Colorado College Bulletin

Obituaries  

Isabel Postlethwaite Greiner ’25, Colorado Springs, Aug. 26. Isabel was a homemaker. Survivors include her daughter, Debora Greiner Hulett ’53, her sister, Constance Postlethwaite Murray ’32, and her brother-in-law, David Greiner ’41. Isabel was preceded in death by her husband, Perry Greiner ’25, and her father, William Postlethwaite, CC treasurer from 1911 to 1940. 

Helen “Louise” Danks Van Lopik ’26, Colorado Springs, Jan. 1. Louise was a homemaker and a member of the Fine Arts Center, the Fifty Year Club, the Woman’s Educational Society, Friends of the Library, and Kappa Kappa Gamma. Survivors include her daughter, Evelyn Van Lopik Stark ’50.

Grace Berkley Brannon ’27, Denver, Dec. 7. Grace was a former French and Spanish teacher and a very active CC community volunteer. A trustee from 1958 to 1964, she was honored with the Worner Award in October 1985. She was a class agent for 13 years, and was a former president of the Fifty Year Club. Survivors include her grandson, Berkley M. Brannon ’83, her granddaughter, Virginia Brannon ’85, and her brother-in-law, Jack Waymire ’38. Grace was preceded in death by her son, Berkley H. Brannon ’60.

George D. Gibbs ’29, Arvada, Colo., July 8. He retired from International Harvester Company in 1970. Survivors include his son, Guy Gibbs ’51.

James M. Reid ’31, Colorado Springs, Sept. 15. James was a retired electronics technician. Survivors include his wife, Vera. His brother, G. Donald Reid ’34, preceded him in death.

Frances Willis Fisher ’32, Colorado Springs, Nov. 26. Frances was a homemaker. Survivors include her sister, Matilda Willis Weber ’31, her niece, Anne Weber Wigington ’74, her great- nephews, Willett Willis ’68 and Erec-Michael Weber ’99, her great-great nephew, Willett Willis ’92, and her great-great niece, Marilyn Willis ’96. Frances was preceded in death by her father, Willett Willis ’06, her mother, Anne Clough Willis ’06, her aunt, Marie Clough Gillis ’18, her uncle, Richard Clough ’19, and her brother, Willett Willis ’36.

Mildred Volentine Green ’32, Birmingham, Ala., Oct. 10. Mildred was a leader and volunteer with the local ballet, symphony, literary club, and women’s committee.

George Donald Reid ’34, Aurora, Colo., Aug. 28. Donald worked for the Colorado Department of Revenue and was a member of his church choir. His brother, James Reid ’31, is deceased.

John Hoepner ’34, Orlando, Fla., July 6. John owned and operated Hoepner Funeral Home for 37 years.

Clyde Davis ’35, Williamsburg, Va., July 12. Clyde was a chemist for Dow Chemical Company. Survivors include his wife, Elizabeth Heaton Davis ’35.

Cecil Ver Duft ’35, Sun City, Ariz., Sept. 7. Cecil was a director with Goodwill Industries, on the board of directors at Penrose Hospital, and a businessman. His wife, Mary Roherer Ver Duft ’35, preceded him in death.

Blanche Nolan Miles ’37, Toppenish, Wash., Aug. 12. Blanche was preceded in death by her husband, C.F. Miles ’37, and her brother-in-law, Gerald Miles ’32.

Carroll “Cal” Bullock ’38, Scottsdale, Ariz., Oct. 10. Cal served in the Marine Corps during World War II and owned a furniture store after earning his degree. Survivors include his wife, Marianne, his brother-in-law, Milton Norton ’50, and his nephew, Timothy Norton ’72

James Haney ’39, Colorado Springs, Dec. 24. Jim was a retired banker and a field director for the American Red Cross from 1945 to 1950. He was president of his class, an active Fifty Year Club alumnus, a volunteer for the reunion giving committee, a development volunteer, and a member of Friends of the Library. Survivors include his wife, Jule Hutchinson Haney ’39, his brother, Don Haney ’33, his sister, Mary Haney Lochridge ’43, and his three nephews, John Haney ’62, Jerry Hillhouse ’62, and Jeff Haney ’76. Jim was preceded in death by his sister, Helen Haney Nelson ’35, and his sister-in-law, Gratia Blackman Haney ’34.

