In Memoriam

Our heartfelt prayers and condolences go out to the families of the following individuals. Requiescat in pace.

Jeanne Menoret Graham ’43 passed away on November 20, 2021. She was 103 years old. A proud life-long Oregonian and resident of Corvallis since 1946, Jeanne was among those who survived both the Spanish Flu and the COVID pandemics. Jeanne rode in Model-T cars, made her family get up very early to watch the Apollo Moon launch, and marveled at modern computer technology. She met her beloved husband, Robert Douglas Graham, at Fort Riley, KS, where she served as a nurse and Robert was a pilot in the Army Air Corps during World War II. Bob passed away in 2004. Jeanne loved to garden and fish, was an avid Oregon State sports fan, and played tennis into her seventies. She is survived by two daughters, four grandchildren, and eight great-grandchildren.

Mary “Molly” Auer ’44 died on the evening of September 21, 2021, in Medford, OR. Mary grew up in Marshfield, OR, obtained her associate and nursing degrees from University of Portland’s School of Nursing, and served for two months as a lieutenant in the Army medical corps. She and her husband, Carl Auer, raised eight children together. Molly had a deep capacity for wonder and joy. She loved life, wine, food, creating things, reading, and being with family. She was a member of St. Monica’s Catholic Church for most of her life. An artist, mother, nurse, and poet, she will be deeply missed. Robert Paul “Bob” Jones ’46 passed away on September 11, 2021, at home with his family at his side. In the fall of 1942, he enrolled in University of Portland. In December of 1942, duty called and he enlisted in the US Navy and its pioneering V12 program to help the war effort by training naval officers. He continued his education at University of Portland, transferring in May of 1943 to Iowa State College. On September 11, 1948, Bob married his high school sweetheart Vera LeJeanne Houston. They had six children together.

Donald Hirtzel ’49 passed away July 21, 2021, at the age of 95. Born in Silverton, OR, Donald moved across Oregon throughout his childhood. Eventually settling in Bend, he graduated from Bend High School in 1939 and worked in the sawmills. Donald graduated from University of Portland with a degree in business administration. After working in Redmond, OR, for Consolidated Freeways, he joined the Army. In 1961, he went back to school to get his master’s in education from University of Oregon. Among many things, Donald was an avid traveler and reader.

Beverly A. Block Boyd ’50 died on October 1, 2021. She graduated from University of Portland with a bachelor’s degree from the School of Nursing. Bev worked in hospitals across the country. She, her husband, and their three children moved to Roseburg, OR, in 1968 where she worked at Mercy Medical Center from 1968 until she retired in 1993. Bev re-joined the workforce and worked at the Oregon Surgical Center and Weston Eye Clinic until 2013. She will be missed.

Maxwell “Max” Freshley ’51 died on October 4, 2021. Max graduated from University of Portland with a degree in physics. He joined the General Electric Company’s Tech Grad Program at the Hanford site in Richland. In 1965, he started a career with Battelle/Pacific Northwest National Laboratory, retiring in 1993 as a manager/senior staff scientist. He devoted most of his professional career to researching the development of light water nuclear reactor fuels. He met his life partner, Betty L. LaCombe, while attending Multnomah Junior College. Together they had two children. After retiring, Max enjoyed numerous hobbies and activities and was fortunate to have had an active life well into his late eighties. Max’s nature was to be thorough and precise in every undertaking. He will be missed.

David Hall Yee ’51 passed away peacefully on, August 24, 2021, at his home surrounded by family. David was born in Guangdong, China. After graduating from University of Portland, he was drafted into the Army and served from 1952 to 1954. In 1955 he married his beloved wife, Feng Chen. He worked at the Bureau of Mines for 31 years, retiring from a career as a research chemist in 1986. David loved fishing and camping, traveling up and down the west coast with his trailer and camper van. He was an active member of the Chinese Scientists, Engineers and Professionals Association of Portland.

Donald Butsch ’52 died August 26, 2021. Born and raised in Mount Angel, OR, Donald married Robinette “Bobby” Amen in 1948. A hero of the “greatest generation,” Don served in both theaters of World War II in the 86th Infantry, winning the Bronze Star. Don lived a life of service, practiced pharmacy for over 50 years, and served both city and state in numerous elected and appointed capacities. He will be missed.

