Western Edge: Winter 2012: AlumNotes
1930s
In remembrance
Sigrun Grimstad ’36 on March 27 at age 96. Sigrun was born in North Bend, Ore. She attended Oregon Normal School (ONS)and received her teaching certificate. She later obtained her bachelor’s degree. She taught in Mill City for over 40 years, and was a member of the Garden Club and Canyon Baptist Church, teaching Sunday school for many years.
Edith Vonda Heacock ’36 on April 11 at age 96. Edith earned her teaching degree from ONS in 1936. She married William E. “Bill” Heacock in 1942 in Tillamook, where they raised their three kids. Edith taught full time in public schools in elementary grades and also spent many years as a substitute teacher in the Eugene area. She enjoyed gardening, reading, and traveling. Edith had a strong faith in God. She loved people and was very hospitable.
Grace Robertson ’35 on May 24 at age 96. After Grace graduated from Silverton High School in 1933 she continued her education at ONS where she earned a teaching certificate in 1935 and a Bachelor of Science in Education in 1958. In 1963, Grace graduated from the University of Oregon (UO) with a master’s degree in education. She worked as a teacher for more than 35 years at several schools in Oregon.
Lillian Ruth Robinson ’39 on June 21 at age 94. After graduating from Gresham High School in 1936, Lillian received her bachelor’s degree from OCE. Lillian began teaching on Sauvie Island in a two-room schoolhouse. In the 1940s she married Burton A. Kindred and raised three children. They later divorced. In 1971 Lillian married Roland Robinson, and continued to teach until her retirement in 1983. After retiring she tutored many children through 2004. Lillian enjoyed crocheting, gardening, traveling with her husband, reading and doing crossword puzzles.
1940s
In remembrance
Marie Beth Farr Lefors ’41 on April 5 at age 91. Marie grew up on a dairy farm with her three brothers and two sisters. She graduated from ONS at age 20. She had her first teaching job in a one-room schoolhouse, in Dufur, hitchhiking to get there. She also taught at Tennessee School in Lebanon.Marie married Leland L. “Dutch” Lefors on Aug. 28, 1941. They raised their family in Dallas, Lebanon and Albany and later lived in Wilsonville. Marie enjoyed cooking, bride, knitting, gardening and golf.
Mary Lou (Sears) Spencer ’43 on March 22 at age 88. Mary graduated from Monmouth High School in 1940 and then from OCE in 1943. She also graduated from California College of Arts and Crafts in 1945. Mary married Eugene Spencer in 1984.
Marjorie Mary (Ashby) Dickson ’41 on April 17 at age 91. After graduating from Lebanon High School, she attended OCE, where she met her husband, Adrian Dickson. They were married in 1945. Marjorie taught in Dallas and at Harding Elementary School in Corvallis. She taught at Mehama Elementary in Stayton for 27 years. Marjorie also attended Saint Paul’s Episcopal Church in Salem.
Dorthea Fix ’40 on June 7 at age 96. After graduating from Gresham High School, Dorthea went on to earn her degree from OCE in 1940. In 1973, while at Durham Elementary School, she was named Tigard School District Teacher of the Year. The award recognized her mastery of teaching and also her ability to see each child as a unique individual with potential. She taught elementary school until she retired in 1981.
Alice G. Hansen ’41 on July 19 at age 91. Alice graduated from OCE and later from Eastern Oregon University (EOU). Alice married Harlan Hansen in 1947. She taught in Brothers, Heppner, Long Creek, and ultimately in Hines, Ore. In the early 1970s she moved to Hermiston, Ore. Alice was a great letter writer and enjoyed sewing.
1950s
In remembrance
Elizabeth Wilma Wilcoxen ’50 on March 27 at age 82. After Elizabeth graduated high school in 1947, she attended OSU and OCE and received her teaching certificate. She received her bachelor’s degree in education from OCE in 1960. Elizabeth married Darwin Wilcoxen in 1951 and moved to Cow Creek in 1963. Elizabeth taught third and fourth grade in Jewell for 36 years and retired in 1986. Elizabeth was an avid bird watcher, hunter and photographer. She also enjoyed gardening, nature and the outdoors.
