Obituaries

Faculty

Charles "Charlie" Isaac Wallace Jr.
September 28, 1943–December 17, 2025

Charlie Wallace died on December 17, 2025, in Salem, Oregon, surrounded by family and friends. He experienced a precipitous decline after being hospitalized for a fall, exacerbated by congestive heart failure. He was 82.

Charles Isaac Wallace, Jr., was born in Baltimore, Maryland, on September 28, 1943, to Miriam (Shroyer) Wallace and Charles I. Wallace, Sr. The family (including his younger siblings Becky and Jim) moved several times in the Baltimore area during his childhood, following his father's various church minister appointments. They landed in Burtonsville where Charlie attended nearby Sherwood High School and played trombone in the school marching band—which performed at John F. Kennedy's inaugural parade.

Charlie attended Bowdoin College, where he majored in History, joined Theta Delta Chi, and read the news on a local radio station, while also managing to get up to occasional mischief—including "good trouble." In the summer of 1963, he and his father participated in the March on Washington where they had the honor of hearing the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. speak. After graduating from Bowdoin in 1965, Charlie, drawn by the Social Gospel teaching that both his father and maternal grandfather embraced as Methodist ministers, decided to continue the family vocation by enrolling at Yale Divinity School. Inspired by William Sloane Coffin, who was already a legendary university chaplain at Yale, and by the freedom struggle taking place in the American South at the time, Charlie joined a group of divinity students from the Student Interracial Ministry and drove down to Albany, Georgia, in the summer of 1966 to support voter registration efforts. After graduating from YDS with a Master of Divinity in 1968, he continued on to Duke University to pursue a Ph.D. in the history of Christianity, writing a dissertation on the Protestant work ethic in early Methodism.

At Duke, he met Mary Elizabeth (Betsy) Sargent, an undergraduate. They married in 1971 and lived their first few years of married life in England, both pursuing doctoral research, while he also taught religious studies classes at Chislehurst School for Girls. Their first daughter, Hannah, was born in Bromley, England, in 1973. It was on British T.V. that he first saw the brilliant British comedy troupe Monty Python, which would have a long-lasting influence on his irreverent and quirky sense of humor.

When they returned to the U.S. in the summer of 1973, Charlie was ordained in the United Methodist Church and was hired as minister at Mt. Zion United Methodist Church in Finksburg, Maryland. After their second daughter, Molly, was born at home in Westminster, Maryland, in 1978, Charlie became a part-time chaplain and instructor at Western Maryland College (now McDaniel College), where his maternal grandfather had previously taught (at Westminster Theological Seminary on campus) and where his parents had met. He also taught occasionally at Wesley Seminary nearby. This move to campus ministry and teaching afforded him the opportunity to combine both dimensions of his calling: pastoral work and scholarly engagement. During this time, The New York Times profiled Charlie and Betsy’s struggles as adjunct faculty at multiple institutions, also highlighting their embrace of more equitable gender roles through sharing parenting and household responsibilities. The family continued to live in Westminster, right down the street from Charlie’s parents, until 1985.

In 1985, a job offer as University Chaplain at Willamette University in Salem, Oregon, took the family out west. The position offered Charlie the chance to serve the entire campus community at an institution with Methodist roots, while also teaching courses in the religious studies department. Some of his favorite courses were Liberation Theology and Social Change; Religion in America; and Soul Food: Eating and Drinking in Western Religion. Charlie became a beloved force on the Willamette campus and beyond, connecting and inspiring students, faculty, and staff alike through a cultivation of spiritual and intellectual purpose, service, and activism. During his time at Willamette, Charlie supported students of multiple faith traditions (and of none), was instrumental in shaping Convocation—a weekly convening of the campus community for lectures, concerts, and discussion—and was one of the founding members of the Salem Peace Lecture Committee. Under his leadership, a grant from the Lilly Endowment expanded the chaplaincy and made questions of meaning, purpose, and vocation central to the campus experience.

Charlie guided the campus through various world events, from the global anti- Apartheid struggle and anti-nuclear movement to the Gulf War, 9/11, and the U.S. invasions of Afghanistan and Iraq, offering a witness to injustice and a strong, steady voice for ethical action. In his prayers, sermons, invocations, and benedictions over the years, Charlie somehow managed to combine levity and humor with profound spiritual and theological insight and socio-political critique, reminding those gathered of their responsibility to one another and to address the world’s injustices. He was also a trusted counselor to members of the campus community and a celebrated teacher. Given the affection many students and former students (not to mention colleagues, friends, and family members) felt for him, it is no surprise that he was asked to officiate at a substantial number of weddings over the years—a task he happily accepted, including for many samesex couples when that was still a fairly rare occurrence. He led two study abroad programs during his tenure at Willamette, one to London in 1991 and one to Galway, Ireland, in 2006. Amidst all this pastoral, service, and teaching work on campus, he also published his long-standing scholarly labor of love—Susanna Wesley: The Complete Writings—as well as, later, From A Mother’s Pen: Selections from the Spiritual Writing of Susanna Wesley. He was also an active member of the American Academy of Religion, the American Historical Society, and the American Society of Church History.

