Santa Clara Magazine

Gerald "Jerry" A. Ritthaler ’63, MBA ’70: December 5th, 1941 - February 22nd, 2013. Jerry, to his three sons, family, and countless friends, lived life with boundless enthusiasm. He was known to start conversations with a family member, close friend, or perfect stranger (soon to be a friend) by telling them about the best food he's ever had in this life, the greatest game or play he's ever seen, the nicest person he's ever met, or something very simple to the rest of us that simply amazed him. Pops would end the story with the declaration, How cool is that? It sounded like a question, but it was more of a statement about his zest for life and optimism. His enthusiasm was contagious and brought a smile or a laugh to everyone who came into his life, each and every day. Born on December 5, 1941 to Jaconda and Philip Ritthaler in Sacramento, CA, Jerry was destined to make friends and make a strong 1st impression from the day he was born. He grew up in the Sacramento area and attended college at Santa Clara University where he earned a Bachelor's and Master's Degree. After college, he had a successful business career in sales at General Foods, Sunshine Biscuits, and Kroger. Jerry's Bay area roots were an early indicator of one of his great loves in life  sports. From the time he could yell and listen to a game on the radio, he developed a great passion for sports, and this passion never wavered for a second. He cheered early and often for the Raiders and Athletics because of his strong California ties, and he never stopped cheering for his beloved Oakland teams, but he added many teams in Georgia to his shirt and hat collection when he moved to Georgia in 1979. Once his three boys Mike, Mark, and Matt attended and graduated from the University of Georgia, he was destined to be a life-long Dawgs fan. Pops also had enough spirit in his heart to add the Falcons to his list of football teams he pulled for. Sundays in the fall were never dull with Jerry around, and he always had the game on and a rooting interest in the outcome no matter who was playing. One of Jerry's other great sports loves was baseball. He started out an Oakland A's fan while in the Bay Area, but after moving to Georgia, he quickly adopted the Atlanta Braves as his favorite team. Pops was always ready to head to the ballpark and watch his beloved Braves with anyone who would go with him. No matter how many times they broke his heart in October, he was ready again the following spring, enthusiastic and full of optimism. When he was not in Atlanta, he was always looking for a good deal on some tickets so he could catch the local team and enjoy a few cold ones at the ball park. Pops also brought this love for baseball to his family. He coached his sons in little league baseball in Scotts Valley, CA, teaching them the fundamentals and never missing a game, but more than anything he taught them a love for baseball, sports, and competition. Pops kept the family baseball tradition and love of sports alive with his grandchildren, attending Matthew's baseball and hockey games, Katie's softball and gymnastics, Daniel's baseball and basketball, and Evan's baseball games. He was a fan of his sports teams and an even bigger fan of his boys and grandchildren. Later in his life, Jerry had the good fortune to meet Marilou, who became his wife in 2011. They enjoyed a loving and devoted marriage for 2 + all too short years, but they filled that time up with passion, laughter, and a great appreciation for the opportunity to find true love late in life. Jerry and Marilou shared their devotation to their Catholic Faith and attended church and bible study regularly together. The marriage of Jerry and Marilou also allowed two families to meet each other and become one as Mike and Daniel, Mark and Mary Beth along with Katie and Matthew, and Matt and Kim were able to meet Michelle and Scott Whitehead and their children Erin and Evan to create a new and loving family. Jerry's gift of bringing people together will never be forgotten. Pops was a father figure to many of his sons' close friends in the Dunwoody, GA area. Now and forever, all of those who were fortunate enough to meet Pops will remember him for his stories. He never bragged about himself, but he never stopped telling proud stories about his sister Phyllis and her husband Scott, the good people he met through his charitable work, the love he had for the choir at Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church in Historic Sweet Auburn, and whomever he was going to meet tomorrow. Jerry had an opinion on everything and it was almost always a positive, kind, and hopeful one. Pops will be greatly missed but never forgotten. If the question is, How cool was that man? The answer is The Coolest of them All.ö We will hear his joyful voice in our heads for the rest of our lives. When Pops passes thru the gates of heaven, a crowd will welcome him. Some will have known him well, others simply heard he was coming, and then he will get back to work checking on his earth bound family and friends. Jerry is survived by his wife, Marilou Ritthaler, of Alpharetta; sons, Mike Ritthaler, of San Rafael, CA, Mark (wife, Mary Beth) Ritthaler, of Atlanta, Matt (wife, Kim) Ritthaler, of San Francisco, CA, step-daughter, Michelle (husband, Scott) Whitehead, of Cumming; grandchildren, Katie Ritthaler, Matthew Ritthaler, Daniel Ritthaler, Erin Whitehead, and Evan Whitehead; sister, Phyllis (husband, Scott) Keilholtz, Sacramento, CA and Nephew Erik Keilholtz (wife, Melanie and daughter, Amalia) of Vallejo, CA. 

