Weddings and Celebrations

2008

Mari Connors married Andy Melby in Allenspark, Colo., on Feb. 22, 2014. Mari teaches special education and Andy is an electrical engineer. The Melbys reside in Denver.

Births and Adoptions

1996

John Lawton and Heather Block Lawton ’97 had a son, Peter Francis, March 19, 2014, in Minneapolis, Minn.

2000

Katie Haeck and Raphaël Goyran had a son, Gaël Goyran, Dec. 8, 2013. Katie works at Physicians Anesthesia Service in Seattle.

Meghan Rudd Van Alstine and Aron Van Alstine had a son, August Rudd Van Alstine, March 3, 2013, in Ojai, Calif.

2001

Marisa Kind Nulton and her husband, John, had their third daughter, Lucia Kind, March 17, 2014, in Covington, Wash.

2002

Erika Danforth Coyer and Norman Coyer had twins, Silas Rogue and Naya Serene, Dec. 26, 2013, in Oakridge, Ore.

Obituaries

1931

Solyman Gregory “Gregg” Hamlin Jr., March 20, in Helena, Mont. He was 103. After graduation, he worked for Mountain Bell Telephone Co. in Denver as an installer and in 1953 was named district plant superintendent. He was transferred to Helena as state plant supervisor in 1971 and retired in 1975. An avid sports fan, Gregg loved watching games. He is survived by one son, S. Gregory Hamlin III; a daughter, Carol Burdick; and four grandchildren and five great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his second wife, Kathryn Claspill.

1933

Alice Fisher Summers Roberts, April 1, 2014, in Albany, Ore., 10 days before her 103rd birthday. Alice earned a master’s in English from CC and became a partner in her family’s business, Fisher Funeral Home. Alice was known as a listener, mentor, leader, and contributor. In 1968, she was named Linn County Woman of the Year. Survivors include two children, Margaret Buchanan and John Summers. She was predeceased by her first husband, John Summers, and her second husband, John Roberts.

1935

Margaret Reid Robinson, June 10, 2013. She was a member of the Barnes Society. She was preceded in death by a sister-in-law, Harriett Riddell ’43.

1936

Eleanor Griffith, March 31, at age 101, in Colorado Springs. Eleanor began her teaching career in Woodland Park, Colo. She taught fourth and fifth grades at Helen Hunt and Taylor elementary schools in Colorado Springs School District 11. In 1965, she was selected to attend the National Science Institute summer program at the University of Oregon. Eleanor loved ice skating, tennis, dance, Southwest studies, gardening, and travel. She was a member of the Denver Skating Club and belonged to the American Association of University Women, the Woman’s Educational Society, Colorado College Fifty Year Club, Colorado Springs Horticulture Association, Colorado Springs Fine Arts Center, and Philanthropic Educational Organization. She is survived by her daughter, Lynne (David) Murray; and two grandchildren and four great grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her husband, George P. Griffith, and a brother, Roy Hastings.

1940

Lee Wilson Smyth McLeister, Jan. 31, in Chatsworth, Calif., at age 95. Lee had a big heart and a great lust for life. She loved her time at CC and often talked about going out dancing with a different boy every weekend. She enjoyed dancing and playing Scrabble. Among her survivors are three children, Rick Smyth, Joanne Guy, and Nancy Smyth; and two stepdaughters, Ruth Annan and Jane Opperman. Other relatives include a cousin, Elizabeth Hangar Van Schooneveld ’50 and her husband, Glenn Van Schooneveld ’48.

1944

Wendell Harris Clark Jr., of Glenview, Ill., and Tequesta, Fla., March 19. He was a captain in the U.S. Marine Corps, a pilot in World War II and Korea, and worked as former president of Samuel Harris and Co. He also served as president of the National Industrial Distributors’ Association. Survivors include sons Jeffrey and David; and stepchildren, Kathryn Hall, Deedee Brannigan, and Thomas Hall. He was preceded in death by his wife, Jean.

Vernetta “Mary” Eyster Semon, March 30, in Atascadero, Calif., at age 91. She was an editor of the CC newspaper and one of three senior class women to win an “Outstanding Women” award. She served in the Navy during World War II, earned a master’s degree in library science from the University of Southern California in 1970, and retired in 1980 from the Los Angeles County Public Library system. She was preceded in death by her husband, Lloyd. Survivors include three children: Kerry, Mark, and Gale; and two grandchildren, Noah and Natalia.