In 1997, a few years after his first marriage ended, Charlie married fellow Methodist minister Priscilla (Dee-dee) Walters in Wellfleet, Massachusetts, bringing step-daughters Liz Clark and Holly Pendleton into his family fold. Charlie and Dee-dee lived in Salem and spent almost 30 active years together, traveling back east frequently to see family in New England and Maryland. They also traveled to England on a few occasions, to Australia in 2004, and to Scotland as recently as 2019. Charlie and Dee-dee were also avid hikers and walkers together, from the Mount Jefferson Wilderness and the Grand Canyon to Salem’s Minto Brown Park. They also loved animals and welcomed several cats into their home over the years. One would often see Charlie and Dee-dee at climate and social justice protests at the State Capitol or campaigning for progressive politicians. They also regularly volunteered at church-based homeless shelters.

After retiring from Willamette in 2012 after 27 years of service, Charlie continued teaching a course here and there for the next few years but then retired in earnest in 2016. Whatever energy he had once devoted to teaching and chaplain-ing he soon started devoting to grandparenting. Madeleine was born in 2004 (to Don McIntosh, Hannah’s future husband), and then Joanna and Wesley were born in 2013 and 2018, respectively (to Molly and her husband John Rogers). As of 2016, all grandkids lived within a few hours of their beloved Granddad. An unceasingly loyal Baltimore Orioles fan, Charlie enjoyed catching the occasional Orioles-Mariners game up in Seattle but also, more frequently, Keizer Volcanoes, Hillsboro Hops, or, most recently, Portland Pickles games with his kids and grandkids. He and Dee-dee would frequently drive up to Portland to attend the grandkids’ school events, performances, soccer or baseball games, or preschool/kindergarten graduations.

Charlie was a lifelong learner and teacher, and up until the last few months of his life was leading a class at First United Methodist Church in Salem: Digging Deeper in Theology and Ethics. He was also participating in an online book club with some old pals from divinity school, where they recently read James by Percival Everett and were about to discuss Twelve Churches: An Unlikely History of the Buildings that Made Christianity. Charlie’s latest book, Praying with Charlie: 27 Years of Meditations, Prayers, and Benedictions (or How Monty Python Infiltrated Willamette University), was published just last year.

Though no obituary can do Charlie justice, a few other details bear mentioning. He loved people and always knew how to strike up a conversation with anyone and find a connection with them, showing genuine interest in their lives. It comes as no surprise, then, that he maintained several lifelong friendships. He was a gifted listener and retained everything, even remembering arcane details of his daughters’ lives and their social circles and professional pursuits. He reveled in a good bargain and came home from shopping trips to the Canned Food Grocery Outlet or Trader Joe's with a smile on his face, proudly displaying his surprising finds and deals. His singular sense of humor also manifested in his mild obsession with Seattle-based gag gift store Archie McPhee's, where he'd delight in everything from skittering plastic cockroaches to yodeling pickles. And beyond his trombone-playing in high school, Charlie sang in various choirs over the years (including some performances in local Gilbert & Sullivan operettas), played a mean amateur recorder, and enjoyed listening to many different kinds of music, from Renaissance madrigals to reggae, from folk songs to jazz, from Afropop to baroque.

Charlie was a devoted, loving, and endlessly supportive father, grandfather, husband, brother, son, and uncle. He is survived by his wife Dee-dee Walters, his sister Rebecca Wallace and brother James Wallace, his daughters Hannah Wallace and Molly Wallace, his step-daughters Liz Clark and Holly Pendleton, his sons-in-law Don McIntosh, John Rogers, and Brent Pendleton, and his grandkids Madeleine McIntosh, Joanna Wallace Rogers, and Wesley Wallace Rogers. He is also survived by many nieces, nephews, and grand-nieces and grand-nephews in Kansas, California, Maine, and Massachusetts, as well as countless students, colleagues, and friends whose lives he profoundly shaped.

In lieu of flowers, Charlie's family asks that you consider donating to one of the following organizations doing work close to Charlie's heart:

Mano a Mano (Salem): https://manoamanofc.org/aboutus/ Sunnyside Shower Project (Portland): https://www.sunnysideshowerproject.org/ Marion Polk Foodshare: https://marionpolkfoodshare.org/ Interfaith Movement for Immigrant Justice (Portland): https://www.imirj.org/ Third Act: https://thirdact.org/ American Friends Service Committee: https://afsc.org/ First United Methodist Church of Salem: https://www.salemfirstumc.org/ Willamette University: https://willamette.edu/

A memorial service will be held at 1:30 PM on Jan. 25, 2026, at the First United Methodist Church of Salem. 