Dan Duffy ’55 passed away on October 24, 2021. At University of Portland, he majored in psychology. It was at a pep rally that he first encountered a freshman named Boots Murphy. He would reconnect with Boots a few years later, after he entered the US Air Force. They were married on June 14, 1958. He retired from the Air Force in 1987 and retired from his phone company job a few years later, turning his attention to golf, volunteering, happy hours, and more golf. He will be greatly missed.

Richard “Dick” L. Lang ’55 died on October 3, 2021. Dick was a partner in a downtown Portland law firm for many years and lived in the city all of his life. After graduating

from UP, he attended Lewis & Clark (then Northwestern) Law School. He had a closeknit group of friends from his early school days and his years practicing law. Among Dick’s favorite activities were tennis, reading, and trying out new gadgets. He is survived by his wife, Christin, and his two children.

Michael Strong ’56 passed away on October 1, 2021. A Tacoma native, Michael attended Holy Rosary, Bellarmine Prep HS, and graduated from University of Portland. Upon college graduation, Michael joined the US Air Force and trained as a navigator. After four years in the Air Force, Michael joined The Alcoa Corporation. Later he started his Certified Financial Planning firm with Raymond James & Assoc., where he worked until retirement. Michael was a devout Catholic, a devoted husband, father, grandfather, and recently a great-grandfather.

Eugene “Gene” Deiss ’57 passed away in 2021. During his service as a chaplain’s assistant in the Navy, his best friend James Hartford introduced Gene to his sister Shirley, and they fell in love. They married in 1952, started their family in San Diego, then moved back to Portland, where Gene graduated from University of Portland with a BA in business administration. He touched and inspired many lives, and will be remembered for his dedication, love, compassion, and generosity.

Frederick Hoesly ’57 passed away on September 19, 2019. An Oregon native, Frederick graduated from an MS-MD program at the University of Oregon Medical School in 1962. In 1963 he began a career as a medical epidemiologist with the CDC. Later, he became a medical epidemiologist in what is now the acute and communicable disease program, serving as the manager of that program for five years. His work is greatly appreciated and he will be missed.

James F. Senko ’58 died on July 30, 2021. Jim entered the US Air Force in 1959 following his graduation from University of Portland with a degree in industrial engineering. He married Patricia Lynne Alessio on New Year’s Eve of 1960. The Air Force sent him to Washington State University, where he earned a degree in electrical engineering in 1964. He retired from the Air Force in 1980 as a Lieutenant Colonel. Jim then became a computer engineer with Boeing. Upon his retirement from Boeing, Jim pursued his passion for gardening. Jim is survived by his children and seven grandchildren.

Joy Ann Johnson ’59 died peacefully October 17, 2021. In 1942, Joy moved with her parents and brother Lyle to Vancouver, WA. She typed war bonds at a local bank before getting a job as a secretary at Shumway Junior High School, a position she held for sixteen years. Joy loved birds and enjoyed gardening, working crossword and Sudoku puzzles, and was a fan of Nebraska football. Joy was preceded in death by her parents and brothers Don, Quentin, and Lyle.

Ralph S. Clemens ’60 died on September 5, 2021. He was born in the East Bay of San Francisco and raised in Portland, OR. After graduating from UP, Ralph began a career at General Electric where he worked for 27 years. He loved the outdoors: he was an avid skier, he golfed, and he sailed. He was also an avid reader, especially on the subject of energy. In addition to his wife, Maryann, with whom he shared 45 years of marriage, he is survived by many family and friends.

Muriel Lezak ’60, a neuropsychologist renowned for her work on the science of brain injuries, died on October 6, 2021, at the age of 94. Muriel was born in Chicago. She attended the University of Chicago, completing her undergraduate work in 1947, and stayed on for a master’s in human development, which she received two years later. While attending UChicago, she met a law student named Sidney Lezak, and the two married in 1949 before moving to Portland, OR, and having children. She received a PhD from University of Portland. She also began teaching psychology at the University and at Portland State University. In 1966, Muriel began working as a psychologist for the Veterans Administration (VA), caring for soldiers returning from Vietnam and those who had ongoing neurological trauma from previous wars. Her book, Neuropsychological Assessment, was published in 1976 and soon became the gold standard for understanding the cause and effect of brain trauma and mental health disorders, as well as how to best evaluate patients. The sixth edition of the book is due to come out in 2023 and will be titled Lezak’s Neuropsychological Assessment. Muriel is preceded in death by Sid and her son. She is survived by her two daughters and nine grandchildren.