1945

Joan Galligan Hoth, March 5, in Colorado Springs. She enjoyed golf, fishing, dancing, the Denver Broncos, and bowling. Joan also was involved with many community events, charities, and fundraisers. Survivors include her husband of nearly 68 years, Harry W. Hoth ’48; and three daughters, Joie Stevens, Susie Briggs, and Patti Hoth. She also is survived by numerous grandchildren, including Preston Briggs of the CC Advancement Office.

Charles W. Haines, March 30, in Moss Creek, S.C. He was 91. He was a member of Phi Gamma Delta at CC and served as a Navy pilot during World War II. He became a salesman for McGraw Hill Publishing, Shell Oil, Esso Chemical, and other companies. He owned Hilton Head Island Service Co. and then sold real estate for 27 years. Survivors include his wife, Sandy; a son, Charles W. Haines Jr.; and a daughter, Lisa Studebaker. He was preceded in death by his wife, Parry, and a brother, Samuel.

1946

Catharine E. Nicholson, March 13, in West Glenville, N.Y., at age 92. She worked as a draftsman for General Electric and Southern Bell. She studied landscape painting and divided her time between a rural home in Florida, the family home in New York, and a mountain cabin in Colorado. She painted New England farms and barns and mountain images of the West in oils and watercolors. Survivors include her husband, Roland; and two sons, John and Joel.

1948

Diane Raymond Harriman, Feb. 5. She had worked for New York Telephone. Survivors include her husband, Bruce; and their children, Gail, David, and Stephen.

Elaine H. White Senter, March 3, in Denver. Her father was head football coach at CC while she was a student. Elaine was a member of the Delta Gamma sorority and spent her life dedicated to the sorority and its charitable services. The Elaine Senter Do Good Award was created in her honor. She was married for 66 years to Val Senter ’50, who survives. They had four children, Steve, Susan, Stacey, and Shelley; 10 grandchildren; and six great-grandchildren. She was a radical fan of the Denver Broncos and the Colorado Avalanche and was adored by her husband’s senior hockey teammates in the U.S., Canada, and Europe. Elaine will be remembered as a dynamic, classy lady.

Ronald D. Green, June 7, 2013, in Phoenix, Ariz. He was a well-known educator and former resident of Colorado.

W. Leo Hill, May 4, 2014, in Boulder, Colo., at age 90. Leo served in WWII in the European Theater as a 2nd Lieutenant and pilot with the U.S. Army; he was honorably discharged in 1945. At CC, Leo excelled in basketball and baseball and was selected for the All-Conference baseball team. He graduated cum laude with a degree in political science the year after he married Betty Lue Demaree, who preceded him in death. His many CC contributions included: chairman of the Annual Fund, National Alumni Committee, 1966-68; president of the National Alumni Association, 1964-66; and 10-year membership in the President’s Circle. He is survived by a sister, a niece, and three nephews. Gifts to CC in honor of Leo will be added to the Leo and Betty Lue Hill Endowed Scholarship Fund.

1949

Philip Scott Frantz, Feb. 2. He is survived by two children, Scott and Gretchen. His wife, Elizabeth, preceded him in death.

1950

Marjorie Gilliland McLauthlin, March 19, in Greeley, Colo. She was valedictorian at Bent County High School and president of Kappa Kappa Gamma at CC. She became president of Kappa Alumni and the Junior League in Denver. She volunteered as a Scout leader, PTA president, Sunday school teacher, deaconess, and other roles. Survivors include three children, Scott, Sandy Grice, and Sheri Murdock. She was predeceased by her husband, Robert “Mac” McLauthlin ’50.

1951

Betsy Lue Holmes Summers, Dec. 14, 2013, in Coupeville, Wash. She was a member of the Delta Gamma sorority. After raising four children, Betty returned to college to earn a master’s degree from San Francisco Theological Seminary and volunteered as a storyteller in hospitals for critically ill and terminally ill children and their families. Survivors include her husband of 62 years, F.L. “Von” Summers; their children, Ross, Joel, Von, and Robyn; 11 grandchildren; and four great-grandchildren.

