Harold Moss Hon.’09
1929–2020
When city officials honored Tacoma civil rights pioneer Harold Moss Hon.’09 on his 90th birthday in 2019, they didn’t build a statue—they renamed a bridge. Moss, the city’s first Black mayor, knew that the fight against discrimination meant building generations-spanning connections. The East 34th Street Bridge—now the Harold G. Moss Bridge—points to his mentorship and legacy in organizations like the Tacoma Black Collective, the city’s first Human Rights Commission, and the Tacoma Urban League. Moss also was a past president of Tacoma’s NAACP branch and is credited with helping quell the 1969 Mother’s Day Riot, considered the turning point in Tacoma’s race relations. In 2009, University of Puget Sound awarded Moss an honorary degree for his work. (Moss also taught at Puget Sound from 1969 to 1971.)
Born in Texas, Moss served in the Korean War; later, while serving in the National Guard at Fort Lewis (now Joint Base Lewis-McChord), he encountered discrimination at a city skating rink. As he later recounted to the Tacoma News Tribune, the rink manager stopped him: “He told me he was terribly sorry, but coloreds skated at the rink on Wednesdays.” Later, Moss and his then-wife, Bil, had trouble getting white real estate agents to show them houses. A dental technician, Moss served more than two decades in city and county government, becoming Tacoma’s first Black city council member and Pierce County’s first Black councilman, and serving two years as Tacoma mayor.
Moss died Sept. 21, 2020. He is survived by his wife, Genie Jefferson; two sons and daughters, including adoptive daughter and current Tacoma mayor Victoria Woodards; and two sisters. —Meri-Jo Borzilleri
Born in Tacoma in 1915, Faith Simpson Richardson ’39 attended Puget Sound. She passed away April 21, at the age of 104.
Jane Grondahl Packard ’41 died March 27. She was 98. The eldest of four sib-lings raised in Steilacoom, Wash., Packard graduated from Stadium High School in Tacoma before attending Puget Sound. She earned her pilot’s license, raised four children, and traveled North America with her family, ultimately retiring in Leesburg, Va.
Mildred Blake Benedict ’44 passed away April 14. She earned her bachelor’s degree in English at Puget Sound, and went on to earn her Master of Library Science degree at University of Portland. She was 97.
Dixie Simmons Arata ’48, ’50 died Aug. 29. She was 95. Arata attended business college before receiving her bachelor’s degree and certification in occupational therapy from Puget Sound. She went on to complete her master’s degree in special education administration at Portland State University and work in the VA hospital in Livermore, Calif., where she became a charter member of the American Association of University Women. After leading the OT department at Morning-side Hospital in Portland, Ore., she worked for the Vancouver School District for nearly 25 years. A light for all who knew her, Arata loved a good joke and was always ready with a smile or a song.
Gwen Simmons Causin ’48 passed away Oct. 22. She was 94. Raised in Olympia, Wash., Causin earned her bachelor’s degree in business administration at Puget Sound, where she served as president of the Alpha Beta Upsilon sorority. While on campus, she met Robert Causin ’47, who would become her husband of 72 years. In the 1960s, his position with the Saturn 5 Lunar Landing program moved the family to Huntsville, Ala., and Washington, D.C., and Causin came into her own moonlighting as a travel agent. In retirement, the pair loved sailing their 32-foot Endeavor sailboat, Rajah; vacationing in Hawai`i, Mexico, and Canada; and spending time with friends and family members. Known as “Mima” to her family, Causin was the mastermind behind every family gathering and will be deeply missed.
John Winters ’49 died Aug. 31, at the age of 90. He at-tended Puget Sound before transferring to University of Washington and becoming a dentist in Lakewood, Wash.
Barton Hartzell ’50, ’51, P’85 died Sept. 20, just 10 days after his 91st birthday. After earning degrees in chemistry and education at Puget Sound, Hartzell briefly taught math in Tacoma be-fore enlisting in the Air Force and serving as a Russian linguist during the Korean War. In 1961, he began a 28-year career with Boeing, which took his family to Bolivia, Colombia, Italy, Spain, and Australia. Hartzell continued to travel internationally in retirement and immersed himself in volunteer work, including tutoring immigrants in English, as he was fluent in Russian, German, and Spanish. He is survived by his wife, Luz Elena; daughters Caroline Hartzell ’85 and Irene; and extended family and friends.