Burt E. Stepanek MBA ’70, a resident of Saratoga, was born on June 25, 1920. On July 23, 2012, Burt suffered a stroke and passed away at Kaiser Hospital, Santa Clara, with his loving family by his side. He was born in Czechoslovakia and lived with his family in Winnipeg, Canada and New York City. He is survived by his wife, Betty, and four children: Gail, Craig, Cory and Michele White. He is also survived by three step-children; JoAnn Cope, Karen Tidwell and Scott Scriver. He is also survived by two grandchildren, five step-grandchildren, and three step-great-grandchildren. He is also survived by his sister, Margaret and several nieces and nephews. He was a veteran of World War II and graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree from New York University. He worked for one year for Philco, Inc. in San Juan, Puerto Rico, then moved with his family to California. He worked at Lockheed, Sunnyvale as a Senior Buyer and Supervisor for 30 years. While at Lockheed, he attended evening classes at Santa Clara University, and earned his MBA. Also, while at Lockheed he taught evening classes in Accounting at West Valley and De Anza colleges. He tutored English as a Second Language, and volunteered for the IRS many years at tax time. After retirement from Lockheed, he obtained his Brokers License and worked in Real Estate for a short time. Over the years he purchased eight rental units and kept them in top condition, doing much of the work himself. He enjoyed playing golf, tennis, skiing, hiking, backpacking and camping. He loved dancing, and he and Betty square-danced for more than 20 years. They traveled extensively and were members of the Y for many years. They enjoyed long walks together and spending time with family. He spent much of his time in recent years gardening. He will be truly missed. 

Steven L. Tuma MBA ’71, 75, of Chatham, and formerly of Jacksonville, passed away Sunday, Feb. 24, 2013, at St. John's Hospital in Springfield. He was born Dec. 11, 1937, in Chicago, the son of Elmer and Dorothy Long Tuma. He married Margaret J. "Peggy" Jess on June 19, 1964, and she preceded him in death Jan. 2, 2002. He is survived by one son, Steven S. (Amy) Tuma of Machesney Park; one daughter, Mary Tuma Werries of Chatham; and three grandchildren, Zachary Tuma of Janesville, Wis., and Alyssa and Kyle Werries, both of Chatham. Mr. Tuma was a 1956 graduate of Morton (Illinois) High School, and then attended Roosevelt University in Chicago. During that time, he served in the U.S. Naval Reserve. Upon graduation, he began active duty with the Navy, serving on the USS Nereus. He was honorably discharged in 1967, and began work with the Lockheed Corporation in San Jose, Calif. While at Lockheed, he received his MBA from Santa Clara University. He and his family then returned to Illinois and Steven began work as an engineer with the State of Illinois, retiring from the Illinois Commerce Commission in 1999. Mr. Tuma was a very active member of St. John's Lutheran Church in Chatham, and a member of the Jacksonville Amateur (HAM) Radio Club. He had also been a member of the Jacksonville Lions Club. He was a fantastic "Grampy," and loved attending all of his grandchildren's activities. 

