Santa Clara Magazine

William “Bill” Francis Bearden M.S. ’69, a resident of Sunnyvale, was born Aug. 1, 1936 and died Mar. 25, 2012. William F. "Bill" Bearden, loving husband, father, and grandfather, is survived by his wife of 52 years, Marilyn; his daughters Betsy Bearden and Susan Peterson (Eric); and his grandsons Evan and Liam. He is predeceased by his son Michael. Bill received a BSEE from Northwestern University and an MSEE from Santa Clara University. He served as a lieutenant in the Navy and spent over 40 years as an engineer in the Silicon Valley. Bill enjoyed photography, table tennis, personal computing, fixing and building electronics, watching college sports, and supporting patriotic organizations. He took up woodworking late in life, calling it "making sawdust."

Walter Lembi '69 on August 17, 2010. Lembi, 63, died from from cancer of the esophagus. Diagnosed in August 2009, he had battled the disease for the past year. Despite surgery to remove the cancerous portion of the esophagus in April, complications set in, and Lembi spent more than three months in intensive care at UCSF medical center, according to Lembi Group attorney, Ed Singer. Singer said Lembi died peacefully with his family at his side, including his father, Frank Lembi, who along with Walter, built what became the largest residential property empire in San Francisco.

Thomas W. Allen J.D. '69 on April 5, 2010. Tom was born in Pasadena on September 11, 1937 and grew up in Santa Ana. An Army veteran, Tom attended Santa Clara University Law School, and had a long career serving as City Attorney for several cities in the Orange County area, including Stanton, Los Alamitos, and Lake Forest. He retired from active practice several years ago, but was still enjoying occasional work as a Hearing Officer for local municipalities. Tom's lifetime passion was the sea. From the time he was a young boy who hitchhiked from Santa Ana to fish off the piers in Newport Beach or catch a ride on a half-day boat, his life was spent around the ocean. He became a deckhand and earned his way up to serve as captain of several Newport-based fishing boats, taking passengers to the best fishing spots off Catalina and San Clemente. Tom even signed on to a Portuguese commercial tuna boat and spent months off of South America, poling giant tuna over his head from the boat's rolling swim step. In later years, Tom continued his sea adventures, taking dives from his own boat and voyaging to Alaska and Mexico and everywhere in between. He was a member of the Avalon Tuna Club, the Balboa Angling Club and the Catalina Conservancy. Tom was a robust, big-hearted man who never met a stranger and was never short of a smile. Tom's passing has left a big hole in his family and in the hearts of those who knew and loved him. He is survived by his wife, Pamela Whitesides Allen, his son, Matt Allen, his brother and sister- in-law, Bob and Eleanor Allen, his sisters-in-law and brothers-in-law, Paula and Pat Nielsen and Terry and Jim Hawley, and by his nieces and nephews, Kathy and Jon Shamrell, Tim and Julie Nielsen, Kristin and Steve Braucht, Kellie and Robert Smith, Kathleen Hawley, Tom Allen, Matt Nielsen, and Luke Hawley.

Shirlene Ann Soto '69 and her husband, Walter Elliott, died in a tragic car accident, Friday, October 23, 2009. Shirlene was born in January 1947 at Mountain View hospital in San Luis Obispo. Walt was born in June 1925 in Southern California. Shirlene was the epitome of a well-rounded individual. She excelled in school, and earned her bachelor''s degree from San Francisco State University and master's degree and Ph.D. from the University of New Mexico. She wrote books and articles, was a savvy businesswoman, mastered two languages and was the best daughter, sister, aunt and wife anyone could ask for. Shirlene was greatly admired for her light-hearted jokes and calm, sensitive nature. She taught at several universities, including Cal Poly, University of New Mexico, College of the Canyons, UCLA and University of Northridge. Walt was known for his generosity and quick-witted comments. He always had a joke to tell and a smile on his face. Walt's school accomplishments included a bachelor's degree, two master's degrees and a Ph.D. in physics. He served the country during World War II and taught Physics at Cal Poly in his early days. Later in life, he worked for Rocketdyne, Boeing and other companies associated with space travel and research. Shirlene and Walt met while teaching at Cal Poly. They enjoyed traveling the world and had visited various places in South America, Mexico, Europe, China, and Russia. After retirement, they retired to their dream home in Los Osos, which they designed and built. Shirlene is survived by her parents, Vernon and Althea Soto of Cambria; and brother, Robert Soto. Walt is survived by his sister, Adele Brink of San Diego, Calif.

