilot during the Vietnam War and graduate from the U.S. Naval Academy in 1963. David Riley was a proud American who took the opportunity to help many in need. He will be greatly missed by his family and friends. Services are at the convenience of the family. The family is being served by the Burcham Jennings Funeral Home, Fairborn. Condolences may be sent to the family at www.BurchamFuneralHome.com.
GARY BEAZLEY '59
Gary Beazley, Wilson Class of 1959, passed away on July 2, 2009 at the age of 67. He had a malignant brain tumor. Gary was born on September 12, 1941 in Portland. He attended Collins View grade school. In 1962 he married Pam Hauser. They had three children: daughter, Lorraine; son, Greg; and daughter, Debbie. They later divorced. In 1972 Gary met Terry Spang '61. They were married in 1974. Terry had two daughters, Shelley Heckendorn and Lisa Slocum. Gary was a machinist and worked at Nabisco for over 20 years keeping the equipment running. Gary loved parties, fun and the outdoors. He liked to take the travel trailer, usually to the beach, several times a summer. In 2003 he retired from Nabisco. He and Terry took a great trip to Alaska. He loved his family, friends, his boxer, Juno, and two cats, Tabitha and Peaches. In 2007 Gary was diagnosed with a glioblastoma, a malignant brain tumor. He fought valiantly for 23 months. He died peacefully at home. Gary is survived by his wife of 35 years, Terry; sister, Carol Lawton, and husband, Dwight; daughters, Shelley Ashurex; Lorri Hunt, and husband, Shaun; Debbie Hijar, and husband, Lou; and Lisa Irwin, and husband, Eric; son, Greg Beazley, and wife, Jill; and grandchildren, Mustafa, Tarek and Sarah Ashurex, Tyrell and Theodore Hunt, Katie Beazley, Luke, Hannah and Abigail Irwin, and Carly and Jessie Hijar. The 4th Annual Portland Brain Tumor Walk is Saturday, Septemer 12, 2009 at Willamette Park, on Gary's birthday. If anyone is interested in the walk or making contributions, the web site is www.portlandwalk.org. The team name is Team The Beaz. Terry Beazley and Family would love to have anyone and everyone join them.
DAVID TEPPOLA '59
David R. Teppola graduated from Wilson High School in 1959. He died of colon cancer on January 6, 2006 at the age of 64. David, co-founder of Laurel Ridge Winery is survived by his wife Susan, and two daughters, Kira and Maija Teppola. Susan tells us that David remembered his classmates very fondly and enjoyed "all the pranks he and others pulled and the fact that they pulled them quietly enough that he still got to be a Rose Festival Princess escort!" adds Susan.
RODRICK ROY BOSTON '60
Rodrick Roy Boston passed away on July 6, 2008 at the age of 65. He was born August 14, 1942, in Portland. After graduating from Wilson in 1960 he served in the Navy in the Vietnam War, then graduated from Southern Oregon College. Rod moved in 1971 to Beaverton, where he owned several 7-11 stores. In 1970, he married Barbara Halle; she died in 1980. Survivors include his daughter, Michelle M.; son, Michael R.; and brothers, John W. and Michael R. According to his brother Bill, Rod "had fond memories of his time and association with Wilson High School."
MICHAEL P. PRIMIANO '60
Michael Primiano passed away on November 17, 2008 at the age of 65. He was born March 24, 1943, in Portland, where he lived all his life. After graduating from Wilson Michael received bachelor's and master's degrees from Portland State University and served in the Army. He was a self-employed construction project manager. In 1970, he married Linda K. Enquist. Survivors include his wife; and mother, Ann.
AL LOMMEN '60
Al Lommen, Wilson class of 1960, passed away in Lincoln City, OR on Oct 16, 2010. Al played football at Wilson and his class was the first to complete all four years at the "new" school. After high school and a short stint in the Army Reserves, Al became a sheet metal worker and plied his trade throughout Oregon and Washington until his retirement in 2003. Almost immediately after retiring, he suffered a severe stroke and lost total use of the right side of his body. He spent several weeks in the hospital in Vancouver and in rehabilitation in Portland before returning to his home in Pacific City. His wife of 19 years, Bonnie, cared for Al at home until two years ago when she experienced heart problems of her own requiring major surgery and lengthy rehab. Unable to maintain Al at home, he was moved to the Lincoln City Rehabilitation Center where he remained until his death. During his lifetime Al had four wives (at different times) and three daughters; all the daughters now live in Salt Lake City. He is survived by brothers Jory Lommen of Portland and Dallas Lommen of Springfield, Ore. Al loved a good time and never missed a party. He lived fast and loved freely. If you knew Al or were one of his buddies, please tip one in his memory. His body was cremated and his ashes "commended to the deep" in the waters off the coast he loved so much.
FORREST 'JOE' RIEKE 1960
Forrest "Joe" Rieke, a prominent Portland defense attorney who served 15 years on the Portland School Board, died of a heart attack August 29, 2011. He was 69. Joe was born on May 26, 1942 and graduated from Wilson in 1960. According to The Oregonian, known for his imposing presence, the bearded 6-foot-3 former Stanford University football player was a warmhearted champion of improving educational outcomes, particularly of low-income and special education students, said those who worked with him. "He was passionate for making a difference for kids who didn't have that voice," said Josie Hashemian, an executive assistant who has worked closely with school board members during 32 years with the district. Rieke also helped preserve school sports programs, introduce school health clinics and advocate other holistic approaches to good schools, former colleagues said. On the national level, Rieke fought for federal funding for urban schools as a leader of the Council of the Great City Schools. Locally, he brought a sense of history to school board decisions. His mother, the namesake forMary Rieke Elementary School, served 12 years on the school board and he then served 15, far longer than most, said Steve Griffith, whose eight years on the board overlapped with Joe Rieke's service. Frank McNamara, another fellow board member, said Rieke "served in very hot, very troublesome times" with protests over desegregation, strike threats by the teachers union and school closures. "He liked to come on strong on an issue, but he was not without flexibility." Rieke began his 40-year legal career as a prosecutor in the Multnomah County district attorney's office but spent 35 years as a defense attorney, primarily representing indigent clients. In the final decade of his career, Rieke focused on representing people facing the death penalty for murder, drunken driving, arson and other crimes. In every case, he managed to avoid a death sentence for his client, said Chris Clayhold, a longtime legal associate and partner. On the school board and in the courtroom, the big man with the big voice made plain his strong views but in measured tones. Outside his hard-charging job and long hours on the school board, Rieke's priority was family: his wife, Donna, and their children, Maryjane and Forrest, who, like his father, goes by another name, in his case Abe. Joe coached their sports teams even when he didn't know soccer or basketball rules well. "We didn't win many games, but we had more fun than any other team," Maryjane Rieke recalls of middle school basketball. The family spent happy times at their Mount Hood cabin and, after their children left home, Joe and Donna Rieke lived there year-round. A memorial service for Joe was held at the Portland school district headquarters at 501 North Dixon Street on Sept. 23. In addition to his wife and children, Joe is survived by his brother, John '71, and sister, Mary Macklin Reaugh. Abe Rieke and his wife, Renee, are expecting his first grandchild in October.
In Memory Of Class of 1961
Karen Alden
Gary Anderson
Lynn Archer
Michael Arenz
Jean Baumgartner
David Binford
Sharon Brown
Craig Buchanan
Penny Buchanan
Dahl Cornell
Gene Curtiss
Dennis D'Angelo
Gary Davis
Regina Deibele
Allan (Duke) Dickinson
Patricia Edgar
Kirby Faith
Jane M. Fletcher
Melelann Fox
John Gagan
Thomas Glover
Rodney Hager
John Hood
Patricia Ivey
Darrell Lafferty
Geoffrey Layton
Michael Mayer
Joann McFarland
Stuart Moore
Lawrence Moseley
Peter Nichols
Gil Norbraten
Alyce Page
Glenn Penning
Shirley Peterson
Margaret (Fern) Ratty
Marcia Raymond
Timothy Roland
Linda Rosebrook
Kathleen Schmer
Terry Shroll
Jerrold Smigh
Judith Sparks
Janice Stevenson
Tom Swanson
Lowell Young
LINDA (ROSEBROOK) JOHNSON '61
Linda Johnson, class of 1961, passed away on December 9, 2010 after a 16-year battle with cancer. She was 67. Born in Portland to Earl and Margaret Rosebrook, Linda attended Multnomah and Robert Gray grade schools and graduated from Wilsonl. She attended Portland State University. Linda married Jay Johnson '59 on Feb. 12, 1966, in Portland. She was a stay-at-home mom to Mike and Steve during their school years, and served as PTA president. Later, Jay and Linda operated Dot Golf shop in Beaverton, for 14 years. Since then, they enjoyed retirement and their grandchildren, Nicholas, Addy, and Samantha. Linda was involved with the Metro West Women's Club and Lake Oswego Ladies Golf Club. For years, Linda and her family were involved with the Mount Hood Ski Patrol. The family would like to thank her oncologist, Dr. Gary Takahashi, and his staff at OHSU oncology for her wonderful care. They would also like to thank all the doctors and nurses at Providence St. Vincent Medical Center for the care they gave to Linda during her last days. We want Linda remembered as kind, generous, caring, and the toughest fighter in the world. A celebration of life was held on Jan. 8, 2011, in Portland. Please make all remembrances to Susan G. Komen for the Cure or the American Cancer Society . "Don't give up, don't ever give up."
In Memoriam Class of 1962
Corrine Berg Gross
Janice Bramwell
Bill Brown
Maureen Butler
Phil Copeland
Tom Davidson
Dottie Davis
Carol Furry Shillito
Mike Grady
John Harrow
Joyce Johnson Don
Julie Johnson
Matt Kemeny
Steve Kerr
Karen Larson
Ron Lorenzen
Ernie Maruska
John Miller
John Moke
Vicki Oliver Whipps
Bill Olsen
Jack Pattee
Barbara Peterson
John Schuster
Deanna Shirley Schworer
Wayne Smith
Steve Summersett
Tom Swanson
Arthur (Jim) Todd
Karen Willsey McDaniel
ERNEST MARUSKA '62
Ernie Maruska '62 passed away suddenly on October 25, 2007. Ernie was born on January 14, 1944 and was 63 years old. His sister Jo Ann Ausmus (Maruska) '64 states that, "Ernie was an active member of the Thespians WWHS Drama Department. He was also involved in modern dance at school." Our thoughts are with his family.
GARY MARTIN '63
Gary Martin '63 passed away on March 3, 2011. He blessed the Cider Mill Restaurant down the street from Wilson for over 33 years as head bartender until his retirement in October 2010. Gary played football, ran cross country and track while at Wilson and was named Wilson's "Boy of the Month" in November, 1962. "Gary's passion for life, his patrons and his extended family at the Cider Mill will not be forgotten.......Gary Martin was an honest man," adds Toby Harris '89 (owner of Cider Mill Restaurant). There was a memorial wake service for Gary on Sunday, March 13, 2011 from 4:00 to 7:00pm at the Cider Mill Lounge, 6712 SW Capitol Hwy, Portland, Oregon. Click here to read more about Gary.