Alice Howe '39, Estes Park, Colo., July 1. In addition to her bachelor’s degree in art history, Alice earned her MAT from CC in 1943. She served as head resident for Wood Avenue House and Slocum and was also a member of many student organizations, including Kappa Kappa Gamma. Alice devoted many hours to a variety of volunteer activities, loved fishing, and was a retired teacher and occupational therapist. Survivors include her sister, Abigail Howe Crawford '44, her nieces, Crete Crawford Wood '69 and Laura Howe Schell Flanders '76, her great-niece, Catherine Wood '95, and her great-nephew, Oliver Wood '97.

Nancy Taylor Shivers ’40, Englewood, Colo., Oct. 21. She was an active member of the Assistance League and the Red Cross. Survivors include her niece, Elizabeth Shivers Newburn ’58. Nancy’s husband, Marcus O. Shivers Jr. ’37, preceded her in death.

William Van Arsdale ’40, Sedona, Ariz., March 17, 1999. Survivors include his wife, Margaret Cochran Van Arsdale ’39, his son, John Van Arsdale ’63, and his daughter, Lise Ann Van Arsdale Hansen ’73.

Sergei Arutunoff ’41, Feb. 17, 2000. Sergei, executive vice president of Reda Pump Co., was a yachtsman. Survivors include his wife, Mararet. 

Elisabeth Wilson ’41, Colorado Springs. Sept. 19. 

Robert W. Haberl ’42, Los Altos, Calif., June 23. Robert was self-employed until he retired in 1990. Survivors include his wife, Bette, and his cousin, Jerry L. Northern ’62

Lynwood M. Hopple ’42, Montrose, Colo., Sept. 1. Lynwood, a psychiatry instructor, received numerous awards for his service to psychiatric mental health in Colorado. He was also an active pilot and flight instructor. Survivors include his wife, Lois.

James L. Krum ’42, Tidepointe, S.C., Feb. 11, 2000. James was a retired vice president of Sears Roebuck and Co., as well as an active volunteer with the CC community. Survivors include his wife, Marge. 

Raymond Gilbert ’43, Bedford, Mass., Sept. 13. Raymond was a research psychologist, an instructor in clinical psychology, and a member of multiple boards, including the Massachusetts Psychological Association and the Massachusetts Highway Houses. Survivors include his wife, Barbara, his son, Benjamin Gilbert ’91, and his brother-in-law, Charles Giese ’43

Charles “Bill” Goodnight ’43, Lexington, Ky., Oct. 30. Bill attended CC on an athletics scholarship, but majored in music. He was president of the student body, captain of the football and baseball teams, and a top-notch wrestler. Bill, who fought in the Pacific during World War II, became a coach and professional football player for the San Diego Bombers. He was also a retired franchise owner of Jerrico and Long John Silvers, and a retired manager of Alexander Film Co. Active within the CC community, Bill was heavily involved with his 50th Reunion Class celebration. Survivors include his wife, Elinor Farris Goodnight ’43, his sister-in-law, Rita Hoag Goodnight ’49, and his nephew, Christopher Goodnight ’90. Bill was preceded in death by his brother, Warren Goodnight ’49.

Helen Putman Hughes ’43, Denver, Dec. 9. Helen was a corporal and photographer in the Marine Corps during World War II, and later became a real estate agent and substitute teacher. Survivors include her son, Richard P. Hughes ’72. She was preceded in death by her husband, Richard Hughes ’43.

Charles Reed Nostrom ’47, Colorado Springs, Sept. 9. Reed retired from Chevron Oil as a fuel and lube engineer. While at CC, Reed was an outstanding football player and part of the V-12 class.

Gordon J. Hill ’48, Aurora, Colo., Aug. 23. A native of Pueblo, Colo., Gordon received a disability retirement from the U.S. Army Air Corps after serving as a C-47 pilot in the South Pacific during World War II. He was an avid golfer.

Clyde C. Schmer ’49, Colorado Springs, Sept. 4. Clyde was an active member and leader of the American Legion Post 5 and the 40/8 Voiture Locale 1315.

Lucy Farnen Wade ’49, Kansas City, Mo., March 1, 2000. A retired medical secretary, Lucy was an avid sewer, gardener, and volunteer. Survivors include her husband, Philip. 

Marjorie Replogle Hyman ’50, Flora, Ind., Nov. 1, 1999. 

Donna Wolf Steigerwaldt ’50, Dec. 8. Donna, the chief executive officer and chairman of Jockey International since 1980, succumbed to pneumonia. She attained her bachelor’s degree in Romance Languages, and received an honorary degree from CC in 1987. Donna established the Donna Wolf Steigerwaldt scholarship at Colorado College in 1985. She was an honorary Chicago area campaign chair for CC from 1985-89. In 1978, she joined the family-owned business, now Jockey International, as vice chairman, and succeeded her father as CEO in 1980.Under Donna’s leadership, Jockey introduced the company’s first line of women’s clothing and expanded the company worldwide.