Richard "Dick" Minor ’71, M.S. ’73 was 63. June 19, 1949 to July 16, 2012. Dick passed away surrounded by his loving family after a courageous battle with cancer. Dick was born in Portland to James and Marjorie Minor and grew up in Lake Oswego. He graduated from Our Lady of the Lake, Jesuit High School and Santa Clara University, with an M.S. in electrical engineering. He then earned an M.B.A. from UCLA and was a recipient of the National Science Foundation Award. Upon graduation from college, he set off alone on a 10,000 mile bicycle trek touching all four corners of the lower 48 states. Dick was an avid pilot and was instrument rated. He was a proficient photographer, and his 1970 Vortex I pictures were published in The Oregonian and featured in the OPB Oregon Experience documentary, Vortex. Dick married the love of his life, Jean, in 1987 and was devoted to his family, his community and the Boy Scout program. Dick served for many years as a leader of Troop #520 of Newberg; was involved with the scout program for 15 years; and was thrilled to see his son, Danny, receive the Eagle Scout Award, just as Dick himself had received the Eagle badge years before. Dick was a senior software engineer for dvsAnalytics for the last 17 years; and was instrumental in the design and development of the company's flagship product, Encore. He was a mentor and role model for the other software engineers and brought to the organization a wealth of knowledge and experience. He will be missed not only as a valued and loyal employee, but as a friend. Previously, Dick was one of a small group of software engineers who developed the programming for the first automatic teller machines serving banks up and down the West Coast. He also owned his own software company, Comprog. Dick is survived by his beloved family his wife, Jean; his two daughters, Megan and Colleen; and his son, Danny, all of Newberg. He is also survived by four brothers, Chris (Mary), Tim (Melinda), Bob (Cate) and Rusty (Donna); and sister, Nancy; in addition to numerous nieces, nephews, and extended family. Dick was well known for his love of life, community service and appreciation of family. He will be greatly missed by all who knew him. 

Larry J. Alvarez ’71, 63, a retired Tracy farmer, died Sunday, Nov. 18, at Sequoia Hospital in Redwood City. Born in Tracy on Aug. 5, 1949, he was a lifelong Tracy resident. After graduating from Tracy High School, he earned a bachelor’s degree in business from Santa Clara University. After college, Mr. Alvarez returned to Tracy to farm with the family farming operation, Alvarez Farms. He served in the U.S. Army and National Guard Reserves and was a parishioner of St. Bernard’s Catholic Church and a member of Tracy Golf and Country Club and Rhodes Bean and Supply Co-op. He was a past board member of the California Tomato Growers Association. Survivors include a daughter, Alesha Alvarez, and her husband, Gus Jimenez, of San Ramon; two sons, Mitch Alvarez of Stockton and Joey Alvarez of Tracy; and three grandchildren. Also surviving are his father, Joe Alvarez of Tracy; a sister, Patty Robidart ’69 of Pinole; a cousin who was like a brother, Jack Alvarez of Tracy; and nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his mother, Brijida “Bre” Alvarez. 

Hans Camenzind MBA ’71, the Swiss emigre analog guru who invented one of the most successful circuits in electronics history and introduced the concept of phase-locked loop to IC design, passed away in his sleep at the age of 78. 

Camenzind came to the United States in 1960 and worked for several years at some of the storied names of the newly developing semiconductor industry: Transitron, Tyco Semiconductor, and Signetics. 

In 1971 he joined the ranks of entrepreneurs by founding InterDesign, a company specializing in semi-custom integrated circuit design. It was there, working under a contract with Signetics, that he invented the 555 timer.  Signetics commercialized the device in 1972, and it went on to become one of the most successful in the industry's history. The device, used in oscillator, pulse-generation and other applications, is still widely used today. Versions of the device have been or are still made by dozens of major semiconductor vendors, including Texas Instruments, Intersil, Maxim, Avago, Exar, Fairchild, NXP and STMicroelectronics. 

Camenzind also introduced the idea of phase-locked loop to design and invented the first class D amplifier.

Camenzind was a prolific author with interests as diverse as electronics textbooks and the history of the industry ("Much Ado About Almost Nothing") to a book on God and religion ("Circumstantial Evidence"). He wrote under the pen name John Penter. He received an MSEE from Northeastern University and an MBA from the University of Santa Clara, and, during his career secured 20 patents. 

He is survived by his wife Pia, his daughter Sue (Erol Kirelik), his sons Robert (Amy), Peter (Lisa), Tim (Marie), and nine grandchildren.  

Randy Kinavey ’72, one of California High School's best known and most respected teachers, died Oct. 14. He was 62. Kinavey taught ninth grade advanced English and honors English 11 at Cal for nearly 25 years and died of complications from cancer after a years-long battle.

