In Memoriam

Extended Memoriam: R. Lucille "Lucy" McCapp McDole '50

Extended Memoriam: Jennifer Paulson '03

Extended Memoriam: Lisa Klein Surdyk '87

Extended Memoriam: Joseph Kevin Snell

WILLARD “DEL” ALDRIDGE SR. ’42 died November 12, 2008, at the age of 90. An engineer by trade, he spent more than 30 years with The Boeing Company. His service in the Army during World War II earned him the rank of captain. Following the war, Willard married another Seattle Pacific student, ELEANOR BALDWIN ALDRIDGE ’44, and together they raised four children. Del, his dad, and his brother, LESTER ALDRIDGE ’47, built three homes in the Seattle area using materials from surplus wartime barracks from nearby naval shipyards. At the age of 50, Del and his brothers-in-law built a beach house from scratch on the Oregon coast. Del had briefly taught mathematics at Seattle Pacific in his earlier years, and he liked to keep those skills sharp by tutoring his children and kids from the neighborhood. He is survived by Eleanor; their four children, including WILLARD ALDRIDGE JR. ’70 and ALICE ALDRIDGE O’GRADY ’75; 10 grandchildren, including DEBRA SCHRECKENGHOST ’06; and three great-grandchildren.

DONALD ATKINSON ’49, ’63, M.S. ’70, died November 3, 2009, at the age of 83. Born in Modesto, California, he served in the U.S. Navy in the Asia-Pacific theater of World War II. Donald was a pastor and administrator with the Free Methodist denomination his entire career. His pastorates were in California and Washington; his administrative service was as a financial officer of the Free Methodist Pacific Northwest Conference. Donald is survived by his wife, LORRAINE ROTTRUP ATKINSON ’52; by two daughters, including CHRISTINE ATKINSON SHAW ’76; five grandchildren, including ELLIE SHAW YEYKAL ’03 and LENA PETERSON ’04; and two great-grandchildren.

MARGIE MEBERG ATKINSON ’65, a past member of SPU’s Alumni Board and a vice president of human resources for Young Life (YL), died December 27, 2009, at the age of 66. In a 40-year career with YL, the Fuller Seminary graduate and her husband, Neil, established YL in Naperville, Illinois; developed YL in Grand Rapids, Michigan; and directed YL in the Mid-America Region. Recognized as a master of conflict resolution, she was known for the sincere care she showed for colleagues and friends. A pioneer of YL’s Women's Leadership Council, Margie would also step in on a moment’s notice to play piano for YL functions. She is survived by her husband, two children, and three grandchildren.

PAMELA YOUTSEY BONAR ’83 died June 12, 2009, at the age of 48. Known for her love of life, fine paintings, and passion for the outdoors, she was a sky and scuba diver, a skier, a mountain climber, and a marathon runner, and she circled the globe with a pack on her back. A teacher at La Cima Middle School in Tucson, Arizona, Pamela earned a master’s degree in special education from the University of Washington. She loved her two daughters and enjoyed volunteering at church, with Girl Scouts, and for Therapeutic Riding of Tucson. She is survived by her daughters, parents, and brother.

JACK BROWN ’45 died August 9, 2009, at the age of 85. Born in Enumclaw, Washington, he married HELEN O’NEAL BROWN ’45 in 1945, and the couple began a life together that spanned nearly 64 years. They moved to Chicago where he attended Northwestern University School of Medicine. With his M.D. credentials in hand, the couple spent 10 years in the interior of Brazil, where missionary Jack was the only physician within hundreds of miles. He treated thousands of patients with all manner of tropical diseases. He worked in hospitals where electricity, when available, was a luxury. Some of the surgical procedures for the hundreds of operations he performed were self-taught on-site from a medical textbook. After the Browns returned to Seattle, Jack joined a private medical practice, and he and Helen were active in church and sang in the choir. Jack is survived by his four children, nine grandchildren, and three great-grandchildren.

