Footnotes: In Memoriam
GORDON BOWERS '47 died February 21, 2012, at the age of 93. Born and raised in Centralia, Washington, he served with the Air Force in World War II. His studies in education at Seattle Pacific and the University of Washington paid dividends. Gordon was married 73 years to his wife, Edith, and enjoyed a 30-year career as a teacher, principal, and business administrator with the Shoreline School District. Recognition included two Golden Acorn Awards and a Golden Apple Award for outstanding teaching, and the AARP Outstanding Service to Community Award. Gordon is survived by two daughters; seven grandchildren; and six great-grandchildren.
LLOYD BROWN '50 died January 24, 2012, at the age of 85. Born in San Joaquin, California, he attended Whitman College for a year before earning a bachelor's degree in sociology from Seattle Pacific College. For the state of Washington, he was a public assistance visitor or liaison, and a parole and probation officer. In 1965, he joined Weyerhaeuser to harvest trees. Twenty-seven years later, he retired as a chip-dozer operator. An elder of the First United Presbyterian Church for 17 years and a deacon in the Baptist church for nine, Lloyd was a founding member, elder, and treasurer of three Rivers Baptist Church in Kelso, Washington. A member of Hard Hats for Christ, a ministry to other Christian ministries needing help with construction and maintenance projects, he was a devoted father, grandfather, great-grandfather, and husband. Lloyd is survived by his wife of 62 years, Shirley; two sons; two daughters, including ROBERTA BROWN STROUD '81; six grandchildren, including VICTORIA BROWN MITCHEM '02; two great-grandchildren; and a brother.
Living the Gospel
German Professor Cared About Students' Learning and Lives
It is an honor when a revered professor asks you to return to your alma mater to teach. Legendary
SPU Professor of Psychology Philip Ashton asked 1941 Seattle Pacific graduate Gustave “Gus” Breitenbach to do just that. His 22 years in the classroom enriched the lives of hundreds of students with an appreciation for the German language. Gus died September 12, 2012, at the age of 96.
“Gus and I both had offices on the third floor of Tiffany Hall for many years,” remembers Professor Emeritus of European Studies Mike Macdonald. “His office was the epitome of German order, neat as a pin. Gus was a devout Christian with a lively sense of humor.”
Gus enjoyed leading students on study expeditions in Europe. Says daughter Sonja Breitenbach '79, MEd '92, “Any student interaction just lit him up.” In its tribute to him upon conferring the title of professor emeritus, the SPU Board of Trustees noted his willingness with students “to listen empathetically to their personal concerns.”
Born one of six Breitenbach siblings on the family homestead in Saskatchewan, Canada, he continued his higher education at the University of Washington, earning a master's degree in history.
A teacher at John Marshall Junior High School and Queen Anne High School, Gus settled his family near SPU and joined First Free Methodist Church before becoming a professor. He and his wife, Margaret Hanlen Breitenbach '42 (deceased), volunteered as fundraisers for the SPU Annual Fund and generously supported the University. Since the late 1980s, they enjoyed life at the Warm Beach Senior Community.
Reading his German Bible and praying came first in the morning routine for Gus. In later years, his every comment typically ended with “Thanks be to the Lord.” Gus is also survived by daughter Marlene Breitenbach '73, MA '85; four grandchildren; and two great-grandchildren. CLINT KELLY
ELSIE HORRELL CARLSON '49 died February 16. 2012, at the age of 89. Born in Baldwin, Kansas, Elsie was a teacher who retired from Seattle Public Schools. She is survived by two daughters; two sons, including LARRY CARLSON '82; 11 grandchildren; and four great-grandchildren. Elsie's caring heart and cheerful laugh lifted those around her.
STEPHEN DELAPP '77 died April 18, 2012, at the age of 57. A great motivator and humble servant, Stephen's student life at SPU included involvement at campus radio station KSSR as music director and DJ. He retired from a career with Associated Grocers and left a lasting mark at church, where he greeted and served in youth ministry. And many will never forget the waterskiing fun he brought to others with his boat. Stephen is survived by his wife, MARJORIE SKUDLER DELAPP '78, and daughter Brittany.
BRIAN DIXON '82 died August 3, 2012, at the age of 53 from cancer. Born in Riverside, California, he received an accounting degree from SPU and joined the firm of Peat, Marwick, Mitchell & Co. as a CPA. Along his unfolding career path, he served as vice president of finance for the Seattle Super Sonics, co-founded and was chief financial officer of F5 Networks, and finished out his career as vice president of finance for WaterTectonics. Brian pursued a vibrant Christian faith and his passion for tennis made him an asset to the Falcon team all his years at SPU. He is survived by three children; his father; two sisters; and six nieces and nephews.