James Bottorf ’58 on April 1 at age 76. James graduated from Cottage Grove Union High School in 1954 and from OCE in 1958 with a Bachelor of Science in Education. He taught math at Lincoln Savage Junior High School in Josephine County for 14 years and coached football and wrestling. James moved to Eugene in 1975 when he joined the sales staff at Harrison homes.
Paul Raymond Riley ’56 on March 28 at age 78. Paul earned his bachelor’s degree in education and a master’s degree in special education from OCE. He was an elementary school teacher in Concord, Calif., and most recently was a special education teacher for reading at Mountain View Intermediate School, where he spent 20 years of his career. He enjoyed hunting and fishing with his sons and time spent with his grandchildren and family.
Keith George Hanen ’51 on May 24 at age 87. After graduating from Independence High School, Keith entered the U.S. Navy in 1943. He served as an aerographer’s mate in the South Pacific. On July 31, 1943 he married Harriet Virginia. After serving in the U.S. Navy he earned his bachelor’s and master’s degrees from OCE. He was a superintendent for Crowfoot School District for 26 years. After retirement Keith loved to travel with his family and friends, especially to Hawaii.
Richard Edwin Coats ’58 on June 6 at age 80. Richard spent some time in Michigan, and New Hampshire during the later years of his career with Fireman’s Fund Insurance Company but spent most of his life in the Northwest. Richard earned his Bachelor’s degree from OCE and served active duty with the Army during the Korean War. His passions included handball, fishing, and his meetings in Salem with his life-long friends.
Robert Bushnell ’53 on July 28 at age 86. After Robert graduated from high school in 1944, he earned his bachelor’s degree in 1953 and later earned his master’s degree in the early 1960s. He served in the U.S. Navy in the Pacific arena during World War II. He worked as a logger during summers while attending college. He worked as a teacher, coach, principal and associate superintendant of schools in Springfield, Ore., until his retirement.
Raymond Leroy Coleman ’52 on July 12 at age 83. Raymond played basketball at UO during his freshman year. He then transferred to Vanport, Ore., and was recruited by OCE, where he lettered and excelled in football, basketball, baseball and tennis. He was elected to WOU’s Athletic Hall of Fame in addition to being elected to the NAIA Hall of Fame. Upon graduation, he was drafted by the Canadian Football League and the U.S. Army. He served in Korea and Japan. He returned to Monmouth and taught and coached for 32 years at Central High School. He later became Central’s athletic director. In retirement he and his wife, Barbara, enjoyed traveling. Leroy also had a passion for wood working, and loved to make works of art for his friends and family.
Class notes
Dee Ann Bogue ’56 has published her first novel, Tansy and the 2000 Earthquakes. It is a historical novel aimed at young adults and is set in 1811-1823 Missouri.
Jim Hastings ’52 and Caroline Helsel Hastings celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary on November 29, 2012.
1960s
In remembrance
Lucile E. Hanson ’60 on May 2 at age 96. Lucile attended River Falls State Teachers College, and received her two-year teaching certificate in 1938. She accepted her first full-time teaching post in Lodi, Wis. She married Burton Hanson in September of 1939. In 1960 Lucile earned her bachelor’s degree from OCE, and her master’s degree in education from OSU in 1967. Beginning in 1954 she taught first, second and third grades at Maple, South Shore, Lafayette and Oak schools in Albany. Lucile loved poetry and was an avid reader and writer. Shortly after her retirement, she wrote a book about her memories of growing up in Clifton Hollow.
Adeline Bertha Bontrager ’67 on April 12 at age 82. Adeline earned her bachelor’s in education at OCE in 1967. She taught in Cherry Grove, Sheridan and Tillamook, where her and her daughter owned and operated a private Christian K-6 school for six years. She also taught in Tuluksak and Chevak, Alaska where she retired after eight years at age 67. Adeline enjoyed traveling, reading, needle craft and visiting friends and family.
