CLASS NOTES IN MEMORIAM
Our heartfelt prayers and condolences go out to the families of the following individuals. Requiescat in pace. Clarissa Weber Huffman ’48 passed away on May 15, 2021, at the age of 95. She attended the University of Idaho for one year before transferring to the School of Nursing at UP. In 1948, she married W. Wayne Huffman and later had two children. She worked as a nurse in various locations for over 30 years. She is survived by her two children, one granddaughter, and three great-grandchildren. J. Eugene Popma ’48 died on June 11, 2020, at the age of 97. He married his wife, Lorraine, in 1943. They were married for 67 years, and he would often say they had a 67-year love affair. They were avid skiers at Mt. Bachelor, they traveled around the world, and they enjoyed hiking, tennis, and playing bridge with close friends. He would often sing to his wife. His favorite tune was the Nat King Cole song “Sweet Lorraine.” Gene began his professional career as a CPA in the Portland area. He was a loving husband to Lorraine and a good father to his four children. John W. Murray ’49 passed away January 30, 2020, at the age of 93. During his senior year of high school, John was drafted into the Army, serving his country in the Philippines and in Japan during World War II. He continued his education at Loras College, UP, and University of Illinois, earning his bachelor’s degree and two master’s degrees. After 34 rewarding years in the field of physical education, he retired. John was a true
42
PORTLAND
patriot, a man of high ideals. Honesty, integrity, kindness, and caring were his strongest qualities. Loving husband, devoted father, and fond grandfather and great-grandfather. James Brady ’50 passed away on June 15, 2021, at the age of 93. A longtime Vancouver resident and first-generation Irish-American, he grew up in Portland where he attended Holy Redeemer, Columbia Prep, and the University of Portland. After serving in the army during the Korean War, Jim moved to Vancouver with his wife, Gloria, where they raised four children. He owned O’Brady’s DriveIn for many years and sold it to his daughter Susie upon retirement. Jim is remembered as a beloved father and grandfather and a man who never knew a stranger. He is survived by his wife of 65 years, his two daughters, and seven grandchildren, and is preceded in death by his son, Tim. Gene Feltz ’50 passed away on July 25, 2021. After attending Columbia Prep and serving in the US Navy, Gene attended the University of Portland for two years until 1948 when he enrolled in law school at the University of Santa Clara. He was one of the founders of Portland’s Blanchet House. Gene met and married Elizabeth “Betty” Louise Altstock in 1952. Together they raised nine children, and enjoyed an active social life both in Portland and their beloved Cannon Beach. Gene and Betty were married 66 years at the time of her
death in 2018. He will be missed by his many beloved family and friends. James Robbins ’50 died on April 24, 2021. A veteran of World War II, Jim served in the Navy and was stationed in Iwo Jima during the invasion of Okinawa. He chronicled this time with letters held dear by his family. A member of the University Club of Portland, where he served as president in 1988, Jim’s stories and memory will forever remain a part of the club’s history. He is survived by his sisters, his daughter, two grandchildren, and his great-granddaughter. Richard L. Wells ’50 passed away on May 3, 2021, at the age of 95. He served in the US Army Infantry during World War II. He later graduated from UP with a degree in business administration. He met and fell in love with Joan Harmon whom he married in 1952. He worked for 35 years at the Bank of California and an additional seven years with various Christian organizations. He is survived by three daughters, nine grandchildren, and 17 great-grandchildren. Francis Reichert ’52 passed away on April 5, 2021, at the age of 90, with his wife at his side. After graduating from UP with an engineering degree, he was hired by the US Army Corps of Engineers, where he worked for 33 years. In 1952 Frank met Helen Bernice Wallace, whom he married in 1955. Together they raised four children. A devout Catholic, Frank was
active in church activities. He is survived by his brother, sister, wife, four children, and three grandchildren. James Givnan Jr. ’53 passed away on June 15, 2021. Born in Seattle in 1930, Jim attended both the University of Oregon and the University of Portland. He served in the US Air Force where he attained the rank of captain, flying C-130 aircraft. After working for Boeing, Jim established a practice as a patent agent. He lived in the Sunset Heights neighborhood of Portland for more than 50 years, his greatest joy being time spent with his wife, children, grandchildren, and loyal dog Doodles. Jim is described as “ever one to see the bright side of life” and will be missed by many. John A. DeBenedetti ’57 passed away peacefully on April 29, 2021, at the age of 85. Following graduation from UP, he became an accountant. He was blessed with a large and loving family and was married for 58 years. He is survived by his wife, five children, five grandchildren, and his sisters. He will be greatly missed for his silly sense of humor and remembered for his love of the Oregon Coast and enjoyment of a good game of bocce ball. Jack B. Scrivens ’57 died on April 22, 2021, at the age of 87, in the home he shared with his beloved wife, Shirley. Jack was an educator and coach at Reed College from 1961 until his retirement as the
