Santa Clara Magazine

Vincent A. Arnerich, Jr. '67 J.D. '70 on May 26, 2009. Vincent passed suddenly in San Jose at the age of 63. He was a proud graduate of Santa Clara University and an avid Broncos fan. He practiced law in San Jose and is survived by his uncle, Lawrence J. Slavich of Watsonville and cousin, John Chargin of San Jose.

Ross "Butch" Joseph Prusinovski ’67 was a resident of San Leandro. Ross "Butch" Prusinovski passed away peacefully on Nov. 16, 2012, surrounded by family. He was born in Oakland to Louis and Gwendolyn Prusinovski on March 26, 1945. He attended Bishop O'Dowd High School and Santa Clara University. He was preceded in death by his parents and his sister Gwendolyn Valdovinos. He is survived by his well loved wife, Alana Prusinovski, his sons Thomas and Patrick, and his daughter and son-in-law, Anna and Eric Lardiere. Dear friend and brother to Louis Prusinovski and his wife Renee. Beloved son-in law to Aileen Mathisen, and brother-in-law to Ignacio Valdovinos and Kristin Famosi. Proud and loving uncle to Michelle Valdovinos, Sandy Holland, Steve Valdovinos, and Debbie and John Prusinovski. Fun loving great uncle to Ben, Nick and Alexis Valdovinos and Kyle, Kameron and Cody Chase. He loved and enjoyed countless cousins throughout California and Idaho. Ross served as an Army Captain in Vietnam and returned home to Oakland to work in the family owned business of PH Motors. He has worked at Engine Performance Warehouse in Oakland for over thirty years. Ross loved vacations at the beach with his family, reunions in Idaho, visiting air shows and museums, and most recently walks around Lake Chabot with his friend, John Milton. He was happy and kind and always open to making a new friend. He will be in our hearts forever. 

Roger Moore Crosby II MBA '67, a long-time resident of Santa Rosa, died on March 28, 2010 after a sudden and brief illness, at the age of 81. Roger was born Dec. 20, 1928 in Denver, Colo., to Roger M. Crosby and Mildred Crispell Crosby, and raised in Boulder and Denver, where he met his future wife Colette Combs in a 9th-grade algebra class as a consequence of the alphabet. He and Colette were wed at the National Episcopal Cathedral, St. Mary's Chapel, in Washington, D.C., on Aug. 26, 1950. They resided in Raleigh, N.C. while Roger completed his studies at North Carolina College of Agriculture and Engineering with a degree in textile chemistry and dyeing. He graduated with a Distinguished Military Student award. Roger served in Korea and Japan from 1952-1954 in the U.S. Army 802nd engineer aviation battalion attached to the U.S. Army Reserve. He then served an additional eight years in the reserves with the rank of captain; during this time and for 13 more years the couple lived on the San Francisco peninsula, where Roger was an active member of St. Timothy's Episcopal Church in Mountain View, served on the nearby Whisman district school board, and obtained his MBA degree from the University of Santa Clara. Roger was employed by Chem-Pure Service company, Fairchild Semiconductor, Information Storage Systems, and for a long time by Hewlett-Packard, which transferred him to Santa Rosa in 1975. His service at HP included personnel officer at the Tech Center, picnic chairman and United Way campaign chairman for five years running, and publicity chairman for the entire division. Roger was a Work Experience instructor at Santa Rosa junior college for 20 years, a licensed instructor for Kepner-Tregoe Inc in Problem-solving and Decision-making, and was active at the Church of the Incarnation in Santa Rosa. He is survived by his high-school sweetheart and wife of 60 years Colette C. Crosby; his daughter JoAnne Crosby Pennello; and his grandson Christopher Pennello.

Richard E. Byrne ’67, of Massapequa N.Y., died on June 25, 2012. Retired from Sperry as an electrical engineer. Beloved son of the late Albert and Lillian Byrne. Survived by his loving family and friends. 