MARYLOU FITCH BROWN '63
MaryLou (Fitch) Brown '63 passed away peacefully on May 2nd in her Portland home with her family by her side. She was born on November 6, 1945. She attended Wilson high school, PSU, and PCC, which led her to a lifelong career as a legal secretary at several prestigious Portland law firms. On December 27, 1966, she married Steven Brown after meeting on a blind date. Their first daughter, Lisa, arrived in 1967, followed by Kirsten in 1969. Those who knew MaryLou remember her as a strong, intelligent woman and a loyal and loving wife, mother, sister, and friend. Her love of travel (New England, the British Isles, the Oregon coast, and Sunriver held special places in her heart), cooking and baking (her fudge and fondue were beyond compare), and her passion for the holidays (she left nothing undecorated) will remain in our memories forever. MaryLou was an outgoing and popular woman with a wide circle of friends. They found a caring and trusted confidant on whom they could depend for anything. While she loved her friends, it was her family she treasured most: her beloved husband, Steven; her daughters, Lisa '85 and Kirsten '87 and their spouses, Sam and Gary; and her cherished grandsons, Andrew, Malcolm, and Cameron. MaryLou also remained very close to her three brothers, Jim, Mike and Tom, and especially with her sister, Judy, who brought her great joy and support when she needed it most.
TAMARA LEE HELM (ALSMAN) '64
Tamara Lee Helm (Alsman) died May 24, 2006 of a heart attack at age 60. Tamara Lee Alsman was born May 11, 1946, in Portland. She graduated from Wilson High School in 1964 and lived in Tigard before moving to Tualatin in 2000. She was a loan officer for Lending Resource Corporation. Survivors include her mother, Ramona Alsman; and sister, Mona R. Edwards. Remembrances to the Oregon Humane Society.
PAUL H. FRITZLER '64
Wilson classmate Paul H. Fritzler born in Portland on July 2, 1946 passed away May 9, 2008. He died of complications from chemotherapy which he was taking for a rare terminal cancer. He leaves behind Candace Fritzler, his grieving wife and best friend, his son Mark who is married with two children Jocelyn age 8 and Elizabeth age 6. He also has a daughter Leslie who works full time and is attending the University of Washington. He also leaves behind two adult married step-children with four step-grandchildren that loved him dearly. He received his Bachelor of Science Degree in Electrical Engineering from the University of Washington in 1973 and went on to a distinguished career with Eaton/Cutler Hammer Corp. for over 30 years. In addition, he also belonged to many other professional organizations in the electrical engineering field. Paul was working full time at the time of his death for the Eaton Corporation as a Professional Engineer. He had a famous saying that he was "Strong Like Bull" though Candace always told him he was "Full of Bull", that was an on-going joke with everyone that knew him and loved him. There wasn't anything he couldn't fix, make or create. He was tireless in helping others, no matter what it took. Paul was a veteran of the U.S. Navy. He received his Bachelor of Science Degree in Electrical Engineering from the University of Washington in 1973 and went on to a distinguished career with Eaton/Cutler Hammer Corp. for over 30 years. In addition, he also belonged to many other professional organizations in the electrical engineering field. Paul, also known as "Poppy", had a tremendous love for his family and friends. He was full of spirit and selflessness, always willing to help others. His sense of humor was never ending and was always the life of the party. Paul had a passion for boating, cars, SCUBA diving, travel and UW football. Paul is also survived by his older brother Tom and his wife Diane, and his mother Nan, who is still alive and doing well living independently at the age of 92.
RUTH VOEGTLIN (HENDERSON '64
Ruth Voegtlin (Henderson) died July 26, 2006, of breast cancer at age 60. Ruth Henderson was born Feb. 9, 1946, in Portland, where she lived all her life. She graduated from Wilson High School and Portland Community College and was a registered nurse for Providence St. Vincent Home Health for the past six years. In 1989, she married Richard D. "Dave." Survivors include her husband. Remembrances to Providence ElderPlace.
EDWARD A KAHN '64
Edward Kahn passed away on April 7, 2009 at the age of 62. He was born in Portland on November 8, 1946. Edward did odd jobs and is survived by his mother, Mary.
DAVID D. RHINE '64
David D. Rhine passed away in April 2007. He was born in 1946 and grew up in Portland. He graduated from Wilson High School and attended Portland State University. He worked mostly as a salesman although he took over Columbia Copy Company when his father retired. He married and had two sons whom he dearly loved. He loved to ski, dirt bike and hike with them. He spent his last few years in Guatemala until he returned home in February and was diagnosed with lung cancer. He leaves behind his father, Dale D Rhine Sr.; sons, Matt Rhine of Portland and Michael who disappeared in Guatemala in 2003; sister, Elaine Tanzer; brother-in-law, Jake Tanzer; and ex-wife, Margaret Rhine. He was preceded in death by his mother, Gussie Rhine, who died in 1990.
SALLY JO KENNEDY SHEEDY '64
Sally Jo Kennedy Sheedy passed away on October 4, 2005 at age 59. Sally Jo Sheedy was born May 15, 1946, in Portland. She graduated from Wilson High School and Portland State University. She was a housing services specialist for the General Services Administration, and a self-employed stamp artist. Survivors include her mother, Elizabeth Sheedy; and her aunts, uncles and cousins. Remembrances to the Cat Adoption Team.
KENTON GILLASPIE '64
After a nine-month battle with esophageal cancer, Ken passed away on December 10, 2006. Ken Gillaspie was a founding partner of Security First Advisors and an active member of the Money Quotient community of life-centered, values-based, financial planning professionals. He was an accomplished jazz musician. Ken was born on November 8, 1946 and lived most of his life in Portland. After Wilson HS, Ken attended Portland State University and the University of Portland. His undergraduate work was in business, psychology, and education; and he earned a master's degree in music. He taught music for many years and counted many of his former students as friends. As a local jazz musician, Ken was often spotted in the Portland area playing trumpet and flugalhorn at public and private functions. Ken also served in the Army as a medic and trumpet player during the Vietnam War. Ken taught music for several years. Ken is survived by his wife Peggy and their two sons, Christopher and David.
BEN BUTZIEN '64
Wilson classmate Ben Butzien '64 passed away from liver cancer on December 26, 2006. He was married to Karen Perkins-Butzien for 35 years. Ben will be missed by his classmates.
GEORGE STEVENS '64
George Stevens '64 was born on November 15, 1946 in Berkeley and died December 3, 2009 in San Francisco. He died at his beloved Maitri where he has volunteered since 1988. He is grieved by a community as diverse and colorful as he and we thank him for his generosity and love. George was called to action from the beginning of the AIDS epidemic in 1981. He joined the Zen Hospice Project in its early stages which became Maitri Hospice. He was an integral member of the institution's growth and evolution from the beginning. He showed up. He never left. He leaves us with many gifts -- the gift of Maitri, which he helped shape and protect. And the gift of modeling compassionate friendship - from the inside out. As he began to fight his own battle with a rare sarcoma he made the illness into a communal experience sharing his medical news, acknowledging fear, anger, and regrets along with his profound love of beauty and culture through his blog. We would have wished for more time with George. We are grateful that he showed us what courage looks like and how to exemplify the gift of presence. In the end, he died peacefully, surrounded by love and compassion from friends near and far. "I have trusted that my life was guided with purpose and intention. Fundamentally, I have felt well used in my life and San Francisco was the container for my work. Gratitude doesn't begin to describe how much I love and appreciate this City." The memorial for George Stevens will be held February 14, 2009 beginning at 3pm followed by a reception until 5pm at Congregation Sha'ar Zahav, 290 Dolores Street at 16th in San Francisco. A Wilson classmate, Edre Lee Berry '62 recalls that George graduated from the University of Oregon and spent one year in Pavia, Italy; before that, he spent three months as an exchange student in Mexico and Jose Tapete spent three months later with the Stevens' family. George was artistically inclined from grade school days; later on, he also became very proficient in computer technology and lived quite a few years in San Francisco. He was definitely a great fan of the San Francisco Opera. George is survived by his sister, Elizabeth "Betsy" Stevens Howe '69 and his 92 year old father, George Stevens. His mother, Ruth Stevens, passed away on March 1, 2009 at the age of 91. According to Betsy, during the summer, between his Sophomore and Junior years, George went to Mexico City to live with a family and attend classes. "He learned to speak fluent Spanish and gained a love for travel. George stayed in touch with several high school friends, including Miss Leonora Guinazzo, his Spanish teacher. In August, 2009, George attended a gathering of 1964 WWHS grads held in Multnomah Village. It was his last visit to Portland and a wonderful opportunity to say good bye to many friends."
JOHN CARTER '64
John Carter passed '64 away unexpectedly on February 16, 2010. He was born in Portland in 1945 and was the oldest of three boys. John was a special education assistant at Glencoe High School and is survived by his brothers, Clayton '60 and Nicholas (Jesuit graduate). John played varsity football, ran track (High Hurdles) & high jumped for Wilson. Click here to read more about John's life: http://www.utsrocks.com/utsmainpage.html, then click on JOHN CARTER'S BIOGRAPHY.
PAUL LONGMORE 1960-1963 (CLASS '64)
Dr. Paul Longmore, 64, a leading disability scholar and activist who taught at San Francisco State died of natural causes on August 9, 2010. Paul attended Wilson from 1960 to 1963 (and was heading to graduate with his class of 1964 but left after his junior year when his family moved to Southern California in the spring of 1963.) Paul's sister Ellen Longmore Brown lives in Ohio and attended WWHS for her freshman year 1963. According to Valerie J. Nelson from the LA Times, Paul was unable to use his hands because of a childhood bout with polio and helped establish disability studies as a field of academic research and teaching. He also wrote some of the first academic and historical articles about how disabled people have been depicted in popular culture. In his 2003 book, "Why I Burned My Book and Other Essays on Disability," he challenged popular views of assisted suicide, which he had campaigned against legalizing in California, and highlighted the relatively unknown history of the disability rights movement during the Depression. According to Disability Rights California, “Paul was one of the most engaging and wide-ranging speakers on disability policy throughout American history and we were honored to work with him and have him present at our staff trainings,” said Catherine Blakemore, executive director of Disability Rights California. Staff attorney Stephen Rosenbaum noted: “I once heard Paul introduced as the ‘James Dean’ of Disability Studies – that captures the combination of intellectual, rebel and down-to-earth man he was.” Margaret Johnson, advocacy director, recalled: “In addition to his contributions to the disability civil rights movement, he taught me academic and disability history lessons and – he had the best sense of humor.” There was a celebration of Paul's life on October 23, 2010. The celebration was held at SF State with a reception following the ceremony. Click here to read Paul's curriculum Vitae.
The Paul K. Longmore Institute for Disability Studies at San Francisco State University promotes interdisciplinary education, training, research and service in disability-related areas. The Institute develops partnerships with programs that serve the disability community on the campus, locally and statewide, nationally and internationally. The Institute provides leadership in disability studies, including but not limited to social psychology, social work, physical therapy, design and industry, education, rehabilitation, and the humanities.
The Institute initiates and supports projects that lead to:
- curriculum development across disciplines and at all educational levels
- graduate student research
- revisions to public policy
- scholarly publications
- textbooks
The University is particularly proud of the leading role played by the institute in reconceptualizing disability and the role of disabled peoples, with vast implications for civil rights law, social welfare policies, architectural design and assistive technology, and professional training and service delivery in disability-related fields.
If you’d like to make your gift online, you may do so at: https://www.applyweb.com/public/contribute?s=sfudonat. To ensure that your gift is properly allocated, please select “Other” from the “I would Like to support” value list and type “Paul Longmore Fund” in the “If “Other”, enter designation:” text box in the “About your gift” section.
For mail in donations:
Please make your checks payable to
San Francisco State University Corporation,
with “Dr. Paul Longmore Memorial Fund” written on the notation line.