Not All Business
Former SPU Faculty Member Spurred Students to Achieve
It was said by her husband that Margaret Sampson Edgell “went home to her First Love” on October 17, 2012, at the age of 55. She died of cancer.
Margaret was a former adjunct professor in the SPU School of Business and Economics and a former professor of business at Calvin College. She brought with her broad experience, having previously worked for the U.S. Treasury as an international economist/trade specialist. developing and negotiating government industrial policy in finance. She was the founder and president of International Economics Inc., consulting in export-import business, high-tech management, accreditation and practice of business education, writing and editing. An accomplished writer, Margaret enjoyed writing fantasy fiction and was a founding board member of the Northwest Christian Writers Association.
Well qualified to stake a claim in both commerce and the classroom, she earned an undergraduate degree in international relations from Stanford University, a master’s degree in international affairs from Columbia University, and a doctorate from the Higher, Adult, and Lifelong education (HALE) program at Michigan State University. Her research with business students showed that Christian students mature in their chosen disciplines differently than other students. Her findings are in a book she co-authored with Johan Hegeman and Henk Jochemsen, Practice and Profile: Christian Formation for Vocation.
Friends and colleagues remember Margaret as a woman of prayer, a unifier, a calming presence, a professor devoted to students, and a person others aspired to be. She liked salsa lessons and cross country ski trips arranged through the church. At both Seattle Pacific University and Calvin College she established a Margaret Edgell Faith at Work Prize Endowment to encourage the integration of faith and work in promising business students. Margaret is survived by her husband, John. CLINT KELLY
JAMES “JIM” GRAHAM '83 died April 14, 2012, at the age of 51. A committed educator, Jim attended schools in Napa, California, and studied to become a teacher at SPU. He earned a master's degree in education at the University of Washington and embarked on a career as a school counselor, serving the Renton School District since 1990 with his empathy and care for children. A lover of literature, sports, and movies, Jim is survived by his wife, Carmen Quall; stepson; stepmother; and brother.
FRANK GREEN '53 died February 10, 2012, at the age of 81. Born in Seattle and a graduate of Queen Anne High School, he earned degrees from Seattle Pacific, Harvard Divinity School, and the University of Washington. He made a career with the Washington State Historical Society and retired in 1991 as its head librarian. He left behind many historical publications that he wrote, including “Ezra Meeker, Pioneer.” Frank enjoyed Mariners baseball, opera, collecting books, and playing drums. He is survived by his wife, Helen.
DAVID HORDYK '97 died May 12, 2012, from cancer at the age of 37. Born in Sacramento, California, he played football for Capitol Christian High School. He married his college sweetheart, KERIS BUSH HORDYK '97, whom he met at Seattle Pacific. A psychology major, he was still at SPU when he began work as a counselor in the Washington State Youth Authority, where his interest in law enforcement began. For the past 13 years, he was a special agent with the California Department of Justice and worked in the Major Crimes Unit. David was a master of the backyard grill who enjoyed various outdoor activities including golf, hiking, and family outings. He is survived by his wife; two daughters; a son; parents, including PINKY CLIFTON HORDYK '71 and DENNIS HORDYK '71; a grandmother; a sister, JENNIFER HORDYK RUOFF '96; and many aunts and uncles.
General Contractor for Miller Science Learning Center
Former Director of Plant Services Led Life of Service
Sterling Jensen '40 died February 28, 2012, at the age of 94. Born in Eatonville, Washington, he was one of five siblings born to second-generation homesteaders. After just one year at Seattle Pacific, he was forced to leave school and work in the logging industry to support his family. He and his wife, Alice, produced Grant Jensen '65 and Garnet Jensen Osborn '79.
Sterling's varied job history included guarding cordwood deliveries during a woodworker's strike and designing, selling, and installing hydraulic transmissions for logging hoists. For 11 years, he was director of Plant Services at SPU, where one of his chief tasks was general contractor for the construction of Miller Science Learning Center (now Otto Miller Hall) on the SPU campus. Not only did he bring it in within budget, he won an award for what in 1976 was hailed as a state-of-the-art, energy-efficient, environmentally friendly building.
Not shy to service, Sterling took a turn as president of the West Seattle Chamber of Commerce, chairman of their land use and zoning committee, and received a distinguished service award for his many years of service to Seattle First Nazarene Church. When Alice died after 39 years of marriage, he remarried and he and Erma spent many happy years traveling the world. Sterling read two or three books a week and was a model of humor, adventure, abiding faith, and hard work. He is survived by Erma, his wife of 29 years; a son; a daughter; two stepdaughters; eight grandchildren; and six great-grandchildren. CLINT KELLY
DONNA CHASE LINDLEY '47 died March 8, 2012, at the age of 89. She put her degree in bacteriology to good use at Harrison Hospital in Bremerton, Washington. Donna met her husband, Harold, at Seattle Pacific and they shared 61 years together before he died. Swimming, scuba diving, and motorcycling were among Donna's favorite pastimes. She was a member of Lincoln Avenue Bible Church and the Christian Motorcycle Association, and a flutist with the Bremerton Symphony Orchestra. Donna is survived by four daughters; 11 grandchildren; and 13 great-granchildren.