Charles Rawe “Chip” Moeser, March 1, in Naples, Fla., at age 84. He was a member of Sigma Chi Fraternity and, while in college, was elected to the National Ski Patrol in Climax, Colo. A compassionate man who was noted for his sense of responsibility and loyalty, Chip was a pilot in the U.S. Air Force and then a successful businessman in the energy industry in Grand Junction, Colo. He was an avid skier, fisherman, and hunter. Survivors include a daughter, Elaine Moeser Altvater ’81; sons Charles and Richard; and his ex-wife, Elaine. Donations may be made to CC’s Class of ’51 Scholarship Fund, in memory of Charles R. Moeser Jr., P.O. Box 1117, Colorado Springs, CO 80901.

1952

Robert Burgess Lynn, Feb. 14. He graduated from CC cum laude with a bachelor’s degree in music, and earned a master’s degree from Juilliard and a doctorate in music from Indiana University. He had worked for the University of Houston. Survivors include his wife, Elaine Steele Lynn ’52; and a cousin, Donald Dewitt ’67. He was preceded in death by a brother, Harold Lynn Jr. ’57; and his mother, Geraldine Dewitt Lynn ’27.

1953

Robert A. “Bob” Roades, April 15, in Colorado Springs. He was 88. Bob graduated with honors from CC. His father instilled an appreciation of music, and he became a drummer at 12 and continued to play jazz for the rest of his life. He worked as a Japanese interpreter in the Pacific during World War II and taught at Pikes Peak Community College for many years. He married Wanda Abshire of Colorado Springs, and the couple had three children, who survive: Kathryn Roades ’67, Stephen Roades ’61, and Bradley Roades ’55. Other survivors include six grandchildren, six great-grandchildren, and a companion, Gloria Gibson.

1954

William Jacob Peters, March 8, in Sierra Madre, Calif. He earned a sociology degree from CC and had a talent for the performing arts, entertaining tourists on Catalina Island with ukulele ballads and comedic skits. He served as president and CEO of Trail Chemical Corp. in El Monte, Calif. He received many awards for community service, including the Rose of Honor Award from the City of El Monte and Man of the Year from the El Monte Chamber of Commerce. He will be remembered for his quick wit and musical talent. Survivors include his wife of 56 years, Janet Paine Peters ’56; and two children, Judy Avila and Tom.

1955

John Powers Wolff Jr., Feb. 21, in Houston, Texas. He was 81. At CC, he majored in zoology. He was a jump captain with the 82nd Airborne in the U.S. Army, sold pharmaceuticals and retired from the insurance industry. He was a 32nd degree Mason in the Holland Lodge and a Shriner. Survivors include his wife, Mary Ann; his daughter, Theresa L. Swain; and sons John and David.

1956

Walter Jerome Hillis, Feb. 11, in Colorado Springs. After college, he served 10 years in the U.S. Army and U.S. Army Reserves. He owned Hillis Insurance Agency for 42 years and was a member of the Pikes Peak Range Riders for 49 years. Walt also was an accomplished skier and member of the National Ski Patrol. An avid hockey enthusiast, Walt was a season ticket holder for the CC Tigers and was involved with the Pikes Peak Amateur Hockey Association and Cheyenne Mountain High School Alumni Hockey. Survivors include four children: Lance, Rorry, Colleen, and Sperry. His wife, Susan Riley Hillis ’61, preceded him in death.

Marilyn Roy Christie, April 9, in Scio, Ore. She was 80. While at CC, she met Constantine T. Christie and they were married on April 29, 1955. Marilyn was a homemaker on the family farm and loved to cook, travel, and spend time with her family. She is survived by her husband of nearly 59 years, C.T.; children Suzy and Jonathan; and six grandchildren and three great-grandchildren. Her daughter, Marilyn, preceded her in death.

1957

Robert H. “Bob” Blanpied, April 13, in Saginaw, Texas. He graduated cum laude from CC with a degree in chemistry and served as a captain in the Ordinance Corps. In 1994, the Environmental Protection Agency recognized Bob’s work with the Ozone Protection Award. He was passionate about his work, intensely curious, and loved music, from jazz and blues to Beethoven. He will be remembered as a soulful, inquisitive, and playful man who appreciated life’s sweet moments. Survivors include his wife of 57 years, Carollon; daughters Kelly Blanpied, Joni Brown, Leslie Overton, Hope Robinson, and Sherry Ballard; and 21 grandchildren and 11 great-grandchildren.