Richard J. Conner ’69 was born April 2, 1947 and died Nov. 11, 2012. He was a resident of San Ramon. A fighter to the end, Rich finallly ran out of credits at the video poker machine of life and succumbed to glioblastoma after a fierce battle with the disease. Predeceased by his father Glease Conner in 1982 and his mother Euphrasia (Lillie) by only seven days, he is survived by his daughter Shannon (Tom), brother Bill (Joan), Fiance Cynthia, nephew Michael and niece Elizabeth Walker. Rich was born and raised in San Rafael and grew up in the house his father was born in, back in 1912. He had a love for fishing, gambling, music and his all time favorite, his work-outs at Club Sport of San Ramon. Rich was a graduate of Marin Catholic High School in 1965 and Santa Clara University in 1969. His first job was selling photocopiers for IBM, where he made a name for himself and was soon hired by Ethicon. The last 25 years of his life he worked for Hill-Rom, earning several prestigious awards and superior sales achievements. A well kept secret, Rich was an accomplished ballroom dancer and he and Cynthia spent many nights at Top of the Mark in San Francisco dancing the night away. He will be deeply missed by those he mentored and loved, both professionally and personally.

Randall A.  Hays '67, born April 12, 1943, in Berkeley, Calif., the son of William and Elizabeth (Armstrong) Hays, died May 19, 2010, in North Bend. Randy was raised and educated in Ukiah, Ca where he met and later married his high school sweetheart, Doretta "Dori" Washburn, on June 18, 1966. Randy attended the University of California, Berkeley his freshman year, then transferred to Oakland City College, where he received his Associate of Arts degree. He then went to San Jose State, where he received a Bachelor of Arts degree in law enforcement. He lastly went to Santa Clara University, where he earned a Juris Doctor law degree. Randy worked as the city attorney for the cities of Ukiah, Redding, and Lodi in California until retiring. He was an active member of the Rotary Club in Ukiah and Redding and the Elks Lodge in Redding. Randy and Dori have made their home for the last six years in Coos Bay, where he was a member of the Pacific Coast Corvette Club. Randy enjoyed working on cars and building engines, hunting with his sons, reading, traveling, driving the Corvette, working around their property, and most of all, spending time with his family. He is survived by his wife, Dori Hays of Coos Bay; sons, Sean and Shelly Hays of Anderson, Ca, and Bryan and Jeannie Hays of Roseville, Ca; four grandchildren; stepfather, Arthur Church of Ukiah; and half-sisters, Candice "Candy" Rhinehart of Aurora, Co, and
Debbie Berryman of Denver, Colo.
 

Pamela Jolicoeur '69, former provost and sociology professor at California Lutheran University, died unexpectedly after suffering a stroke. She worked at the Thousand Oaks university for more than 30 years before leaving as provost in 2004 to become the 10th president of Concordia College in Moorhead, Minn. Jolicoeur was 65.  “This is a devastating day for all of us in the Concordia community,” said Ron Offutt, chairman of Concordia’s Board of Regents.  Jolicoeur suffered the stroke at home and was in a hospital in serious condition when she died.  “To say that people here are devastated would be an understatement,” Karin Grennan, CLU’s media relations manager, said in an e-mail.  Leanne Neilson, CLU’s current provost, agreed. “She made such an impact at Cal Lutheran, we are just in shock,” Neilson said. “She will be greatly missed.”  Jolicoeur was a member of the sociology faculty at CLU until 1993, when she became vice president for academic affairs — a post she held until being named CLU provost in 1996.  While at Concordia, Jolicoeur presided over a $100 million capital campaign, including the construction of a campus center.  Concordia is a private, four-year liberal arts college in northwestern Minnesota. Established in 1891, it has 2,815 students and 220 faculty members.  Jolicoeur was among a group of U.S. college presidents invited by former secretary of state Condoleezza Rice to participate in a summit on international education.  Jolicoeur graduated from Santa Clara University and earned a doctorate in sociology from Purdue University.  She still owned a home in Thousand Oaks and would often visit the area, her friends said.  She is survived by a daughter, Jessica, and husband Mike Doyle, a retired professor from CLU.

Lee, Mollie Rachel ’69, Feb. 4, 2012. A bright shining light, Mollie Lee passed from this earth on Feb. 4 in Portland. Mollie was a beautiful, joyful woman with twinkling eyes, dark curly hair, and smiling, rosy-red lips. She had boundless energy and enthusiasm and a love of life. Many friends, far and wide, were attracted to her good wit, graciousness and authenticity. Mollie was an extraordinarily warm, generous and loving friend.

