In Memoriam
JERRY BOHN ’49 died November 24, 2007, in Fort Worth, Texas. He was 84 and spent 50 years in Christian ministry. A graduate of Princeton Theological Seminary, Jerry began his career as a pastor at Lawrence Road Presbyterian Church in Trenton, New Jersey. He also served Presbyterian churches in Dayton, Ohio, and Jefferson City, Missouri, and retired as pastor emeritus after 15 years at Westminster Presbyterian Church in Rockford, Illinois. Married to WILMA ROBB BOHN ’46 for 60 years before she died in 2005, Jerry is survived by one daughter, one son, four grandchildren, and three great-grandchildren.
LOREN CLARK CC ’46 died November 2, 2007, at the age of 85. Born in Sunnyside, Washington, he attended Cascade College, where he met his wife, LOIS STARKEY CLARK CC ’46. He first pastored a church in Portland, Oregon. The couple was then appointed to ministry in China by World Gospel Mission. By the time they reached the mission field, it was Kenya that was their destination, not China. In Africa, the Clarks faithfully served through church planting and in training pastors, their wives, and lay people. They retired to California in 1988 and were active in the Sacramento First Church of God (Anderson). Loren is survived by Lois and by his daughter, HELEN CLARK ’85.
A Prisoner’s Legacy of Forgiveness
JACOB “JAKE” DESHAZER ’48 died March 15, 2008, at the age of 95. One of the famed Doolittle Raiders of World War II, Jake was captured by the Japanese when he and the rest of his B-25 crew were forced to parachute into enemy territory. He endured 40 months of torture and solitary confinement as a Japanese prisoner of war.
Jake’s mother in Oregon continued to pray for her son despite word that he and all of his fellow airmen had been executed. Bitter in his heart toward his captors, Jake was able to obtain a copy of the Bible from a guard. Struck by its emphasis on forgiveness and redemption, he forgave the Japanese and dedicated the rest of his life to serving God.
After he was rescued by American paratroopers at the end of the war, Jake enrolled at Seattle Pacific College. He arrived on campus just two months after leaving his prison cell. SPC President C. Hoyt Watson, who personally extended an invitation to the freed airman to attend SPC, later wrote and published a book about one of his most celebrated students.
While a student, Jake lived in Alexander Hall, gave his testimony at Youth for Christ meetings, and met his future wife, FLORENCE MATHENY ’48. Six months after graduation, the young couple set sail for Japan as Free Methodist missionaries. A million tracts containing his testimony, I Was a Prisoner of Japan, were distributed ahead of his arrival.
Jake preached God’s love in Japan for 30 years, and thousands of Japanese people became Christians, including two of his former prison guards and Captain Mitsuo Fuchida, the leader of the Japanese squadron that bombed Pearl Harbor.
Jake is survived by Florence, his wife of more than 61 years; five children, including PAUL DESHAZER ’69 and RUTH DESHAZER KUTRAKUN ’80; 10 grandchildren; and four great-grandchildren.
DAN GILL, a dedicated member of the Facility and Project Services Department at SPU for 32 years, died suddenly August 8, 2008. He was 57 years old. Dan grew up on Queen Anne Hill near the Seattle Pacific campus. His mother, HARRIET HANLEN GILL, completed elementary school at Seattle Pacific, and his father, RODNEY GILL, was employed in Safety and Security at SPU for a number of years. As lead painter on the maintenance and trades staff, Dan painted and worked in every building on campus. Among many other responsibilities, he coordinated the work of 10–15 students each summer to prepare the campus to receive a new class each autumn. Many of the same walls received his ongoing attention and care. Some students under his supervision kept in touch with Dan over the years and stopped in to visit with him and to reminisce about their days on paint crew. Two of his children, including IAN GILL ’08, held staff positions at Seattle Pacific in Building Maintenance. Dan was a fan of Falcon athletics and volunteered for more than 10 years as a videographer of men’s and women’s basketball games. He was a deacon and played guitar in the band at Mukilteo (Washington) Presbyterian Church, and helped maintain the church building. Dan is survived by his mother; his wife, Cathie; two sons; and one daughter.