1958

Robert Oliver Martin, March 16, in Lubbock, Texas. He played football at CC and became a license and weight trooper for 35 years in Plainview, Texas. He also was a licensed irrigator and real estate broker. He enjoyed coaching Little League baseball and Tiger League football. He is survived by his wife of 43 years, Janie; and four children, Price, Stacy Jeans, James Gordon Hansard, and Susan Hansard Jensen.

1959

Susan Sebo Scherer, March 1, in Duluth, Minn., at age 78. While at CC, she trained in ice skating at The Broadmoor Ice Arena and in 1958 was the bronze medalist for ice dancing at the U.S. Nationals with partner Tim Brown. She earned a degree in art history, then went on to compete in the World Professional Figure Skating Competition with Pieter Kollen. Survivors include two children, Grainger and Mathia. Her husband, Robert, preceded her in death.

Robert William Boge, 76, of Bloomington, Ind., March 20. He was a member of Phi Gamma Delta at CC and served in the U.S. Army National Guard. He had a 39-year career in personnel management at State Farm Insurance and retired in 1999. He married Sallie J. Bishop on Aug. 18, 1956, in Bloomington. She survives. Also surviving are his children, Michael, Mark, and Mari Bishop. His five grandchildren, Jesse, Karlee, Lucas, Alexandra, and Preston Boge, will miss their Poppie.

1960

Gerald Clyde Lawrence, Feb. 4. He earned a master’s degree in education from CC. Survivors include his wife, Flora Jean.

Malcolm “Bud” Collier, Feb. 4, in Wheat Ridge, Colo. He graduated from CC cum laude and became chief executive of First Federal Savings and Loan in Denver and an advisor to the Federal Reserve Bank. After retiring, he owned the Rocky Mountain Angling Club. He served with the Genesee Volunteer Fire Department. Bud also was a generous philanthropist. Survivors include his wife, Nancy; a son, Grant; a daughter, Amy Stogner; sisters Kathy Reul and Mary Ellen Collier Ross ’64; and nieces Linda Ross Reiner ’87 and Caroline Pia Maffoine ’91. He was preceded in death by an uncle, George Wyatt ’24.

Janice H. Jika McElroy, Jan. 25. She is survived by her husband, James; and their two children, Helen and Bryan.

George W. Wedding, Feb. 20. Survivors include his wife, Theresa Kane Wedding.

Myrna E. Valdez, Feb. 20, of complications after surgery in Carson City, Calif. She was 75. At CC, she majored in English and was active in the Mountaineering Club. She worked at Stanford University, retiring as the administrator of the Stanford Linear Accelerator in 1993. She was known for being kind and efficient. She loved outdoor activities and growing wildflowers. Survivors include her husband of 49 years, Ramon Valdez; one son, two daughters, two step-daughters, and 14 grandchildren.

1962

John Norbert Price, Feb. 12. He earned a master’s degree from CC. Survivors include his wife, Joyce.

1963

Dorothy Jane “D.J.” Nash, Jan. 22, in Jefferson City, Mo. She worked at several newspapers and was a strong supporter of public schools. She also volunteered for numerous historic, arts, and government groups and was a founding member of the Evening Rotary Club. Survivors include her husband, Wade Nash, and their children, Kate and Andrew.

1964

James C. Neavill, Feb. 4, in Colorado Springs. A veteran of three wars, Jim was medically retired as a major in 1967. While in the Air Force, he earned a business degree from CC and a master’s from Arizona State University. He taught business at a university in Malaysia and at Washington State University. Jim was a “soldier’s soldier” who knew no strangers and loved life. Survivors include daughters Sandy Vrettos, Jacky Thornton, Marjorie Pape, and Anne Clare; and sons Bruce and Brian Becker.

1965

Lucy C. Cristy, March 2, in Allyn, Wash., of cancer. She worked as a child welfare worker and City of Seattle probation counselor. Lucy then was hired as the first female federal probation officer in the Western District of Washington; she retired as a senior officer in 2000. Survivors include her husband, Thomas Lynch; and four step-children, Thomas, Stefan, Virginia Duquette, and Rose Welling.

1966

Edward Alan Huwaldt, Feb. 25, in Overland, Kan. He was 70. He earned a degree in business administration and was elected vice president/treasurer for his fraternity, Phi Gamma Delta. He was a running back for the CC Tigers football team. He served overseas in the military as guided missile battery executive officer and commander, and attained the rank of captain. Eddie had a 44-year banking career in Kansas City. He also was a lifelong skier and enjoyed golfing and traveling. Survivors include his son, Christopher; and a stepson, Phil Giglio.