William “Bill” Maher ’65 on April 2 at age 76. William graduated from West Waterloo High School in 1954, Iowa State Teachers College in 1958 and earned his master’s degree in education from OCE in 1965. After college, Bill and his wife moved to Gervais, Ore., where he taught at Gervais Union High School. In 1961 they moved to Salem where he taught English and social studies for 30 years at Parrish Middle School. Bill loved skiing, boating, and fishing. He especially loved to fly, and obtained his private pilot’s license.
Victor Benjamin Bresko, Jr. ’67 on May 8 at age 66. After graduating from OCE in 1967 Victor began his teaching career in Coquille, Ore. He married Lorel Thomsen in June of 1969, together they had four children and later divorced. Victor was drafted into the Army in July 1969 and was honorable discharged in July 1971. When he returned to Oregon, he continued teaching in Coquille. Because of his love for cooking, he earned his culinary degree and was a chef at The Black Butte Resort as well as several other places. When the Oregon Gardens opened, he found his passion in gardening and worked there for more than ten years before retiring. Victor enjoyed teaching, raising chickens and going on vacation with his children. His passion in life was cooking, teaching and learning.
Lynne Maureen Davidson ’68 on June 30 at age 66. After Lynne graduated from Cascade Union High School in 1964, she enrolled in OCE and earned her bachelor’s degree in 1968. She taught elementary and middle school grades in Jefferson School District and retired in 1999 after 31 years. Post retirement Lynne substitute taught occasionally but stayed busy with other work. She was a Creative Memories Scrapbook consultant for many years and worked part time for Curly’s Dairy and Teamsters local 324. After surviving breast cancer in the 1990s, Lynne became very involved with fundraising for the American Cancer Society. She headed a Relay For Life team and was a pitcher at the Play For A Cure Oregon softball event. Lynn enjoyed gardening, cooking, photography, and her family, friends, and cats.
Peggy Louise Winegar ’64 on July 11 at age 86. Peggy married Victor Winegar in 1945. The couple attended OCE. After earning her degree in education in 1964 she began her career in teaching. She was a fifth grade teacher at Brookwood Elementary for 23 years before retiring in 1987. Peggy also worked summers at the outdoor swimming pool in Hillsboro for several years. She was involved with the Cub Scouts, and worked as a den mother for 14 years. She was a member of the Hillsboro Christian Church, Tuality Hospital Auxiliary and volunteered on the TLC van, as well as PEO Chapter EF. Peggy enjoyed traveling, especially with her grandchildren. She loved outdoor activates such as camping, hiking, swimming, snow skiing and water skiing. She was most fond of activities with her family.
Class notes
Tom and Pat Whitaker ’64 will celebrate their 50th anniversary on Dec. 16, 2012. The couple has taught in Salem, Anchorage, Alaska, Idaho and retired in Modesto, Calif. In February of 2006, they sold their home and moved into a motor home and have been traveling around the U.S. and Canada. The couple enjoys volunteering for Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife and have volunteered for state parks in Oregon, Washington and California.
1970s
In remembrance
Lana May ’73 on April 13 at age 62. Lana graduated from high school in 1967 and continued on to attend OCE, UO, and Colorado State University where she earned her master’s degree in French. Lana started her teaching career at Amity High School where she taught for four years. Lana taught Spanish and French in the McMinnville School District, grades 7-12. Lana retired in 2005 after 30 years of teaching. She continued teaching as a substitute teacher until health issue prevented her from continuing. Lana had a passion for getaways, family gatherings, the outdoors, hiking, boating and camping with her husband and family.
Ted H. Thomas ’71 on May 26 at age 65. After graduating from Eagle Point High School in 1966 he went on to graduate from OCE in 1971 and then earned his master’s in teaching at Lewis and Clark College in 1978. He taught at several Marion County schools and was principal at North Howell and Eldridge Elementary Schools. He left teaching to open a sports memorabilia shop in Salem. After eight years, he returned to teaching at William Lord High School at MacLaren and retired as vice principal in 2003. Ted was a strong family man and loved to travel with his wife, Kathy. He loved all manner of sports, including NASCAR, football, and golf.