BONNIE HEINTZ, who taught English literature at SPU for 20 years, died July 28, 2008. She was 84. Born in Junction City, Kansas, Bonnie moved to Nebraska at the age of 2 and grew up on her grandparents’ farm. Her great-grandfather on her mother’s side was the son of a Polish duke and friends with Buffalo Bill. After weathering the Depression and World War II (during which she did some work as a code breaker and lost her fiancé, a pilot), she moved with her mother to Washington state. After receiving an undergraduate degree from the University of Puget Sound and a master’s degree from the University of Washington, Bonnie taught at SPU from 1960 to 1980. In cooperation with fellow faculty member Alice Reid, she mentored many students and led several trips to Britain, sharing a love of British life and literature, including Arthurian legends, Chaucer, and the early Celtic language of Ogham. Bonnie read an average of 12 books a week, including science fiction. She edited a science fiction anthology for college literature courses and was friends with famed Dune author, Frank Herbert. In the early 1970s, she created an SPU course in science fiction that, with its rigorous science component, stood distinct from standard studies in science fiction offered by other institutions. Bonnie and Alice, who died in 2004, remained close friends after leaving SPU and even raised holly trees together as a business venture for a time.
BERNICE LINGER HUDLOW ’38 died November 21, 2007, at age 94. The daughter of a circuit-riding Methodist minister, she was born near Billings, Missouri, and spent a number of years teaching school in California after graduating from Seattle Pacific. Married to Ulysses Lafayette Hudlow Jr., a reverend who went by “Larry,” she was at his side through ministries in California and Mexico, and to Armed Forces personnel during and after World War II. Bernice is survived by two children; eight grandchildren, including ELIZABETH HYATT BARANY ’03; and three great-grandchildren.
VERA MCCLURG IVERSON-BOWERMAN ’31, ’58 died February 15, 2008, at the Warm Beach Senior Community in Stanwood, Washington. She was 96 years of age and preceded in death by husbands VICTOR IVERSON ’30 and WILLET BOWERMAN ’33. She taught school in Snohomish, Washington, for 27 years and is survived by children VIRGIL IVERSON ’56 and VERLYN IVERSON ’58, and grandson PAUL IVERSON ’85.
LOIS SMALL LARSON-OGDEN ’39 died January 9, 2008, following complications from a stroke. She was 90 years of age. A native of Firesteel, South Dakota, she moved with her family to Washington, earned her teaching credentials from Seattle Pacific, and taught second and third grades. Recipient of the Golden Acorn Award for teaching achievement, she was also nominated for the Excellence in Education Award. Lois traveled to many exotic and historic places, played piano for Seattle’s Rainier Avenue Free Methodist Church, and was a volunteer at the Renton (Washington) Group Health Clinic. It was while playing cribbage that she met her husband, Fred Ogden. Lois is survived by Fred, one son, one daughter, one grandson, and one great-grandson.
BENA “PINKY” “ARKY” GRAHAM MATHEWS ’60 died December 12, 2007, at age 85. Born in Fayetteville, Arkansas, she became a transportation specialist with the U.S. Coast Guard during World War II. She married fellow “coastie” Ted Mathews and earned her teaching credentials from Seattle Pacific. Bena taught first through sixth grades for 40 years. She retired in 1990 from the Kettle Falls (Washington) School District, but continued as a substitute teacher for five additional years. Bena’s loves included bowling, golfing, and writing poetry and songs. She is survived by Ted, two daughters, three grandchildren, and six great-grandchildren.
He Gave the Ultimate Sacrifice
NIC MADRAZO ’05 was a live wire, a doer driven to succeed, and one who worked hard to put others first and make them happy. He was such a “people magnet” that his teachers often remarked that he could accomplish much in life by bringing different kinds of people together.
On September 9, 2008, Marine 1st Lieutenant Nicholas Madrazo, 25, died in support of combat operations while on patrol in Kapisa Province, Afghanistan. He, another Marine, a Navy corpsman, and an Afghan translator were killed when the Taliban detonated a roadside bomb.
The oldest of four siblings, Nic enjoyed a wide range of athletics, including baseball, basketball, soccer, and snowboarding. He volunteered for several mission trips with his church.
Among his greatest joys as a Marine, says his family, was giving candy to Afghan children. The Herald newspaper reported that when Nic learned about the lack of dental care in the area, however, he worried about the children getting cavities and started giving them pens, pencils, and paper instead. His mother, Jenny, says the kids were always excited to see Nic.