Please share your favorite memories or thoughts for the family via this form: https://forms.gle/q8Mac6AZXDC6VA2g6

Bruce Melvin McIntosh
February 3, 1943–June 16, 2025

Bruce McIntosh passed away on June 16, 2025, at the age of 82. Bruce served as a cello instructor and professor of music from 1969 to 2005, enriching our campus with his musical expertise for 36 years. In 1984, he founded and conducted the Willamette Community Orchestra, which later became the Salem Chamber Orchestra, serving as a driving force for the ensemble for over two decades and bringing classical music to our broader community.

Bruce's creative spirit flourished in retirement. He authored A Brief History of the Vermont Copper Crafters, documenting his father's copper craft business. His later passion for astronomy left a lasting legacy—his observatory, generously donated by his wife Valerie, now serves students and the public at Umpqua Community College in Roseburg, Oregon.

Gilbert "Gil" Lafreniere
September 23, 1934–May 24, 2025

Gil Lafreniere passed away on May 24, 2025, at the age of 90. Gil joined our faculty in 1979 and dedicated 26 years to teaching geology, environmental ethics, and environmental history before retiring in 2005. His commitment to education extended well beyond his retirement, as he remained an active Professor Emeritus and continued to share his expertise through lectures at Willamette University, Portland State University, and Oregon State University.

Gil was a prolific scholar whose published works included Jean Jacques Rousseau and the Idea of Progress (1976), The Decline of Nature (2008) and Whatever Keeps You Vertical (2017), his account of a retired geologist's determination to explore mountainous regions despite facing significant medical challenges.

His dedication to environmental advocacy was equally remarkable—he helped organize the Salem Community Environmental Council to foster environmental literacy in Salem, which he was determined to transform from what he called a "black hole" of environmental awareness.

Maureen "Mo" Musser
December 1, 1934–August 4, 2024

Maureen "Mo" Musser of Happy Valley and Government Camp, Ore., died August 4, 2024 at the age of 80 was born and raised in Portland, Ore. She was a retired professor in the School of Education at Willamette University. Previously she taught elementary school in Tygh Valley and Maupin and was an instructor at Portland State University.
Maureen enjoyed skiing, gardening, reading and watercolor painting. Her parents were the late Thomas and Pat Simmons. Maureen is survived by her husband of 52 years, Lloyd Musser; and daughter Katie Joy; son-in-law Cody Joy; and grandsons Wyatt and Mitchel Joy.

Maurice Stewart
January 1, 1932–June 4, 2024

On Tuesday, June 4, 2024, Maurice Bruce Stewart concluded a full and accomplished life of 92 years.

Born in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada on January 18, 1932, Maurice gravitated toward physics as early as high school, describing its emphasis on thought as “congenial to my being.” He earned a BSc and an MSc in physics from the University of Alberta, discovering a love for teaching while working as a teaching assistant during graduate school. At age 26, Maurice accepted a faculty position at Willamette University in Salem, Oregon. In addition to teaching physics throughout his tenure there, he developed an introductory astronomy course and taught a foundational freshman course focused on encouraging them to see the world around them in new ways to broaden their awareness. He would remain at Willamette for 41 years, ever committed to the value of “getting students involved in the daily activity of learning.” Maurice’s first trip to Japan in 1980 sparked a lifelong interest in Japanese language and art. He continued to visit Japan several times each year, calling it “the most amazing place I’ve ever been,” although he traveled extensively throughout Asia and Europe, as well as to Alaska, Colombia, Greece, Indonesia, Mexico, and Senegal, sometimes just to witness solar eclipses.

Maurice retired to Portland, Oregon, choosing a home where he could enjoy panoramic views of Mount Adams, Mount Hood, Mount Rainier, and Mount St. Helens from his living room. He pursued varied interests during retirement --bird watching, painting, calligraphy, quilting, linguistics, woodworking, photography, and of course, continued to read, observe, and philosophize. He walked multiple miles per day, often pursuing different routes, driven by ambition to set foot on every street in Portland. Maurice is survived by a daughter, Margot Stewart Burgoon; a son, Alasdair Stewart; a daughter-in-law, Holly Nelson; and grandchildren, Piper Stewart, Persephone Ferry, Alexandra Stewart, and Paxton Ferry.

Clemens "Clem" Starck
November 30, 1937–March 21, 2024

Clem Starck died at his home outside Dallas, Oregon on March 21, 2024, due to complications from mesothelioma.

Starck was born in Rochester, New York, November 30, 1937. An accomplished poet and dedicated autodidact scholar, Starck dropped out of Princeton in 1958 and continued his education on the road, riding freight trains and working at a variety of jobs.

Regarding his poetry, The New York Times wrote, "Clemens Starck is an essential plain-spoken poet of work," and Starck had many jobs from which to draw inspiration: ranch hand in eastern Oregon, a newspaper reporter on Wall Street, a door-to-door salesman, and a merchant seaman. For over twenty years he worked construction up and down the West Coast, as a union carpenter on projects of all kinds, from bridge work in San Francisco and Oregon to custom homes in British Columbia. As a long-time maintenance carpenter at Oregon State University in Corvallis, he was known for his skill at repairing windows and doors.