JUNE DILLWORTH BROWN, first director of SPU’s continuing education program (1976–1985), died March 25, 2009, at the age of 85. Born in Stockton, Texas, she grew up on the family dairy farm near Modesto, California. A graduate of Aurora University, June spent the next 40 years in elementary education, as director of instructional TV at KCTS in Seattle, and director of continuing studies at SPU — a program she helped to name SPIRAL (Seattle Pacific Instruction Reaching All Learners). At age 63, she met and married the love of her life, Dr. Charles Brown. Having no children of her own, June embraced the extended families of her husband, sister, and brother as her own. She was active at Advent Christian Church and recognized for her volunteer spirit and giving heart, including being named outstanding alumna of her alma mater and volunteer of the year at Twin Rivers Correctional Center (Washington). She is survived by her husband.

SIGNE COX BRUNNER ’77 died April 10, 2009, at the age of 54. Born in Moscow, Idaho, she earned an undergraduate degree in American literature and art at SPU. In 1977, Signe married Dan Brunner and the couple lived for several years in California and for three years in Oxford, England. Following Oxford, they moved to Oregon where Signe earned a master’s degree in counseling psychology at George Fox University. She had a private marriage and family counseling practice for 11 years. A member of the Community of Christ Church in Hillsboro, Oregon, Signe cultivated a deep faith in God and enjoyed travel, quilting, walking, and time with family and friends. She is survived by her husband, son, and daughter; and by her mother, brother, and two sisters.

MOLLY FITZPATRICK BUHLER ’92 died July 14, 2009, at the age of 46. One of 10 children, she earned a degree from SPU in special education. Molly has been described as a person whose concern was for the well-being of others over her own. To that end, she cared for her ill parents and for an ill brother until their deaths. She also was someone who accepted tough assignments. A truck driver in the U.S. Army in the early 1980s, Molly went on to be a teacher in a classroom of sixth graders with severe behavioral problems. Both Molly and her husband, Craig, took numerous classes to counsel the mentally ill and they became certified as foster parents. For fun, Molly would hike and bird-watch in the areas surrounding her home in Sequim, Washington. Molly loved flowers, vegetable gardens, and canning her produce for the winter. She is survived by her husband, four brothers, four sisters, and 20 nieces and nephews.

L. GARY CALKINS JR., M.ED. ’70, died February 5, 2009, at the age of 85. Born in Newton, Massachusetts, he became a pilot in the Army Air Corps and served on the European front in World War II. After earning an undergraduate degree in psychology and education at Washington State University and a master’s degree in education at SPU, Gary taught school and became an administrator for Seattle Public Schools. Dedicated to his family, Gary is remembered as a storyteller with a great sense of humor. He enjoyed golfing, encouraging his children in scouting, and instilling a sense of integrity and honesty in the people he met. Gary is survived by Lu Alice, his wife of 59 years; four children; 11 grandchildren; and seven great-grandchildren.

DERIN CARMACK ’66 died August 5, 2009, at the age of 71. Born in Durango, Colorado, he attended Central College in Kansas, earned an undergraduate degree from SPU, and received a master’s degree in education from the University of Northern Colorado. He went on to touch the lives of many people through nearly 30 years in radio and TV, including with his radio talk show, “Derin LIVE! in Denver.” It is reported that his last words were those of his favorite Bible verse, referenced by his specialty license plate “MARKX27”: “With man this is impossible, but not with God; all things are possible with God.” (Mark 10:27) Derin is survived by his wife of 19 years, five children, 12 grandchildren, and two great-grandchildren.

JORDAN CROUCH '04, former SPU Centurion and one-time member of SPU's Young Alumni Council, died January 2, 2010, at the age of 28. Born in Vancouver, Washington, Jordan was first and foremost the loving husband of STACI GOERZ CROUCH ’04 and the proud father of Jackson, his infant son. After graduating from Seattle Pacific, Jordan worked for a time as a financial analyst, and served as a director of the Seattle chapter of Kiros, an organization that helps to connect, encourage, and equip Christians in business. In April 2009, he joined the youth ministry staff at Aurora Church of the Nazarene in Shoreline, Washington, where he directed the church’s MID-HI department (sixth through eighth grades), and served as the catalyst for significant growth in the department. Jordan is survived by his wife, son, parents, brother, and sister.