A Bothell (Washington) High School soccer player, Nic went on to earn a business degree from Seattle Pacific University, where he sang in Männerchor, a men’s chorus. He had been in Afghanistan since March of 2007 with Combat Logistics Battalion 37, 3rd Marine Logistics Group, III Marine Expeditionary Force, Okinawa, Japan. His work included training Afghan troops, finding Taliban insurgents, building roads, and helping villagers.
Nic was laid to rest by military honor guard in Arlington National Cemetery. He was posthumously awarded the Purple Heart “in honor of one who gave his blood in defense of his homeland,” and he received the Bronze Star “V” for valor.
The Madrazo family says they take comfort in knowing that Nic is in a better place. “He’s in heaven,” says his uncle, Oliver Feeback. “We will see him again there.”
SUSAN STEVENSON PAISLEY M.B.A. ’00 died October 8, 2007, in Renton, Washington, at the age of 52. From Nottingham, England, she was known for her positive, effervescent, and caring attitude. She is survived by her husband, David, four brothers, and two sisters.
RUTH DEJONG RICHSTAD ’94, ’01 died September 7, 2007, at home on Vashon Island, Washington. Born in Power, Montana, she spent most of her life in Seattle and worked both in the home and as a real estate agent/broker. She owned a real estate firm on Seattle’s Queen Anne Hill and was the first woman president of Seattle Quality Listings. She was known for integrity and service to her clients. Ruth’s desire for a college education never waned and, after selling her business, she attended SPU and obtained a bachelor’s degree with honors in Latin American studies at the age of 76. Seven years later, at age 83, she received a second bachelor’s degree from SPU — again with honors — this time in the classics. Her college career included one European Quarter and one quarter in Costa Rica. A longtime member of Seattle’s Immanuel Lutheran Church, she made Bible study and daily devotions constants in her life. Ruth is survived by four children, seven grandchildren, and seven great-grandchildren.
LOIS WILKINSON RICKETTS ’57 died December 19, 2007, from cancer. She was 75. An active member as a young girl of Seattle’s Tabernacle Baptist Church, she participated in Young Life and the Navigator Bible study. Her college career at Seattle Pacific was interrupted for a time when she went to live in Tokyo as a civilian secretary for the U.S. Army. After she finished her degree, she taught business classes at Chief Sealth High School. In 1964, Lois married and decided to leave teaching to raise a family. Once the children entered their teens, she became a secretary, first for Seattle Central Community College, then for the City of Kent, Washington. Even the loss of a leg in an auto accident did not keep her from her work. She and her husband, Ronald, also traveled extensively, including a trip to China that sparked Lois’ special interest in the Giant Panda. Active in church, the couple led a Bible study in their home for a number of years. Lois is survived by her husband, two daughters, two granddaughters, and two grandsons.
MAX ROBINSON ’66 died January 18, 2008, of Pick’s disease, a rare neurological disorder. He was 64. A retired U.S. Foreign Service officer, he held several postings, such as London (consul general), Moscow (consul general), and Helsinki (deputy chief of mission). Born in Scotts Bluff, Nebraska, he earned a master’s degree in social work from the University of Washington before joining the diplomatic corps after service as a Peace Corps volunteer in Uganda and as a social worker in Seattle’s juvenile court system. Max retired from the Foreign Service in 1998, but not before receiving several awards for devoted service, including the President’s Meritorious Service Award. A man of many talents, he enjoyed working with stained glass, framing art, and remodeling homes. He was said to possess a calming influence over babies and border collies, and loved his family and life. Max is survived by his wife, Anne; two sons; two daughters; and three grandchildren.
LORNA HEBRON SCHAPER ’64 died November 13, 2007, at the age of 65, following a two-year battle with cancer. A native of Oskaloosa, Iowa, her family settled in Seattle. For 22 years, she was an instructional assistant in Seattle Public Schools, at both the elementary and high school levels. Her passions were the teaching of reading and supervising of elementary school recess, until illness forced her to give them up. Lorna enjoyed camping, sewing, traveling by private plane, and walking. She held season tickets to Seattle Thunderbirds hockey games from the team’s inception in 1977, and was an active volunteer for three Baptist churches. She is survived by one son and four brothers.