Starck was a dynamic presenter of his poetry, giving readings to diverse audiences throughout the Western United States and in Europe. His first book, Journeyman's Wages (Story Line Press,1995), published when he was 58, received the Oregon Book Award for Poetry and the William Stafford Memorial Poetry Award from the Pacific Northwest Booksellers Association. He is also credited with being the inspiration for the founding of the annual FisherPoets Gathering in Astoria, Oregon.

A lifelong lover of languages, he began intensive study of Russian in his early 60s. He traveled to the collapsed Soviet Union twice, serving as the chaperone for Willamette University exchange students. These travels served as inspiration for his second book, Studying Russian on Company Time (Silverfish Review Press, 1999). He went on to publish four more books of poetry, all of which were gathered in Cathedrals & Parking Lots: Collected Poems, published in 2019 by Empty Bowl Press. His poems have been widely anthologized and appeared in the syndicated column "American Life in Poetry." Garrison Keillor read several of Starck's poems on National Public Radio.

Starck was also a passionate film scholar and he watched thousands of eccentric and hard-to-find films. He was especially interested in film noir, silent film, pre-code movies, and Iranian and African films.When he became curious about a specific actor or director, Clem would acquire all their available films on DVD, and then watch the entire oeuvre in chronological order.

In his final weeks, Starck enjoyed the presence and care of his three grown children, Rachel, Daniel, and Deborah, and received a steady stream of friends and family traveling from around the Northwest to pay their respects. He worked to complete a final manuscript of poems, Enjoying the Evening: Last Poems, sent it off to his publisher, and lived to receive the first copy, which gave him enormous satisfaction. He was lucid and in good humor to the end, his remarkable life culminating in a good death.

He is survived by his children, Rachel Starck (spouse Gregory Smith), Daniel Starck, Deborah Pruitt; grandchildren, Amanda Pruitt, Benjamin Pruitt, Alexander Smith, and Zoe Smith; sister Juanita Rodriquez, sisters-in-law Ginger Starck, Jan Glenn, brother-in-law Tom Juster, nephews Edilberto Rodriguez, David Juster, and nieces Maria Rodriguez, Marguerite Rodriguez, and Juanita A Rodriguez.

He was pre-deceased by his wife Barbara Starck (2012), brother David Starck (2023), brother in law Edilberto Rodriquez Sr (1987), nephew Michael Glenn (2022), and son-in-law Jade Pruitt (2022).

A memorial gathering for Clem Starck will be held in Corvallis on Saturday, May 25, 3-5 pm at the Rotary Shelter in Willamette Park. Friends are invited to come and share Clem's poems and stories about his life.

Joan Patterson
1931–April 5, 2024

Joan Patterson (nee Alice Joan Fitts) was born in Oregon’s Willamette Valley in 1931. She spent her childhood on the farm, feeding the ducks, decorating the pony, and cuddling kittens and puppies. In 1950 she took the train to Fort Worth, Texas, where she attended Texas Christian University. In 1955 she graduated with a double major in Social Work and Religion, and what she jokingly referred to as her “MRS. Degree”—she was engaged to be married to John Patterson, a seminary student from Illinois.

Dr. Allan Lindh
March 15, 2024

With sincere sympathy for our colleague, Briana Lindh, Continuing Instructor of Biology, we sadly report that her father, Dr. Allan Lindh died on March 15. After a decline due to lung disease, Allan died at home with his family. Briana shared that her father “lived out his nine lives, being a rootless beatnik, then a Dad and seismologist for the USGS, and finally focusing on his meditation practice. I remember him when I work with wood, when I pet dogs and when I watch wildlife.” Let us extend our condolences to Briana and her family for their loss.

Tyrone Williams
February 24, 1954–March 11, 2024

Tyrone Williams, age 70 of Anderson Township, died on March 11, 2024. He was the first child and only son of the Late Eddie and Callie Williams. He was a quiet, reserved, and thoughtful son, brother, uncle, friend, and mentor.

Tyrone was born at Metropolitan Hospital in Detroit, Michigan on February 24, 1954. He attended Crosman and Roosevelt Elementary, Durfee Junior High and Central High Schools. Tyrone completed his B.A., M.A. and Ph.D. in English at Wayne State University.

In 1983, he began teaching English at Xavier University, leaving Xavier to go back to Wayne State and complete his doctorate, and then returning to Xavier, achieving the rank of Professor. His first chapbook of poetry was published in 1987.

From 2000-2006, he served as Chair of the Xavier English Department. During his long career, he taught a wide variety of courses, specializing in African-American Literature, Modern American Literature, Literary Theory, and Creative Writing.

In 2023, he retired from Xavier and became the David Gray Chair of Poetry and Letters in the English Department of the University of Buffalo, one of the most prestigious academic positions in poetry in the country.