Jay Lipman J.D. 67 died April 28, 2009 at the age of 68 of natural causes.  Jay attended the University of Cincinnati and received his Bachelor of Science degree from Long Island University. He attended law school at the University of Santa Clara where he obtained his Juris Doctor degree in 1967.  In 1968, Jay joined the District Attorney’s Office and began and ended his distinguished 40-year career as a Deputy District Attorney in the Van Nuys Branch.  He also enjoyed assignments in the Special Investigations Division, Central Trials, the Welfare Fraud Dibision and the Santa Monica and Airport Branches.  He was one of the six original deputies who helped launched the Welfare Fraud Division in 1994. Jay was the longest serving deputy in the District Attorney’s Office, a distinction in which he took great pride. He is described by his supervisors as being loved by everyone. He was a mentor, a friend and father figure to his colleagues. He was also well regarded and respected by the defense bar and law enforcement. Jay is survived by his wife, Annette Peterfy, his daughter Allison, and his son, Sean.

Harold (Hal) W. Mack '67 went home to God on October 25, 2010, surrounded by his loving family after a brief but valiant fight against cancer. Hal was born March 21, 1945, and grew up in Anaheim, California. He graduated from St. Boniface School, Mater Dei High School ('63), Santa Clara University ('67) and Loyola Law School ('74). He naturally gravitated to leadership positions, being student body president in both high school and college. Hal moved to Arizona in 1980 and was a well respected attorney in the valley until the time of his death. He loved sports, and played basketball in high school and college. He especially loved his Arizona Cardinals. He valued his Catholic faith and a life of service. He was actively involved in Christians In Commerce (CIC), a men's fellowship and bible study, for over twenty years. Through this group he grew his faith and established life long brothers in Christ. Hal valued education and served on the Wilson School Coalition in Phoenix and was an active participant in the founding of St. Andrew's Catholic School in Show Low, Arizona. Hal loved people and always enjoyed being with others. He had a wonderful sense of humor, playful spirit and an infectious laugh. His biggest joy in life was hearing friends and strangers share stories of their families and lives. Hal is survived by his wife, Barbara Appenzeller, son Brian Mack '92, daughter Eileen Mack Hanson, and four grandsons.

Gloria Scheid McLean ’67 died on September 14, 2010. She was born on August 10, 1945 in San Francisco, Calif., to William and Edna Scheid. She was the second of two children. Gloria and her big brother, Bill, enjoyed family activities together, including water skiing in the delta and camping trips to the Sierra Nevadas. Gloria attended and graduated from Santa Clara University. She was among the first class of women admitted to the then male-only, Jesuit university. Upon graduation, Gloria was admitted to the University of California, Boalt Hall School of Law, where she then earned her Juris Doctorate. At the time, she was among a small number of women at Boalt Hall. In her first years of practice, Gloria prevailed on appeal in a case holding that auto mechanics must provide written estimates to customers. That rule stands today. Gloria moved to San Diego where she married Don McLean; and started “McLean & McLean,” the law firm she managed after Don's passing in 1994. Gloria's passions were her children, grandchildren, and horses -- and not always in that order. Gloria and Don enjoyed horseback riding in Yosemite and Jamul, California. She was fond of saying that she could do some of her best thinking while on the trail. Gloria courageously and quietly fought cancer for nearly three years. She continued the practice of law during her battle. Gloria is survived by her brother, Bill Scheid; her children: Marcie, Robb, Michael, Elizabeth, Andrew and Scott; and her grandchildren: Katherine, Elizabeth, Connor, Grace, and William.