PETRA “PETE” ANDERSON SPENCE ’76 died January 23, 2008, after a long battle with breast cancer. An accomplished flutist, she was also active in the Pacific Northwest swimming community, as well as with World Vision International, where she worked for many years in the communications department. Petra was preceded in death by her husband, JOHN SPENCE ’76, and is survived by three daughters, and one granddaughter.
PALMER STANGVIK ’59 died November 15, 2007, in Napa, California, at the age of 71. For three decades, he taught fifth and sixth graders at Seattle’s Coe Elementary School. The school’s playground was renamed “Palmer’s Playground” in his honor. In Napa, he mentored student teachers at Pacific Union College and volunteered at the Napa Library, where he taught English as a second language. An inveterate fisherman, he fished Alaskan waters for 40 summers. He consumed a book a week and was affectionately known as “The Mayor” by all his friends at a Napa fitness center. Even during a three-year battle with cancer, his attitude remained positive. Palmer is survived by his wife, Janet; two sons; one daughter; and three grandchildren.
FLORENCE “FLO” MARTIN STROUD ’56 died November 16, 2007. She was 73. A leader in the San Francisco Bay Area public health community, she championed the needs of the poor and of ethnically diverse populations. A registered nurse, public health researcher, and professor at the University of California-San Francisco (UCSF), Flo was the first African American to serve as health director for the city of Berkeley and the first registered nurse appointed to the Medical Board of California. She was twice interim director of the San Francisco Department of Public Health. While earning a master’s degree in nursing from the University of Washington, she delivered obstetrical care in Nigerian villages through a World Health Organization program. At UCSF, she taught nursing for nine years and was appointed head nurse of pediatrics at the UCSF Medical Center. She conducted research on health disparities in ethnic communities, and taught cultural sensitivity to nonminority health professionals. After six years as the Berkeley health director, Flo was recruited in 1982 to become deputy director for Community Health Services. She served throughout the most difficult years of the AIDS epidemic, before antiviral drug combinations began saving lives. She is survived by her son and five granddaughters.
CLAUDE VAUCHER ’52 died January 17, 2008, at the age of 79. Born in Geneva, Switzerland, he attended the College of Calvin in Geneva before completing his undergraduate work at Seattle Pacific. He met his wife, DIANE RIGGS VAUCHER ’52, at Seattle Pacific, and together they went to India for five years to teach at the Union Theological Seminary. It was there that Claude developed a lifelong love for ancient cultures and history, and made the decision to pursue a career in archeology. He attained a master’s degree and a doctorate in anthropology and archeology from the University of Washington. In 1963, he went to teach at Reed College in Portland, Oregon, the start of a 30-year career. Over time, Claude conducted several archeological field studies in the Indus Valley of India, the Middle East, North Africa, Chad, southern France, and the Pacific Northwest. He is survived by Diane, three children, and five grandchildren.
DEWAINE WALLIN ’55 died December 28, 2007, at the age of 83. A native of Willmar, Minnesota, he joined the Navy and served four years in the South Pacific aboard a mine sweeper. After World War II, he worked on sea-going tugs, mothballing surplus military vessels. He taught school in several Washington towns before building a boarding home for mentally disabled military veterans, Wallin’s Selective Care Facility. It operated for 25 years. After it closed, DeWaine returned to substitute teaching. A part of the Boy Scouts organization for 75 years (from Cub Scout to leader), he was also active in the Lutheran Church and with a variety of organizations and military fraternities. He served honorably in both the active and the reserve duty military for 42 years. DeWaine is survived by his wife, Nancy; four children; four step-children; and 14 grandchildren.
RAYMOND YOUNGREN ’64 died November 27, 2007, at the age of 71. From a young age, two of his passions were music and the ministry. At age 6, Ray started playing piano, and at age 9, he committed his life to ministry. Inspired by his family’s church, the Philadelphia Church of Ballard, Washington, he earned a diploma from Seattle Bible Training School and his bachelor’s degree in education from Seattle Pacific, and was ordained in 1958. After two years of ministry in Brooklyn, New York, he married his wife, Inga, and they became missionaries to Liberia, West Africa, for seven years. Home again, Ray became minister of education at Silver Lake Chapel in Everett, Washington, for 14 years, then taught elementary school. Even in retirement, he taught piano at the state penitentiary. Ray is survived by one son, one daughter, and two granddaughters.
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