Herbert Lippert ’52 died Nov. 12, at the age of 90. After graduating from Lincoln High School in Tacoma, Lippert earned a basketball scholarship to attend Puget Sound.
Helen Fincham MacGilvra ’52 died Oct. 22, after a long illness. She was 89. MacGilvra attended Puget Sound for two years before transferring to University of Washington and becoming a high school English teacher.
A graduate of Stadium High School in Tacoma, Dorothy Ross Springer ’52 earned her bachelor’s degree in English from Puget Sound before becoming community director at KTNT Radio. She married Frank Springer ’52 in 1960, and the couple had five children. Active in the community—and especially in the garden—she was involved in numerous organizations, including Tacoma Primrose Society, Capital District Garden Club, Washington State Federation of Garden Clubs, and more. Springer died April 14, at the age of 89.
Maurine Gerards Murray ’53 died Oct. 27. She was 89. At Puget Sound, Murray studied home economics and music, and was a member of the Sigma Alpha Iota music fraternity. She became a charter member of the Gamma Zeta chapter of the Alpha Phi sorority in 1953. A competitive ball-room dancer for many years, Murray also loved to sew and was a member of the PEO quilting club, Everett Doll and Toy Collectors, and Antique Addicts. She also was a musician, performing in her church choir and playing the piano and flute—even spending some time with the Everett (Wash.) Symphony. Murray will be most remembered for living a vibrant life and leaving an equally vibrant impact on her family and community.
Madge Rieke ’54 died Oct. 25, at the age of 94. She attended Puget Sound.
Just a year into teaching after earning his education degree from Puget Sound, David Johnson ’55 was drafted and served in Wurzburg, Germany. When he was honorably discharged, he returned to Tacoma and Stadium High School, where he was a beloved social studies teacher for 35 years. He coached debate and softball, sponsored a school trip to the Soviet Union in 1975, and was respected by generations of students who fondly remember “DL Johnson.” In retirement, Johnson and his wife traveled inter-nationally, and he was active in the community, playing tennis and performing in many of his retirement com-munity’s musicals.
Ramon Payne ’55, M.Ed.’58, P’74, P’80 died on Dec. 18 after a short illness. While a student at Stadium High School in Tacoma, Payne met Patricia Harter Payne ’70, M.A.’78, P’74, P’80, with whom he shared 75 years of marriage. After graduation, he enlisted in the Navy and served as a parts storekeeper on an aircraft carrier during World War II. He later earned his bachelor’s degree in education from Puget Sound and began teaching third grade at University Place Elementary School. When Curtis Junior-Senior High School opened, he transferred there, teaching English and social studies, and in 1961 he returned to Puget Sound to serve as dean of men and to coach football and wrestling. After earning his master’s in counseling, he be-came principal of the school at the Washington Corrections Center for Women, and ended his teaching career as a counselor and football coach at Gig Harbor (Wash.) High School. Payne loved sports, building things, and corny jokes. He skied into his 80s and served on the Crystal Mountain ski patrol into his 70s. He will be remembered for finding and encouraging the good in everyone who crossed his path. He is survived by wife Patty; children John Payne ’74, Margaret Payne ’80, and Janet Payne Olin P’05 (Richard Olin P’05); and extended family, including grandson Brian Olin ’05.
Maureen Helms Elmquist ’56 passed away Sept. 14, at the age of 86. Known as “Mo” to her family and friends, Elmquist graduated from Lincoln High School in Tacoma before attending Puget Sound, where she was active in the Alpha Phi sorority and earned her degree in teaching. She taught kindergarten and first grade in Tacoma Public Schools from 1956 to 1973. A friendly and warm person who loved life and enjoyed arts and crafts, Elmquist hosted a Christmas boutique in her home during the 1980s and 1990s. She was an active member of Emmanuel Lutheran Church, serving on numerous church guilds, playing hand bells, and singing in the choir.