Daniel Richards Allen MBA '67 passed away on August 2, 2011 of multiple myeloma cancer and liver problems at the age of 79 years old in Payson, Utah. Allen was born to J. Knight & Alice R. Allen on 29 Dec 1931 in Salt Lake City. He grew up in Palo Alto. He enjoyed stamp collecting and pole vaulting, and he set some California state pole vaulting records in high school. After graduating from Palo Alto High School, he served a mission for the LDS Church in Argentina in the years 1954-1957. His time in Argentina was one of the greatest experiences of his life, which he talked about frequently. After his mission, he graduated from Stanford University where his father taught. Allen's degree was in Mechanical Engineering. He married the love of his life, Elizabeth Stewart Van Wagoner, in the Salt Lake Temple in 1957. They promptly moved to Cincinnati, as he took a job with the Public Health Service. Their son, Daniel Knight Allen, was born there in 1959. They returned to the San Francisco Bay Area and their daughter, Laura Elizabeth Allen, was born in 1961, right after they moved into their first home in Sunnyvale. Through the years he worked for Varian Associates, Lockheed Missiles & Space, and the County of Santa Clara. He also earned an MBA degree from Santa Clara University. In 1969 he took a job in Lima, Peru teaching business math at a branch of Stanford University. The family greatly enjoyed the four-month adventure. He retired in 1982. In 1988, they moved to Paradise, Calif., where they enjoyed a quieter life for nine years until his wife, Betsy, died of cancer in 1997. He continued living there until days before his passing when he moved to Spring Lake to live with his son's family. Allen was active in the LDS Church throughout his life, and served for decades at a time as Ward or Stake Financial Clerk, as well as being a Sunday School President, and a home teacher. He was a detail oriented man. He loved his cars and loved to drive throughout the western states. A 700-mile drive was nothing to him. He drove part way to Utah just 11 days before his passing in his 1998 Toyota Avalon that he drove 357,551 miles! He also enjoyed photography. In 2006, he went back to Argentina with his son. That was a trip to remember! Daniel Richards Allen is survived by his son and daughter and their families: Dan & Beth Allen of Spring Lake, Utah, and Laura & Woody Edvalson of Bonney Lake, Wash., and his nine grandchildren and one great-grandson. He also leaves a brother, Thomas Knight Allen, of Issaquah, Wash., and a sister Irene Jensen, of Salt Lake City, and her three children.

Charles H. Lau '66, MBA '67, age 66, of Greenbrae, Calif., died suddenly on March 30, 2011, at Stanford Hospital after a brief illness. He passed peacefully with Marilee (Pierotti) Lau '69, his wife of 41 years, by his side. Chuck was born September 27, 1944 in Honolulu and was a 1962 graduate of Kamehameha Schools. He received a B.S. degree in 1966 and an MBA in 1967 from Santa Clara University. He worked as a financial analyst before starting his own real estate/investment consulting firm in SF/Marin. On March 28, 2011, shortly before his death, Chuck was welcomed into the Roman Catholic Church with the administration of the sacraments of Baptism, Confirmation, Holy Communion and Anointing of the Sick by Tennant Wright, S.J., from SCU. A memory of Chuck can be written at http://tributes.com/chucklau.
 

Charles D. Reiton '67, born July 30, 1934, passed away peacefully at Kaiser Hospital, Santa Clara, California on September 28, 2009. A native of North Dakota, Charles moved with his family as a child to the Bay Area, where he remained to raise his family. Charles was a graduate of San Jose State University and Santa Clara University School of Law. Charles spent much of his career working for various defense contractors, such as Varian, UTC, Eaton Electronics and Northrop Grumman. Upon his retirement, he moved to Lincoln, California where he lived until his recent illness. He is survived by his two natural children, Douglas D. Reiton and Jerold A. Reiton, as well as his three step children, Paul Simon, Julie Ruark, and Mark Simon. Charles is also survived by 10 grandchildren.

Benjamin Daniel Laubacher III ’67, age 66, of Springfield, Va., died on Sunday, January 15, 2012 at Invoa Fairfax Hospital. Beloved husband of Maureen Laubacher ’67; loving father of Benjamin D. Laubacher IV (Rai), Christopher Laubacher (Eileen) and Patrick Laubacher (Stacey); devoted grandfather of Benjamin V, Kaitlyn, Brandon, Natalie, Joanna, Michael, Lindsey, Caroline, Matthew and Nicholas. Benjamin is also survived by his siblings, David Laubacher, Ann Watts (Dick), George Laubacher (Carol), Greg Laubacher (Joanne) and Pam Swigert (Steve). Benjamin is preceded in death by his brother, Ronald Laubacher.  

Allen Frank DeNegri MBA ’67 passed away on March 13, 2012. He is survived by his wife, Robin, and his children, Deb (Nyberg) and Dean DeNegri.