Your tax deductible contribution can be mailed to:
Andrea Rouah
SF State, University Development
1600 Holloway, ADM 153
San Francisco, CA 94132
(415 338-1668) for questions
JEFF BASINSKI '64
Teacher, coach and administrator Jeff Basinski '64 died in his sleep on May 27, 2011 at the age of 65. Jeff was head coach at Forest Grove from 1980 to 1991, leading league champion teams in 1981 and 1985. In his 41 seasons of coaching in the state, he also assisted at St. Helens, Sunset and Centennial, where he spent the last six years. He coached basketball and wrestling at Forest Grove High School for many years. Before that he assisted coach Jeff Durham, and after he left the head coaching job he served on the staffs of coaches Bill Bloomer and Mike McCabe. He retired as the school’s athletic director in 2005. Jeff taught social studies and personal finance at FGHS. After retirement, he helped coach at Centennial High School. Basinski was a member of the 1965 Linfield team that played in the NAIA national championship game. Jeff dedicated his life to kids and his community. He believed greatly in the value of extracurricular activities and the importance that they have for kids. Bass made a difference in the lives of many and will be greatly missed. Jeff's father, Eddie Basinski, was in minor league baseball league in Portland. He is survived by his family, Connie, BJ, Marianne, Jaime, Tim, Ellie and Mitch. Those who wish to celebrate Jeff's life are invited to Forest Grove High School at 1 p.m. Sunday, June 12, 2011. Donations to American Diabetes Association , Forest Grove High School Hall of Fame, or Centennial High School Football would be a suitable way to honor Coach Bass.
SANDRA JEAN HOLLENBECK BURGI '64
Sandy Hollenbeck Burgi graduated from Wilson in 1964. She passed away on April 27, 2011 at the age of 64 years young. Sandra was born November 28, 1946 at the former Columbus/Queen Anne Hospital in Seattle Washington. She was the daughter of Leighton and Donna Hollenbeck of Portland, Oregon. At an early age, Sandy and family moved to Portland, Oregon. Sandy was raised in Southwest Portland, and graduated from Wilson High School, and Oregon State University. She was married to Edward Bailey with whom she had been together for 25 years. Ed and Sandy have lived in Portland, Sammamish, Crescent Bar, and most recently in Kirkland Washington. Sandra worked all of her life in the health care industry, beginning as a medical technologist at the Oregon Health Science University, Oreganon Teknika as a Co-Ag specialist, and last 23 years in Molecular Diagnostics as a Regional Molecular Product Specialist with Roche Diagnostics. She enjoyed training clients and new employees in the specialized molecular industry and DNA amplification technology. Sandy’s loves included family, friends, co-workers, international traveling, wine tasting, Maui, her dog ’Joe’, and all her other pets. She had an infectious smile and laugh, and was loved by all. She was a loving mother, grandmother, devoted partner and wife. Most of all she was a loyal friend. She was preceded in death by her father, Leighton. She is survived by her husband Edward Bailey of Kirkland; daughter Gina Kaldahl and grandsons Ari and Soren Kaldahl of Eugene, Oregon; her mother Donna Hollenbeck of Portland Oregon; and sister/brother in law Barbara and Tad Hetu of Hillsboro, Oregon. Per Sandy’s request, in lieu of flowers please make donations to: The Maui Humane Society, Sandra J. Burgi Fund, PO Box 1047, Puunene-Maui, HI 96784. Please visit www.flintofts.com to view a full obituary and to sign the on-line guest book.
ERIC A. BRANNFORS '64
Eric Brannfors lost his life on December 28, 1966 at age 20 while serving in South Vietnam in the US Army in the Light Weapons Infantry. Eric serviced for two years.
JAMES JEFFRIES '64
MICHAEL JEFFRIES '67
We are sad to report that Cece Delfs (Jeffries) '60 lost her two brothers in 2008. Mike Jeffries '67 passed away January 2008 of a heart attack and other problems. He attended his 40th Reunion in September 2008. Mike's memorial service was held at O'Connor's Restaurant in Multnomah. "Steve did a great job!" adds Cece. Her other brother Jim Jeffries '64 passed away in April 2008. He was diagnosed with lung cancer and it metastasized to his brain. Jim was gone in 4 months. Cece tells us that 2008 was a very difficult year for her family. "Our Mother will be 94 in December 2009. I graduated with the infamous Class of 1960. I really appreciate the alumni website."
OFFICER WILLIAM "BILL" BROWN '65
Bill Brown '65 died on Wednesday, February 24, 2010 in Gresham. He was 62 years of age. After graduating from Wilson, Bill enlisted in the United States Air Force. During his duty, he was granted Top Secret Clearance working with Cryptographic information. After receiving an honorable discharge on May 4, 1972, Bill returned to Portland where he completed his Bachelor's Degree at Portland State University. He worked as a Police Officer for the Portland Police Bureau for 28 years retiring in 2006. Bill is survived by his wife, Jo of Gresham, step sons, Chris Ronnfeldt of Portland, Jon Ronnfeldt of Gresham and Mike Ronnfeldt of Clackamas, parents, Dennis and Karleen Brown of Beaverton and brothers Ron Brown of Beaverton and Steve Brown of Beaverton along with 3 grandchildren, Jon, Alyssa and Dylan. A funeral service was held on Wednesday, March 3, 2010 at Bateman Carroll Funeral Home. To read more about Bill, go to: http://www.legacy.com/dignity-memorial/obituary.aspx?n=William-Brown&lc=7392&mid=4155789&=.
CAROL MARGARET HARTSOOK 1965
Carol Margaret Hartsook '65 died after a very long battle with cancer on June 23, 2007, at the age of 59. She was born on November 18, 1947 in Portland and had no children.
DENNIS O'DELL '66
Dennis O'Dell '66 passed away May 11, 2010 at the age of 61 at his home in Warren, under the care of his loving wife, family members and Legacy Hospice. Born July 11, 1948, to Ray and Shirley O'Dell in Portland, Dennis was baptized and confirmed in the Lutheran church. He graduated from Wilson High School in Portland in 1966 and attended Pacific Lutheran University in Tacoma. During his school days, he played the accordion and trumpet and also played soccer and baseball. In anticipation of turning 16, Dennis worked many part-time jobs, earning enough money to purchase his first car, a "three-on-the-tree" 1954 Plymouth Belvedere, which sparked his lifelong passion for cars. In 1968, Dennis began a long and dedicated career with Western Bancorp which, through many mergers and acquisitions, ultimately became Wells Fargo & Co. Dennis earned numerous awards and received much intensive training in his career as systems analyst for the information technology division. He was devoted to his position at the bank and retired just last year. After struggling with drugs and alcohol in his 20s and early 30s, Dennis found sobriety in 1982. He worked diligently on his recovery and in 1986 he had the honor of serving as chairperson of the Columbia River Young Peoples Roundup. He met many of his lifelong friends in recovery and this was always an integral part of who he was. Dennis suffered from liver disease later in life, eventually necessitating a liver transplant. A partial transplant on Feb. 14, 2003, from a live donor, his dear friend Robert, gave him the gift of more than seven wonderful years. In that time, he married his beautiful wife, Susan Barnes, June 11, 2006, and they have spent their lives together in the country in Warren. He was also able to continue his employment, enjoy 34 years as a Portland Trail Blazer season ticket holder, golf, ski, take pleasure in home improvement projects and make his famous blueberry waffles for the family every Mother's Day. Dennis and Susan loved to travel with their good friends to Cancun, Mexico, and Sedona, Ariz., where they spent numerous weeks each year. On one of their recent trips to Mexico they experienced the adventure of their lives being caught in Hurricane Wilma, where they were holed-up in a crowded, makeshift shelter for more than four days. Dennis is survived by his wife, Susan; father and mother, Ray and Shirley; brothers, Stephen (Hilary) of Redondo Beach, Calif., and his four grown children and David (Debie) and his four children of Hokenson, Wash.; grandson Evan; and five stepchildren and their children. Dennis was predeceased by his sister, Laura. We will all miss Dennis' passion, persistence and tenacity through adversity; his incredible wit and humor; and his love for his wife, Susan; grandson, Evan; his family; and friends. A celebration of Dennis' life was held Friday, May 14, 2010, in Good Shepherd Lutheran Church, 3405 S.W. Alice St., Portland, OR 97219. Condolences to the family may be made at www.columbiafh.com. Remembrances to a charity of choice. Published in The Oregonian on May 14, 2010
REMEMBERING WAYNE TWITCHELL '66 BASEBALL MAJOR LEAGUER, OREGON HALL OF FAMER
We lost Wayne Twitchell '66 who passed away from cancer on September 16, 2010. He was a big-league pitcher, storyteller, mentor, Major leaguer, and Oregon Hall of Famer from Wilson High. Wayne was 62. There was a Memorial Service on Saturday, September 25, 2010 in the Multnomah Presbyterian Church. Wayne is survived by his wife Barbara and sons and Wilson graduates, Patrick '98 and Matthew '94. Mike Clopton, Wilson baseball coach was quoted in an article by Aaron Frentress as saying that Wayne Twitchell "was a great story teller. Very quiet and unassuming for a guy that had achieved what most kids wanted to. Giving instead of taking. He made the game real simple so the kids would understand it. He was very calming for the pitchers." As Dwight Jaynes posted in his blog, "We lost a great one last week".
Click here to read more about this former star pitcher for Wilson High: Portland Tribune by Stephen Alexander; The Oregonian by Aaron Frentress; Dwight Jaynes' blog.
BARRY MICHAEL LEWIS '66
Barry Michael Lewis '66 of Lincoln City died January 1, 2011, at his home. He was 62. Barry was born May 22, 1948, in Portland, to Jean and Shirley (Metzger) Lewis.
KENT FRUTIGER '66
Kent Frutiger '66 passed away on March 20, 2011 at the age of 62. Kent was born on March 30, 1948 and passed away in his hometown of Portland. After serving in the Vietnam War, Kent became a local small business owner. He owned A-Ball Plumbing Supply and was an active member of the East Portland Rotary club. Kent is survived by his mother, Kathleen; former wife, Jan; sister, Jeanie '69; children, Jason, Roger, and Elizabeth '00; and one grand- daughter. Contributions in lieu of flowers can be made to the Foundation of East Portland Rotary Club.
PETER REYNOLDS '66
Peter Reynolds passed away from cancer on February 19, 2012 at the age of 63. He is survived by his wife, Denene '66; son, Peter Jr. "Kip" and his wife, Marti; daughter, Tiffany Krake '91 and her husband, Kevin; grandchildren, Carson, Cameron, Lexi, Peyton, Nolan, Monee and Kaylee; and siblings, Sue and her husband, Mike, John Eric, Dan and his wife, Cynthia, Mark and his wife, Jill; and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his father, John; his mother, Helen; and his sister, Anne. According to The Oregonian, Pete was born in Portland on May 5, 1948 and married Denene Schriber, his 1966 Wilson High School classmate. After a four-year stint in the Air Force, he and Denene settled in Portland. In 1984, he started his own insurance agency, Barnes and Reynolds, where his daughter joined him in 1994. His personal touch in business made his clients into longtime friends. Pete combined his love of family and enthusiasm for sports by coaching his children's baseball and softball teams for over 10 years. When his grandchildren began to play, he never missed a game. He was a major sponsor for Southwest Portland Little League as well as many other Northwest charities. Fitness and sports were always important to him. He ran marathons including the Boston, New York, Portland, Seattle and The Marine Corps Marathon in Washington, D.C. After his marathon days were over, biking became his passion. He never missed an opportunity to go to the gym or bike with his buddies, even after he started chemotherapy. Together, he and Denene enjoyed collecting coins, tinkering with cars and spending time with their grandchildren. Pete was also a legendary gardener; he refined his talents for vegetables and fruit over the years - to the enjoyment of his family and neighbors. Pete was a loving, strong, determined man and all of these traits made him the best husband, father, brother, grandfather, uncle and friend that anyone could ask for. He will be missed by more people than he could possibly have fathomed. Anyone who knew him can say that they were better for having him in their life. He was a devoted husband, proud father and grandfather and a fiercely loyal friend. Blessings on Pete, who so richly blessed us all. The memorial service was held on February 24, 2012, at the World Forestry Center, 4033 S.W. Canyon Road, Portland. In lieu of flowers, kindly send contributions to Southwest Portland Little League (P.O. Box 19714, Portland, OR 97280-9714 or www.swpll.org) to create the Pete Reynolds Memorial Field at Markham Elementary School.