FRANCES FOLSOM CURTIS ’44 died May 21, 2009, at the age of 87. Born in Seattle to a pastor and his wife, Frances attended public school in Durango, Colorado. From Seattle Pacific, she went on to earn a master’s degree in theology from Asbury Theological Seminary. She became a missionary with the Free Methodist Church, serving first in Oakdale, Kentucky, where she nearly died of typhoid fever. She later served in Southern Rhodesia, teaching for seven years at Lundi Mission, during which time she nearly died of malaria. She married, had a daughter, and taught Sunday school and in Christian schools. For the last 10 years of her life, Frances lived at a home for the elderly in Farmington, New Mexico, attended a Mennonite church, and regularly went with her brother to the local ice skating rink to eat ice cream. She was preceded in death by her husband and a granddaughter. Frances is survived by her daughter, two grandchildren, sister, and brother.

G. GUY DELAMARTER ’45 died December 11, 2009, at the age of 87. Born in Sheridan, Oregon, he spent much of his youth moving throughout that state as his father followed farm work. Determined to gain a higher education, Guy completed junior college in Spring Arbor, Michigan, obtained a bachelor’s degree from Seattle Pacific, and earned a master’s degree in history from the University of Oregon. He taught for 28 years, primarily in Oregon’s Crook County and Pendleton school districts. A recipient of an honorary doctorate from George Fox University, he also served six years on the SPU Board of Trustees and was active in the Free Methodist Church. Five times a delegate to the General Conference of the Free Methodist Church of North America, he served 15 years as a member of that body’s board of administration. Guy’s passion for four-part harmony led him to participate in male quartets for much of his life, and after retiring from education he also kept busy as an entrepreneur, rancher, and author of The Career of Robert Newell, Oregon Pioneer published in 2005 by the Newell House Museum. Guy is survived by his wife, DOROTHY HAZZARD DELAMARTER ’45; daughter, ROBYN DELAMARTER DILLON ’81; sons HAROLD DELAMARTER ’69, LARRY DELAMARTER ’73, and RICK DELAMARTER ’77; and 12 grandchildren, including SARAH DELAMARTER BENSON ’02.

MARGARET GREEN, SPC dean of women (1964–70), died June 19, 2009, at the age of 103. Born in Higginsville, Missouri, Margaret grew into a devoted Christian woman, mentor, and educator. She touched lives with her gentle, infectious joy and inspirational teaching, Bible storytelling, and poetry. A popular speaker at women’s retreats and study groups, she was especially adept with young people. Her nearly six years as dean of women at Seattle Pacific earned her high praise for competence, loyalty, and a genuine love for students. She and her husband provided the property for Foothill Community Church in Oroville, California, and worked to establish the church itself. Preceded in death by her husband and a son, Margaret is survived by a son, four grandchildren, and eight great-grandchildren.

HELEN BATEMAN HALLMAN ’45 died February 25, 2009, at the age of 86. Born on a farm near Huron, South Dakota, she completed a degree in elementary education from Seattle Pacific and a second degree in education from Western Washington University. She taught in Seattle and other Washington school districts, and was a special education teacher at a private school in Burlington, Washington. She is survived by her husband, GLEN HALLMAN ’50; a daughter; two sons; five grandchildren; a brother; and a sister.

SCOTT HALVERSON ’81 died April 23, 2009, at the age of 50, of cancer. Born in Seattle, he took his SPU degree in business and accounting and worked in insurance, as an investment officer, and as a public school district accountant. While working in a summer position at California’s Mount Hermon Redwood Camp, he met his future wife, Lynne. By the next summer they were married. In 1992, he followed his heart for Christian ministry and returned to Mount Hermon, first as controller, then as financial director. Scott is survived by his wife, son, daughter, mother, two brothers, and sister.