LOWELL “MIKE” MIKKELSON '52 died May 16, 2012, at the age of 82. Born on a farm in Freeman, South Dakota, he moved with his family to Salem, Oregon, at the age of 7. He met Rhoma Collett at Seattle Pacific College and she became RHOMA COLLETT MIKKELSON '51. For 10 years, Mike coached and taught in high schools and community colleges in both Oregon and Washington. Then he partnered with his brother in Mike's Septic Service. At Salem First Church of the Nazarene, he provided 31 years of leadership that included teaching teenagers and young adults. He played basketball, and snow skied until his 80th birthday. His positive attitude and warm hospitality will long be remembered. Mike is survived by his wife; four daughters; 13 grandchildren; and 18 great-grandchildren.
DEBORAH “DEBBIE” MOTHERSHEAD '85 died March 15, 2012, at the age of 50. In her high school days in The Dalles, Oregon, Debbie was a starter for girls varsity basketball, and also played volleyball and softball. She was named female athlete of the year for 1980. Debbie attended Linn-Benton Community College on a basketball scholarship but transferred to Seattle Pacific for her bachelor's degree. She is survived by her parents, aunts, and uncles.
JAY PEARSON '57 died April 27, 2012, at the age of 76. Born in Spokane, Washington, he attended Seattle's Queen Anne High School before enrolling at Seattle Pacific. He and his wife, elementary school teacher KATHRYN JORDAN PEARSON, had two children. A member of the U.S. Coast Guard Reserve, Jay made a 48-year career of school leadership as a teacher, principal, and administrator in Washington's Bellevue School District. A devoted churchman, he was a long-time member of Highland Covenant, University Presbyterian, and Bellevue Presbyterian where his love of singing served the church choirs well. Jay was a founding member of Seattle's Sacred Music Chorale. A man of strength and encouragement, he is survived by his wife; a daughter, JILL PEARSON MCJUNKIN '88; a son, JAY PEARSON '84; and four grandchildren.
DOROTHY HUNTER PETERSON '57 died April 5, 2012, at the age of 87. Born in Arlington, Washington, she graduated from North Park University of Chicago before receiving her teaching credential from Seattle Pacific. For 24 years, she taught first through fourth grades in California's Central Valley, and she was a greeter at New Life Christian Center in Turlock, California. Among her favorite hobbies were antiquing and gardening, and she enjoyed volunteering at the Turlock Historical Museum. Dorothy is survived by her husband, Earl; a daughter; three grandsons; and a sister.
BEN SCHELLENBERG '60 died May 14, 2012, at the age of 74. Born in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, he moved to Linden, Washington, and later attended Seattle Pacific. It was there that he met his wife, MARGARET PAULI SCHELLENBERG '60. Ben's graduate work led to master's degrees in education from Oregon State University and business administration from the University of Portland. For 30 years, he served Oregon's North Clackamas School District as an elementary school teacher and principal, deputy superintendent, and 15 years as superintendent. He was known for bringing community members in to the schools to mentor or read with the children, and to build morale. A past president of Rotary Club and a Rotarian of the Year, Ben established the Clackamas Rotary Foundation. He was also president of the North Clackamas County Chamber of Commerce and helped found a local bank. Ben is survived by two sons, including BLAKE SCHELLENBERG '87; five grandchildren; and two sisters.
KEITH SCHULTZ '88 died April 13, 2012, at the age of 58. Born in Rapid City, South Dakota, he earned his GED before enrolling at SPU. After graduation, he worked as a financial analyst for Boeing in Seattle before moving to Jamestown, North Dakota, where he worked for Duratech Industrial Products. Keith later became a financial advisor for First Security in Bismarck, North Dakota. He is survived by his wife, Mindy; three sons; two sisters; and two brothers.
ERIC SCHWARTZ '98 died April 20, 2012, at the age of 41. Born in Boston, Massachusetts, he went to high school in New Hampshire before enlisting in the U.S. Air Force. He served four years in Spangdahlem, Germany, as a senior airman. Eric earned a degree in European studies from SPU before attending Boston University for a master's degree in international relations. Known for his intellect, integrity, and selfless devotion to others, Eric donated his brain to brain cancer research at Boston's Massachusetts General Hospital. He is survived by his wife, Surita; a sister; and a brother.