Barbara Hagen Munro ’56 passed away Nov. 20. After graduating from Stadium High School in Tacoma, she studied education at Puget Sound.
Katherine Kaer Schmidtke ’56, P’80 passed away Sept. 30, at the age of 86. After graduating from Puget Sound, where she was active in the Pi Beta Phi sorority, Schmidtke went on to pursue a master’s degree in education and a Doctor of Biblical Studies degree in biblical counseling. An ordained Assembly of God pastor, she served at Life Center in Tacoma, and in numerous ministries throughout the region. She was preceded in death by her husband, Palmer Schmidtke ’57, P’80, and is survived by her sons, Stanley Schmidtke ’80 and Ken, and their families.
Raymond Jackl ’57 died Oct. 7, at the age of 84. After serving in the U.S. Air Force for more than 31 years and achieving the rank of chief master sergeant, Jackl worked for the U.S. Postal Service as a mail handler, traveling the country by RV in retirement.
Delbert Anderson ’58 passed away March 5, at the age of 86. After earning a degree in business administration from Puget Sound, he co-founded Anderson and Associates with best friend Mary Minietta. When not working, he could be found golfing, checking on his horses at the track, or fishing with his sons and friends. Anderson was known for saying “Always walk on the sunny side of the street,” and will be remembered for his big heart.
Retired Tacoma high school teacher Merle Weese ’58, M.Ed.’64 died Sept. 3, at the age of 88. After graduating from high school in 1950, Weese worked as a sawyer at a Grays Harbor, Wash., sawmill, where he proudly retained all his fingers. In 1952, he married Jeanne, his high school sweetheart and wife of 68 years, and joined the Army, ultimately rising to master sergeant. He served as a communication specialist in the Korean War and attended college in the Philippines before studying at University of Oregon, then Puget Sound. He went on to teach, predominantly at Lincoln and Wilson high schools in Tacoma. In 1962, Weese and his family moved to Edgewood, Wash., where, for more than 45 years, they nurtured their five-acre farm into a community gathering spot for pickup baseball, football, basketball, hockey, and even, occasionally, snowmobiling. A sportsman and musician, he enjoyed gardening, photography, cars, cooking, and road trips.
Joann McDonough Bargelt ’59 passed away Nov. 24, at the age of 84. Born in Tacoma, Bargelt graduated as valedictorian from Aquinas Academy before studying education at Puget Sound. In 1961, she married Jim Bargelt ’62, who preceded her in death; the couple had two children. For nearly 40 years, she taught in Tacoma Public Schools, including many years as an English teacher at Wilson High School, retiring in 2008. In retirement, Bargelt enjoyed researching her Irish heritage, gardening, reading, and spending time with her family.
Gerry Anderson Martindale ’59, M.Ed.’84 passed away Sept. 29. She was 93. Martindale spent most of her 29 years as an English teacher at Stadium High School, where she also served as chair of her department. A lover of Shakespeare, she often ac-companied her students to the Oregon Shakespeare Festival. After retiring in 1988, she stayed active reading, enjoying classical music and opera, playing piano, traveling abroad, and attending the Puget Sound Women’s Book Club and Progressive Study Club.
Keith Palmquist ’61 passed away Oct. 26, at the age of 86. Prior to earning his bachelor’s degree in biology at Puget Sound, Palmquist studied at Washington State University and served in the military Army Corps of Engineers for two years. After graduation, he worked for the city of Tacoma for 25 years, serving as model cities director and community development director, among others. Active in the community, he served on numerous boards, coached Little League football and basketball teams, and was an active member of Immanuel Presbyterian Church, Ta-coma Lawn & Tennis Club, Tacoma Yacht Club, and the Elks Club.
Gary L. Peterson
1935–2020
Gary Peterson taught at Puget Sound for three decades, starting in 1969, in what was then the communication and theatre arts department. He loved teaching, once describing the ideal instructor’s role as that of “catalyst/facilitator/guide rather than lecturer or font of important knowledge.”