Thomas R. Johnston ’68 was 66 years old.  3/30/1946 to 5/23/2012.

Takeshi Robert Takeuchi '68 died on May 3, 2008. 

Samuel H. Vaught J.D. '68 passed away on March 28, 2011 in Watsonville, Calif., following a lengthy illness. Born in San Antonio, Texas, he was 79 years old. Mr. Vaught was raised in Texas, and served his country in the US Air Force during the Korean War. He attended the Defense Language Institute in Monterey at the Navy Post Graduate School, studying Russian. His skills allowed him to break Russian codes while stationed in North Japan. Following his military career, Mr. Vaught attended U.S.C. and later graduated from Santa Clara University Law School. He worked his way through law school while working for the railroad, and taking care of his baby daughter; at times studying with her on his lap on a meager three hours sleep per day. Mr. Vaught moved to Santa Cruz in 1975 and began his private law practice with Dennis Caspe. His career in law spanned over 28 years and his family and colleagues will forever remember his love for a good argument, and his stubbornness which kept his friends and family engaged, as well as entertained. He was an active parishioner of Christ Lutheran Church in Aptos, and also enjoyed camping, fishing, and was an accomplished cook. He is survived by his daughter, Judy A. Barclay of Folsom, California, his four loving grandchildren: Sean, Lance, Lexi, Audrey; and his niece, Joann Frankena and also his nephew Tom Koelln. Mr. Vaught also leaves many dear friends and colleagues in Santa Cruz County including: Colleen Ward, Marshall Bautz, Bob Yonts, and Dennis Caspe.

Michael Rewak '68 passed away on Friday, July 23, 2010. The Rewak family lost their beloved father, husband, brother, and son at age 63. Mike passed away surrounded by his family while resting peace-fully at home in Mukilteo, Wash. He was born September 21, 1946, and grew up in San Jose, Calif. He graduated from Santa Clara University and was active in student affairs and athletics. He moved to the Northwest and raised his family in Edmonds, Wash. Mike was a long-time employee of the Fluke Corporation in Everett. He was preceded in death by his father, William Rewak; and survived by his loving wife of 38 years, Sue Rewak '69; and his children, Karie Dostert '99 and Steve Dostert, and Scott and Belinda Rewak. Mike is also survived by grandchildren, Bryce, Georgia, Lorelei, Shelby, Dustin, Brittany, and Dillon; his mother, Eldora Rewak; and his siblings, Fr. William Rewak, who served as president of Santa Clara University 1976–1988; Bob and Sue Rewak, Dana Cole '73, and Patty and Frank Lima; as well as many nieces and nephews including Jeanine L. Conner '81. Family, friends and golf partners remember and admire Mike's optimism, gentle spirit, generosity, kindness, and warmth.

Michael A. Fowler '68  died unexpectedly from cardiac arrest while hospitalized near his Rosamond, Caif. home on December 21, 2009, with his daughter, Melinda Fowler, by his side. He was the son of lifelong Los Gatos residents, the late Robert H. Fowler, retired Southern Pacific employee, and the late Geraldine A. "Mina" Lepurin-Fowler, who owned and operated Idamina's Fashions in Los Gatos for over 30 years. Michael was also the great-great grandson to Samuel L. Lord, a Civil War Veteran and one of the patriarchs of the family. Mike was a three-sport athlete and scholastic achiever at Los Gatos High, class of '64, and continued to play football at Santa Clara University for four years, where he met and married the late Judy Swenson-Fowler before he graduated with a B.A. in Business Administration. He also participated in ROTC while there. After further training and a year in Vietnam he returned to San Jose to join the leadership of Carl N. Swenson Construction Co. with clients including G.M., Ford, Signetics, Fairchild, Lone Star, the San Jose Mercury News, Lockheed, IBM and numerous others. In the early 1970s for a couple of years he served as president of San Jose's Tapestry and Talent Festival. For the last 11 years, Mike worked as senior estimator and project manager for Camco Pacific Builders of Calif. and Nevada, specializing in commercial, industrial, retail, and military building and development. He was continually commended for his non-stop work and energy to build. Survivors include his two daughters, Melinda and Gayle, brother Greg, and sister Patricia Valdenaire and her family of Roquefort, France, and six grandchildren. Mike's son Arne died tragically 24 years ago.