Paul Seida ’60 passed away on November 11, 2021, at the age of 84. Paul loved discovering opportunities to help those less fortunate— whether buying Thanksgiving dinner for a family or lending a hand to someone in need. He mostly enjoyed taking care of the animals on his “farm” which included a multitude of cats, dogs, Sika deer, horses, and the many birds that visited his feeders. He is survived by his wife of 62 years, Marlene (Meckes) Seida; his four children; and four granddaughters.

John Ward ’60 passed away peacefully at Providence Seaside Hospital, surrounded by his loving family, on August 10, 2021. Born in Astoria, OR, he was raised in Portland. He earned a bachelor’s degree in economics, with a minor in French, from University of Portland. He met the love of his life, Terry ’62, at UP while she was studying to be a nurse, and they were married in 1964. He co-owned the Harvest House in NE Portland for 12 years before moving to Cannon Beach in 1975, where he owned and operated the Driftwood Inn until he retired in 2003. He is survived by his wife, their two children, grandchildren, and many other family members and friends.

William “Bill” Wilson ’60 passed away on August 23, 2021. After meeting his future wife, Carol Larkins ’60, on a blind date in the summer of 1956, they both went on to attend UP. Bill received his degree in business and Carol attended

nursing school. Bill and Carol were married May 14, 1960, shortly before their college graduations. After starting their family, they moved to the Orchards neighborhood of Vancouver, WA. Bill worked in the business offices at the Port of Vancouver. He worked there for 30 years, retiring in 1995. Bill is survived by Carol, their three children, and five grandchildren.

L. Martin “Marty” Baudendistel ’62 passed away at home on March 23, 2021. His wife of 41 years was Maggie Leineweber Baudendistel ’68. A longtime Portland resident, Marty was a graduate of Central Catholic in addition to UP. He is survived by Maggie, his daughter, his sisters Marianne ’58 and Nancy, and two grandchildren.

John “Paul” Canard ’62 passed away in 2020 at the age of 81. He graduated high school in 1957, joined the Air National Guard, and enrolled in and graduated from UP with a degree in business. After retiring from his 40-year career, he and his family moved back to Vancouver, WA, from Idaho. Known by his grandchildren as “Grandpa Candy,” he was a loving and adventurous grandfather. Paul is remembered as a generous person and a wonderful storyteller.

Rudy Albert Mariman ’62 passed away on October 12, 2021. Immigrating to the United States from Berlin, Germany, as a teenager, Rudy and his mom, Heidi, made Estacada, OR, their new home. Earning $1.25 an hour working at his stepfather’s sawmill, Rudy learned the value of manual labor and an honest day’s work. He graduated from UP with a degree in engineering. Rudy then accepted an engineering position with McDonnell Douglas Aircraft Company in Santa Monica, CA. By 1972, the newly formed Rudy Mariman & Company opened an office on Bayside Drive, in Newport Beach, and he began a career in real estate and land purchases. He took great pride in his firstgeneration immigrant roots and gave several scholarships to University of Portland in support of first-generation college students. Rudy Mariman is survived by his wife, Gloria.

Marian Weaver ’67 passed away peacefully under the care of Catholic Hospice at Holy Cross Hospital on November 13, 2021. She received a master’s in library science from University of Portland, and she worked as a librarian at Fairway Elementary School in Fort Lauderdale for 25 years. An avid sports fan, she had Miami Dolphin season tickets for 35 years. Marian had an infectious smile, was very outgoing, and enjoyed sharing stories of travel adventures with anyone who would listen. Marian is survived by her husband of 52 years, Donald, and beloved nieces and nephews.