The son of Postal Service workers, Kinavey grew up in Oakland and Castro Valley and went to Bishop O'Dowd High School. He attended Santa Clara University as an undergrad and went to San Francisco State University for graduate studies. He taught English for 10 years and served as an administrator at Bishop for two before arriving at Cal in 1986. Also an English teacher at Diablo Valley College, Kinavey received the Warren W. Eukel award in 2010 for excellence in education. He took a medical sabbatical from Cal High and DVC that year.

Outside of the classroom, Kinavey loved watching sports, especially the San Francisco 49ers and the Giants, loved the outdoors, and went camping often. He was an avid reader, enjoyed all forms of music -- especially jazz and the Beatles -- and was known to have an affinity for plastic pink flamingos. During his sabbatical, Kinavey traveled to Europe and saw the birth of his second grandchild.

Randy Kinavey is survived by his wife, Suzanne, children, Hilary and Zach, as well as two grandchildren.

Read the full tribute in the San Ramon Express.

Mary Cobb ’72, born Aug. 26, 1950, passed away quietly after a heroic fight against cancer on  March 17, 2013.

Mary was born in Santa Monica and grew up in Van Nuys, attending St. Elizabeth School and Louisville High School She graduated from Santa Clara University with a major in Economics. After 16 years in the securities industry, Mary started her own consulting business as a compliance expert.

Herman Egger M.S. '72, a resident of Palo Alto, died on Nov. 5, 2012. He was 75. Egger was born in Murten, Switzerland. In 1967 he moved to Palo Alto with his bride and began a 35-year career with Varian Associates. He earned a MSEE from Santa Clara University in 1972. He is survived by his wife of 45 years, Monika, his daughters Pia Lusk (Mike) and Susi Egger-Watson (Matt) and his grandchildren Brenden, Daniel, Emma, Claire, Max, and Leo.

Phyllis M. Cairns ’73, a resident of Los Altos, was born June 4, 1931 and died Aug. 3, 2012. Phyllis was a second generation San Franciscan born to Peter and Elsie Proctor. She is survived by her sons Mark and Peter, her sister Sr. Carole Proctor, her brother Gary Proctor and six grandchildren. She is preceded in death by her husband Roger and daughter Lesley Williams. Phyllis attended both Stanford University and Santa Clara University, obtaining her B.A. in History. She became managing editor of the American Sociological Review and publications manager at Hover Institution Press. She loved her grandchildren and was delighted to see them grow up. Phyllis enjoyed classical music, family gatherings and dining with friends. She also loved reading, tutoring, the SF Giants and volunteering at the library. She will be missed.

Nancy Diers Gullion ’73, 61, passed away on January 14, 2013 at Stanford Medical Center in Palo Alto, CA, from complications caused by her 12-year battle with Leukemia. Nancy was born on June 25, 1951 in Salinas and had lived in Salinas all of her life. She attended Hartnell Community College and Santa Clara University, and she received her Bachelor of Arts degree in Spanish and English from Santa Clara. Nancy met Paul '72, J.D. '75, her husband of 40 years, while they were attending Hartnell Community College. For the past 20 years, she worked as the manager of her husband's law office. Nancy was very active at First Presbyterian Church in Salinas and enjoyed reading, gardening, and being with her family. She will always be remembered for her smile, her laughter, her positive attitude, her love of God, and her love for her family and friends. She made an impact on everyone she met. Nancy was preceded in death by her mother, Virginia Johnson Diers, and her father-in-law, Eugene ""Gene"" Gullion. Nancy is survived by her husband, Paul D. Gullion; her son, Matthew P. Gullion; her daughter, Shelley C. Escobar; her son-in-law, Nick Escobar; her granddaughter, Grace Escobar; and her grandson, Troy Escobar; her father, Herman ""Lucky"" Diers; and her mother-in-law, Wanda Gullion.