Lawrence Howard Bakken Jr. JD ’68 passed away on December 24, 2011 in Livermore at the age of 80, after a lengthy illness.

Larry was born in Chicago and moved with his parents, Lawrence Howard Bakken, Sr and Viola May to Minneapolis, Minnesota. He attended St. Thomas Military Academy in St. Paul. He obtained a bachelor and master of science degrees in civil engineering from University of Minnesota. While working a part time job at University of Minnesota Hospitals he met a dietetic intern, Evelyn McAuley from Manitoba and they married a year later.

He worked at Convair Aircraft Company in San Diego and taught Engineering classes at San Diego State. He attended graduate school at University of California, Berkeley. Next employment was at the Sandia Labs in Livermore. While working there he enrolled in the evening classes at University of Santa Clara School of Law. He graduated with a J.D., degree and was employed with a private law firm in Hayward. He returned to the scientific field at Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory in Livermore where he was employed until retirement 22 years later.

Larry was an active member of Livermore Rotary and the local Chamber of Commerce. He was involved in community groups, SIR's and League of Women Voters. He was appointed to the Alameda County Consumer Affairs Council. He was friendly, industrious, adventuresome and an avid reader. He loved to travel and to dance to Big Band music. He enjoyed his collection of classic cars and appreciated Art Deco. Larry had an endless zeal for learning. He had an infectious laugh and will be missed greatly by all who knew him.

A long time member of First Presbyterian Church in Livermore, he served a term as financial officer and was a charter member of a couples group. He was predeceased by his parents, Uncle Bill (Lila), Aunt Ethel and sister, Viola Mae Kanatz. Surviving family are wife, Evelyn of 55 years and daughter Lauren (Roger) Van Maren, four brothers- in- law David Kanatz, Douglas (wife Chris), Robert (wife Leah), Keith and sister-in-law Beth (husband Ray), cousins Gail (Eric) Johnson and Paul (Susan) Bakken.

John Vincent M.A. ’68, who served as principal of Ladera School from 1968 to 1978 and vice principal of La Entrada School for many years, died July 18. He was 84.

Jerry Franklin Kirk M.S. ’68, 80, a resident of Santa Clara, entered into rest on Aug. 4, 2012, at the Terraces of Los Gatos, a skilled nursing facility, after fighting a battle with cancer. Jerry was born in Salisbury, N.C., to Arnold Burtis Clay Kirk and Virley (Maxwell) Kirk on April 13, 1932.

He was preceded in death by his parents, ABC and Virley (Maxwell) Kirk; and his brothers and sisters, John Clay (Catherine), Dorothy Eamich (Richard), Raymond (Lois), Arnold Jr (Ettamae), Mildred Shortall (William), Evelyn Jean Kirk-Ramsey (Jack) and Margaret Larabee (Leo). He is survived by his sister, Nina Jo Kirk-Scoggins (William) of Lexington, N.C.; three sons, Steven Arnold, Kevan Scot and Jody Kenneth; and five grandchildren.

Jerry graduated from Boyden High School in Salisbury Class of 1950. He served as a radar engineer in the Air Force from 1951 to 1955 during the Korean War. After his military service, Jerry attended the University of Maryland and graduated in 1959 with a Bachelor of Science degree. Jerry married Betty Jo Gregg in San Diego, Calif. He spent most of his career at, and retired from, Lockheed-Martin in Sunnyvale, Calif. He worked primarily on the now declassified reconnaissance satellite programs "Gambit" and "Hexagon." Since the programs became declassified, Jerry was able to share the details of his involvement in the programs and was extremely proud of his contribution to the programs success.

Jerry continued his education while raising a family and working for Lockheed-Martin and obtained a Masters in Engineering from Santa Clara University. While Jerry was growing up, the family owned a horse at the Milford Hills residence outside of Salisbury, N.C. Through his childhood experiences, Jerry developed a life-long passion for horses and horse racing. Once asked what made him smile, his response was, "Picking a horse race winner!"