RICHARD “DICK” TESTERMAN '67 died March 28, 2012, at the age of 68. Born in Wessington, South Dakota, he moved with his family to Seattle in 1958. A Ballard High School graduate, he earned his teaching credential at SPC and taught in the Edmonds School District for six years. Richard later managed several technical schools including the Commercial Training School, Puget Sound Institute of Technology, and the Diver's Institute of Technology. Among his favorite things were music, fishing, and bird watching. Dick is survived by his wife, Lynn; four daughters; a son; five grandchildren; a sister; and a brother.
LAVERNE ENGEBRETSEN TIEDEMAN '42 died February 3, 2012, at the age of 91. Born in Arlington, Washington, she graduated from Marysville High School, got her teaching credential at SPC, and taught for the next 23 years in the Shoreline School District. Active in the Lutheran church, LaVerne was a charter member of the Ester Moe Lodge No. 39 of the Daughters of Norway. She is survived by two daughters; two sons; and a brother.
A Good and Able Man
Polical Science Sage Gave His All
Wesley Walls joined the faculty of Seattle Pacific College in 1941. During his time at the school, he embodied a wholehearted approach to education. While chairing the College's developing Political Science Department, he continued his own doctoral studies in political science. In 1960, he ran for the Washington State House of Representatives, sparking a new level of political interest on campus. From that time forward, Falcon student editors and writers became noticeably more vigorous in building student awareness of political and philosophical issues.
When Walls died on June 29, 2012, at the age of 96, he had invested 38 years of his life in Seattle Pacific. A zest for life and loyalty to the University are part of his legacy.
At SPU, he proved to be the “go to guy,” serving as registrar, dean of liberal arts, and the first coach of the men's basketball team. He was named the first director of the School of Business (which later became the School of Business and Economics), where his gracious managerial style endeared him to colleagues and students. In 1963, Walls chaired a faculty committee that worked with architects to develop Demaray Hall to house administrative offices and the first permanent classroom space since the completion of Peterson Hall in 1905.
A Fulbright fellow, a U.S. Army chaplain, a wise and efficient counselor, Walls had an inquisitive mind and was quick with a good word for others.
“Wes was an outstanding leader,” says David Dickerson, then vice president for academic affairs. “He enriched the lives of countless students by making them more careful and rigorous thinkers.”
And he supported future generations of promising students by establishing the F. Wesley Walls and Elizabeth Walls School of Business and Economics Endowment. CLINT KELLY
GEORGIA SUMMERS WASH, wife of Professor Hubert Wash, died June 22, 2012, at the age of 90. Born in Shelbyville, Illinois, she taught in a one-room schoolhouse after attending Greenville College. Georgia met Hubert at Greenville, they were wed, and they enjoyed 67 years together. Generous and intelligent, mother of five daughters, she sewed much of their clothing. Georgia also worked at various jobs, including in a bobby-pin factory, as a librarian, and as a real estate agent. Her creativity came to the fore as producer of numerous musicals at Spring Arbor College where she also directed and sewed beautiful costumes and designed sets. During his tenure at SPU, her husband was professor of music and dean of the School of Fine and Performing Arts. A devoted mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother, she lived, say her children, “a faith-driven life” and was a close friend to many at the University and in the church community. Georgia is survived by her husband; her daughters, including HALLEE WASH VINIOTIS '79; 11 grandchildren; eight “and-a-half” great-grandchildren; and a sister.
DAVID WHITTENBURG '75 died May 9, 2012, at the age of 60. Born in Roseburg, Oregon, he first attended Oregon State University where he was named top sophomore chemistry student. Despite his prowess in the lab, he transferred to SPC, earned a degree in religious studies, and worked for Youth for Christ. He is survived by his mother and four brothers.
ARTHUR “ART” ZOOK '56 died February 17, 2012, at the age of 81. Born in Newton, Kansas, he was the first of six children in a farming family. Art attended Central College and lettered in varsity baseball. Drafted into the U.S. Army, he became a sergeant and spent 14 months in Korea. In 1953, he returned to the United States and enrolled at SPC. A classmate became his wife, ROSEMARY HOLMES ZOOK '53. With a degree in physics (math minor) and a 3-week-old son, he embarked on a 20-year career with NASA that took the Zooks to New Mexico, California, and Texas. Lead engineer on a number of space projects, he enjoyed working with astronauts in Houston. In 1976, the Zooks moved to Tonasket, Washington, where Art's agricultural upbringing and science know-how transformed him into a refrigeration mechanic for Gold Digger Apples, an orchard co-op and fruit packing company. He kept the equipment in the apple warehouses humming. As a volunteer, he traveled to New York City after 9/11 to serve with the Disaster Child Care Program and to Florida to help in the aftermath of a hurricane. Art was active in Kiwanis, at church, and as a volunteer escort at Central Washington Hospital. Art is survived by his wife of 57 years; one daughter; two sons; two sisters; and one brother.