Tyrone is the author of eight full-length volumes of poetry, and numerous critical articles and reviews. He traveled extensively, giving poetry readings at venues across the country, as well as important critical papers at many academic conferences. An important figure in the poetry community, judging prizes and editing various publications, he was beloved and admired by his contemporaries, and a mentor to many younger poets. For more information, visit his website at https://www.flummoxedpoet.com/

Tyrone was also a founding member of the Winton Community Free Methodist Church since 1986, after joining their Bible study in 1983. He filled many roles including delegate and pulpit supply. His favorite memory of church was teaching Vacation Bible School.

Tyrone was preceded in death by his loving wife Elizabeth Ann (Liz) Hamilton and parents Eddie and Callie Marshall Williams. He leaves behind sisters Jacqueline Brooks, Wanda Williams-Gee, and Andrea Martin (Darryl) as well as five nieces and nephews Damon Williams, Shaticka Brooks, Jordan Gee, Chelsea Martin, and Camryn Gee and three great-nephews Damani Pruitt, Larone Mills, and Jayce Sparks.

Daniel Montague
July 7, 1937–December 28, 2024

Sadly we are reporting the death on December 28 of a distinguished and dedicated former member of the Willamette community, Daniel Montague.

Daniel served as a professor of physics emeritus from 1969-2000 and was named the Oregon Professor of the Year in 1995. Among his many endeavors, Dan was the university’s Marshal for many years. He also began an internship with Argonne National Laboratory in Illinois, in which several Willamette physics students participated for many years. Dan moved to Washington state to be near his sons and their families in the fall of 2023 after his wife’s passing earlier that year. Dan will be missed by all who knew him.

Christianne Strum
September 8, 1953–January 13, 2024

Chris was born on September 8, 1953 in Elgin, Illinois. She died on January 13th, 2024, leaving this earth with a gentle sigh, after a ferocious battle with pancreatic cancer. Chris was a light to all who knew her and will be deeply missed by her many friends and extended family.

Chris was raised in Elgin, where she was valedictorian of her high school class. She began undergraduate studies at Augustana College, then transferred to Northwestern University, graduating Summa Cum Lauda with departmental honors and election to Phi Beta Kappa. After graduating, she worked in Chicago for a stock brokerage firm where she became a vice president at age 26.

Chris met her beloved husband, Greg, in December, 1971, when he was invited to join her Christmas caroling group. They eventually settled in Salem in July, 1985. Her next career was as a dedicated stay-at-home mother to sons Michael and Mat, while also taking on many volunteer roles. Chris then returned to the workforce, where for the last ten years of her career she served as Senior Program Coordinator at the Willamette University College of Law.

She is survived by her husband of 46 years, Gregory M. Strum, M.D., son Michael Strum, M.D, daughter in-law Ashley Lundgren Strum, M.D., son Matthew Strum, daughter-in-law Desirae Piter Strum, and grandchildren Nora and Jackson Strum.

Marjorie Willson
July 25, 1934–January 15, 2024

Marjorie Wilson, 89, of Silverton, OR, beloved wife, mother, grandmother, great grandmother, and friend, passed away peacefully on January 15 into the loving arms of her Savior, Jesus.

Born in Kansas, to James and Kathryn Mosolf, she moved to the Northwest at an early age and grew up in Salem, attending Salem High School and University of Puget Sound. In addition to raising 5 children, Marjorie was active in PTA, and worked at Englewood Elementary School, finishing her career as the Director of Summer Conferences at Willamette University in Salem.

She also enjoyed many hobbies and activities including dancing, sports (particularly baseball), traveling, stamping, reading on her Kindle, and gardening. For Marjorie, family was her love. Having her "chicks" all together and being the hub of activity brought her great joy.

On September 18, 2010,Marjorie married Bob Wilson. They shared their faith and a great love for each other and for family. They passed this love on and she will be greatly missed by all who knew her.

Marjorie is preceded in death by her son Michael and is survived by her husband Bob and his family as well as her four children, Bill, Jim, Steve and Amy, 11 grandchildren and 7 great grandchildren.

Virginia Furtwangler, Ph.D.
December 16, 1932–January 1, 2024

Virginia W. Furtwangler, a prize-winning author, inspiring teacher, devoted mother, and delightful companion, died on January 1, 2024, at the age of 91. She came to Salem in 1996 as the first Hallie Ford Professor of English at Willamette University, a high point in a life of dramatic changes and reinventions.

Ginny was born in Hartford, Connecticut to William and Agnes Walsh, grew up in Waterbury, and attended Catholic schools there. Her father died when she was 13, and she made it through her teens with the support of her resilient mother and brother, Walsh relatives, and close neighbors.

She was active and popular at the College of New Rochelle, a Catholic women’s college in New York, and was elected president of her class and later of the entire student body. She was by turns a popular, diligent student and an independent spirit. A cadet once escorted her to a dance at nearby West Point—and a dean later scolded her for leading a conga line at a dance back on her own campus. She wrote the musical score for a student show. She led classmates down Fifth Avenue on Saint Patrick’s Day in 1954 and was stopped for a brief TV interview. The announcer boldly kissed her as a “pretty Irish colleen” and asked what her plans were after graduation. She replied that she was committed to enter the Ursuline religious order, which she did that July.