Mollie was born Aug. 08, 1947, to Thomas and Henrietta Ferry in Berkeley, Calif., in 1947. She lived in Palo Alto, attending school in grades 2 through 12. Mollie's mother reports that from the time Mollie was a child, you couldn't help but love her, even if she was naughty. Mollie graduated from Santa Clara University in 1969 and began her teaching career in California. Mollie married and moved to Oregon. Four years later, she earned her master's degree from the University of Oregon. A number of years later, she and her first spouse parted ways. Mollie was a beloved, highly respected master educator. She created an inviting and engaging learning environment in her many roles in education. Mollie taught and soon became a librarian at Englewood Elementary School. She was chosen as the Salem-Keizer library media specialist and then principal of Rosedale Elementary School in Salem. She then brought her outstanding educational leadership to Lake Oswego, where she was principal of Forest Hills Elementary School, 1989-1996, and Lake Grove Elementary School, 1996-2003. Mollie endeared children, staff and parents alike with her big hugs, easy laugh, sparkly spirit and ability to bring people together. As Mollie was wrapping up her 30-year career in education, she fell in love with a great guy with similar values - a sense of family, fun, adventure and commitment. Mollie and Mac Lee married in December of 2005, and Mollie was thrilled to build a family with Mac and her charming stepsons, Sam and Jesse. Mollie and Mac bought a Sprinter van and enjoyed "camping" in beautiful spots throughout the northwest and California. On a Friday afternoon, one could find her riding in Mac's motorcycle sidecar off to a scenic winery. Mollie was always game for good fun, whether hiking in Yosemite, soaking up sunshine in Carmel, tending her gardens, shopping in SAKS or Goodwill, or enjoying dinner with loved ones. Mollie leaves behind half-knit sweaters, canvases and paints waiting for her special touch, boxes of photographs documenting fun and frolic, her lovable goldendoodle, Baxter, and a wide range of adoring friends and family members who will miss her bright light. Mollie was preceded in death by her dad, Thomas Ferry. In addition to her husband, Mac Lee, and stepsons, Sam and Jesse Lee, Mollie is survived by her dear mother, Henrietta (Hank) Ferry; brother, Robbie and his sons, Nick and Skyler; devoted mother-in-law and father-in-law, Pat and Dixon Lee; and so many great friends. What would Mollie like you to do in honor of her? Love those around you, laugh much and cherish life. 

Kenneth C. LeDuc MBA '69 died Oct. 10, 2009. He was 76 years old. A native of St. Petersburg, FL, he was a 1951 graduate of St. Pete High School. He received degrees from St. Pete Junior College, the University of Florida (BME with honors ’58) and the University of Santa Clara (MBA ’70).  He was certified by the State of Florida as a Professional Engineer, General Contractor and Building Official. He spent 20 years of his career with General Electric Company in Hague (Gainesville), FL, in various positions of engineering management and held seven U.S. patents for G.E.  He was active at various times in his life with the American Heart Association, Rotary, Kiwanis, and Elks, and he was a life member of the American Legion and Lambda Chi Alpha Fraternity. After his retirement, he coordinated numerous alumni reunion activities for his class at SPHS. An Army Signal Corps cryptographer and veteran of the Korean Conflict, he was  interred at the Bay Pines Veterans Memorial Cemetery. He is survived by his son, Brian LeDuc, of Apex, NC, and daughter, Mari Hamilton (Fred), of Gainesville, FL; and brother Bob LeDuc (Millie) of Brooksville, FL.

Joseph "Joe" F. Ercoli ’69—an unforgettable firecracker—began lighting up the halls of Heaven on the morning of October 3, 2012. A proud and passionate Italian-American, the always lively and colorful Joe was born in San Francisco on May 18, 1947 to Joseph and Patricia Ercoli. Growing up in South San Francisco, Joe was educated at All Souls Elementary, Serra High School, and Santa Clara University. Distinguishing himself as a civil engineer, as a South City restaurateur, and as a long time salesman, Joe toiled his entire life with a tirelessness and tenacity that was as impressive as it was unmatched. A lover of horses, political discussions, and the Dollar Store, Joe's most fiercely cherished treasure was the beloved family that survives and celebrates him: his devoted bride of forty-three years, Christine, and his dear, precious children, Alexis and Joseph. We shall not see his like again, but the world is richer for his having passed this way. He was the brother-in-law of David Ferrari ’61, J.D. ’64.

James Patrick McGuirk '69 died after a lengthy illness on July 12, 2011, supported by his loving family. McGuirk was born June 17, 1947 to Ralph and Evelyn McGuirk in Portland. He received his B.S. degree from Santa Clara University in 1969, his M.S. degree from MIT in 1970, and his Ph.D. degree from Colorado State University in 1977. McGuirk was a professor of Atmospheric Sciences at Texas A&M University from 1977 to 2001 when his illness forced him to retire. Jim married Barbara Dineen '69 on June 16, 1969, in San Jose. Jim was preceded in death by his parents and a brother, Daniel. He is survived by his wife, Barbara, son Christopher and wife, Casey McGuirk, of Tomball, and son, Jeffrey and partner, Amanda Jansen of Vancouver, BC, as well as four grandchildren: Max, Carter, Lauren, and Caroline. One brother also survives him, Robert and Alvera McGuirk, of Portland; as well as his mother-in-law, Maxine Dineen of Redondo Beach, California; and brothers- and sisters-in-law Richard Dineen of San Pedro, Calif., Teresa and husband, Michael Carman, of Rancho Palos Verdes, Calif., Kathy and husband, Richard Ellison, of Devils Lake, N.D., and John and wife, Nancy Dineen, of Redondo Beach, Calif., and many nieces and nephews. McGuirk will be remembered for his love of family and friends, his interest and knowledge in just about everything, and his dry sense of humor.

