IN MEMORY
his audiences. His family hopes others will remember McInerney’s flair for entertainment, his impressive ability to tell a story and his laugh. Professor Emeritus CONWAY H. OLMSTED, Ph.D., died Dec. 11 at age 87. Before coming to MSU Denver in 1975, Olmsted taught at Purdue University and Regis University and was a Peace Corps volunteer in Peru. Olmsted ultimately led what is now known as the Department of Modern Languages and, even after retiring in 2001, continued to tutor students in Spanish. Colleagues fondly remember Olmsted for the long hours he spent in the office advising students and his great passion for reading and discussing books of all genres. Ph.D., professor emeritus, Computer Information Systems, died Feb. 15 at age 81. Pook joined MSU Denver in 1985 to teach in what was then the Department of Computer Management and Sciences, becoming one of the architects of the Computer Information Systems Program. Pook was a staunch believer in offering a relevant and high-quality curriculum. He retired from the University in 2009 after a long and distinguished career. He is remembered by colleagues and
students as a wonderful human being and a devoted teacher. LAURENCE WASHINGTON
(B.A. English, ’89), MSU Denver Journalism affiliate faculty member and alumnus, died recently at age 65. A dedicated member of the Department of Journalism and Media Production for 26 years, Washington wrote on his MSU Denver educator bio, “Teaching is a privilege — there is no higher calling that enables an individual to inspire, spark interest and stimulate the imagination of others.” His co-workers and students are heartbroken by the news of his death, remembering him as an amazing instructor and colleague.
Alumni & Students
LASZLO “LACI” POOK,
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RED MAGAZINE | S P RING 2021
REV. HAROLD L. BROWN SR.
(B.S. Technology, ’68, and B.S. Mathematics, ’71) died Dec. 8 at age 83. After graduating from MSU Denver, he was hired by the medical division of American Optical as a sales engineer, later becoming a district manager. In 1980, Brown started preaching and teaching in churches across the Denver area, as he would for the next 30 years. In 2009, he was ordained as a deacon at Living Hope Baptist Church, where he stayed until his passing.
(B.S. Health Care Management, ’04) died Oct. 25 at age 38. Burke was born and raised in Gillette, Wyoming, and after beginning her college career at the University of Wyoming, she transferred to MSU Denver. She worked in various fields, including higher education and the insurance industry. Burke made friends easily and was loved by all who knew her. CAROLYN BURKE
(B.S. Electrical Engineering Technology, ’95) died Nov. 3 at age 55 after a lengthy struggle with multiple sclerosis. Garbett attended MSU Denver after serving for four years in the U.S. Navy. He later worked on satellite-sensor technology and satellite-data analysis at Los Alamos National Laboratory for 21 years. His family says that even with the limitations and burdens of MS, Garbett inspired others with his smile and sunny disposition. TIMOTHY GARBETT
(B.S. Accounting, ’94, and B.S. Computer Information Systems, ’03) died last April 3 at age 69. After raising her two sons, Jacobs worked part time to afford the first of her two degrees earned at MSU Denver. During her career, she worked as an accountant for Robert Waxman’s in Denver and for the State of Colorado in BARBARA JACOBS
various capacities until retiring in 2014. Jacobs enjoyed crocheting, knitting and riding her motorcycle through rain, hail, snow and wind across the western U.S. and British Columbia. MSU Denver Aviation and Aerospace Science major KEVIN PRYOR died Sept. 26 at age 44. Pryor joined the U.S. Army in 2005, becoming a drone pilot and completing overseas tours in Iraq and Afghanistan. Following his military service, he earned an aviation-maintenance-technician certificate at the National Aviation Academy. In 2018, Pryor continued his education at MSU Denver and was close to earning his degree. (B.S. Management and B.S. Marketing, ’05) died Oct. 7 at age 45. Scott was a U.S. Army veteran, serving in Germany and Bosnia. Upon his honorable discharge, he spent five years in the U.S. Army Reserves and earned his degrees at MSU Denver. After college, he interned with the federal government and worked his way up the ladder. Scott was a devoted husband and loving father who enjoyed volunteering, watching sports (especially the Denver Broncos), staying active, traveling and spending time with family and friends. MARC SCOTT