WILLA BUSHONG HAYES ’33 died November 25, 2008, at the age of 101. Oklahoma-born and a graduate of Seattle Pacific High School in 1924, she married fellow student ROBERT HAYES ’33 in 1925, with the vows administered by her uncle. Following their graduation from Seattle Pacific College, the Hayes’ began their ministry with the Columbia River Conference of the Free Methodist Church. Bob was a founder of a Christian camp and conference center and an Army chaplain; Willa taught school. Her first assignment was a one-room school house for the first eight grades, a job that paid an additional $5 a month for janitorial work. She taught in Idaho and Oregon, and in schools in Germany, Japan, and Pakistan. Sunday school teaching was her habit, as was a Bible study in her home for many years. Willa is survived by three children, including daughter MARILYN HAYES WELLS ’49 and son-in-law, RAYMOND WELLS ’46, a professor of philosophy at Seattle Pacific for 26 years (1967–93), as well as ROBERT HAYES ’64. She is also survived by nine grandchildren; 16 great-grandchildren, including JOEL MOOERS ’09 and ISAAC MOOERS, a senior; and two great-great-grandchildren.

ELIZABETH “BETTY” BASSETT HORRELL ’47 died February 23, 2009, at the age of 88. Born in Saratoga Springs, New York, she attended Roberts Wesleyan College for two years before moving to the West Coast. She earned a degree in psychology from SPC. She was active in the Falconettes and a cappella choir, and she was president of the Associated Women Students. She married and spent 55 years with FRANCIS “FRANK” HORRELL ’48. During those years, she worked for the Ephrata (Washington) School District and was active in the Ephrata First Baptist Church, where she was a deaconess, taught Sunday school, and participated in Christian Women’s Club. Betty is survived by four children, including JOHN SCOTT HORRELL ’71, STAN HORRELL ’74, and DON HORRELL ’75; 11 grandchildren; seven great-grandchildren; and sisters-in-law ELSIE HORRELL CARLSON ’49 and OLIVE HORRELL ’47 (who was Betty’s SPC roommate).

A. LILLIAN HILL IVERSON ’69 died October 20, 2009, at the age of 96. Born in Braddock, North Dakota, she was a lifelong Christian and dedicated educator. With a teaching certificate from Valley City Teachers’ College, she earned her undergraduate degree from SPC and a master’s degree from Seattle University. Lillian spent 24 years of her teaching career at CRISTA schools in Seattle. A writer and frequent speaker at regional Pacific Northwest Coffee Cups, she was described as an indefatigable crossword puzzle competitor and someone who deeply loved the Lord. She and her husband, Hegge, the founder of Burden Bearers Christian counseling service, enjoyed 60 years of marriage before he died in 2000. Lillian was preceded in death by her husband and two daughters. She is survived by three children, including JEROME IVERSON ’71; and by many grandchildren, including SHERMIKA “MIKA” SMITH, an SPU freshman.

ROSEMARY KALB ’71 died March 18, 2009, at the age of 91. Born in Liberty, Missouri, she first graduated from Cottey College, then majored in English at SPC while working in the Economics Department. She went on to live in Minnesota, where she worked on behalf of better conditions for mentally challenged individuals. Rosemary also held positions as a public library volunteer, taught English as a second language, and was a devoted member of the Episcopal Church for 28 years. Her first international trip to Europe, taken with her sons, came at age 84. Described as a gentle soul who always sought the best in others, Rosemary is survived by three children, a granddaughter, and three great-grandchildren.

ROGER KINKEAD ’74 died August 24, 2009, at the age of 62. Born in West Seattle, he was blessed with a beautiful singing voice that earned him a full music scholarship for three years at Simpson Bible College, where he also toured with the college ensemble Nine Singing Men. A four-year stint in the U.S. Coast Guard as a sonar/weather forecaster was followed by completion of a bachelor’s degree from SPC. He went on to earn a master’s degree from Fuller Seminary where he focused on church history, a second master’s degree in divinity from Wartburg Seminary, and a third master’s degree in counseling from the University of Puget Sound. Ordination in the Lutheran church led to 29 years of pastoral ministry in several Washington communities. Roger is survived by his wife of 32 years, Rachelle; his father; and two brothers.