Geraldine “Gerri” Kursinsky ’68 passed away peacefully on October 24, 2021. Gerri earned her master’s degree in music education from UP. In 1965, she was selected for an assignment to teach music in Bremerhaven, Germany, for the US Department of Defense. While there, Gerri met Bill Kursinsky. They were married for almost 50 years. After finishing their time in Germany, they moved to Michigan. Gerri taught music in the Waterford School district for six years in Michigan before moving to Phoenix, AZ. There she taught music at the Paradise Valley School district in Phoenix. Gerri taught music for 32 years before retiring. She will be deeply missed.

Arnaldo Rodriguez ’68 passed away on June 27, 2021. Born in 1945 in San Juan de los Yeras in the province of Villa Clara, Cuba, Arnaldo was the youngest of seven siblings. When he was 16, he immigrated to the US, first landing in Miami, FL. He was placed in a crowded youth refugee facility for a few months until he was relocated to Portland, OR. Arnaldo continued his education at UP, where his life took a fateful turn as he met a fellow freshman, and future wife, during orientation named Lucia Miltenberger. Arnaldo graduated from UP with a bachelor’s degree in psychology. In 1977, his family moved to Olympia, WA, when he got a job as director of admissions at Evergreen State College. His family relocated to Claremont, CA, in 1997 for a new job as the vice president of admission and financial aid at Pitzer College. In 2013, his beloved wife Lucia passed away. When he was ready to begin his next chapter, Arnaldo diligently researched retirement communities for one that would fit his needs: one that emphasized and facilitated a strong community, one with a strong spiritual center, and one with a dedication to social justice causes. After his search, he was pleased to find that the perfect new home was just three miles from his house— Pilgrim Place. He is survived by his children, three older sisters, and three nieces.

James “Pat” Meagher Sr. ’69 died on March 19, 2021. He was born on July 10, 1944, in Portland, OR. He died surrounded by his family on March 19, 2021, at his home in Umatilla, OR, at the age of 76.

Roxann Mary Heffelfinger ’70 passed away peacefully at her home on October 11, 2021. After graduating with honors from St. Mary’s of the Valley Academy in 1966, she attended UP and earned a degree in music education. She went on to specialize in the Orff method while teaching in Klamath Falls, OR, before moving to Anacortes, WA, in 1972. In 1975, she received a teaching certification for gifted education from Western Washington University. In her retirement, she served as the president of the Fidalgo Island Quilters guild and a board member of the Pacific Northwest Quilt and Fiber Arts Museum.

Jeanne (Macomber) Butcher ’71 passed away on August 11, 2021. Her family lived in Pendleton, OR, until Jeanne started her freshman year at Linfield College in 1962. Within two months she met her future husband, Paul. In the next four years she completed her degree at Portland State University and got her MA at UP. For 30 years, Jeanne taught grades 7–12 in schools in Ohio and all over Oregon, concluding with 15 years at JB Thomas Middle School. Jeanne worked thousands of volunteer hours at numerous charities. She is survived by her spouse of 53 years as well as her sister, Connie.

John C. Ritter ’72 passed away on November 18, 2021. As a child, John underwent many operations, which may have contributed to his love of reading, especially history. He was a history major at UP, while also working at Blitz Brewery and serving at UP’s Blitz Man on Campus, a role he was uniquely suited to fill. He later earned master’s degrees in history, special education, and geography, and he earned a Fulbright in Egypt and a Rhodes Scholarship. He became an educator, and he fell in love with a librarian, Linda Chamberlain. He ran the education program at the Oregon State Penitentiary for 35 years, co-authored a book about the institution’s history, and went on to numerous other teaching posts. John also started Salem Underground Tours which remained much in demand even as his health waned. He was someone who aimed to build connections with people. He is survived by his wife, Linda, and his children.

Frederick J. Carleton ’73 died on April 8, 2021. After graduating high school, Fred attended UP where he met his wife, Gina ’74. After graduating from University of Oregon’s law school, Fred joined a law office and worked as city attorney of Bandon, OR, for 30 years. Fred was a devoted husband and father. He was noted for embracing life, which included such things as hiking, kayaking, and always buying too many books to fit into his suitcase. He will be missed.