Manuel M. Davenport ’54 (M.A.), Bryan, Texas, Aug. 31. He was a professor of philosophy at Texas A&M University, served as the department head, and was director of the graduate program in philosophy for four years. 

A.M. “Midd” Gammel ’55, Warwick, R.I., Aug. 18. Midd, a venture capitalist and prominent member of his community, died in a plane crash in Kennebunkport, Maine. He was captain of the soccer team and earned the most valuable player award. Survivors include his wife, Frances Howland. 

Barbara Jo Fellows ’57, Seattle, Wash., Sept. 8. Barbara, a devoted nurse, was named Nurse of the Year by the King County Nurses’ Association. She was also elected secretary of the Washington State Nurses’ Association. 

Susan Lundquist Ward ’59, Sierra Vista, Ariz., Aug. 2. Susan worked for the Army Signal Command at Fort Huachuca as an operations research analyst. Survivors include her husband, James Ward ’57

Paulina Fink Chichester ’60, Nov. 23. 

Robert Rataczak ’60, Colorado Springs, Nov. 17. Robert served 23 years in the army, retiring as a major. He was awarded the Bronze Star with Oak Leaf cluster, the Army Commendation Ribbon, and the French Croix de Guerre with Bronze Star. Robert became a well-respected science teacher and counselor at West Junior High School for 20 years. 

Wesley Guenther ’62, Colorado Springs, Jan. 7. Wesley served in the navy for four years, was the owner of Pikes Peak Trailer Supply, and a retired rancher. Survivors include his wife, Clarice.

Rodney Peck ’62, Denver, Sept. 29. Rodney was an attorney and active member of the Denver community. Survivors include his wife, Betsy Foote Peck ’62, his son, Corey Peck ’94, and his brother-in-law, Thomas Foote ’68

Jan Detrick ’64, Medocino, Calif., Jan. 10, 2000. Jan was a devoted veterinarian and had numerous hobbies, including photography, watch repair, guns, printing, motorcycling, sailing, and music. Survivors include his wife, Judith Dykes Detrick ’64

Tessa Palmer White ’67, Bellevue, Neb., Aug. 16. Tessa died of cancer. Survivors include her husband, Todd, and her son, Ethan White ’98

Michael Wayne Braye ’75, Cape Fear, N.C., Aug. 13. Michael, a special agent in the Federal Bureau of Investigation, served as a linguist. Following his service in the FBI, Michael joined the State Department as a foreign service officer. Survivors include his wife, Vickie, and his father, James Braye ’58

Scott McAdams ’75, Palermo, N.J., Nov. 16, 1999. Scott was a member of Amnesty International as well as the Minnesota Trial Lawyers Association. Survivors include his brother, Steven McAdams ’80, and his cousin, Mark Eastman ’74

Carla Mullin Keter ’81, Colorado Springs, Oct. 27. Carla was a call response specialist for Compaq. Survivors include her husband, Michael. 

Michael Reeves ’81, Pasadena, Calif., Nov. 1. Michael, a loyal CC volunteer, died of leukemia. He is survived by his wife, Alexandra. 

Daniel Sarlo ’82, Denver, Sept. 16. Dan was a Boettcher scholar and a teacher at Regis Jesuit High School before he joined the Peace Corps and taught English in Slovakia for four years. After returning to America, he taught and coached at Gateway Senior High School. Survivors include his father, John R. Sarlo ’52, and his brother, Robert Sarlo ’79

Robert D. Armstrong ’83, Haddon Field, N.J., March 10, 2000. Robert, a former CC alumni admissions representative, owned RDA Consulting. 

Camille Cegielski ’94, Springfield, Ill., Sept. 18. Camille recently graduated from the Des Moines University School of Osteopathic Medicine and was completing her first year of pediatric residency at the time of her death. Prior to her residency, Camille founded a successful mentoring program that matched innercity and at-risk young women interested in medicine with medical students. 

Sarah Campbell ’96, Driggs, Idaho, Dec. 25. Sarah died in an avalanche in Teton Valley, Wyo. A former Forest Service employee, she was an experienced backcountry traveler. Sarah also trained horses and was an avid conservationist. 