MICHAEL AMEY '67
MIchael Robert Amey '67 passed away on September 17, 2009 at the age of 60. Mike was born in Seaside on March 3, 1949, graduated from Wilson High School and spent a few years in the Army as a surgical tech in Germany during Vietnam. He was on his way to success as a sales manager until he was paralyzed in a diving accident in 1984. Since then he has spent his life trying to turn big dreams into reality. He never gave up and he never ran out of ideas. His perseverance finally paid off with the successful completion of a non-profit, low-income apartment complex for disabled people. This endeavor included the Oregon state legislature passing House Bill 3030, also known as the "Amey Bill", which redefined disabled and allowed persons with disabilities and their families to access state bond financing. Mike enjoyed listening to music "Where's the rock and roll?", playing fantasy football "Go Seahawks!" and that long sleeved blue velour shirt (chuckle). Mike had a never ending bout of sarcasm for which he will always be remembered by. He is survived by his wife of 36 years, Connie; father, Hal; three children, Scott, Sara, Ryan; 7 grandchildren and many cherished family and friends. He is preceded in death by his mother, Joan; and step-father, Roy. His step-mother Teresa passed the following day.
LORRAINE WERSTLEIN '67
This world lost one of its true angels with the passing of Lorraine Werstlein '67 on January 20, 2008, to breast cancer. She was 58. Lorraine's dedication to making this world a better place than she found it could be found in her tireless work with the American Cancer Society's Relay For Life and in her uncompromising love and devotion to family and friends. She was born Lorraine Louise Majors on May 2, 1949, in Portland to Martha and Hugh Majors and enjoyed a lifetime of close friendships gained early in her childhood. She graduated from Wilson High School in 1967 and married Bradley P. Werstlein on April 12, 1969. The couple soon after took up residence in Aloha and raised two daughters, Karie and Holly. Lorraine worked 10 years in the accounting office for J. Thayer Co., and later served five years in Nike World Finance, but work mainly served as a means to develop further friendships. A stranger truly was a friend Lorraine had yet to meet. Lorraine was a member of The Red Hat Society "The Scarlet Sweethearts," and was a driving force when it came to the Relay For Life of Beaverton - relentlessly working to raise funds and awareness so that cancer might one day be eliminated from this world. She touched the lives of many throughout the state of Oregon with her giving nature, and especially enjoyed traveling with her husband, Brad, in their motorhome. Walking along the beach and digging clams, reading books and getting to know fellow travelers in nearby campsites were particular favorites, but Lorraine also enjoyed the comforts of home with its familiar faces and places, bunco parties and the ability to tend to her garden and ever-fruitful friendships. Lorraine leaves behind her husband of 38 years, Brad Werstlein of Aloha; loving daughters, Karie Majors of Canby, and Holly Henry and husband, Kris Henry of Medford; five grandchildren, Dylan Larson, Cassidy Vaughan, Nicklaus Henry, Grace Henry and Ty Henry; her mother, Martha Leckband of Tualatin; two brothers, Bob Majors and wife, Shaun Majors of Portland, and Mark Majors of John Day; her Uncle John and Aunt Shirley Mares of Albuquerque, N.M.; numerous nieces and nephews; and countless loving friends. Lorraine was preceded in death by her father, Hugh Majors, and stepfather, Hank Leckband. Her kind and gentle nature will be missed by all, but never forgotten. In this time of sorrow we are all comforted by the many memories of how she never failed to make us smile and was always a comfort in our time of need. She was buried next to her father, Hugh Majors, at Skyline Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to the American Cancer Society Relay For Life of Beaverton, 0330 SW Curry St., Portland, OR 97239, designated for Team Skip For My Lou 2. Published in The Oregonian on 1/24/2008
BONNIE MACBEAN '67
Bonnie MacBean died on January 19, 2010 at the age of 60 at the home of a best friend in Forest Grove. She was born on December 27, 1949, in Philadelphia, Pa., the daughter of Norman Dean Jr. and Jeanne (Allerton) MacBean. Bonnie worked as deli clerk then later as a cashier at the Damascus Safeway from1992 to 1996, and then worked in administration for the New Zealand Fence Company in Clackamas. She also worked at the Dollar Tree during the 2008-2009 holiday season. Survivors include: her companion, Tom Jeremia; two brothers, Sammie Love and Don MacBean; and sister, Wendy Olstad '69.
GEORGE MICHAEL BROWNING '67
Mike Browning passed away on February 23, 2011 at the age of 61. He was born October 1, 1949 in Seattle and grew up in the Portland area. According to The Oregonian, Mike was a proud member of the U.S. National Guard 162nd Engineer Company from 1970 until 1978 and attained the rank of sergeant. Mike was awarded the Oregon National Guard Meritorious Service Medal in 1977. He received his undergraduate degree in business from Portland State University and his master's degree in teaching from Lewis & Clark College. In 2004, Mike retired after 29 years as an elementary school teacher for Lake Oswego Public Schools, most recently teaching at Oak Creek Elementary. Mike was a vintage Volkswagen enthusiast and enjoyed spending time working on his 1970 Beetle and 1970 Bus. Mike is survived by his wife of 38 years, Carolyn Browning; daughter, Rebecca and her husband, David Hopkins; grandson, Sam; a grandchild expected at the end of March; and daughter, Sally and her husband, Dallas Thomsen. At Mike's request, no service was held. In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network by visiting, http://www.firstgiving.com/fundraiser/mikebrowning.
STEVEN KEYSER '68
Steven Keyser (1968) sadly passed away June 4, 2008 from pancreatic cancer. Steve had been an ironworker for 30 years. For the last 10 years, he was injured and unable to work. "He loved his trade very much," says his brother Clifford Keyser '73. Steve and his first wife had a son Justin (35). By his second wife, he had a daughter, Stephanie (29) and a son, Kyle (21). He has 4 grandchildren. The Keyser family website can be viewed at www.madras.net/~cliffk. Steve will be missed!
CHRIS CORNEIL '68
Christopher Corneil passed away on February 15, 2010. After graduating from Wilson, he received a B.A. from Portland State University and a M.S. from the University of Chicago. Chris went on to be a metal finisher in the electronics industry. He is survived by his wife, Arlene; and father, George. A celebration of life was held on February 27, 2010, in Oswego Heritage House, Lake Oswego.
FRANK BOWLBY '68
Frank Bowlby, class of 1968, passed away October 27, 2000 of complications from Colon Cancer. Frank played football, wrestled and threw the shot-put for Wilson from 1964-1968. He was first team all city and all -state in football. He was the PIL heavyweight district champ in 1968 and placed 2nd in state. His shot-put held the school record for several years. Frank received a scholarship to play football at the University of Oregon. He was married to Janis Ball Bowlby (Wilson Class of 1969) and they had three children, Lindsay, Andrew and Aaron. He also had one grandson at the time of his death. Interesting family note: Frank and Janis' son Andy won the State Heavyweight Wrestling Championship exactly 30 years after his father participated and took 2nd in state.
BRUCE DECKER MOON '68
Bruce Decker Moon passed away on May 27, 2011 at the age of 60. He died at home in Dublin, California, surrounded by family. He was born in Orofino, Idaho on September 9, 1950 and grew up in Portland. Bruce graduated from Wilson High School in 1968 and majored in Computer Science at Oregon State University. Bruce worked for Georgia-Pacific in Portland and Atlanta, then returned to the West Coast to work as Network Engineer for Cisco where he received many patents for work done there. He enjoyed boating around San Francisco Bay and was an active member of the San Leandro Yacht Club where he served as Commodore twice. Bruce is survived by Fran Moon, his wife of 32 years; and children, Andrew and Emily Moon.
JAMES N. ARVIN '69
The Oregonian reported that Wilson graduate James N. Arvin '69 died of a heart attack on August 4, 1992 at the age of 48, with a memorial service at St. Stephen's Episcopal Church in Newport. Mr. Arvin was born January 10, 1951, in Portland. He graduated from Wilson High School and attended Portland Community College. He had lived in the Newport and Depoe Bay areas since 1977. He was a grocer for Lincoln Beach Sentry Market for 15 years and a member of the church. He married Sandra Birkemeier in 1980. Survivors include his wife; sons, Alex and Andy, and daughter, Molly, all of Newport; mother, Merle of Portland; and sisters, Susan Eggert of McMinnville and Carolyn Carter of Portland.
THEODORE H. BLANK (TED) '69
Ted Blank passed away on March 3, 2009 at the age of 57. Born in Portland in 1951, he worked in technology and marketing. Theodore is survived by his wife, Sandee; sons, Seth and Zachary; daughter, Amory; and mother, Barbara Mills.
SCOTT ALDEN BOYD '69
According to the Oregonian, Wilson graduate Scott Alden Boyd (Scotty) '69 died Feb. 29, 2000, following surgery at age 48. Mr. Boyd was born Oct. 5, 1951, in Portland. He graduated from Wilson High School in 1969, received a degree from El Camino College and served in the U.S. Air Force. He then was a restaurant and resort manager in Hawaii and Southern California. He later was a computer consultant, led hunting and survival expeditions in Costa Rica and Alaska, and was a boat captain for several companies, including the Portland Spirit. He was a self-employed river barge and deck builder at the time of his death. Survivors include his mother, Eva; brothers, Kevin and Kelly; and sister, Krista Siler.
RONNA COOPER '69
According to the Contra Costa Times (Walnut Creek, CA), Ronna L. Stice formally known as Ronna Cooper, passed away on April 6, 2006 following a courageous battle with breast cancer first diagnosed in 1995. She was born on March 27, 1951 in Portland to Ronald and Peggy Schriber. Together with her sister, they had a loving and musical childhood. Ronna starred in many plays and musicals in her high school and later locally at the Diablo Light Opera House in Pleasant Hill. On August 29, 1970 she married high school sweetheart Dennis Cooper. Together they had three beautiful daughters: Amanda, Kelleena, and Lydia. She was active in her church, directing many plays. With the voice of an angel she was asked to sing for many weddings and funerals. She worked for the Contra Costa County Dental Health Program as a Health Education Specialist, caring for many children and creating most of the curriculum being used today. She then married William Stice on July 5, 1997. Together they enjoyed their families and traveled. Her favorite job, however, was not one she was paid for, but deeply loved for. She was a Nana and a Mother first and always her family came before anything. She is survived by her daughters Amanda Cooper, Kelleena Brigance and her husband Tony, Lydia Pipkin and her husband Billy, three grandchildren, Tyler and Maddelyn Brigance and Alaina Pipkin, her husband William Stice and stepchildren, Bryan, Scott, and Holly, and one step grandchild Jack Stice, her first husband, Dennis Cooper, her parents, her sister Denene Reynolds, and many nieces and nephews, and many friends.