As Sister John Bernard (names of two admired saints) she completed an M.A. in English at Catholic University, then taught in Ursuline high schools in Maryland and the Bronx and in college back at New Rochelle. In 1966 she was directed to start graduate work in English literature at Cornell University; with the support of a national Kent Fellowship she completed her Ph.D. in 1970.

She left the Ursuline order in 1967. Later that year she began study sessions with Albert Furtwangler, a fellow graduate student. They struck up a playful conversation that would continue and deepen for over 56 years. They married when he finished his degree, and moved together to Chicago and then to the small college town of Sackville, New Brunswick, Canada, as Al pursued his teaching career. In Sackville, Ginny and Al raised two sons and built a community of friends that endures to this day. A devoted mother, Ginny searched out special instruction and opportunities for each of her sons.

Meanwhile, she taught extension courses and began to write short stories under the pen name Ann Copeland. She eventually published six collections of stories. The Golden Thread was a finalist for the Governor-General’s Award, Canada’s top literary prize, in 1989. She also wrote The ABCs of Writing Fiction. Her books led to short-term appointments as a teacher and writer-in-residence at colleges across Canada and the US, notably at the University of Idaho, Linfield College, and the Portland State summer program in Cannon Beach.

Ginny also sustained a lifelong love of music. She led choirs in her convent years, later studied organ and jazz improvisation, served as church organist in Sackville, and played four-hand piano with partners in both Sackville and Salem. In recent years, she hosted Monday practice sessions with fellow musicians, and she and Al opened their house to neighbors who came to listen. She and Al attended concerts and opera series in Salem, Portland, Seattle, New York, and Santa Fe. They also took social dance lessons and in the Sackville years brought the boys to an annual dance camp.

Through shared interests, good conversation, music, and her fondness for hosting gatherings, Ginny built close friendships in every season of her long, rich, and multifaceted life. And with friends far afield, Ginny always kept in touch. She corresponded, she called, she looked people up on her travels. And many an old classmate, neighbor, student, and colleague reciprocated, coming long distances to visit and catch up. At their 60th class reunion this year, students from 1959 remembered her as a teacher who changed their lives—and wrote to tell her so.

Survivors include her husband Albert, sons Tom and Andrew, and granddaughter Claire.The family thanks Windsong Memory Care for Ginny’s special care during her final months.

Staff

Timothy Patrick Kelly
1949–November 12, 2025

Timothy Patrick Kelly, 76, died peacefully at home in Lawrence, KS on November 12. Tim lived his life to the fullest, and made it a priority to spend his time on the things he loved: open water swimming in the clear chilly waters of the Pacific Northwest, or the warm muddy waters of Lone Star Lake; vegetarian feasts with friends and family; fighting for the LGBT+ community in whatever city he was living in; sharing his love of the Beatles, Howling Wolf, Hamasaki, and all his favorite music; rooting for the Chiefs and Jayhawks; and encouraging the next generation, whether as a librarian, law instructor, high school teacher, or older brother and uncle.

Those left behind include many vegetarian Beatles and music lovers inspired by his passions and causes. They will remember Tim's many stories from the many places he lived, worked, played and studied such as Kansas City, Emporia, Milwaukee, Houston, Topeka, Lincoln, Salem, and Lawrence.

A celebration of life for friends and family will be held at Lone Star Lake in the summer of 2026, where he requested his ashes be laid to rest. Peace and Love!

Carolyn Penfield Wilson Crossen McMillan
May 16, 1932–August 16, 2024

Carolyn Penfield Wilson Crossen McMillan, 92, died on August 16 under Hospice care at Dallas Retirement Village. A longtime resident of Salem, she had lived in Dallas for seven years.

Carolyn Crossen was born in St. Louis, Missouri on May 16, 1932 to Dr. Robert James Crossen and Genevieve Wilson Crossen. She attended Community School and John Burroughs School before leaving St. Louis to attend Smith College for two years and then Pomona College. She graduated from Pomona with a degree in sociology in 1953 and joined the US Army Women’s Medical Corps where she trained as an occupational therapist.

She met John McMillan, her husband of 54 years, at Fort Sam Houston, Texas. They were married in 1957 and made their first home in Worcester, Massachusetts where her husband worked for the Worcester Telegram and both their daughters were born. They moved to Huntington, West Virginia for two years and then to Salem in 1975 when John became editor and later publisher of what would become the Statesman-Journal.

In addition to her work as an occupational therapist in home health through Salem Hospital, Carolyn spent her considerable energies supporting refugee resettlement, Walton House, Meals on Wheels, the creation of Operation Hungry Child, the development of the Alternative Gift Fair at First Methodist Church, and various community food pantries under the umbrellas of the Marion-Polk Food Bank. She served on the board at Willamette University and the Salem Public Library Library Foundation as well as president of Salem’s YWCA and the McKinley Elementary Parent-Teacher Association. She also served on the national board of the US Committee for UNICEF. She and her husband lived in Utica, New York and New York City for several years in the late 1980s but returned to Oregon when he retired in 1991. They were named Salem’s First Citizens in 1997.