Doc P—as students sometimes called him—taught courses subjects including speech education, argumentation and debate, and business and professional communication; he also developed a new emphasis in organizational communication. He chaired his department for 11 years and served four years as director of forensics. After he retired in 1998, his family, colleagues, and current and former students made gifts to establish the Gary L. Peterson Scholarship Fund, which supports a deserving communications studies student annually.
Born in Utah, Peterson grew up on a farm, then earned degrees at The University of Utah and Ohio University (his doctoral dissertation was on the 1858 Lincoln-Douglas Debates), and taught at University of Washington and Brigham Young University before arriving at Puget Sound. He died Nov. 1, 2020, at his home in Meridian, Idaho, at the age of 85. He is survived by his wife, five children, numerous grand-children and great-grandchildren, and three siblings.
Born and raised in Tacoma, Judith Anderson Finstuen ’63 graduated from Lincoln High School and attended Washington State University for a year before completing her degree in education at Puget Sound. She taught fourth grade in Tacoma schools for 30 years, passing her love of reading and learning on to her students. In retirement, Finstuen pursued her love of travel and enjoyed sewing, crocheting, and working crossword puzzles. She died Nov. 16, at the age of 79, and is survived by her husband of 53 years, Richard Finstuen ’63, sisters Diane and Vicki, and extended family members.
Jack Sather ’64 died Sept. 24. He was 78. Sather earned his bachelor’s degree in business administration from Puget Sound.
James Schatz ’64 died Sept. 7. He was 89. After high school, Schatz served in the Navy and Reserve before earning his bachelor’s degree in business administration at Puget Sound. He spent the bulk of his career with Boeing, retiring after 33 years. Schatz will be remembered for his large smile, affection for sports and the outdoors, and love of family.
Violet Carlson Wickett ’65 died Oct. 23, at the age of 96. Prior to attending Puget Sound and earning her bachelor’s degree in education, Wickett attended Wayne State College in Nebraska, earning a one-room school teaching certificate. She followed her husband, Keith, to his Navy commissions in Georgia and Florida, until returning to Nebraska upon the end of his service. They farmed there until 1956, when the family moved to Washington state, and Wickett began a second career teaching second grade, then art for middle school students. In Washington, she was active in the United Methodist Church, serving as a vocal soloist and youth group leader for many years. Her creative talents were on display in the family’s Federal Way home, which she designed. She enjoyed painting, pottery, and writing short stories, ultimately publishing a children’s book and developing phonetic education materials.
Celeste Kristovich Paulson ’66 passed away Oct. 13, at the age of 76.
Harold McCartney ’67 died April 1. He was 75. McCartney met his wife of 45 years, Linda McCartney ’67, who preceded him in death, when he tutored her in biology while both were stu-dents at Puget Sound. After graduation, he attended medical school at St. Louis University before serving in the Army for eight years, where he completed a pathology residency at Fort Ord in California. A member of the College of American Pathologists, he served as a pathologist in the Yakima, Wash., area for more than 35 years and as an inspector of pathology labs for the last 10 years. McCartney was an animal lover, and particularly enjoyed the dogs and parrots he owned with Linda. He was fascinated by geology, was an avid builder of model sailing ships and planes, and enjoyed taking cruises with his family, traveling throughout the Caribbean, Mexico, and Alaska. McCartney was known for his wit and kindness—and his colorful ties, often featuring animals.
Beverly Padway ’67 passed away Sept. 16. Born in Los Angeles, Padway earned her bachelor’s degree in education at Puget Sound, in addition to studying at University of Arizona and Valley State College, where she earned a B.F.A. in education and a second bachelor’s degree in speech and communication. She shared this passion for knowledge and love of learning with her students at Eastman Avenue Elementary School, where she taught for 25 years. Throughout the course of her life, Padway was an avid collector—of eyeglasses, kokeshi dolls, World War I and II sweet-heart jewelry, and baseball caps. She was a dedicated choral singer, performing with the Santa Monica Sweet Adelines for 26 years and with the Angel City Chorale for 25 years. She’ll be remembered for her generosity and friendship, and for her gift of storytelling. She was 77.