Leslie Eckert Irsfeld, April 9, after a short illness in her home in Indian Harbour Beach, Fla. She was 70. Her passing was marked with the same joy and courage with which she lived her life. She was a member of Alpha Phi Sorority at CC, where she earned a bachelor’s degree in education. Her greatest accomplishment was being a mother. She was a founding partner of High Country Quilts’ retail store, loved to travel, and had creative and artistic passion. She is survived by her husband of 49 years, Michael Irsfeld ’64, and children Laura and Brian. An infant daughter, Katherine, preceded her in death.

1980

James Harley Berglund, Feb. 4.  He had been a member of the 1874 Society. Survivors include three children: Willie, Jonas, and Erika Fair Berglund ’15.

1983

Stanford Baker Stockdale, April 7, in Oceanside, Calif. He was born Dec. 6, 1959, to Sybil Stockdale and the late Admiral James Stockdale. After earning his bachelor’s degree in geology, Stan earned his master’s in education from Wesleyan University. Stan battled alcoholism and ultimately succumbed to the disease; his family feels he would want them to share this reality so that others might learn from his struggle with addiction. He is survived by his mother; his daughters, Lucy and Belle of Denver; his brothers, Jim Stockdale of Beaver, Penn., Sid Stockdale ’77 of Albuquerque, N.M., and Taylor Stockdale ’85 of Claremont, Calif.; and sisters-in-law including Nancy Kittredge Stockdale ’78.

1984

Allison K. “Allie” Smith, Jan. 14, in Englewood, Colo. She loved drawing and painting and her family’s horses. She founded an after-school teen center in California and taught teachers how to mainstream disabled students. In Colorado, Allie helped the American Lung Association succeed in passing a statewide anti-smoking law. Debilitating pain from back surgery and breast cancer required her retirement. She is survived by many siblings, nieces, and nephews.

1987

Lawrence William Price, Jan. 25. Survivors include his wife, Camille Bammes Price.

William Erle Young, of Gunnison, Colo., Feb. 17.

2015

Emily Spiegel, March 26. She served as vice president of the Student Government Association and was active in other campus organizations and activities. She is survived by her parents, Laura Schwait and Scott Van Bramer ’87, and David Spiegel; and her siblings, Rebecca Spiegel ’12 and Noah Van Bramer. Memorial services were held in Wilmington, Del., and the campus hosted a celebration of life in late April. Emily’s family has requested that memorial gifts be directed to GROW, which advocates for mental health in the CC community. Gifts may be made online at ourcc.coloradocollege.edu/giveGROW. Checks can be mailed to: Development Office, Colorado College, P.O. Box 1117, Colorado Springs, Colo., 80901-9897. (Make checks payable to Colorado College and write “GROW for Emily” on the memo portion.) You also may call 1-800-782-6306 (option 3).

Correction

1959

Cy (Cyril) E. Whiteside, Jan. 7, 2014, in Woodland Park, Colo. He served as hockey team captain for the 1958-59 season while earning his degree in geology. He played professional hockey in Scotland and for various International Hockey League franchises, and was part-owner of the Oklahoma City Stars. Survivors include his wife, Mickey; children Cyndy ’85, Robert, Jennifer, and Cherylanne; four grandchildren; and one great-grandchild.

Friends

Irving Howbert, Jan. 19, in Colorado Springs. Irving was born May 9, 1916, the grandson of Irving Howbert Sr., one of the prominent pioneers in the early Colorado Springs. Irving graduated from Yale Law School in 1942 and entered the Navy that year, serving as a lieutenant until 1945. After the war, he became a member of the Haney law firm and practiced as an attorney well into his later years. He was made an Honorary Life Member of the Colorado Bar Association and will be remembered for his generosity, thoughtfulness and good humor. He also received an honorary doctorate degree from CC. He is survived by his wife, Janet Ida Sample Howbert; by three children and four stepchildren; and by five step-grandchildren.

Ruth M. Podmore, Feb. 28. Survivors include her husband, Michael Podmore; and two children, Zachery Richtman Podmore ’11 and Mollie Elizabeth Podmore ’17.