TIMOTHY DOOLEY '69
According to the Oregonian, Timothy Patrick Dooley '69 died December 25, 2001 at the age of 50. Mr. Dooley was born Aug. 16, 1951, in Portland. He graduated from Wilson High School in 1969. He owned a pressure-washing business and was self-employed for about the past 30 years, including as a house painter and carpenter. He lived in Gearhart since 1987. Survivors include his sisters, Kathleen B. Dooley and Ellen A. Mesford; and two nieces.
PATRICIA "TRISH" GILLESPIE '69
The Bend Bulletin, (October, 2004) reported that Wilson graduate Patricia Diana 'Trish' Gillespie '69 (Pat “Trish” Beach) died in an automobile accident on Oct. 12, 2004 at the age of 52. Mrs. Gillespie was born Oct. 17, 1951, in Portland to Ramon and Lola Arlene (Foster) Beach. Trish attended Multnomah Grade School. She graduated from Wilson High School and earned a bachelor of arts degree in psychology from the University of Oregon. She married David Gillespie on June 19, 1991, in Portland. Mrs. Gillespie worked as a flight attendant for United Airlines for 32 years. She loved being a "volleyball mom". Survivors include her husband of Sisters; a daughter, Kelsey Gillespie of Sisters; her mother of Forest Grove; a brother, Brad Beach of Portland; and a sister, Janice Schermer of Portland. She was preceded in death by her father.
TED HOLLEN '69
D. KATHERINE BROWN HUMPHREYS '69
According to the Oregonian, D. Katherine Brown Humphreys '69 died of brain cancer on August 20, 1995 at the age of 43. She was born Aug. 26, 1951, in Portland. Her maiden name was Brown. She worked as a registered nurse at Legacy Mount Hood Medical Center. She married Michael D. Humphreys on Dec. 3, 1988. Surviving are her husband; her daughters, Zandi Bolf and Arlee Bolf, both of Woodburn; son, Alexander of Portland; parents, Marie and Dement Brown of Woodburn; and brothers Byron and David Brown, both of Milwaukie, and Denny Brown of Wilsonville. Disposition by cremation. Remembrances: trust fund for her children. Arrangements: Omega Cremation & Burial Service.
DAVE JENKINS ("JINKS") '69 Surfing accident soon after high school.
JOHN KELTY '69
RICHARD KINNEY '69 Passed away on November 2004 at the age of 59.
CAROLYN KINSEY –Sister to Gail Kinsey Hill
JOYCE LARSELL '69
The Oregonian reported that Wilson graduate Joyce Larsell '69 died on April 29, 1999, at age 47. Ms. Larsell was born Oct. 22, 1951, in Portland, where she lived all her life. She graduated from Wilson High School. Survivors include her daughter, Myshelle Reynolds of Portland; mother, Anne Larsell of Portland; brother, John Larsell of Newport; sister, Joanne Larsell of West Linn; and one grandchild.
JOHN LEDUC '69 (went on to Jackson) Policeman
DAN LIND '69
DENNIS LYNN MACKAY '69
Dennis Mackay '69 died May 2, 1995 at age 44. He was born Feb. 21, 1951, in Spokane. Dennis was a bartender at Club 21. He served in the U.S. Navy and was a member of the church. Dennis is survived by his mother, Dorothy Browne of Portland, and sister, Patricia Kolik of Oregon City.
KATHY MURRAY '69
WALTER OGBURN '69
Walter ''Wally'' Ogburn of San Francisco, a former Portland resident, died of a heart attack Monday while playing softball in San Francisco in 1992. He was 40. He was born Aug. 14, 1951, in San Francisco, but moved to Portland as a child. He attended Multnomah Grade School and graduated from Wilson High School in 1969. After attending the University of Oregon, he graduated from California State University at San Francisco. At the time of his death, Mr. Ogburn was working as a sales service representative for Dennis X-Ray Co. in San Francisco. He married Donna Sonnessie on July 8, 1984. Survivors besides his wife include a daughter, Alexandra of San Francisco; mother, Helene Ogburn, brother, James, and his sister, Cheryl, all of Portland. His father, Lawrence Ogburn, died in March, 1992.
ANN REYNOLDS '69
NOAM STAMPFER '69
Wilson graduate Noam Rogers Stampfer '69 died June 26, 2001 of injuries from a bicycle accident at age 50. Mr. Stampfer was born March 22, 1951, in Lincoln, Neb., and moved to Portland in 1952. He graduated from Wilson High School and Columbia University in New York City, earned a law degree from New York University and a master's degree from Yale University. He was a clerk for the Oregon Court of Appeals, an aide for the Oregon Senate Educational Committee and assistant director of finance and administration for the Oregon Division of State Lands. He also was manager of finance and economics for the state Department of Environmental Quality, interim director of the Portland Bureau of Environmental Services and most recently was a private consultant. He was former president of Fluent Speech Technologies, now Sensory Inc., and was active with the firm at the time of his death. He was serving on the executive board of the Portland Jewish Academy. A member of Havurah Shalom, he assisted other congregations. In 1984, he married Carol Rogers. Survivors include his wife; daughters, Rachel and Aviva; son, Zev; parents, Rabbi Joshua and Goldie; sisters, Elana Emlen and Nehama Glogower; and brothers, Shaul and Meir.
DOUGLAS UPTON '69
A memorial service was held for Douglas S. Upton '69 who passed away on April 14, 1999 at the age of 48. Mr. Upton was born Dec. 16, 1950, in Santa Rosa, Calif., and moved to Portland in 1963. He graduated from Wilson High School and Portland State University, and he worked for Fred Meyer stores for more than 20 years. Survivors include his mother, Jean, and sister, Christine Webb, both of Beaverton, and nieces and nephews.
PATRICIA BIRKETT VAN CAMPEN '69
Wilson graduate, Patricia Birkett Van Campen '69 passed away in 1992. According to the February 11, 1992 issue of the Oregonian, Patricia was a Tillamook resident and died in a Portland hospital of complications arising from diabetes. Mrs. Van Campen was 40. She was born March 17, 1951, in Vallejo, Calif., and moved to the Portland area when she was about 6. She attended Hayhurst Grade School and was a graduate of Wilson High School. Mrs. Van Campen worked for GTE Corp. before her marriage to Walter F. Van Campen in 1976. The couple had lived in Tillamook since their marriage. Survivors besides her husband include her father, R.N. Birkett of Hood River; mother, Fern Hansen of Lake Oswego; and a brother, Steven Birkett of Scottsdale, Ariz.
WEIKKO KOPRA '69
Weikko Kopra classmate in 1969 & Wilson High School PE teacher after college.
JOHN D. "SAM" KARAMANOS '69
John D. 'Sam' Karamanos passed away on February 26, 2012 at the age of 60. He was born on April 29, 1951 and graduated from Wilson High School in 1969 and was on the wrestling team. According to The Oregonian, John "Sam" passed away at St. Vincents hospital from brain cancer. Survivors are his beloved companion, Reggie Romback; sons, John Karamanos IV, Cayucou, Calif. and Ben Karamanos, Portland; sisters, Kristy Rogers-Hettema, Canby, Katie Soles, Fraser, Colo. and Karla Ersch, Rockwall, Texas; mother, Bette Lou Karamanos, Lake Oswego; and Reggie's daughters, Natalie Rombach, Eugene and Amelia Rombach, Coos Bay. John 'Sam' was with Sunshine Dairy, starting when he was 15. He joined his father, John and his grandfather, John, thus he was J3 and nicknamed "Sam". He was a generous and loving person, full of humor and fun. He was an avid hunter and fisherman and environmentalist. He founded a Wildfowl Refuge on his property at Woodson, cleaned it up and replanted the area for all bird life. After graduation from Eastern Oregon University, he began his two year trip around the world, sewing his own pack. He stayed in Fiji with natives who taught him scuba diving and snorkeling. Then Australia, a long held dream, where he worked in construction, cleaning up after hurricanes, gold mining and driving across the Nulibar Plain for people heading to western and northern Australia. Next, South America, a fantastic time at the Galapagos Islands, Machu Picchu, across Argentina to Rio, Mexico and home. His tip as he had hitchhiked the entire trip, "When it's raining, put up your umbrella and you'll look dry while other hitchers look soaked from the downpour. You'll be picked up first." He wished no funeral nor memorial gifts, but to have a scotch or a glass of wine and think of him. A celebration of his life was held March 18, 2012 at the Double Tree/Hilton at Lloyd Center, Portland.
ARIEL DEBORAH RUBSTEIN '70
Ariel Deborah Rubstein graduated from Wilson High School in 1970. Her classmates called her Debbie. She passed away in 1993 at the age of 41. The New York Times ran the following obituary on July 22, 1993. Ariel D. Rubstein, a soprano who performed throughout the United States and Europe, died on Monday at her home in Manhattan. She was 41. Ms. Rubstein made her Carnegie Hall debut in 1988 as Barena in an acclaimed concert version of Janacek's "Jenufa" by the Opera Orchestra of New York. The performance, which starred Gabriela Benackova and Leonie Rysanek, was recorded live and released on compact disk. Ms. Rubstein was born in Portland, Ore., to parents in the performing arts. Her father, also named Ariel, was a Russian-born pianist, the director of the Portland School of Music and a founder of the Portland Opera. Her mother, the former Eleanor Reed, was a stage actress. As a student, Ms. Rubstein was encouraged by Rudolf Serkin to pursue music. She studied at the Juilliard School and won a scholarship for studies in Vienna. Ms. Rubstein performed with the Opera Company of Boston, the Houston Grand Opera, the Portland Opera and other ensembles throughout the United States. She also sang with the Baltimore Symphony Orchestra, the New Orleans Philharmonic and other orchestras in the United States. She is survived by her father, of Portland; a brother, Peter, of Manhattan, and a sister, Victoria Pierson of Portland.
Class of 1971 In Memoriam
Woodrow Wilson High School – Class of 1971
(rev. 09/10/11))
1. Jan Alfstad
2. Stuart Brown
3. Janet Chase Sanders
4. Charlie Couch
5. Cindy Dean
6. Mark DiGangi
7. Pat Dykstra
8. D.J. Donnelly
9. David Douglas
10. Margaret Eckmann
11. Connie Frisch
12. Michele Haleston
13. Gary Halling
14. Gary Hanafin
15. James Harvey
16. Gary Hoisington
17. Rene LeDuc
18. Laura Mersereau Presnall
19. Debbie Messler
20. Dennis Milliucci
21. Linda Montney
22. Jenny Moyer
23. David Neilson
24. Gary Parsons
25. Jim Pirie
26. Paul Podhora
27. Dale Schaller
28. John Schindler
29. Bob Stenvick
30. Dave Stewart
31. Chris Wagner
MARCI MAITLAND (WEXLER) '72
Marci (Wexler) Maitland passed away on December 31, 2010 at the age of 56. She was born October 8, 1954. Marci was a bartender and is survived by her brother, Jonathan Wexler.