Alumna Is Remembered for Her “Bright Spirit” and Service to Others

R. LUCILLE “LUCY” CAPP MCDOLE ’50 died February 19, 2010, of a stroke at the age of 81. Pillars of the Seattle Pacific University community for decades, she and her husband, V.O. “BUD” MCDOLE ’52, met at Seattle Pacific in their freshman year.

The McDoles, parents of five former SPU students, joined the congregation of the First Free Methodist Church adjacent to campus 60 years ago. They poured their hearts into church life and into assisting Seattle Pacific in the fulfillment of its mission.

While Bud served 23 years on the SPU Board of Trustees, 13 as chair, Lucy was an enthusiastic “first lady” to his leadership roles. She relished her participation as a member of SPU’s Sigma Rho philanthropic women’s service club and volunteered at the Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, rallied church groups to look after the families of patients, and consistently opened the McDole home to others in need.

As long as Lucy was able to cook and provide hospitality for others, she found it impossible to part with their six-bedroom home in Bellevue, Washington. But, as a Northwest native, she also enjoyed their smaller lakeside home in Kirkland for the last months of her life. It provided a daily reminder of her upbringing in Bremerton on the Kitsap Peninsula.

SPU President Philip Eaton remembers Lucy as “an extraordinary woman” and “such a bright and cheerful spirit among us, always with a positive word, always hopeful.” In addition to her husband, Lucy is survived by three daughters, HEATHER MCDOLE VIZINA ’79, TAMARA “TAMI” MCDOLE WHITNEY ’81, and KEVYN MCDOLE VINSON ’84; two sons, GREGORY MCDOLE ’83 and RANDALL “RANDY” MCDOLE ’84; sister JOAN CAPP ’60; brothers PHILIP CAPP ’50, GRAYSON CAPP ’58, and RICHARD CAPP ’65; 10 grandchildren; and four great-grandchildren.

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GEORGE PALMER CC ’37 died tending his garden on February 11, 2008, at the age of 95. Born on a homestead near Glendale, Idaho, George earned degrees from Cascade College and Lewis and Clark College. He taught business, economics, and sociology, while serving as business manager at Cascade College from 1930 to 1957. He rose from accountant to assistant vice president in the loan department in the 16 years he worked for Far West Federal Savings and Loan. Hunting, fishing, baseball, and photography were among his favorite things. After marrying his wife, Mary Lou, the couple helped establish four Friends churches, and George, a recorded Friends minister, became active on various boards including missions. He is survived by a sister; two brothers; his wife of 71 years; two children; and several grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Young Alumna Remembered for Her Deep Faith and Care of Special-Needs Children

“None of us can be sure how our life can end,” said Dean Curry, pastor and friend of JENNIFER PAULSON ’03, “but we can have a say about how it’s going to be lived.”

Jennifer, who was shot and killed by a stalker on February 26, 2010, lived a life of faith in God and love for special-needs children. The influence of the 30-year-old teacher’s life was evident after her death. A memorial of flowers, balloons, stuffed animals, and notes from schoolchildren grew near the site where she was killed; the elementary school in Tacoma, Washington, where she worked as a special education teacher was closed for three days so students and fellow teachers could grieve; flags were flown at half-staff in Tacoma; and more than 1,500 people attended her memorial service.

“Jennifer was a very compassionate person and dedicated student,” says Seattle Pacific University Professor of Theology Kerry Dearborn. “Her deep faith was evident in the two theology classes she took with me, as was her determination to express God’s love to people who are marginalized and underserved.”

Jennifer graduated from SPU with a major in special education and minors in global and urban ministries and sociology. She began teaching in the Tacoma School District in 2004, and recently earned a master’s degree at the University of Washington Tacoma.

The man stalking Jennifer was JED WAITS ’03. As students, the two worked together in Gwinn Commons. They never dated, but he intermittently pursued her following graduation. In 2008, Jennifer filed an anti-harassment order against him. Jed was killed in a shootout with police shortly after the murder.