******

FRIENDS

Joni Ledbetter Brandner, Colorado Springs, Dec. 3. As demonstrated by the large number of students and staff who attended her memorial service, Joni was well known and loved by the campus community. The postal coordinator at Colorado College for 19 years, she was an avid Tiger hockey fan. The Tigers dedicated the Dec. 8 game in her honor. Memorial contributions may be made to Colorado College Athletics Department Hockey Fund, 14 E. Cache La Poudre St., Colorado Springs, CO 80903.

A.J. McMillen, Louisville, Colo., Oct. 19. After immigrating to the United States in 1945, Jean taught at Colorado College for more than 20 years. A beloved member of the drama department faculty, Jean is remembered by hundreds of alumni for her wonderful costumes, colorful children’s theatre productions, children’s literature and creative dramatics courses, and the cast parties at the McMillen home. Colorado Springs children grew up attending her Saturday creative dramatics classes – classes she encouraged CC students to teach. Her husband, William McMillen, CC professor of drama for 22 years, preceded her in death. Survivors include her daughter, Deirdre McMillen Franklin ’80.

Dorothy Mierow, Colorado Springs, Aug. 27. Dorothy, who taught geography at CC for several years, was curator of the natural history museum. A member of the first Peace Corps group, she taught geography in Nepal for six years. An author, artist, and photographer, Dorothy published several books about Nepal. As a sign of her respect and love of that country, Dorothy built a natural history museum in Nepal using most of her inheritance. Her father, former Colorado College President Charles Mierow, preceded her in death.

Lewis Pino, Rochester Hills, Mich., Aug. 17. Lewis served as assistant dean of Colorado College between 1956 and 1958. He was also an associate professor of chemistry. Survivors include his wife, Carol.

Beverly Reinitz, Colorado Springs, Oct. 26.  Bev died suddenly while visiting relatives in Chicago. Politically active in the Colorado Springs community, she was a member of numerous civic organizations. Bev was also an avid fly fisher, backpacker, and gardener. Survivors include her husband, Neale Reinitz, CC professor emeritus.

Correction:  In the fall 2000 issue of the magazine, the obituary for Richard Lewis '75 erroneously listed his home town as Breckenridge, Colo. He lived in Santa Cruz, Calif. He was also survived by a son, Sean.   

EDITH GAYLORD HARPER 1916-2001

Edith Gaylord Harper ‘36, a newswoman from Oklahoma's pioneering Gaylord newspaper family and a longtime supporter and trustee of Colorado College, died Jan. 28 in Oklahoma. She was 84.

A member of the Oklahoma Journalism Hall of Fame, Harper touched the lives of thousands through quiet philanthropy and a lifelong devotion to journalistic excellence.

Born March 5, 1916, in Oklahoma City to E.K. and Inez Gaylord, her father was editor and publisher of The Daily Oklahoman and Oklahoma City Times from early statehood days until his death in 1974. Her brother, Edward L. Gaylord, is editor and publisher of The Oklahoman and chairman of The Oklahoma Publishing Co. Nephew E.K. Gaylord II is president of The Oklahoma Publishing Co.

Harper was educated for a short time in Switzerland but attended Oklahoma City public schools and graduated from the old Classen High. She attended Colorado College, and graduated from Wells College in Aurora, N.Y., in 1937. She then worked as a reporter and editor for The Oklahoman and Times and at WKY radio.

In 1942, she joined the New York bureau of the Associated Press and went to work for the AP's Washington bureau the next year. In 1944, she was president of the Women's National Press Club and secretary of Eleanor Roosevelt's Press Conference Association, an organization of news reporters.

Harper later returned to Oklahoma City where she spent many years as corporate secretary and member of the board of directors of The Oklahoma Publishing Co. She was secretary emerita at the time of her death.

Over her lifetime, Harper supported numerous community organizations and projects with both her time and money. In 1982, she founded the Inasmuch Foundation as a vehicle for giving to arts, health and human services organizations. That same year, she established the Ethics and Excellence in Journalism Foundation to support projects to improve the quality and ethical standards of journalism in media.

Harper maintained a relationship with Colorado College, which was also her father's alma mater. Harper became a charter trustee and established endowments. The school awarded her a Doctor of Humane Letters degree in 1992 and named one of its newest residence halls in her honor last fall.

She chaired the Annual Fund and served as a charter member of the President’s Council. Native American students are beneficiaries of a CC fund Harper created in the 1970s. She established the Gaylord Endowment for Pacific Area Studies in 1987, and has been a generous supporter of the Southwest Studies program, the Baca campus, Tutt Library, and the Crown Teaching and Learning Center. 

Memorials may be made to Colorado College, attention Don Wilson, vice president for alumni, development and college relations.

— Excerpted with permission from The Oklahoman

Back to Index