Lucille Moore Johnson ’69 died Aug. 5, at the age of 87. Prior to completing her education degree at Puget Sound, Johnson studied at Graceland College in Iowa, and bore three sons. She earned her master’s degree from Pacific Lutheran University in 1975, and taught fifth grade in Ta-coma until retiring in 1993. Johnson and her husband enjoyed more than 20 years as snowbirds, spending winters in Arizona, playing tennis, golfing, and performing in musical and drama groups. She spent several years as a church pianist and parlayed her passion for collecting and selling antiques into a small business, Lucy’s Attic. She will be remembered for seeing the best in others and leaving a legacy of love.
Helen Rilenge Barton ’70 passed away Dec. 12, after a long battle with lymphoma and pancreatic cancer. Barton graduated from Puget Sound with a bachelor’s degree in Spanish and elementary education. Eventually settling in Texas in 1977, she worked as an Allstate insurance agent for many years, in addition to being a wife, mother, and grandmother. Active in her church, she served on numerous committees and held several leadership roles, including church elder. Fun, empathetic, and a great hugger, she was known for her amazing cooking, encouraging words, and entertaining stories.
Roger Kriebaum ’70 passed away Nov. 2, at the age of 90. Before graduating from Puget Sound with a bachelor’s degree in political science, Kriebaum had a successful 20-year career in the Army. After graduating, he worked for the state of Washington, retiring in 1990. Retirement didn’t slow him down. Kriebaum volunteered for many years at Madigan Hospital with the Red Cross and accumulated more than 25,000 kilometers volkssporting as a member of the Evergreen Wanderers.
Dennis Sarsfield ’70 died Oct. 1, after a long battle with lung and bladder cancer. He was 80. After two years in the Army, Sarsfield earned his teaching degree at Puget Sound and taught for the Bremerton School District. He was active in the Boy Scouts with his son, Paul, and enjoyed RVing with friends in the Antlers Aweigh RV Club. He is survived by his wife, Elizabeth Reed Sarsfield ’63, ’64, and son, and extended family.
Peter Freer ’72 studied English at Puget Sound before driving a 4,000-gallon fuel tanker on the Trans Alaska Pipeline and eventually earning a degree in environmental studies from Western Washington University. He passed away Sept. 25, at the age of 72.
Roy Wedlund ’72, M . P. A .’ 74 died Nov. 29, at the age of 85. Wedlund earned both his bachelor’s and master’s degrees in public administration at Puget Sound. He is survived by his wife, Carol Wedlund ’72, M.P.A.’74, children, and grandchildren.
A graduate of Wilson High School in Tacoma, David Zeh ’72 worked in the financial industry after graduating from Puget Sound, retiring in 2001. He was a veteran of the U.S. Coast Guard, and spent his free time gardening, building houses for Habitat for Humanity. His passion was music, especially jazz, and he was a huge fan of the Beatles. Zeh will be remembered as a gentleman with a sweet and kind spirit. He died Oct. 6, at the age of 77.
LeRoy VanHee ’74 died March 21, after a short illness, at the age of 85. After high school, VanHee joined the Navy, serving two years as an electronics technician, mostly stationed in Yokosuka, Japan. Following his honorable discharge, he studied electrical engineering at University of Washington and Montana State University before earning his bachelor’s degree in business administration at Puget Sound. VanHee began his professional career at Boeing, then worked at other companies before returning to Boeing for the final 20 years of his career as a quality assurance specialist for the Department of Defense. In retirement, he enjoyed photographing the wildlife of Edmonds, Wash., contributing many of his photos to the Edmonds Department of Parks and Recreation.
Edward Venable M.B.A.’74 died Dec. 8, just two days after his 74th birthday. Born in Niagara Falls, N.Y., Venable grew up in Colorado and Michigan, earning his bachelor’s degree from Michigan State University before joining the Army and earning his aviator wings at Fort Rucker, Ala. He served as a helicopter pilot in Vietnam as part of Charlie Company, of the 227th, First Air Cavalry and the 60th AHC “Ghost Riders” Aviation Brigade. With more than 1,500 combat hours, he was shot down twice and received the Army’s Distinguished Flying Cross, a Bronze Star, and other military decorations. Following his service, he earned his M.B.A. at Puget Sound and launched a successful career with Lockheed Aerospace, working on various “black programs,” including the Stealth Fighter. His final assignment was at Kennedy Space Center, supporting the shuttle program, receiving recognition for his outstanding efforts on the investigation and recovery of the shuttle Columbia and Discovery’s return to flight. Venable loved going to Walt Disney World, bass fishing, and cheering on the Washington Nationals and Atlanta Braves.