CARMEN KLUG '75
Carmen passed away on Sunday, April 19, 2009 at her home in Leon, Idaho, located between Uniontown, Wa. and Genesee, Idaho. Carmen was born November 14, 1957 and was the third of three children of Harold and Marilyn Klug. Her family, which included brothers Jeff and Craig, moved to Portland, Oregon in 1959 and Marilyn died four years later. Harry married Jean in 1964, and they added a daughter, Vicky and a son, Steve to the family. After graduating from High School, Carmen attended Southern Oregon College in Ashland. She studied culinary arts, an endeavor that took her to England, where she honed her skills as a chef. Following several years as a chef in the Portland area, Carmen relocated to the Inland Northwest. On her 25th firthday she received what she frequently called "the best present anyone could ever want," an introduction to Doug Cook. She and Doug married on Thanksgiving 1987 and shared 24 years of joy rebuilding, restoring and working the Nibler Century Farm, which Doug's family homesteaded in 1897. Doug died tragically in an accident in 2006, amd Carmen struggled in his absence. In addition to Doug, Carmen was preceded in death by her mother and father and her stepmother, Jean. She is survived by her brothers Jeff Klug and wife Chari of Tygh Valley, Or., Craig Klug and his wife Anna of Ontario, Or., and Steve Klug of Idaho City, Id; sister Vicky Curl and husband Clarence of Puyallup, Wa.; stepmother Charlotte Klug of Hubbard, Or; nephews Justin Klug of Molalla, Or., Darin Klug of Ontario, Or. and C. J. Curl of Puyallup; nieces Kari Klug of Nampa, Id and Elizabeth Curl of Puyallup and a grand niece and grand nephew.
DANIEL GOLDEN '75
Daniel Golden passed away at the age of 54 on June 30, 2011. He was born on June 17, 1957. Longtime musician, Daniel, passed away peacefully at the home that he shared with his wife, Sonja. He is survived by his wife; daughter, Danielle; granddaughter, Taylor; parents; and sister Norma.
CRAIG TEDFORD '78
Craig died from heart failure at his home in the Newberg area on February 20, 2010. Born in 1959 and raised in Southwest Portland, he was preceded in death by his parents, Myron and Marion; brothers, Jeff and Mark '73; and son-in-law, Michael Harrington. Survivors include his wife, Tami; daughter, Caroline Harrington; son, David Tedford; granddaughter, Alyssa Tedford; sister-in-law, Muzzy Park; and many friends whom he considered family. "Ted" was the successful business owner of Precision Metal Products. Craig's dream of running his own business will continue with his family and partner, James and family. "Keep Smilin'"
MICHAEL E. ANTONELLI '79 (1961-2008)
According to the Oregonian, Michael Antonelli passed away on October 18, 2008. A memorial service was held on October 25, 2008, in St. Andrew Lutheran Church in Vancouver for Michael E. Antonelli of Vancouver, who died at age 47. Michael was born April 25, 1961, in Portland. He graduated from Wilson High School in 1979 and moved to Vancouver in 1986. He was a salesclerk for several stores, most recently the Shoe Box. He was a member of the church. In 1982, he married Joanne Klett. Survivors include his wife; and daughters, Kimberly Adams, Margaret Antonelli and Elizabeth Antonelli. "Mike was a close friend who I could always count on for support and encouragement, and he made me a better man for having known him," states Eric Eaton '79. "He leaves behind his wife, Joanne, and three grown daughters. I know Mike took great pride in being a father, and he was a role model in the best sense of what it means to be a real man, taking responsibility and acting with caring and compassion instead of arrogance and aggression." 1979 fellow classmates are encouraged to contact Eric Eaton to share their thoughts and memories of Micheal. Eric can be reached at bugeric24@yahoo.com.
TAMI DRANGSTVEIT '79
Tami Jo Denise (Drangstveit) Adkins, 48, from Scappoose, passed away suddenly on February 1, 2010 in Portland surrounded by her family and friends. Tami Jo’s parents, Orvin and Janet Drangstveit, brought Tami into this world with great job May 21, 1961, in Grand Forks N.D. Tami married Norman Adkins October 6, 1990, and they had three boys, her pride and joy, Lance, 17; Kyler, 16; and Carson, 15. Tami graduated from Wilson in 1979, graduated from beauty school in 1981 and went on to become a very talented hairdresser. Norman attended Wilson but did not graduate from Wilson. Tami loved art and always had a new art project going. She was so creative and could make anything beautiful. She loved music and to dance the night away. She had a passion for dogs especially Pekingese. She loved taking pictures and throw pottery. Tami was always there for you when you needed her – or even if you didn’t. Tami was a wonderful homemaker and her boys gave her great happiness. She was so proud of them; they were her everything. Tami Jo was full of like and always good for a great story and an excellent laugh. Tami loved being with family and friends. She loved to go fishing. Tami loved being with family and friends. She loved to go fishing, camping, to the beach and up to the mountains. Tami left behind her husband, Norman Adkins; her boys, Lance, Kyler and Carson; parents, Orvin and Janet Drangstveit; her big sister, Melody ‘77; little brother, Dion; nieces, Tara ‘98 and Lauran; and nephews, Michael, Justin, Brian, Hunter and Ryder. Tami’s celebration was held February, 2010 in Portland. In lieu of flowers please make contributions to Lance, Kyler and Carson’s educational fund at U.S. Bank. From Tami’s journal: “Lord, how I love you! For you have done such tremendous things for me.” If you would like to post a message, Tami’s family created a facebook group (Tami Jo Drangstveit Adkins- A Celebration of Life). Click here for a photograph of Tami Jo.
MARY LOU KINNEY (MCCLAIN) '80
Mary Lou Kinney McClain, age 45, wife of William "Dean" McClain of Phoenixville, Pa. died unexpectedly at home on Tuesday evening, September 25, 2007. She was a daughter of Bettiann Larsen Kinney of Oregon, and the late Hubert Kinney. She graduated from the University of Portland. She received her master's degree from Immaculata University in Pennsylvania. In addition to her mother and husband of 20 years, Mrs. McClain is survived by one sister, Carolyn Harris, of Atlanta. Mrs. McClain was predeceased by brother, Rick Kinney.
JACK HEWITT '83
Jack Heweitt passed away on August 20, 2009 at the age of 44. He was born August 1, 1965 in Portland. At Wilson Jack played football, wrestled and pole vaulted, earning first team honors in each sport during his senior year. After graduation, he was honored with a spot on the Shriners All-Star football team. When Jack was 16, he was drawn into the furniture world, a career launched under the tutelage of City Liquidators owner, Walt Pelett. Opportunities to buy and sell for the company expanded his horizons. After learning the ropes, Jack ventured out on his own, establishing a used furniture store first on Milwaukie Avenue in Portland, and later on Union Avenue. As a working student, he completed his bachelor's degree in business at Portland State University. In 1994, he joined Network Office Clearinghouse, a nationwide furniture recycler, and quickly became part of the management team. Most recently he served as president of the company. Jack's business travels took him to all corners of the United States and as far away as China and Taiwan. Jack is survived by his grandmother, Phyllis Hewitt; parents, Lynn and Alice Hewitt; sister, Marcy Hoffman '80 (Doug); nieces, Erica, Annie and Kelly; fiancée, Pam Courter; her children, Christine and Marshall; and granddaughter, Alessa. Jack is also survived by numerous aunts and uncles, cousins and their families, and myriad friends. Jack was preceded in death by his grandparents, J.A. Hewitt, Lois and Bernie Clark and George and Mildred Ellingson. Jack's service was standing room only and was attended by many of his high school friends from Wilson that he had remained in touch with including some of his former coaches and teachers. Jack and Marcy's mother, Alice Hewitt, used to teach at Wilson.
SCOTT FULKERSON '91
Robert Scott Fulkerson lost his battle to leukemia on February 5, 2010. Scott has been a resident of Lexington, South Carolina since 2004. He was a greatly loved employee of Palmetto Health Baptist Hospital. He earned an Associate Degree in Nursing from BYU Idaho, a BS in Biology from Utah Valley University and his Masters of Nurse Anesthesia from USC. He was a very active member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, and served in various leadership positions especially working with the youth. Scott served a two year mission in Argentina. He loved to golf and was an avid sports fan. Surviving in addition to his wife, Mikelene O. Fulkerson of Lexington; his parents, Robert Lee and Barbara Lind Fulkerson of Meriden, CT; his children, Morgan Elizabeth Fulkerson, Caitlin Ann Fulkerson, and Robert Michael Fulkerson; sister, Brittany Lind Recalde '97 of Sandy; brothers, Todd Monroe Fulkerson '89 of Portland, OR and Jonn Edward Fulkerson '93 of Forest Grove, OR. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to any branch of Bank of America or mailed to the Lexington Main Branch of Bank of America at 215 West Main, Lexington, SC 27072; Children of Scott Fulkerson Fund. There is a memorial page for Scott on facebook called “Remembering Scott Fulkerson” at: http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=311019349380&ref=nf.
BRET MCCONNELL '92
Bret McConnell passed away on August 12, 2011. Click here too read more about Bret's life.
MATTHEW BALDWIN '96
Matthew Allen Baldwin '96 passed away on April 1, 2011 at the age of 33. According to The Oregonian, Matt was born on January 25, 1978, and was an avid runner. He lettered all four years in track and cross-country at Wilson HS, as well as running for the University of Oregon his freshman year before going on to major in Graphic Design at Oregon State University. While at OSU, he joined Sigma Chi fraternity and became a mentor and leader, establishing lifelong friends. Matt's goal was to design shoes at Nike and he was driven to pursue his dreams. After various jobs, he secured an internship with Nike and was later offered a position with them, realizing his dreams. This began a 5-year exciting journey developing his skills as a talented graphic designer before receiving a job offer which moved him to Costa Mesa, Calif. While at OSU, Matt worked at a summer camp as a soccer trainer for grade school children. It was there that he met his best friend, and soul mate, Brittany Williamse, whom he loved for 11 years. On Oct. 23, 2010, he married Britt in a storybook Hawaiian wedding on the beach. Matt is survived by his wife, Britt; parents, Gary and Marge; sister, Keren '99; a large extended family; and his fraternity brothers. A memorial service was held on April 21, 2011, at Beaverton Foursquare Church, 13565 S.W. Walker Road, Beaverton. Memorial donations to: http://CompassionFirst.org/.
SHANE BENNETT '97
Shane Bennett '97 died March 18, 2010 in a snowmobile accident in Colorado, about five miles northwest of Aspen. He was 31 years old. To read more about Shane and his life, click here: http://www.wilsonalumni.com/newsletter/2010/Shane_Bennett_1.pdf
KARA JEAN COX '03
Kara Jean Cox was born on December 20, 1984, in Portland, Oregon. She died in Portland on June 29, 2008 after an 13-month battle with Leukemia. Kara grew up in Portland, Oregon with her parents and 4 older sisters. She attended Maplewood Elementary, Robert Gray Middle School and Wilson High School, graduating in 2003. Kara then attended the University of Oregon, studying Japanese and American Sign Language. Throughout her life Kara was an accomplished athlete. She played soccer, basketball and softball through middle school, which is also when she begun taking karate classes, earning her black belt in 2003. She was on the Wilson Dragon boat Team and played on the University of Oregon Rugby team. One of Kara’s greatest gifts was working with children. She spent summers as a camp counselor, and three years with the Portland Public School Outdoor program. As an aunt, she doted on her 6 nieces and nephews, playing with them, reading to them and watching them grow. While taking general courses at The University of Oregon, Kara discovered American Sign Language and envisioned her career as an interpreter for the deaf, working with children. Four months into her cancer treatment she starting began talking about giving back, by becoming a sign language interpreter for those with cancer and going through chemotherapy treatments. To outsiders, Kara was a true and great friend. She loved to hang out with foreign exchange students, especially those from Japan - practicing her Japanese and learning about the culture, and often inviting them to come home with her for Thanksgiving or Christmas breaks. Family and friends describe Kara as unpretentious, caring, friendly, awesome, resilient, witty, dry, moody, passionate, loving, ambitious, strong, fun and a goof ball. Kara endured a grueling thirteen months and showed us all what true persistence and bravery is. Kara is survived by her parents; Merle & Pamela Cox, her grandparents; Mayhew Cox, Richard & Kathleen McCullough and Joanne Anderst, and her sisters; Paula Henderson, Merla Turner, Heather Bradford and Hillary Cox.