Nancy Heisler, Jennifer’s mother, reached out to the Waits family during the memorial. “You couldn’t have stopped your son any more than we could have saved Jennifer,” she said. Jennifer is survived by parents Kenneth (Cindy) Paulson and Nancy (Ned) Heisler; brothers Mark Paulson and Jason Paulson; and an extended family.

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Eric Lundberg
Posted May 18, 2011, at 8:27 p.m.

I have penned Jennifer Paulson's inspiring biography. It traces her life from birth to her passing. This book tells the true story of her dedicated life to the Lord and to others. Available at www.authorhouse.com. The book title is: A Life Well Lived: The Jennifer Paulson Story. It is available in Hardcover, Perfect Soft Cover and Ebook. There is also a Facebook page of the book of the book titles name. All book profits go to charity!!!!!!!

RICHARD “DICK” PERKINS ’64 died January 30, 2009, at the age of 86. Born in Washington, D.C., he moved to the West Coast in the early 1940s to work in forestry labor camps. He later went to work with the YMCA in Portland, Oregon, and met his wife, Beatrice, who worked for the YWCA. They were blessed with 58 years of marriage. After SPC, Dick did graduate work with Western Illinois University and traveled extensively with professors around the United States, Europe, Asia, Australia, the Middle East, and South America. He loved to teach and held a special affinity for students who struggled. Among his assignments were suspended junior and senior high school students, about half of whom became his “little victories.” He taught at an alternative school for boys and 18 years at Seattle’s Beacon Hill Elementary School. Dick, a faithful member of Seattle’s Apostolic Faith Church, is survived by his wife and a sister.

MARCIA REED, SPC bibliographic specialist in fine and performing arts (1969–91), died September 27, 2009, at the age of 80. Born in Selah, Washington, she attended Northwest Nazarene College and the University of Washington, where she graduated with an undergraduate degree in music history and a master’s degree in library science. Her first job was cataloging music at the Seattle Public Library. She later cataloged music at UW, before embarking on a 22-year career cataloging at Seattle Pacific, where her husband, CARL REED ’51, directed SPU’s School of Fine and Performing Arts (1977–87). Her experience at SPU helped her collaborate in publishing American Diaries, An Annotated Bibliography of Published American Diaries and Journals, Volumes I and II. Marcia made most of her own clothing and was a dedicated worker in needlepoint; at the time of her death she was still active in two needlepoint organizations. A member of Seattle’s Woodland Park Presbyterian Church, Marcia is survived by her husband, son, daughter, and three grandchildren.

DORIS ANDERSON ROHRBACH ’61 died December 17, 2008, of pancreatic cancer at the age of 88. Born in Gem, Kansas, Doris was raised in Spokane, Washington. She attended Whitworth College until World War II when she worked at the Boeing Flight Test organization. In 1957, after raising a family, she completed her undergraduate degree at Seattle Pacific before earning a master’s degree from the University of Washington. She became a librarian at the junior high and high school levels. She and her husband, Bob, were long-time residents and active volunteers in Seattle’s Normandy Park community. A member of the Babbling Bulbs garden club, Doris also enjoyed travel, especially a tour of historic European libraries. She cared for her husband until his death from Alzheimer’s disease, and for her mother, who lived to 105. Doris is survived by a son and five grandchildren.

RICHARD “RICK” SCHAUER, M.S. ’93, died February 8, 2009, at the age of 50, of lung cancer. Born in Bozeman, Montana, he grew up in eastern Washington and graduated from Western Washington University with an industrial design degree. At SPU, he earned a master’s degree in information technology. His work included 15 years with Boeing Military and nine years for Alaska Airlines. He is survived by his wife, Michelle; a daughter; his mother; and a brother and sister.