A South Sound native and “trainer” to local celebrity golf pro The Golfing Gorilla, Thomas Tuell ’75 graduated from Wilson High School in Tacoma and played golf at University of Washington before completing his education degree at Puget Sound. He loved to laugh and entertain, and for many years, he wrote a column in The News Tribune telling the stories behind personalized license plates in the Puget Sound region. A staple at celebrity and high-profile golf tournaments around the world, Tuell was a member of the 350 Club for golfers that could drive the ball 350-plus yards. He died Dec. 6, at the age of 70. He is survived by his wife, Sheri Sulenes Tuell ’76, and children Matthew and Sarah, as well as many family members and friends.
Jacki (Jack) Pearce-Droge
1944-2020
Jacki (Jack) Pearce-Droge taught hundreds of Puget Sound students the value of volunteering. From 1989 until her retirement in 2013, she was director of the Puget Sound Community Involvement and Action Center, the office that at the time over-saw student volunteer work in the Tacoma area. “My goal,” she wrote on her LinkedIn page, “has been to share the value of civic engagement with others on a college campus, as well as encouraging our community to see themselves as being integral aspects of our students’ lives.”
Among the programs she helped create were Operation SAVE (which encourages students to donate used clothing and bedding when they move out of the residence halls), and Kids Can Do (later called the Big Siblings Mentoring Program). She once said of the university’s strong tradition of civic involvement: “[Students] have eagerly helped to clean up parks and streams, tutored, mentored area youth, volunteered their time to coach young people, and presented themselves to be strong models for future generations.”
Pearce-Droge also was a disability rights advocate, having chaired the Tacoma Commission on Disabilities and served the Assistance Dog Club of Puget Sound in such roles as president, board member, and newsletter editor. She had multiple sclerosis and had three service dogs over the years: Cheyenne, Forrest, and Chester.
Pearce-Droge died Dec. 2, 2020, in Tacoma. She is survived by son Burtt, a longtime Special Olympian; two sisters; and four nieces and nephews. Her husband, David Droge, taught at the university for 30 years, retiring in 2009 as professor emeritus of communication studies; he died in 2016.
Johanna Vermeulen Mason ’76, M.A.’79, ’88 died Oct. 12. She was 88. Born in Indonesia, Mason spent time in a concentration camp there during World War II, then emigrated to the Netherlands in 1946. After coming to the U.S. in late 1950s, she worked as a secretary in the religion and philosophy department at Puget Sound for more than 20 years. During that time, she raised nine children and earned bachelor’s degrees in philosophy and education, and a master’s degree in comparative literature. Many got to know her best through her poetry. Described as tenacious and strong willed, Mason will be remembered for living and loving to the fullest.
James Berg ’77, M.B.A.’83, J.D.’90 died Oct. 9. He was 75. Following his third year in college, he was drafted into the U.S. Army, where he spent 21 years on active duty. During that time, he completed his bachelor’s degree and M.B.A. in business at Puget Sound. He served three tours in Vietnam as a field artillery officer, plus a year on the DMZ in South Korea and additional assignments in Germany, Italy, and the U.S. At retirement, he held the rank of lieutenant colonel. As an attorney, he practiced at a Tumwater (Wash.) firm until 2011, then opened a general practice from his home. When not working, Berg enjoyed working on cars, including a 1930 Ford Model A, as well as woodworking and winemaking.
Piper Cheney ’77 passed away Oct. 26, at the age of 64. A lifelong resident of the Puget Sound area, Cheney graduated from Annie Wright School before attending Puget Sound, where she earned her bachelor’s degree in education. Known for her strength, determination, and servant’s heart, she served as vice president of the Ben B. Cheney Foundation, past board chair and emerita board member of Mary Bridge Children’s Hospital, a member of Junior League of Tacoma, and more. She is survived by her husband of 35 years, Matt; brother Bradbury Cheney ’82 and sister-in-law Carolyn; her children and grandchildren; and extended family and friends.
