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In Memoriam Archive for the Year 2010
JOHN L. SHOKA
In 1961, at the age of 24, John came to the United States to pursue his education. He studied for many years, while also working and raising a family. In 1970, he earned a PhD from the University of Washington and subsequently joined the faculty of Sacramento State University, where he taught Government and Ethnic Studies for 35 years. During his time at Sacramento State, John also served as a visiting Professor at the University of California, Santa Cruz and collaborated with Dr. Matt Kaayain starting a Swahili language and culture program. His lifelong dedication to teaching allowed him to touch the lives of thousands of students. John’s other accomplishments include the receipt of a Fulbright HayesGrant in 1997 and board membership on the Center of African Peace and Conflict Resolution at C.S.U., Sacramento. One of John’s proudest accomplishments was founding the non-profit organization the Kishapu Community Development Center (KCDC) together with Mary and his son, Max. In 1983, John met Mary Braham, his life partner of 27 years. Hewas a loving life partner and devoted father and grandfather. He maintained frequent contact with a large extended family and life long friends in the United States, Canada, Europe and Africa. John had a special ability to connect with others. He will be remembered for his charis
DENNIS L. KENNEDY We have received notice that Dennnis L. Kennedy, of the Business department, died on December 20, 2010. He is survived by his wife, Dianna. There will be no further information available.
MAUD UDVARDY
IRIS NORDBERG Iris Elliott (Drake) Nordberg born March 13, 1917 Idaho Falls, Idaho. Graduated from Roosevelt High School,Portland, 1939. Attended Albany College (became Lewis and Clark College) 1939-41. Graduated from U.C. Berkeley. Taught at Bieber High Sch., & Acalanes High Sch. in Avenal. Married Orville Nordberg 1945 in San Diego, resided in Berkeley. English teacher at El Camino High School 1954-1974. Kaiser Hospice volunteer 13 years. Enjoyed Arden Park Garden Club, knitting group, oil painting, travel. Member of Lutheran Church of the Good Shepherd since 1953. Died Oct. 19, 2010, at home. Preceded in death by husband Orville Nordberg, siblings Elmer Drake, Jr. & Doris Moore. Survived by son Eric Nordberg (Sun Valley, NV), daughter Elizabeth Adams (Hillsboro, OR), sisters Margaret Wilbanks & Dorthea Pennington; grandchildren Roger Fuerst (Portland), Dan Fuerst (Brooklyn), & a great-granddaughter. Service 2 p.m., Sat., Dec. 11, at 2 p.m., Lutheran Church of the Good Shepherd, 1615 Morse Ave, Sacto.
ROBERT TZAKIRI It is with much sadness that I wish to inform the Emeritus Association of the death of a former colleague in my department: Robert Tzakiri, professor of French and Huminities died in Sacramento yesterday, December 5, 2010. Submitted by Claude Duval, Foreign Languages
HORTENSE ELOISE SIMMONS
Hortense Eloise Simmons was born July 6, 1941, in Miami to Edna and Ira Simmons, Jr., a domestic worker and owner of a radio and television repair business. Three of her grandparents were Bahamian immigrants, the fourth, Native American. Wanting to experience the nation's capital, she enrolled at Howard University. To afford her freshman year, she had saved her earnings as a migrant farm hand working fields up and down the east coast during her high school summers, lying about her age to get her start. Still short of what she needed as her first fall semester approached, her brother Ira gave his sister his entire earnings from working beside her in the fields that summer. Hortense Simmons received her B.A. and Ph.D. degrees in English from Howard. Dr. Simmons began her teaching career at Ohio State University where she founded the university's first courses in African-American literature. From 1973 until her retirement in 2005, she taught American literature and ethnic studies at California State University at Sacramento. In 1984, she was named as University Fellow by the 24-campus California State University system, the world's largest. Widely published, she often served as editor, journal referee or reviewer, sat on the Center for African Peace and Conflict Resolution board, and served as regional director of the California Literature Project. Dr. Simmons was honored as a multiple Fulbright Scholar, the first time to Malaysia and then with several appointments to Ukraine where she became something of a celebrity. Her first Fulbright stint there led to her role as an observer in Ukraine’s 2004 Orange Revolution election for which in turn she was given the key to the city of Mykolayiv, Ukraine. In recent years, she consulted to the United States Department of State where she sat on the Fulbright Scholar selection panel and trained American Fulbright Scholars before their taking up their foreign assignments. Dr. Simmons also taught in Ghana, Greece, Haiti, Vietnam and the Semester at Sea program. Her first Fulbright assignment in Malaysia triggered a love of foreign travel which only grew as she took increasingly frequent assignments and vacations abroad. Her last in February, 2010, was to Ukraine when she first noticed the affects of her disease. Her travels made her into a prolific collector with the walls and shelves of her home entirely filled with art from across the globe. Hortense Simmons was an ingrained adventurer who once climbed Mount Fuji. A planned autobiography was to have been aptly entitled "Moving Target." Condolences have poured in to her family from across the world. Surviving are her brothers Ira Simmons III of Venice Beach, California, and Earl Simmons of Atlanta, sisters Paulette Thweatt of Atlanta and Beverly Brown of Pompano Beach, Florida, and many nieces and nephews. A sister Edna Simmons died in 1972. Ira Simmons, a nationally known Black power political figure in the 1970s, directs global relief organization Oneworld Works. Beginning in 2010, Free Press renamed one of its three annually awarded prizes the Hortense Simmons Prize for the Advancement of Knowledge in the Contemporary Underground Railroad.