Mary Stivala Peterson ’73, a resident of Belmont from 1951 to 2012, passed from this world on July 28, 2012, at home surrounded by her family after a two-year battle with cancer. Mary was born in East Palo Alto in December of 1951. She attended St. Albert's Elementary School in Palo Alto, Notre Dame High School in Belmont, and Santa Clara University where she majored in Psychology. Mary went to work for the San Mateo Probation Department after graduation where she had a thirty year career retiring as a supervising probation officer. During her time at the probation department she met her husband Stewart. They had three children, Jeffrey 26, Gregory 24, and Kerry 21. Family was always the most important thing to Mary. It could truly be said that her life was a joyous celebration of life and family. She is survived by her parents Paul and Betty Stivala of East Palo Alto, her brothers, Paul, Steve, and Robert and her sister Jean. 

Loretta Edita Cabacungan Silvagni ’73 passed away on Jan. 15 at her home in Napa. Loretta was born in the San Antonio barrio of Narvacon Ilocos Sur in the Philippines in 1950, and moved to San Jose, Calif., when she was 5 years old. After graduating as the salutatorian of her class at Lincoln High School, she attended Santa Clara University, where she met her future husband, Steven Silvagni '73. They married and attended graduate school together at San Diego State University. Loretta and Steven moved to Napa together in 1978. She worked many different jobs as a licensed clinical social worker over the years, ranging from employment at the Napa State Hospital, having her own successful private therapy practice, teaching at Pacific Union College, and therapy and mentoring in Napa Valley Unified School District. She loved singing and participated in the St. Thomas Aquinas Church Choir and the Napa Valley College Chorale. She was a fourth-degree black belt (Yodan) in jujitsu and provided many years of service to the American Judo and Jujitsu Federation as manager of examinations. As sensei of her own dojo, Napa Valley Jujitsu, she shared her love of the sport with her students who ranged in age from 5 and 6 to those in their 50s and 60s. In the last few years of her life, Loretta suffered from ALS (Lou Gehrig's disease) which slowly robbed her of the ability to do all of the activities she loved. But nothing about the disease changed the love she had for her family, which surrounded her until the end. She is survived by her beloved husband, Steven Silvagni; her mother, Angela Cabacungan; her daughters, Sarah DeFelice and Teresa Silvagni, and their husbands, Marcus DeFelice and Ryan Nuez; and her two grandsons, who loved taking rides on Nonna's chair  Marcus DeFelice, II, and Dominic Nuez. She is also survived by cousins in the Cabacugan and Raymundo families, as well as many other friends and relatives. 

David R. Frank MS ’73 attended the SCU "Early Bird" engineering gradute program through Lockheed for a number of years to obtain his M.S. in applied mathetics. He continued working at Lockheed/Martin, primarily in the Trident Strategic Systems Program, until his retirement in 2000. He was a native of Bellville, Texas, and a resident of Santa Cruz from 1967 until his death. After retiring, he continued his interest in model planes, photography, and advancements in engineering. David is survived by his wife, Iris, of Santa Cruz; son Reese, wife Cathy, and grandson Alexander of Woodland Hills; and son Jonathan, wife Gina, and grandson Ethan of Los Gatos.

Arthur William Anderson J.D. ’73 was born Aug. 14, 1927, and passed away on Jan. 13, 2013. A resident of Saratoga, Arthur passed away peacefully with his loving wife, June, by his side. Arthur was born in Shanghai, China, to Eileen and Arthur Anderson, and raised in San Francisco. He was a graduate of Galileo High School, UC Berkeley and UCSF Medical School. Later in life, he graduated from Santa Clara University, School of Law, while continuing his medical practice. On December 19, 1948, he married the 'love of his life and joy of his heart', June Ann Nickelson, theirs was a lifetime of love, recently celebrating their 64th wedding anniversary. After serving two years in the Korean War as a US Army doctor in Okinawa, he returned home and established practice as an orthopedic surgeon in San Jose. He touched the lives of many, in a practice that spanned over fifty years; during that time, he served as Chief of Orthopedics, Chief of Surgery and Chief of Staff at O'Connor Hospital. Arthur instilled a love of family, a sense of loyalty, integrity and the value of hard work in all. He was a man of many interests and passionate about each of them. He was the ultimate outdoorsman, hunting and fishing throughout his life, while also enjoying backpacking, woodcarving, bonsai, stained glass, culinary arts, and learning foreign languages; and his tremendous love of books fulfilled his insatiable quest for knowledge. He will live forever in the hearts of his five children and their spouses: Mark Anderson (Nancy), Jeff Anderson (Mary Beth), Chris Anderson (Terri), Carol Johnson (Cliff), Marlene Kuh (John). 'Grandfather' will also be greatly missed by his twelve grandchildren: Katie Hogan (John) '97, Chris Anderson (Wendy) '01, Lauren Townsend (Josh), Lindsay Doody (Ian), Hayley Alverson (Adam), Billy Anderson, Sarah Greenwood (Brian), Jonathan Johnson (Shelly), Mark Johnson (Anna), Taylor Johnson; Brad and Colin Kuh; and his eleven great-grandchildren. He is predeceased by his sister Jacqueline, and beloved grandson Kevin Anderson.