James H. Hanson MBA '69 died on April 9, 2011, in Redwood City. He was born in Coatbridge, Scotland, on Jan. 7, 1926. He attended Queens University in Belfast, Northern Ireland, where he received a B.S.C. in electrical engineering in 1945, then continued with graduate work in industrial engineering and management at the College of Technology in Glasgow. In 1969, he received an MBA from the University of Santa Clara in California. He traveled the world for work and pleasure and lived in Scotland, Canada, Northern Ireland, England, Pakistan, and India before settling in the Bay Area in 1958. After a 25-year career with SRI International in Menlo Park, he retired as Director of Facilities Management in 1984. He loved the outdoors and took daily walks in the Santa Cruz Mountains and coastal beaches. An avid traveler, he circumnavigated the globe and sailed all five oceans and seven seas. Predeceased by his wife Catherine Schmidt Hanson, 1986. Survived by children Catherine Chase, Killingworth, Conn.; Margaret Sueoka '90, Kapaa, Hawaii; William Hanson, La Honda, Calif.; their spouses Robert Chase, Steve Sueoka and Joan Hanson; four granddaughters and a grandson; and dear friend Luann Robertson.

Harry Ellis MBA ’69 received his healed body in heaven on Aug. 28, 2012, after losing his three-year battle to fully recover from illness.

Harry was born in New Haven, Conn., on Dec. 2, 1938. After graduating from Providence College, he was commissioned as an officer in the U.S. Army. While stationed at Fort Ord, he decided to stay in California where “there was no snow.”

He worked in Oakland for Kaiser, Sand and Gravel Division, for 10 years, and completed his MBA at Santa Clara University, and then began his long career in the wine industry in Bakersfield. In 1976, he moved to Napa where he worked for Beringer Winery, Franciscan Winery and ended his career as CFO at Geyser Peak Winery, retiring in 2000.

At Beringer, he first met Elaine, his best friend and wife of 34 years. His interests included history, classical and “old-time” country music, golf and hockey. One goal he completed was to visit every state in the union. In 2003, he and Elaine joined the international Christian organization, Operation Mobilization, as regional development associates. They traveled extensively for OM, visiting overseas ministries to the poor and oppressed, then returning home to relate stories to donors who shared their passion to bring freedom and hope.

In addition to his wife, Elaine, Harry is survived by his brother Frank Ellis of Notre Dame, Ind.; his sister in-law, Judy Ellis, of North Haven, Conn.; and nieces and nephews on both east and west coasts. He was recently predeceased by his brother, David Ellis. Both family and friends will miss Harry’s gifts of encouraging others and his ability to see the humor in all things.

David Michael Delgado '69 died Aug. 27, 2009. He was 62 years old.

B. Timothy Murphy '69 on Sept. 24, 2009. B. Timothy Murphy was born and raised a southern gentleman in Palo Alto, Calif. He graduated from Bellarmine High School and Santa Clara University. After receiving his law degree from Santa Clara he moved to San Francisco, where he worked at the San Francisco City Attorney's Office. He later became the City Attorney of Daly City. Following a brief stint working with his father, he returned to practicing law for the California State Automobile Association with the law firm of MacMorris and Carbone. Tim loved traveling with his family and planned many adventures throughout the country and around the world, from Europe to Africa to Asia. He was a great sports fan and avid golfer, enjoying every foursome but especially the one that included his three sons. He was also an accomplished baker, famous for his chocolate chip cookies. Tim leaves behind the family he adored (and who adored him) so much - his devoted wife, Geraldine (Murphy) '69, his beloved sons Frank, Brian, and Chris, his treasured daughter-in-law Marie, and his cherished grandchildren Killian and Ella. He is also survived by his loving brother and sister, Daniel C. Murphy and Michael Ann Jakuc, and by a host of other family members and dear friends.

Andrew William Dodd J.D. '69 on Feb. 4, 2009.  He dedicated his career to helping families affected by vaccine injuries. In the late 1980s, he testified alongside Jonas Salk in support of a Congressional bill that led to the creation of the National Vaccine Injury Compensation Program. He is survived by his wife of 31 years, Dikranuhy; and two children.