Katharyne Hamilton ’77 passed away Aug. 29, at the age of 85. Her life was spent with children. After earning a degree in education at Puget Sound, Hamilton raised eight children and established two private schools and three daycare centers, one of which was among the first 20 in the country to earn accreditation from the National Academy for the Education of the Young Child. A fan of Jeopardy! and Scrabble, she loved laughing, visiting Hawai`i, and preparing Christmas Eve feasts.
Michael Harshfield ’78 passed away Dec. 8. He was 69. A prolific reader and lifelong learner, Harsh-field was always ready with an obscure fact about the Civil War. After earning his bachelor’s degree in biology at Puget Sound, he pursued a master’s degree in health education and went on to a career as a respiratory therapist and educator in the medical field that spanned more than 40 years. He served the students of Lone Star College-Kingwood in Houston as an instructor and professor in the Respiratory Care Program and as director of clinical education in respiratory care until retiring in 2016. Known for his big heart and the twinkle in his eye, he will be re-membered for the impact he had and the kindness he showed others.
Born in Tacoma as the sixth of 10 siblings, Jing Ling ’79 served as the accounting manager for Pierce Transit for 30 years. In retirement, she traveled the world and enjoyed oil painting, sewing, and knitting. Known for her friendly smile and kindness to both people and animals, Ling made many forever friends, including her pet parakeet, Calypso, whom she taught to talk in their 15 years together. She passed away Oct. 15, at the age of 90.
Todd de Carteret ’85 died Oct. 22. He was 59. At Puget Sound, de Carteret followed in his father’s (Alex de Carteret ’59, P’85) foot-steps, playing football for the Loggers. As a coach, he led football teams through-out Washington, culminating at Mount Tahoma High School, his alma mater. During his 35-year career, his enthusiasm for life and commitment to education inspired hundreds of students.
Former Bremerton, Wash., high school cross country coach Christopher Mutchler ’85 died Nov. 20, just a week after learning he had pancreatic cancer that had spread to his liver. He was 58. Mutchler earned his bachelor’s degree in business administration from Puget Sound and opened his own accounting business. He was an avid snow and water skier, and enjoyed camping. He’ll be remembered as a man who was full of life and loved living it.
Second-generation owner and president of American Outdoor Projects Rodney Smith ’85, P’21 died Jan. 1, after a fatal ski accident. He was 57. A passionate outdoorsman and advocate against climate change, Smith was an avid home gardener and world traveler. He loved soccer, playing disc with his friends, and caring for his family, dogs, and goats. Smith will be remembered as an inspiring role model among both his personal and professional circles. He is survived by wife Soraya Smith P’21, sons Aidan and Talvin Smith ’21, and an extensive net-work of family members, friends, and colleagues.
Kimberly Blevins ’91 passed away Aug. 4, at the age of 47. She earned her bachelor’s degree in foreign language and international affairs at Puget Sound.
Klaus Shuler ’94 died suddenly while biking the Sammamish River Trail Dec. 2. He was 48. A highly respected emergency medicine physician at Eastside Emergency Physicians in Issaquah, Wash., Shuler was preparing to become medical director of the Swedish Medical Center Mill Creek ER in February. He will be remembered as a devoted husband and father, a curious lifelong learner, and a man of many hobbies, including growing exotic spices, serving as a D&D dungeon master, perfecting pizza dough, and more.
Michael Gotthold ’98 died June 9 from a fall. He was 45. A proud member of the U.S. Navy for 20 years, he was a lieutenant commander and surface warfare officer who served aboard the USS Jason Dunham, at Camp Pendleton, as liaison to the Netherlands Maritime Force in Den Helder, and at the Marine University in Quantico, Va. Gotthold was a passionate advocate for equal rights and the environment. He loved cooking and telling stories, and will be remembered for his contagious smile, heartfelt hugs, quick wit, and dedication to service.