Robert C. Schwalbe ’74, M.A. '79, a resident of Santa Clara, was born in 1952 and died in January 2013. Robert was first introduced to Yosemite by his parents Marge and Bill Schwalbe, and his love of the park continued throughout his childhood with the adventures he shared with his siblings Ronald, Joan ’65, and Richard. Beyond his love of nature, Robert was a generous and compassionate human being. He loved life and enjoyed serving the community by volunteering at St. Justin's during the holidays and Yosemite in the fall. His positive, infectious spirit will be missed greatly by his adored wife, Linda, and beloved children Matthew, Jenna, and Roxanne. 

George Konrad Godlewski MBA ’74 was a long-time resident of Saratoga and died August 18, 2012, after a long battle with Parkinson's Disease. He was 80 years old. Born Feb. 22, 1932, in Bayonne, New Jersey, George spent 35 years as an aerospace engineer for Lockheed Missiles and Space in Sunnyvale, where he was known for his problem-solving abilities and technical know how. A graduate of Villanova University, who also earned an MBA from Santa Clara University, George came to California in the 1950s while serving in the Army. He was stationed at Fort Cronkhite near San Francisco. After eating Christmas dinner outside in his shirt sleeves, he decided to settle in the Golden State. An avid cyclist, George spent several years as the president of the Santa Clara Valley Bicycle Association. He campaigned for safer streets for bicyclists and encouraged businesses to accommodate their employees who chose to bicycle to work. George is remembered as a chivalrous, old-world gentleman with a love of classical music and all things scientific and historical. He was preceded in death by his wife Katherine Norman Godlewski, his parents, and a brother, Carl Godlewski. In 1989, four years after the death of his first wife, George married Carol Levitt of San Jose, Calif. He often said that he considered himself very lucky to have found love twice in one lifetime. Carol was a devoted wife and great source of comfort to George. In addition to Carol, George is survived by a sister, Bernadette Godlewski, daughters Liz Godlewski Irons, Ann Godlewski, and Katie Godlewski Keene, sons-in-law Randy Irons, and Aaron Keene, grandsons David and Matthew Irons and Trent Keene, granddaughter Sophie Keene, stepson Richard Brooker, stepdaughter LouAnn Dykuizen, her husband, Joe Dykuizen, and step grandchildren Josh and Matt Dykhuizen. The family appreciates the wonderful care George received at Vintage Silver Creek and the hospice team from Vitas.

Elizabeth Ledyard Pitzer ’74, resident of Aptos, 59, passed away at her home in Aptos, Calif., on May 30, 2012, after a long illness. Born in San Jose on Nov. 29, 1952, she lived her entire life in her home state. She is survived by her mother Maryjane Ledyard, her daughter, Emily (Joseph) Figliomeni, two grandsons, Zachary and Gabriel, four siblings, Anne, James, Jane and Margaret, two nieces, Lisa and Kate, and nephew Brian. She is preceded in death by her father, Benjamin. Betsy graduated from Santa Clara University, where she studied art history. This led her to a lifelong interest in the visual arts and spending some years as a dealer and interior designer. She was also a connoisseur of great food and an expert cook, a skill that her immediate and extended family greatly appreciated. She is much loved and missed by her family.

Alfred Kok-Ching Chan M.S. ’74, a resident of Sunnyvale, died peacefully in his home on March 20, 2013. Born September 27, 1938 in Hong Kong, he immigrated to the U.S. in 1957. He is survived by spouse Chu Lee, children Clara and Timothy Chan, and siblings Paula Leung, Calvin and Albert Chan.