AILEEN I. DRAPER
MARION ROWE DOBBS
MADELINE E. JONES (Madge)
Madge was one-fourth Native American, raised as one of six children in Happy Camp, California, where her father was a forest ranger. He brought strangers home for dinner when they had no other place to eat. She got her generosity from both her mother and father. She was well known for helping others, especially students at Sacramento State University, where she was a coordinator for student employment. Many of these students publicly attributed their success in college to Madge. Upon her retirement, the State of California Senate recognized her for her wonderful work and dedicated public service to several charitable organizations including the Boy Scouts of America and the March of Dimes. She was not only a good friend to people, but also to animals, her dogs, and the many stray cats and birds she has looked after and fed through the years. She will be deeply missed as a loving wife, mother, grandmother and friend. Her life will be celebrated by family and friends at home in Lake Ozark on Friday, November 5, from 4:30 to 8:30pm. A memorial service will take place in Happy Camp in the spring. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Alzheimer's Association online at http://www.alz.org/index.asp, by phone at 1-800-272-3900 or by mail at Alzheimer's Association, P.O. Box 96011, Washington, DC 20090-6011. Arrangements are under the direction of Hedges Scott Funeral Home, Osage Beach, Missouri, 573-348-3232. Expressions of Sympathy may be forwarded to the family at www.hedgesscott funeralhomes.com
PRESTON JAY STEGENGA
BRIGHAM ALICEN ARNOLD
Brigham was a Professor of Geography at CSUS for 33 years having founded the department in 1954. He also taught Archaeology, Climatology and Geomorphology. A member of several academic organizations, Brigham was a strong advocate for intellectual rigor. He retired in 1988. Brigham was the second oldest in a close-knit family of seven children, who all helped on family farms near Sharon, Wisconsin. In the 1930’s his family relocated to Tucson, Arizona where he finished high school and attended college, earning a BS in Anthropology with a minor in Zoology despite the interruption of WW II. In the US Army, Brigham completed a degree in mechanical engineering at Oregon State University before serving in North Africa and Italy, where he earned three bronze stars. His service as an army Staff Sergeant affected him deeply, making him a strong opponent of war or any enterprise that encourages the individual to surrender his better judgment to another. After the war Brigham traveled by mule and small sailboat around Mexico and Central America living with indigenous peoples along the way. This experience inspired him to return to his studies. He earned his PhD in Geography under the tutelage of Dr. Carl Sauer at UC Berkeley. Brigham traveled many more times to Latin America for work and study in the 1940’s and 50’s. It was during his graduate studies in 1949 that Brigham met and married the woman who would be his lifelong spouse, Lila Rose Arnold. Brigham is survived by his wife Lila Arnold of Sacramento, his daughter and daughter-in-law Sally Arnold and Christine Weir of Santa Cruz, CA and a large extended family including his sister Ruth Wesner of Tucson, AZ. A memorial remembrance will be held Friday, October 22, 2-4pm at the CSUS Alumni Center in Sacramento. Family, friends, former colleagues and students are invited to attend and share memories of this kind and intelligent man. The family asks that any acts of charity be made to Union of Concerned Scientists 2 Brattle Square, Cambridge MA 02238-9105 or Veterans for Peace, 216 S. Meramec Ave., St Louis, MO 63105. Memorial Service Memorial for Brigham Arnold, Professor Emeritus Founding faculty of CSUS Geography Department on Friday, October 22, 2010, 2 - 4 pm at Alumni Center Cal State University at Sacramento. Family, friends, former colleagues and students are invited to attend and share memories of this kind and deeply thoughtful man. The memorial will be followed by a light tea and fellowship. Family may be reached at (831) 426-6619. Memorial gifts may be made to the Union of Concerned Scientists, 2 Brattle Square, Cambridge MA 02238-9105 or Veterans for Peace, 216 S. Meramec Ave., St Louis, MO 63105