Jerry A. Howard MBA '68 died Dec. 18, 2009 in McKinney, Texas. He was 67 years old. He was born on September 17, 1942 in Moscow, Idaho, to Alfred and Adeline (Boller) Howard. Dr. Howard grew up in Potlatch, Idaho. He graduated from the University of Idaho, in Moscow, on a football and track scholarship. He earned his Bachelor Degree in Business Agriculture. Dr. Howard received his MBA at Santa Clara University, and earned his doctorate of economics from Washington State University. While in college, Dr. Howard worked six months with impoverished farmers in South Korea, on a youth service project. He also worked in Nigeria, teaching crop management for FMC Corporation. Dr. Howard married Peggy Cass Begala on April 11, 1981, in Houston, Texas. Dr. Howard was CEO and Chairman of the Board of the Atrion Corporation from 1984 to 1998, and also worked with many different charitable organizations, including serving as President of the United Way in Florence, Alabama. He took great pleasure in mentoring his stepchildren as well as many young business associates. Although Dr. Howard's business career took him to many places, his heart was always in Potlatch, Idaho with his family and many friends. Some of his fondest memories were of working with his father, brothers and cousins on the family ranch. His keen sense of adventure led him to try his hand at everything from bull riding to downhill skiing to big game hunting to obtaining his pilot's license to leading a group of Texas students to Colima, Mexico to study Spanish, at age 60. Dr. Howard is survived by his wife Peggy. He is also survived by his stepchildren, Kathleen Begala, and husband, Yves Istel of New York, New York, David Begala and wife, Becky, of Houston, Texas, Paul Begala and wife, Diane, of McLean, Virginia, Christopher Begala and wife, Jeanie, of Houston, Texas, and Michael Begala of Addison, Texas. His grandchildren filled his life with joy. They are: John, Billy, Charlie, Patrick, Sam, Grace, Katherine, Nicole, and Christopher Begala. Dr. Howard is also survived by his brothers, John Howard and wife Jennifer, of Potlatch, Idaho; and Julian Howard, of Lewiston, Idaho; and a host of other loving family. He is preceded in death by his parents Alfred and Adeline (Boller) Howard.

Jack Keuhler '54 on Dec. 20, 2008.  A native of Grand Island, Neb., he started at IBM as an associate engineer at the San Jose Research Laboratory in 1958. He was elected IBM senior vice president in May 1982 and became vice chairman of the board and a member of the executive committee in January 1988. He was elected president in May 1989 and resumed the title of vice chairman in 1993. The former engineering alumnus served on SCU's Board of Trustees, and in 2005 he and his wife donated $1 million to the School of Engineering. In addition to his wife, he is survived by five children; and 12 grandchildren.

Grady B. Hall '68 passed away on June 5, 2008. 

Gerald Lee Walker, 66, of Cannon Beach, died Monday, June 28, 2010, in Seaside, Ore. He was born Feb. 7, 1944, in Vancouver, Wash., to missionaries Orland and Nola Archer Walker. His parents preceded him in death. Raised in Eugene, he attended South Eugene High School. In 1961, he married Susan Philpin, the mother of his son. They later divorced. He worked for the Lockheed Corporation while attending college. In 1968, he graduated from the University of Santa Clara, Calif., with a law degree. In 1992, he married Kathy White of Arizona. They later divorced. In 1969, upon passing the bar exam, he partnered to work for Kane, Canelo & Walker, Attorneys at Law in Merced, Calif. As a trial lawyer his specialties were personal injury and wrongful death. He later went on to enjoy a successful career in corporate law and became the general council for Tescon America in 1986. He retired in 1992. After retiring, he assisted his parents in their missionary work and traveled around the world. Family members said he enjoyed collecting art, traveling, hiking, watching sports and rooting for the underdog. He enjoyed challenges and did volunteer work for people he felt were being taken advantage of. He is survived by two sisters and their families, Patricia Klonoski of Tucson, Ariz., and Betty Allison of Vida; and a son, Darryl Walker of Cannon Beach. He was preceded in death by a brother.