Sue Noel Hinrichs Ph.D ’75 of Manteca was born on March 18, 1935 in Clinton, Okla., where she was raised and attended Clinton schools. She left this life on December 9, 2012 in Modesto, Calif. She was the daughter of Clyde Alvin Noel and Susie Barr Noel, deceased. She was also preceded in death by a sister Alva Jane Powell. She attended Oklahoma State University where she obtained her B.S. in Accounting. She received her M.S. from Kansas University and PhD from Santa Clara University. Sue's career was as a CPA and Professor at San Jose State University and University of Pacific. She was a member of the Genealogical Society of Stanislaus County and had served as Treasurer, former board of director for San Joaquin County Women's Center, and loved to play bridge and did so at every opportunity. Sue is survived by husband of almost 56 years, Eric Hinrichs, a sister Clyda Ann Neal of South Carolina and many loving nephews and nieces. She and Eric were almond growers in the Manteca area for many years. 

Paul Joseph David ’76, born July 5, 1954, died September 1, 2012. Beloved husband of Laurie David ’79. Father of Alison and Mariel and partners Ed and Graham. Smooth sailing now in heavenly waters.

Audrey Bernfield M.A. ’76, died on her seventy-fifth birthday, November 3, 2012, after a long battle with cancer. Audrey was an innovative force at several universities. At Stanford, she nurtured students in the Program in Human Biology while building an advising system that became a model for the nation. Later, as Director of Undergraduate Advising, she championed the view that college is a place for intellectual exploration where students discover the passions that lead to meaningful lives and careers. As Director of Enrichment Programs at Harvard Medical School, she developed programs that expanded medical students' engagement in the world at large, and was the first non-physician elected president of the International Health Medical Education Consortium, now known as GHEC. She was a lifelong crusader for reproductive rights, starting as a counselor and eventually serving on the boards of several women's health organizations, including Planned Parenthood of Boston. She also served on the boards of the Massachusetts Women's Political Caucus; The Transition Network, an organization for professional women who are transitioning to retirement; New Georges, a New York City theatre company; and as President of the 1661 Foundation, which supports the development of young progressive leaders. Audrey earned a BA in Political Science from the University of Illinois and a Masters in Counseling Psychology from the University of Santa Clara. She is survived by her children, Susan and her husband Claude Millman, Jim and his wife Camilla Enders, Mark and his wife Rachel Saunders, and four grandchildren. Her husband Merton R. Bernfield died in 2002.

Steven Emerson Curtis M.S. ’77, our wonderful husband, father, Papa, and hero, passed away on January 5, 2013 after a courageous eight-year battle with cancer. He valiantly inspired others and proved that this is still a day of miracles. Steve was born in Salt Lake City on March 16, 1948 to Reuben Emerson and Alice Call Curtis. He graduated from Highland High School and served an LDS mission to Northern Germany. He married his eternal sweetheart, Janice Derrick in the Salt Lake Temple. He graduated from the University of Utah with a degree in electrical engineering and received a master's degree from Santa Clara University in California. He spent the majority of his career designing medical imaging equipment and managing research and development departments. He loved solving mathematical engineering problems and was granted many patents. Steve was a man of absolute integrity. He had sound judgment and great wisdom. He possessed charity for all and so appreciated the love and prayers offered for him during his health struggles. He left a legacy of love, service, humor, and devotion to his family. He endured to the end with steadfast faith in the Savior and a testimony of the gospel. He was without guile and was a true disciple of Christ. Steve loved gardening and his beautiful flowers were legendary. He passed on his love of camping and hiking in the mountains and national parks to his family. He loved music and sang every chance he had in choirs, quartets and duets with Jani and was an excellent choir director. He enjoyed traveling and saw much of the world. He delighted in the scriptures and was continually immersed in them. He had an extensive knowledge of the gospel and lived its principles with exactness. He served faithfully in many callings, but his favorite was teaching, where he constantly bore his testimony of the love, kindness, and mercy of our Savior, Jesus Christ. He will be deeply missed by his wife, Jani, their children Michael (Rochelle) Curtis, Matthew (Brooke) Curtis, Alisa (Kevin) Bolander, Jennifer (Alan) Stout, and 14 grandchildren. 