LUCIUS “LUKE” SNITCHLER ’48 died February 12, 2009, at the age of 83. Born in Bainbridge, New York, he attended Roberts Wesleyan College before transferring to SPC. After graduation, he struck out for Houston to work as an engineering technician in oilfield-related services. He later taught mathematics in the Houston Independent School District. Luke enjoyed travel, camping, and creating in his wood shop. He was a volunteer reading tutor for disadvantaged children. He is survived by three children, six grandchildren, and a brother.

MIRIAM TIMMIE SNYDER ’98 died May 30, 2009, at the age of 44. Born in Norwalk, California, she spent four years of her childhood in Spain before her family relocated to Poulsbo, Washington. Miriam attended Olympic College and entered Seattle Pacific, where she earned a degree in psychology. During her time at SPU, Miriam taught Spanish part-time at a Lutheran school. This experience led to a career in education. As a teacher/counselor in a mental health day school, she was selected for the master’s degree scholarship program in education at the University of Washington and graduated in 2002. The following year she began teaching reading and humanities at a junior high school in Silverdale, Washington. Miriam was active in church and participated in many capacities, including as a co-director of children’s ministry. Among her prized experiences was a trip to Far East Russia on a music ministry mission with her husband and others from their church. Other travel included Morocco, Mexico, and Jamaica, from which Miriam grew an impressive portfolio of photographs. She enjoyed getting around by motorcycle and Vespa scooter, drew the best out of others, and loved animals. She is survived by her husband, Michael; two sons and a daughter; her mother; and a sister and brother.

FORREST “FORRY” WALLS ’60 died October 16, 2009, at the age of 70. Born in Cedar Falls, Iowa, he captured a law degree at the University of Washington Law School following his graduation from SPC. He was a municipal finance lawyer for the firm of Preston Gates and Ellis, and he represented many public agencies in Washington and Alaska. After 37 years of practice, he retired in 2001. An avid outdoorsman, he enjoyed hiking, fishing, and exploratory overnighters done with a minimum of equipment. He summited Mount Rainier five times, made an attempt on Mount McKinley, and summited peaks in Mexico and Ecuador. For 25 years, the summers also included at least one sailboat trip up the inland waters to Canada. With his wife of 44 years, VIOLA DYCK WALLS ’61, he paddled Ecuador’s Curaray River in a dugout canoe and visited the mountain gorillas of Rwanda. Forry did not neglect his community, where he served as officer and member of several civic groups including the Alpine Lakes Protection Society, was the chairman of the board for Warm Beach Senior Community for 20 years, and was active in Seattle’s First Free Methodist Church. Afflicted by Parkinson’s disease, he continued to live a full life to his last day. He is survived by his wife, two sons, two granddaughters, father, and two siblings, brother BURTON WALLS ’66 and sister FRANCINE WALLS ’69.

ELSIE PARMENTER WATSON ’35 died September 22, 2009, at the age of 96. Born in the Greenwood neighborhood of North Seattle, she was one of seven children and distinguished herself by lettering more than 20 times in sports and other activities at Seattle’s Lincoln High School. The first in her family to drive a car, Elsie put that same gumption to work at SPC, where she excelled in mathematics and sports. She also captured the heart of the president’s son, LYLE WATSON ’34, her chemistry lab partner and basketball team coach; their friendship/marriage lasted 73 years. The down-to-earth daughter of pioneer stock was quite the catch herself. She could raise chickens, can food, make applesauce, camp and hike with the best of them, and won first prize at the county fair for producing the longest unbroken apple peel. After graduation, Elsie taught in an elementary school and then followed her new husband to Twisp, Washington, where they both taught. Elsie paused her career to raise five children, and returned to formal teaching in 1962. An amazing athlete much of her life, she could do nine pull-ups at age 60. The Watsons loved travel around the world and driving around North America in their motor home. They volunteered many times in Mexico and liked to support civic causes and help their neighbors. For years, they greeted people at the entrance to Seattle’s First Free Methodist Church. And there was a time Elsie smuggled Bibles into Moscow, Russia, at the risk of arrest and imprisonment. She followed the Seattle Mariners, loved gardening, and hated being left out of anything. The intrepid Elsie is survived by her children, 13 grandchildren, and 25 great-grandchildren.

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