William “Billy” Malone ’73 passed away September 16, 2018, at the age of 88. Billy was a longtime owner and operator of Orchid Cleaners in West Nashville. He was also a member of the former Charlotte Avenue Church of Christ, now Charlotte Heights Church of Christ. He is preceded in death by his daughter, Tia Malone. He is survived by his wife, Becky, of over 35 years, as well as many extended family members.

Ernest “Ernie” D. Casciato ’76, ’99 died on August 16, 2021. The youngest of four children, Ernie grew up in Portland. He attended, and later taught at, LaSalle High School, performing there and on stages around Portland. His greatest happiness, however, was the success of his many students both at LaSalle and at St. Therese Catholic School. Ernie was preceded in death by his parents, Irene and Don; by his brother, Michael; and by his nephews, Michael and Nathan. He is survived by his sister and brother. He is dearly loved by his nieces, nephews, and grandnephews, and many Italian cousins.

Richard D. “Dick” Walker ’76 passed away on October 26, 2021, at his home in Lake Oswego. Born in Spokane, WA, Dick proudly served in the US Navy during World War II. He earned a master’s in education at University of Portland. He married his high school sweetheart, Freeda Matheson, and they raised six children. The family settled in Portland where Dick would begin his 33-year career with the Portland Police Bureau. Starting as a patrol officer in 1955, Dick rose through the ranks and was appointed Chief of Police before retiring in 1990. Throughout his career, Dick developed lifelong friendships with police officers, politicians, and business leaders. An avid runner, he completed the Portland Marathon and Cascade Runoff. Dick is survived by his six children, 10 grandchildren, 15 greatgrandchildren, and his companion, Brenda Pine.

Constance “Connie” Colvin ’79 passed away October 28, 2021. She received her diploma from St. Francis School of Nursing in Pittsburgh, PA, prior to joining the US Navy Nurse Corps. While in the Navy, she met her first husband Captain Charles E. Klingmeyer Jr. They married in 1957 and welcomed a daughter, Mary Patricia, in 1959. Charles died suddenly in 1961 due to medical complications while the family was stationed in Tokyo, Japan. She was remarried to Lieutenant Colonel Clifford Colvin. After Cliff’s retirement from the Marine Corps in 1972, they moved to Baker City, OR. Connie received her master’s degree in nursing from University of Portland in 1979.

Karen (Quinn) Bredbenner ’80 passed away on October 9, 2021, after a one-year battle with cancer. Karen attended University of Portland’s Salzburg program before transferring to St. Mary’s College. She spent many years as an elementary school teacher. She radiated positivity, loved life, and was a loving and caring wife, mom, sister, aunt, daughter, and friend. She will be sadly missed by her loving husband of 38 years, Timothy, her two sons, parents, her brothers and sisters, and countless others.

Renato “Rey” or “Reny” Jarra Estrada ’86 passed away on October 8, 2021. Renato was born to Julian and Elisea Estrada on April 18, 1961, in Kahului, HI. He moved to the mainland after graduating from Baldwin High School in Wailuku, HI. After receiving his bachelor’s degree from UP, Renato went on to work at Unify Corporation, where he met the love of his life, Kathy. They married in July 1990 and raised three beautiful children in Chandler, AZ. A beloved husband, father, grandfather, sibling, uncle, and friend, he will be missed.

Emily A. Peters ’90 passed away on August 12, 2021. Emily was born in Portland, OR. She had three younger brothers. After graduating from Castle Rock High School, she attended Washington State University. Emily went on to earn a master’s degree from UP. Emily married her best friend and the love of her life, Gene Peters, on June 19, 1971, and they raised four children together. They celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary in 2021. Emily loved people and had a way of making them feel special and loved. She made friends wherever she went. She will be deeply missed.

Allen James Bruun ’96 died on August 5, 2021. After his graduation from high school in 1960, he joined the Navy and served a tour of duty as a jet mechanic on the aircraft carrier, USS Midway. After his discharge, he returned to Seattle where he worked as a machinist for Stetson Ross Machine Company for 15 years. He married Jeannette Barr in 1973. He earned his master’s degree from UP and taught until retiring in 2004. He is survived by his wife, five children, his sister, two brothers, and seven grandchildren.