JACOB SUMMERFIELD '05
Jacob Lee Summerfield was born on October 14, 1986, in Portland. He died in Portland on March 8, 2011. Jacob was 24 years old. He was a personal banker for Wells Fargo Bank. Jacob is survived by his father, Perry J.; and mother, Lisa L.
FACULTY/STAFF
COACH BEACHELL DEDICATED 24 YEARS TO PIL HOOPS, KIDS
Coach Dick Beachell, 71, died August 13, 2007 after battling mantle cell non-Holdgkin's lymphoma for nearly three years. According to Steven Brandon from the Portland Tribune, Dick's "Wilson teams, which featured Damon Stoudamore, Keith Smith, Charles and Aaron McKinney, Pat Strickland and Duray Thirdgill, won state titles in 1985, '89 and '91. Beachell also was assistant coach under Jack Bertell '58 with the 1972 state champion Jefferson team." To read more about this wonderful high school basketball coach go to: http://www.localnewsdaily.com/sports/story.php?story_id=118730390893015700.
KAREN KELLY (WILSON SCIENCE TEACHER)
Karen Kelly passed away on May 23, 2011 at the age of 63. She was born on May 9, 1948. According to The Oregonian, Karen lived in Portland where she taught high school science for over 30 years, inspiring young people to learn, explore science and reach for high goals. Karen graduated from Hogan High School in 1966, received a BS in Biology at Fresno State College and a masters degree at the University of Washington. She enjoyed snorkeling and scuba diving, cross-country skiing, hiking, white water kayaking, riding horses and camping. She was a loving, generous and devoted aunt, often including her nieces in her activities and travel. Survivors include her parents, Keith Kelly and Betty Kolarik; brothers, Brad and Edward Kelly; sister, Susan Danaher; and nieces and nephews, all of whom will miss her more than can be expressed.
FRANCIS MURRAY (WILSON TEACHER)
Wilson teacher Francis Eugene Murray died Jan. 12, 1998 of cancer at age 70. Mr. Murray was born Jan. 28, 1927, in Detroit. He moved to Portland in the late 1930s and graduated from Central Catholic High School in 1945. He served in the U.S. Army from 1945-1947. A 1951 graduate of the University of Portland, he received his master's in 1958. He was a teacher, working for Franklin High from 1953-1964 and Wilson High from 1965-1987, serving as English department chairman from 1975-1987. He married Betty Hart in 1950. Survivors include his wife; daughter, Kay Murray Fell of Portland; sons, Frank C. of Vancouver, Wash., and Jeffrey A. of Portland; sister, Rosemarie Schmitt of Portland; and one grandchild.
EUGENE KAZA (WILSON TEACHER)
A highly respected Wilson music educator, Eugene Kaza died July 1, 2008 at the age of 84. He was born May 22, 1924, in Cleveland, Ohio. Mr. Kaza was a former Oregon Symphony violinist and music educator who many people believe was the inspiration for the film "Mr. Holland's Opus." Kaza taught high school orchestras and bands in the Portland public schools from 1957 to 1982, including Grant from 1957 to 1969, Adams from 1969 to 1973 and Wilson from 1973 to 1982, when he retired. In addition to his wife Mary Ann, he is survived by daughters Stephanie Kaza of Burlington, Vt., and Janene Kaza of Portland; sons John of Salinas, Calif., Paul of Shelburne, Vt., Roger of Houston, Texas, and Andrew of Manzanita and London; and 11 grandchildren.
GEORGE PERRY (1919-2007) WILSON TEACHER
George Perry passed away on August 22, 2007. George taught Shop and Math at Wilson High School from 1956 to 1979. He will be missed. One of George's students, Gary Severson '61, has vivid memories of George and thought his students might enjoy reading some of his memories from his days in class with Mr. Perry. According to Gary, George "used to tell his classes about his harrowing experience of being shot down as a B-17 pilot in WWII on the anniversary of that flight. (He stopped this in 1961 or 1962 when there were no more war brats at WWHS.) Sometime in 1943 he was returning from a bomb run on the oil facilities in Ploesti, Romania when he had to ditch his damaged plane in the Adriatic Sea. He was badly hurt and spent a couple of years in a German stalag. I last saw George just after a huge fiftieth anniversary celebration of
the B-17 (sometime in the mid-1980’s) in Seattle (Boeing was one of the manufacturers). Several hundred Army Air Corp flight crews convened in downtown Seattle hotels for the big reunion. One of George’s most poignant experiences there was when the rear gunner from the B-17 in front of his found him and tearfully recalled how he’d seen George’s plane ditch. The gunner had wondered for over 45 years whether George and others from his crew had survived. Even more remarkably, another B-17 from George’s squadron had been shot down on the same raid, and that pilot was also located at the Seattle reunion. "I thought some of George’s students might enjoy hearing 'the rest of the story', reflects Gary.
DAVID SWEHLA "DAVE" WILSON TEACHER
Dave Swehla died in an auto accident near Sterling, Ill., July 7, 2009 at the age of 72. Dave was born in 1936 and was a graduate of Sterling High School (1954), Carroll College (Bachelor of Arts, 1958) and Northern Illinois University (Master of Science, 1962). He married Carol Joan Riskedal in 1958. Dave was a teacher in Illinois, the Philippines, the Panama Canal Zone and, for over 30 years, in the Portland area. He was active in the Oregon Science Teachers Association, and was known for his enthusiastic teaching. Dave taught Health and Introduction to Physical Science (IPS) at Wilson. Retiring in 1994, he continued substitute teaching until 2008. Between teaching jobs, Dave drove trucks for McCracken Bros. in Portland, earned his Counseling and Administrative License from Oregon College of Education, and worked for McLaren State School for Boys. Dave also had family farms in Newberg and Amity. His interests included music, gardening, outdoor recreation, international travel, learning about other places and cultures, helping people in need, hosting international students, acting in community theater musicals in McMinnville, choir directing, playing the piano, piloting small planes, tennis, Pickleball, chess, swimming, dancing and leading Sunday school classes. Dave was a lifelong learner with an insatiable curiosity and a contagious zest for life. David Cary Swehla will be remembered for his exuberance, spontaneity and generosity. Dave is survived by his brother, Robert (Doris) Swehla and his family; sister, Dianne (Rick) Graham and her family; three daughters, Julie (Brian) O'Herin, Karen (Jesse) Black and Lory (Don) Albright; son, Eric (Janet Range) Swehla; and nine grandchildren, Abby, Jesse, Kevin, Grant, Kaia, Steven, Nigel, Cedar and Sage. He is also survived by his companion, June. Here are some links to some stories related to Dave from his home-town paper: http://www.saukvalley.com/articles/2009/07/09/77032592/ (watching his old hometown team play in the little league world series); http://www.saukvalley.com/articles/2009/07/09/60431214/ (about the accident); and http://www.saukvalley.com/articles/2009/07/09/85289385/index.xml (why he was in town then).
WALT LOONEY 1944-2006 (WILSON TEACHER)
Walter "Walt" Looney, Wilson teacher, passed away on April 23, 2006 at his home in Canby. He was born in 1944. Walt lettered four years each in football and baseball at Willamette University. In football, he was a first –team NAIA All-American guard as a senior in 1966. He was a three-time first-team all- Northwest Conference choice a two-time first team all-district selection. In baseball he was a three-time all-conference pick. Looney began his teaching and coaching career at Wilson High School in Portland in 1968. Looney has won two Portland Interscholastic League (PIL) coach of the year awards-for baseball in 1975 and for football in 1994. Walt was an excellent teacher. He was awarded the distinguished High School Mathematics Teaching Edyth May Sliffe Award in 1992. Walt taught calculus at Wilson and was the head of the math department, the head Trojan football coach until 1999, and the head baseball coach, 1975-82. He also assisted in football, wrestling and baseball over the years. At Wilson, Walt was known by his students for his quirky analogies and golf tips. Wilson graduate Parr Farris '64 coached Babe Ruth baseball with Walt in the SW Babe Ruth program from 1989-1991. Upon the loss of Walt, Wilson High School set up the Walt Looney Fund. The Wilson Math Department would like to raise $3,000 to $4,000 to buy all the math teachers a new computer. If you would like to help the Math Department in honor of Walt Looney, you can make a check out to Wilson High with "Looney Fund" in the memo line. Tim & Brian Looney along with Kent Dorsey (head of the Wilson Math Dept.) work together to dispurse the funds. Send your check to Wilson High School, c/o Darcy Shetler '87, Wilson High School, 1151 SW Vermont, Portland, OR 97219. A receipt and tax ID will be mailed back you from the school. You can also contact Darcy Shetler at school at: dshetler@pps.k12.or.us.
JEFF MILLER (DRAMA TEACHER)
John Jeffrey Miller, loved and respected drama teacher at Wilson, Jackson, and Franklin High Schools passed away on November 14, 2009. According to The Oregonian, Jeff was born in 1945 and graduated from Lewis & Clark College in 1967, enlisted in the U.S. Army and served in Vietnam. "The Miller," as he was referred to by his students, was born to teach high school. Former students still speak of the important role he played in their lives as a drama teacher who not only helped them excel on stage, but gave them the discipline, courage and inspiration to succeed in whatever they wanted to pursue. Jeff taught drama at Wilson with Julie Accuardi for several years when Jackson High School merged with Wilson. Julie tells us that Jeff brought with him a whole company of very talented students. "When we merged the Wilson and Jackson actors together we were able to do many very demanding shows that otherwise we could not have cast," adds Julie. "They included Grease, Romeo and Juliet, The Fantasticks, Inherit the Wind, and West Side Story. Jeff''s students loved him, and I know they will miss him very much. Those were wonderful days, and I am very grateful to Jeff for making them happen. The love of theatre he passed on to his students will last forever." Jeff performed in Portland area theaters for many years establishing himself as a truly outstanding character actor. His last performance was as Mr. DePinna in "You Can't Take It With You" at Clackamas Community College. As a guest artist with the college theater department, he continued to teach, passing on his amazing knowledge of comic timing to young actors. This brilliant, talented and wonderfully unique friend will be greatly missed, but never forgotten.
DR. BILL PROPPE, VICE-PRINCIPAL AND PRINCIPAL
Dr. William Douglas Proppe loving father, loyal friend, inspiring educator and leader, died peacefully February 17, 2007, at the age of 84. His family was at his bedside surrounding him with love in his final hours. He was born January 4, 1923, in Portland to William Frederick Proppe and Ethel Amelia Matthieu. Bill was the first Vice-Principal of Wilson when the school opened in 1956. To read more about Dr. Proppe's life, click here.