Melvin Gene Weldon ’73 on Aug. 14 at age 78. During high school Melvin joined Company A 162 INF 41st Division beginning a 30-year food service career in Oregon and California National Guard and Army Reserve. He married his high school sweetheart, Jeannie Sweetwood in 1952. In 1954, he attended OCE, Yuba Junior College, and Sacramento State College where he earned his Bachelor of Education in 1960. He taught elementary school with a provisional license in Yuba City in 1958. Melvin and his family moved back to Salem in 1961 where he taught elementary school for three years. He also taught at Auburn Elementary, during which time he earned his Master of Education from OCE in 1973. He retired from teaching in 1994 after 35 years. Melvin loved to fish and enjoyed many adventures fishing at Britenbush, his favorite fishing hole.
1980s
In remembrance
Cathie Marie Mink ’89 on June 16 at age 61. Cathie was raised in Salem and graduated from South Salem High School. She then attended WOSC where she earned her master’s degree in special education. Cathie worked as a substitute teacher at MacLaren Youth Correctional Facility. Cathie married Michael Mink on Feb. 4, 1972. She loved desktop publishing and having her grandchildren, nieces and nephews visit “Mink Camp” in Silverton.
Scot Eric Walker ’83 on July 6 at age 62. Scot spent over 31 years in finance administration. Scot graduated from Waldorf High School and began his career as a disc jokey for Armed Forces Radio in the Kwajalein Islands, going on to work a radio stations all over Oregon. He graduated from WOSC with a bachelor’s degree in economics and business administration.
Patrick Farley ’86 on Aug. 3 at age 49. Patrick grew up in Drain, Ore. He married his high school sweetheart and the love of his life, Deann. He moved to Monmouth in 1981 and attended WOSC where he earned his bachelor’s degree. Pat and Deann enjoyed 29 years of marriage, love and friendship, raising the large family of which they had always dreamed. Patrick was a husband, father, surrogate father, grandfather, son, personal advisor, conscience, life coach and friend in Independence. He was a dedicated advocate for Partnerships in Community Living since 1996. In his free time Patrick was an amazing musician, part time mechanic and popular music aficionado.
Class notes
Elisa Steward Gray ’82 earned her master’s degree in special education from University of Phoenix. She teaches life skills at Siuslaw Elementary School in Florence, Ore.
Dan McGraw ’88 and his wife, Liz, celebrated 18 years of marriage. The couple lives on the southern Oregon coast.
Molly Mayhead ’83, professor of communication studies, received the Harry “Bud” Hazel Award for service at the Northwest Communication Association Conference in April. In addition, she and alum Paul Evens coauthored an essay that won the top faculty paper award at the same conference. In June Molly’s communication and event planning class raised nearly $9,000 at a gala silent auction for the Friends of the Monmouth Senior Center to assist in the organization’s efforts to renovate their facility. Additionally, Molly’s review of Governor Barbara Roberts’ autobiography was printed in the summer volume of the Oregon Historical Quarterly.
1990s
Class notes
Caryn Connolly ’94 moved back to Salem five years ago and is now teaching at Roberts High school. This past spring she was elected Region II vice president for the Oregon Education Association.
2000s
In remembrance
Tamara E. Condit ’11 on Nov. 16 at age 43. Tammy moved to the Rouge Valley in 2003, to be close with her family. She moved to Sheridan, Ore. in 2007, and married James Whitehouse. She attended Western Oregon University and earned her master’s degree in special education in 2011.
Karen Lee Sinex ’00 on Dec. 10 at age 53. The Oregon chapter of Karen’s life began in 1993 where she resumed her education in Coos Bay. She graduated from Southwestern Oregon Community College before moving on to graduate from Western. She earned her master’s degree in Education. Karen taught as a high school science teacher at Jefferson High School. In addition to her teaching duties, she as actively involved in the local teachers union. She was elected president of the local Jefferson Education Associate and was later selected to serve as a director of the Oregon Education Association.