Mimi Murray Meriwether ’77 died on September 28, after a very long struggle with cancer. Born in Pittsburg, PA in 1955, Mimi' s early schooling was at The Trinita dei Monti in Rome, Italy, where her family resided for a number of years while her father pursued business interests in Europe. Returning to the United States, her family settled in Pebble Beach, California in 1966. Mimi entered Santa Catalina School in Monterey, and remained there until completing her high school years. After her freshman year at Santa Clara University, Mimi transferred to Georgetown University, where she graduated in 1977. Mimi's marriage to John Meriwether brought her to New York City living and then to their home in North Salem, NY. In later years Mimi found great serenity in her cherished Taos, New Mexico. Mimi was beloved by friends beyond number. The charity in her heart was unrestrained, and often found exercise in her generosity to friends in need. The parade of visitors to the hospital from near, far and very far was remarkable. How she was loved! Mimi was a profoundly spiritual person whose virtue was evident to all who knew her. Many times she traveled to Medjugorje, a place of pilgrimage in the former Yugoslavia, where she often brought friends as her guests. From childhood, Mimi loved horses, and she became a very accomplished competitive horsewoman. She achieved international success in the demanding sport of three day eventing, which has been likened to competing in a triathlon. Arrestingly courageous in coping with her illness, Mimi was small of frame and had an extraordinary sweetness and magical delicacy that captivated all who had the great grace of knowing her. Mimi's parents, Mr. and Mrs James G. Murray, Jr. are deceased, as is her sister, Pamela Murray, who was a nun. She is survived by John Meriwether, her sisters Joan Murray, Judy Allrich and Patricia Huse and by her brother James G. Murray, III. She leaves three nieces, five nephews and an enormous number of friends, particularly Heather Croome-Carroll and Diane Summers, who were so good to Mimi in her sickness as were so many others.

Joan Marie Vellequette M.A. ’77, a resident of Los Altos, Calif. for 51 years, passed away peacefully on Nov. 13, 2012. Joan is survived by her loving husband, Murlin Vellequette MBA '68, her sister Margaret Bouthillier (& husband Conrad), her brother-in-law Roger Vellequette, her sister-in-law Bernadette Hall, and her eight children: Joseph Vellequette (& wife Suzy), John Vellequette, David Vellequette (& wife Mary), Mary Singleton (& husband D.J.), Ann Frates, Mark Vellequette '86, MBA '91 (& wife Mary Beth), Michael Vellequette (& wife Kim), and James Vellequette. Joan was blessed with 21 grandchildren, and 4 great-grandchildren - all of whom she loved deeply. Joan had a knack for remembering everyone's birthday, graduation, and anniversary - while making it all look easy. Born Joan Marie Lynch in Chicopee, Mass., her family later moved to Michigan where she attended the University of Detroit as a Chemistry major graduating in 1951. Joan dated Murlin Vellequette in college and they married in 1952. Over the next 9 years, they lived in Huntsville, Detroit, Fort Wayne, Cincinnati, and then moved to California in 1960 when Murlin accepted a position with Fairchild Semiconductor. In Los Altos, they bought one of the first homes in the Highlands area, where they made many close friends in that great neighborhood. Recently, with family and some long-time friends, Joan and Murlin celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary, a true milestone of enduring love. Early on, Joan worked as a Chemist for Ethyl Corp., and then devoted herself to the whirlwind of raising eight children. Joan returned to college and obtained a Master's degree in Counseling Psychology from Santa Clara University in 1977. She also volunteered for many years with the St. Simon Catholic Parish ministries, the El Camino Hospital Auxiliary, and for St. Francis High School. Later on, she enjoyed being the office manager and psychological testing coordinator for the Behaviordyne Pyschological Corp. in Palo Alto, and she also acted as the bookkeeper for the family business. Joan's personal interests varied from celebrating and quietly helping her family, to frequent travels, to being an extremely avid reader. Her travels included India, Europe, China, Australia and many trips with family to destinations all over the US. Annual summer trips to Myrtle Beach were a favorite, and no one will ever forget seeing Joan and Murlin parasailing together way up in the sky during one terrific Vellequette & Bouthillier Family Reunion. Joan was always selflessly full of life and love, and she will be dearly missed by all who knew and cherished her.