Travel was a great delight to her throughout her life. She enjoyed broadening her knowledge of the world and traveled extensively with her husband and children. She also welcomed a foreign student into her home who she later called her adopted grandchild. After moving to Dallas several years after the 2012 death of her husband, Carolyn also worked with children as a literacy volunteer at Oakdale Elementary School. She was an avid bridge player, served as a floor representative, and took great pleasure in showing Rick Steves travel videos to a small group of fellow travel enthusiasts at Dallas Retirement Village.

William "Bill" Haden
April 29, 1942–March 15, 2025

William R. "Bill" Haden passed away on March 15, 2025, at Providence Newberg Medical Center at the age of 82.

Born in Beckley, W.Va. on April 29, 1942, to the late J. Richard and Alma Jo Haden, he lived a life filled with dedication to higher education and to his church community, traveling the world, reading, classical music, and baseball.

He will be deeply missed by his family and friends and is survived by the children from his first marriage, daughter, Laura McKinney (Walter) of Morgantown, W.Va.; and son, Douglas Haden (Allison) and his grandchildren, Natalie and Lauren of Charlotte, N.C. He is also survived by his brothers, J. Richard Haden, Jr. (Mary Kay) of Kennett Square, Pa., and James F. Haden (JoAnne) of Charlotte, N.C.; a niece and several nephews. He is also survived by his long-time partner, Doris Huff of Wilsonville, Ore.; her daughters, Jennifer Beal (Steve), Melissa Olson (Gunnar), and their children. He was preceded in death by his parents and his wife of 30 years, Elizabeth Flanagan.

Raised in Morgantown, W.Va, he earned a bachelor's degree in Political Science in 1964 from West Virginia University. He received a master's degree in Government from The George Washington University in 1965. He was also awarded an honorary Doctor of Law degree from the University of Charleston in December 1999. Following graduate school, he served in the U.S. Army as a Military Intelligence officer in Portland and left the Army as a First Lieutenant.

In 1967, he returned to West Virginia to begin his career in educational fund raising and higher education administration. He held positions in Development, Alumni Relations, and Public Affairs at West Virginia University, the University of Rochester, The University of Chicago, and Reed College in Portland, Ore. He was also acting president of Reed in the early 1990's. He returned to West Virginia in 1994, where he served an 11-year tenure as President of West Virginia Wesleyan College.

He retired from that position at the end of the 2006 academic year, where he was the second-longest serving president in the College's history. In retirement, his experience in and commitment to higher education infused his service as a life trustee on the Willamette University Board of Trustees. Bill served as the Co-Chair of the RA Booth Society of Willamette University, in addition to his very generous provision in his estate plan for Willamette's endowment.

Bill was always willing to share his extensive leadership skills throughout his retirement, serving on the Board of Directors for multiple organizations. In October 2006, he was elected to the Board of Directors of Chamber Music Northwest, where he eventually served as President, which was a fitting post given his love of classical music to the end of his life. He served as the Chair of the Board of Trustees of the First United Methodist Church in Portland, where he was a member for all the years he lived in Oregon.

One of his proudest accomplishments in retirement was serving as Chairman of the Portland Host Committee for General Conference in 2016. In that role, he was responsible for recruiting and training more than 600 volunteers to greet the thousands who arrived in Portland, Ore., from around the world to attend The United Methodist Church's General Conference.

Bill lived at SpringRidge Court for the last years of his life and his family wishes to express their appreciation for the excellent care they provided to him. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial contributions be made to First United Methodist Church of Portland or Willamette University.

Alice Suing
May 13, 1928–September 25, 2024

Alice Louise Suing peacefully passed away on September 25, 2024, and is now with our Lord in Heaven. Born on May 13, 1928, in Janesville, WI, she was the daughter of Marjorie and Vincent Domogalla. Alice was a cherished daughter, wife, mother, mother-in-law, grandmother, great-grandmother, and friend, leaving a lasting impact on all who knew her.

Alice dedicated nearly 31 years as a House Associate at the Alpha Chi Omega sorority house at Willamette University, where she was beloved by students and staff alike.

She is survived by her sons, Stephen and his companion Maureen of Salem, David of Keizer, and Thomas and his wife Gina of Keizer; grandsons Jared, Connor, Stephen, and Jason; and eight great-grandchildren. Affectionately known as "Grandma Alice," her warmth and kindness will be deeply missed. She was preceded in death by her husband, Bob, with whom she is now reunited.

In her youth, Alice was an accomplished figure skater, performing in various regional ice shows. Although she was offered the chance to tour with Ice Capades, she chose to dedicate her life to family-a decision for which her loved ones are eternally grateful.