Class notes
David Lovelin ’01 was promoted and is now the principal of Lakeridge Junior High School in Lake Oswego School District. In addition to his promotion, David also earned his Ed.D. degree from Lewis and Clark.
Marika Conrad ’03 and ’07 and Michael Conrad ’04 welcomed Landon Michael Conrad on March 14, 2012. He joined his big sister, Elliana, who is three years old. Marika teaches fifth grade at Hopkins Elementary in Sherwood and Michael works for Portland Service Station Supply.
Kelly Kunders ’00 earned her master’s degree in education from Texas A&M-Central Texas and is currently a special education teacher within the Killeen Independent School District.
Todd Kunders ’04 earned his doctorate degree in Education Leadership from the University of Mary-Hardin Baylor in Belton, Texas and is an elementary campus principal in the Killeen Independent School District in Killeen, Texas.
Melissa Mikkelsen ’06 was offered a full time teaching position at St. Peter Catholic School after substitute teaching for six years.
Beth Schmidt ’00 and John Schmidt ’99 met at WOU, in Gentle Hall Room 131. They celebrated their 12-year anniversary and have three children.
Christopher Keller ’08 married Laura Mulkey on Oct. 13, 2012 in The Dalles.
Faculty & staff
In remembrance
Casper F. “Bud” Paulson, Jr. on April 29 at age 83. Bud attended Augustana College in Rock Island, Ill., when he was only 16 years old and graduated in four years in 1949. He earned his Master of Arts in Teaching at Reed College in 1961. During the summer of 1971 he earned a Doctor of Education at UO. His professional work included 10 years of teaching upper elementary grades in Portland public schools. In August 1962 Bud joined WOU’s Teaching Research Division. He worked in instructional development and educational evaluation, and retired in 1985. Some of Bud’s happiest memories included his time spent volunteering at Henry Hill Elementary School. Bud married Marilyn Nelson in 1953. Bud served in many church capacities; on councils, teaching Sunday school, ushering and as a communion assistant.
Dr. Henry “Hank” Bersani on March 31 at age 61. Hank earned his bachelor’s degree from St. Michael’s College in Winooski, Vermont and his master’s and doctorates degrees from Syracuse University. Henry was a professor of special education at Western Oregon University. He was a leader in his field and a world renowned speaker on the topic of special education and developmental disabilities. His work in the field reached across the globe and touched the lives of thousands.
David Thomas Eastham on June 22 at age 72. David attended William and Mary College where he met and fell in love with Kathleen Ficklin. David and Kathy continued their college path that included the College of W&M in Virginia where he later became a math professor. David enlisted in the military during the Vietnam War. His expert marksmanship and math abilities destined him to be an instructor at West Point Military Academy. After the military, David’s career path lead him to Western Oregon University where he was a mathematics professor and instructor in the early days of computers and their language. He was a partner in the Bennett-Eastham Cabinet Shop, member of the Craig Evans Real Estate Team and mortgage broker at Professional Mortgage in Salem. After his retirement David went into home renovation which he enjoyed most of all.
Harvey Bennett at age 77. After Harvey graduated from high school in 1953 he earned his bachelor’s degree and his master’s degree in education as well as a doctorate in philosophy in education and geography from the University of Oregon. His 40-year career in education began as a teacher and administrator for schools in Cottage Grove. From 1968-1984 he was a professor and later a dean at Eastern Oregon University. He became a dean at Rogue Community College in 1984 and was later appointed president. After 13 years as the college’s president, he retired in 1999. He also held teaching positions at the University of Victoria, The University of Oregon, Western Oregon University, and Lane Community College.
Laura Ellen Dyer on Aug. 6 at age 87. Laura graduated in 1943 from Jefferson High school in Portland, Ore. Laura married Fritz Dyer in 1946. Laura worked at Oregon College of Education in the foods service area from 1966 to 1985. When she retired the couple moved to Monmouth until 2011. Laura loved watching baseball and basketball. She enjoyed embroidery, crocheting, knitting, camping, traveling and being with family—and especially Thanksgiving dinners.