LEONARD RINEARSON, JR (WILSON VICE PRINCIPAL)
Leonard Everett Rinearson Jr., who died January 8, 2001 at age 73. Mr. Rinearson was born Oct. 22, 1927, in Oregon City. He graduated from Oregon City High School in 1945 and received bachelor's and master's degrees from Oregon State College. He served in the U.S. Army. He was a physical education and health teacher and basketball coach at Myrtle Point High School, a physical education teacher and basketball coach at Oregon City High School, a social studies teacher at Gardiner Junior High School, activities director at Madison High School and vice principal at Wilson High School from 1962 until retiring in 1975. While attending Oregon State, he played on the 1949 basketball team that was ranked fourth in the nation. After retiring , he moved to Ocean Park, Wash. He was a member of St. Paul's Episcopal Church in Oregon City and St. Peter's Episcopal Church in Seaview, Wash. In 1948, he married Helen Paulson. Survivors include his wife; sons, Thomas and Eric; daughters, Ingra Rickenbach and Carla Randall; sisters, Betty Foster, Rebecca Wright and Catherine Gabrielson; and nine grandchildren. His son Peter died in 1986. Published in Oregonian
TOM WITTY (1921-2010) BIOLOGY TEACHER
Lee Thomas (Tom) Witty passed away on September 9, 2010. He was 89 years old and was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Clarice Jean Pershing Witty; and brother, Jerome O'Harra Witty. He is survived by his daughters, Sharan Lee Farley and Nancy Jean Brownlow. For many years, Tom was a dedicated teacher at Wilson High School and a member of St. Andrew's Presbyterian Church. Family and friends attended services on Friday, Oct. 1, 2010, in Willamette National Cemetery. The Oregonian. Read more here: http://www.legacy.com/guestbook/oregon/guestbook.aspx?n=lee-witty&pid=145703798&cid=addentry.
ROY LINDSAY (1927-2010) MATH TEACHER/COUNSELOR
Roy L. Lindsay was born on Sept. 22 1927 and passed away at the age of 82. Roy was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, and friend, died Sept. 7, 2010, of myelofibrosis. Born and raised in Thayer, Kan., Roy was one of 10 children. When he was in high school, his family moved to Oregon where he lived the rest of his life. At 16, he graduated from Willamina High School with the class of 1944. He attended Linfield College, took time out for a stint in the U.S. Army, and graduated with the class of 1949. He earned his Master of Arts in education from Arizona State University in 1961. On Aug. 21, 1949, he married Charmaine Matson in Idaho Falls, Idaho. They recently celebrated 61 years together. They settled in Tigard, where they raised four children. Roy's entire career was centered on education. He spent time as a classroom math teacher and counselor at Wilson and Lincoln high schools in Portland. He worked for the administration of Portland Public Schools, and in several capacities at Portland Community College. He was instrumental in the development of the college from its inception until his retirement as vice president of administrative services in 1989. His many outside interests included Little League, Boy Scouts, Loaves & Fishes, Rose Villa Board, Oregon Retired Educators, church choir, civic theater, and Community Partners for Affordable Housing. He will be most remembered for his love of life, especially singing, spending time with family and friends, sharing stories, visiting the Oregon coast, reading, fishing, traveling the world, tending his yard, and helping others. Roy is survived by his wife; four children; six grandchildren; one great-grandson; brother, Gene Lindsay of Texas; and sister, Grace Kilgore of Kansas. Remembrances in his name may be sent to the American Red Cross, Ronald McDonald House, Oregon Food Bank, or any organization devoted to caring for children.
MARY ELLA (CARSON) BRODIE (WILSON TEACHER)
Mary Ella (Carson) Brodie passed away on November 11, 2010. She was 88 years old and was born on September 28, 1922 in Portland to Charles Channing Carson and Ella Strong. Mary attended Vernon Grade School and graduated from Jefferson High School in 1940. She received her Bachelor of Arts from Reed College. Mary worked for the State of Oregon, Department of Human Resources. Later, she obtained her teaching certificate and taught English, Spanish and typing at Wilson High School. Mary married Laird Brodie in 1973. He died July 31, 2009. She joined the Mazamas in 1957 after climbing several peaks. Mary especially enjoyed hiking, cooking, cats and the house she was born in where she lived most of her life. She is survived by Clark and Greg Canham of California. A memorial gathering was held February 21, 2011, in the First Unitarian Church of Portland. In lieu of flowers, remembrances may be made to her favorite causes including The Native American Indian Council, Friends of the Columbia River Gorge, Reed College Alumni Association or the Oregon Historical Society.
ELVA MARTIN, VP JACKSON HS AND WILSON (1921-2012)
Elva (Strom) Martin passed away on January 3, 2012 at the age of 90. She was born in Lusk, Wyo., March 5, 1921 and finished high school in Chadron, Nebraska. Following graduation from Chadron State College, she taught a year in Bassett and Chadron, NE, where Elva met Frank Martin when both were faculty members in Quilcine, WA. Elva married Frank in early September, 1948. They were happily married for over 50 years. The couple moved to Vancouver, WA, in 1950, where Elva began teaching in the Vancouver, Washington Public School System. Elva was a Vice Principal at Jackson High School and Wilson HS. After she took a position as an administrator with Portland Public Schools they decided to move to a property in Lake Oswego, OR. Elva enjoyed gardening, sewing and writing and was an avid camper. Elva authored curriculum materials for the Portland Public Schools, taught with other well-known educators, evaluators, and administrators. Elva loved teaching and was a “life-long educator”. Elva and Frank travelled extensively, visiting world-wide destinations. She toured Europe with students, and had a curious and questioning mind. Elva appreciated the Arts, Science, and beauty. She studied piano and violin and read voraciously. Elva was a charter member of the Portland Doll Club, and teacher and leader in various women’s bible studies. Elva established a scholarship for students interested in Early Childhood Education. Elva’s enthusiastic spirit will be lovingly remembered and fondly missed. She was preceded in death by her husband, Frank Martin, brothers Eric, Henry, Elmer, Dale and Lee. Elva is survived by her sister, Linda Grantham and many nieces, nephews and friends. A Portland celebration of her life was held Jan 28, 2012.
ROBERT E. BROWN, WILSON TEACHER
Robert E. Brown passed away at his own home on March 17, 2012 at the age of 86. He was born in Michigan on September 7, 1925, the second son of Clair and Gwendoline Brown. At Cassopolis High School, Robert was salutatorian. He played quarterback on the football team and still wearing his football uniform, he played trombone and marched with the band at half-time. He was awarded a football scholarship to Michigan State and graduated in Physical Education with a minor in Mathematics. In 1944 he married Lovene E. Shoecraft; they had three sons in the next ten years. Robert served in the U.S. Army during WWII. When he returned he earned a Master's degree in Administration from the University of Michigan, thus beginning his life-long career as a high school math teacher and football coach. Soon after the Brown family had moved to Glenview, Ill. for Robert's new job at Niles High, he was offered the Head Coaching job at Moorhead State College in Minnesota, an opportunity to move up to the ranks of college football. He thoughtfully declined the offer, unwilling to uproot his family again so soon. During a summer Math teachers' seminar at Reed College, he and Lovene liked Portland and subsequently moved here with their three sons. Bob continued teaching. Lincoln High School won the 1966 PIL football championship while he was head coach there. He completed his teaching career at Wilson High School as the Work Experience Coordinator; his very successful program found jobs in the community for students having difficulty staying in school. Robert still found time for other things, such as raising a family, earning a real estate license and helping Lovene earn a teaching degree at Portland State, starting a coaches' clinic, travel to Australia and volunteer work. At age 80, he suffered a stroke which left him unable to speak for the rest of his life; that was hard for one who had communicated so much. He responded by keeping his positive attitude, smiling a lot and often showing the patience of a saint. Robert gave his "All" to every endeavor, had a great sense of humor, loved Sports and was very forgiving; he would not "hold a grudge." Robert was preceded in death by his older brother, Richard A. Brown, in 1995; and by his wife, Lovene, in Sept. 2011. He is survived by his three sons, Hugh, Scott and Mark; as well as two grandchildren, Marcellus and Veronica. A memorial service for him was held at Christ United Methodist Church in Portland, on Saturday, April 14, 2012. Memorial donations may be made to Loaves & Fishes Centers, 5550 S.W. Hall Blvd., Beaverton, OR 97005.
COMMUNITY MEMBERS/PARENTS
JAMES LYNCH ... LYNCH'S MARKET
James Lynch Jr., passed away on March 24, 2009 at the age of 89. James and his family owned Lynch's Market in Hillsdale. He is survived by his wife, Bernadine; and daughters, Linda Easthope and Janet Vehring '66, five grandchildren, and seven great-grandchildren. A funeral was held on March 30, 2009, in Adams Chapel at River View Cemetery.
TONY SCUITO, HILLSDALE SHOE REPAIR
According to Rick Seifert, Hillsdale News, Tony Suito opened the Hillsdale Shoe Repair in November 1954. Known as "Mister Hillsdale", Tony died April 25, 2009 at the age of 87. He was born January 15, 1922 and was raised in Portland. He entered the Army in 1943, received two Bronze Stars for heroism and two Purple Hearts for injuries sustained. He was very proud of his military service and felt the U.S. made a difference in the world for peace. On November 16, 1947, Tony married Patricia and had three children. At the Hillsdale Shoe Repair, he did repairs and modifications for stores and physicians over his 29 years. This small shop serviced hundreds of customers, custom shoes for orthopedics, riding boots, and large chain shoe stores over its 29 years under his ownership. His product was to the highest quality which was appreciated by his customers, and even children who received a complementary lollipop as they entered the shop. He was involved with Wilson High School and even provided rubber heels for a pony that was in a theater production. Tony was instrumental in starting the annual Hillsdale Customer Appreciation Breakfast which is enjoyed by hundreds. He leaves his wife, Patricia Scuito, two sons, Steve (Traci) Scuito, Ken (Diane) Scuito, a daughter Diane (Ron) Kleve; 8 Grandchildren, Troy Scuito, Andrea (Andy) Plitkins, Angela (Mike Tinker) Scuito, Ryan Kleve, David Scuito, Nick Scuito, Jacob Scuito, and Stephanie Kleve; and three great-grandchildren, Haley, Elissa, and Brandon Plitkins. There was a celebration of life for Tony on May 2, 2009, in St. Andrew's Presbyterian Church.
LANNIE HURST (WILSON MOM) 1925-2010
Frances Lanier "Lannie" Hurst, inspirational Wilson parent passed away on October 26, 2010. Lannie was born on May 20, 1925 in El Paso, Texas, and grew up in San Antonio, where she studied drama, music, and dance, and performed in local vaudeville as a child. She received her Bachelor of Arts from Trinity University and married Peter L. Hurst, a pediatrician, in 1948. They moved to Portland in 1954 where he'd accepted a position with Kaiser Permanente. They raised four children, and Lannie pursued a career on the Portland stage; most prominently with the Portland Civic Theater and the Lake Oswego Community Theater (now Lakewood Theater of Lake Oswego). In 1967 she created the Friends of The Old Church with local historical preservationists, and saved the carpenter gothic structure from demolition. For these efforts, she received numerous commendations, most notably, The Oregonian Journal's Woman of Accomplishment for 1969. She received her Master of Arts in library science at the University of Oregon, and started a new career in her 50s with the Multnomah County Library as a children's librarian. With her husband, Peter, Lannie visited numerous locales around the world including China, Vietnam, India, Russia, Europe, and countries in Latin America. Upon Peter's retirement from medicine, they lived for several years in American Samoa. Peter died in 1999. Her most recent address was at Terwilliger Plaza, where she leaves behind numerous dear friends. Over the years she strongly supported the Portland Opera, the Portland Symphony, and, especially, the Friends of the Multnomah County Library. She leaves behind her children, Dr. Keith Andrew Hurst of Spokane; Ralph Gregory Hurst of Vashon, Wash.; Hillary Hurst of Bend; and John Eric Hurst of Palo Alto, Calif.; eight grandchildren; and three great-grandchildren. A memorial service celebrating her life was held on Nov. 6, 2010, in The Old Church, 1244 S.W. 11th Ave., Portland. The family suggests donations to the Friends of the Library. Click here to read more about this inspirational Wilson parent. |