Jerry Hudson, former Willamette President
March 3, 1938–March 9, 2024

Jerry led Willamette for 17 years, from 1980 to 1997, longer than any other president except for G. Herbert Smith and Carl Doney. Arriving at a time of significant financial challenges, he shepherded the development of Willamette from regional to national prominence. It was under his leadership that Willamette was awarded a chapter of the academic honorary society Phi Beta Kappa (a goal that had eluded President Smith), and during his tenure that the relationship with Tokyo International University blossomed into its current form. Most of all, Jerry will be remembered for his physical transformation of the campus, including the beautiful re-imagining of the Mill Race, the construction of the Hatfield Library and the Olin Science Center, and the plans for the Hallie Ford Museum of Art and for the Rogers Music Center, which is today home to his namesake Hudson Hall.

Jerry Hudson was born in Tennessee in 1938 and graduated from Lipscomb University before earning a PhD in American history from Tulane. He was a faculty member and provost at Pepperdine and then president at Hamline before coming to Willamette. After retiring from Willamette, he served as executive vice president for the Collins Foundation and chairman of the board at the Oregon Historical Society, as well as interim president at Marylhurst University.

"The personal attribute I most often hear ascribed to Jerry is “kind,” and his smile and sense of humor were ever present. I certainly found that to still be true as I got to know him in the first years of my own presidency. Even a quarter century later, his leadership echoes in many ways at Willamette, not least in the standard of excellence he sought to uphold, and in the culture of service that was exemplified in his own life. Our thoughts are with his wife Ann, his family including his daughter Judith Matarazzo JD'84 and grandson Harrison Matarazzo BA'15, and his many friends. May his memory continue to be a blessing," said President Steve Thorsett.

Albert C. Berglund
April 30, 1942–February 20, 2024

Albert Charles Berglund of Sherwood, Ore., aged 81, passed away peacefully at his home Feb. 20, 2024.Born April 30, 1942, in Fargo, N.D., the second of three brothers to Rev. Magnus G. and Violet Berglund, he grew up in San Francisco, Calif., wh

ere Rev. Berglund was the pastor of Temple Baptist Church. Berglund attended University of Redlands on a soccer scholarship, where he was elected the student body president for the Class of 1964. Berglund performed post-graduate work at Oregon State University in Corvallis before accepting a post teaching geology at Willamette University in Salem. He taught at Willamette for three years until being appointed Assistant Admissions Dean, which was followed by a promotion to the post of Registrar. During his time at Willamette, Berglund co-founded the Willamette Men's Soccer program and served as the team's coach during its inaugural 1967 season. For their pioneering role in Bearcats Soccer, Berglund and his team were honored in 2020 with induction into the Willamette University Athletic Hall of Fame. In 1975, Berglund departed Willamette to become Associate Dean/Head of Academic Services at Lewis & Clark College's Law School in Portland. After leaving academia, Berglund pursued a variety of interests and hobbies in farming and other fields.
He is survived by his children, Erik S. Berglund of Sherwood and Bryn A. Berglund (and Matthew Miranda) of New York, N.Y.; granddaughter, Marguerite A. Miranda of New York, N.Y.; brothers, Magnus (and Cathleen) Berglund of Sutter Creek, Calif. and John (and Sharon) Berglund of Pioneer, Calif.; niece, Carma (and Michael) Zisman of San Francisco, Calif.; and nephew, Eben (and Jennifer) Berglund of Payette, Idaho.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Willamette Men's Soccer Program via the Bearcat Athletic Fund of Willamette University.

Leonard George Snodgrass
January 12, 1948–January 9, 2024

Leonard George Snodgrass 75, of Salem, Oregon, passed away on January 9, 2024.

Leonard was born on January 12, 1948, at Salem Memorial Hospital to Howard and Doris Snodgrass. He attended Dever Conner School and graduated from Albany High School in 1966. He attended Chemeketa Community College and then transferred to Simpson Bible College in San Francisco in 1967, studying music. In 1970 he transferred to the University of Oregon to finish his music education.

Leonard helped his dad on their mint farm while growing up. He also helped neighbors on their farms working 12-hour shifts. He learned a lot about machinery, how to fix things and enjoyed working on his 1966 VW bug! He always knew how to help others with his abilities. After finishing at the University of Oregon he moved to Salem and worked at Willamette University until his retirement. His first love was calling and cueing for square dances, and especially inspiring and teaching new dancers. He traveled to different clubs and met many new friends.

He leaves behind his brother Ralph of Fairbanks, Alaska, stepsister Alice of Minnetonka, Minnesota, daughter Jennifer of Phoenix, Arizona, son Greg (Micah) of Houston Texas and grandsons Tate and Tyler.

Lora Yasen
May 28, 1960–February 20, 2024

Sadly, we announce the death of former faculty and staff member, Lora Yasen on February 20. Lora served as a professor at Tokyo International University of America (TIUA) and eventually accepted the position as the Director of TIUA Academic Affairs in 2018. She provided many TIUA students a foundation in English as their second language and encouraged creativity in their writing and learning endeavors. Lora touched many lives and will be missed by those she shared time and knowledge with over the years.