GEORGE RICH Survived by: Wife, Claudia of Sacramento; sons, Eric of Sacramento, Bryan of Fairfax, Va., and Travis of Los Angeles; daughter, Brittany Rich of Sacramento; brother, Fred of San Jose; sister, Penny Levey of Sunnyvale; and four grandchildren Services: 7 p.m. Sept. 24 at Unitarian Universalist Society of Sacramento, 2425 Sierra Blvd., Sacramento In memory: In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to a memorial fund. Checks should be made payable to University Foundation at Sacramento State (indicate "Professor George Rich Memorial Fund" in memo line) Dr. George W. Rich, a folklore expert and longtime California State University, Sacramento, anthropology professor, died Saturday of a brain tumor, his family said. He was 65. Dr. Rich taught cultural anthropology from 1970 to 2007. He served nine years as Anthropology Department chairman and was instrumental in establishing the university's Anthropology Museum. He also studied social dynamics in the workplace and collected tongue-in-cheek memos written in official-sounding language by employees poking fun at supervisors and the impersonal nature of bureaucracies. "Anthropology is not just an interest in cultures of tribal people, village dwellers, the rest of the world – but also our own culture," he told The Bee in 1991. "We spend too little time, actually, looking at ourselves." Dr. Rich conducted research in the United States, Iceland, Pakistan and other countries funded by prestigious grants from the National Science Foundation, the Fulbright-Hays Program and other sources. His findings appeared in scholarly journals, and he was active in academic organizations. To family and friends, he was a warm, down-to-earth guy who laughed at "Seinfeld" reruns on TV and a former drummer whose claim to fame was that his band in high school once opened for the Beach Boys. He enjoyed discovering diversity in societies and often mixed scholarship with adventure, including fieldwork on carnival celebrations in Bolivia. George William Rich was born in 1945 to a Lockheed Martin engineer and a congressional aide in Glendale. Following a trip to Guatemala as a teenager that opened his eyes to different cultures, he studied anthropology and earned bachelor's and master's degrees at CSUS and a doctorate at UC Davis. Widely respected by peers, Dr. Rich was a fellow of the Wenner-Gren Foundation for anthropological research and the National Science Foundation. He was a past president of the California Folklore Society and a member of the Southwestern Anthropological Association, and he received the SWAA Distinguished Service Award. He reached out as a mentor to students, who often went on to advanced degrees elsewhere. He stayed in touch with graduates, including many who returned to Sacramento State for a colloquium last year that was dedicated in his honor. "He was an extremely warm person who always had a smile on his face," anthropology chairman Raghuraman Trichur said. "He always put you at ease." Article by Robert D. Dávila
LOUIS H. BRONSON
KIRSTEN AMUNDSEN
Born March 4, 1929 in Hammerfest, Norway, Sissi lived life to its fullest. After the age of four when her mother, Gully, moved to Oslo, Sissi was raised by her loving grandparents Marie and Hans Bang in their family home. She was an excellent student in school and a bit spoiled by the love and affection of her grandparents and her aunts, Helge, Hjørdis, and Molly.
ETHEL LIVINGSTON
RAYMOND JOSEPH ENDRES
ROCHELLE MARKIS-FOSTER,
GEORGE LESLIE MARRAH
ADDISON W. SOMERVILLE
KENNETH HIRSCH Kenneth William Hirsch, born June 15, 1932, in Chicago, Ill., died June 16, 2010, in Napa. Ken was a professor of communication studies at California State University, Sacramento. His research primarily focused on the effects on children of violence in the media, and on effective communication in HIV-prevention programs. After serving in the Army in Europe during the Korean War, Ken graduated from Stanford with an MA and earned his PhD from the University of Oregon. He was an enthusiastic small-craft pilot, skier and scuba diver, and a professional-quality photographer who did his own darkroom work. Ken moved to Napa in 1988, and in retirement pursued many of his favorite topics. He also served on Napa County’s Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention Commission and HIV Prevention Community Planning Working Group. Ken is survived by his wife of 46 years, Beatrice Nora Hirsch. In lieu of flowers, donations may be sent to Napa Humane Society.
FRANCIS L. BAUTISTA
REIKO (MIKAWA) MATSUSHITA
NANCY YOUSIF Passed away on April 14, 2010 in Sacramento, California. A graduate of Michigan State University, she taught for 30 years with the Sacramento City Unified School District, the last 20 of which were at O.W. Erlewine Elementary. She is survived by her husband, Dr. Salah Yousif, Engineering Professor Emeritus at CSUS, six children, and five grandchildren.
MYREN KROM Myren Krom, a former professor of Mathematics, died at his home in Sacramento on 14 March 2010. He is survived by two brothers, who also live in the area. Funeral arrangements will be announced later.
BOB MATTOS
Bob Mattos, the spirited, optimistic football coach who re-energized Sacramento State's program and guided the Hornets to their last postseason appearance, died Sunday morning at his home in Rancho Murieta after a battle with brain cancer. He was 68. Mattos coached the Hornets from 1978 to 1992, compiling an 84-73-2 record and landing an NCAA Division II playoff berth in 1988. Sac State beat UC Davis and North Carolina Central before losing to North Dakota State in the semifinals. Perhaps just as rewarding was a 31-28 victory at UC Davis earlier that season, ending an 18-game losing streak to the Aggies. Mattos and the Hornets then rode a five-game winning streak against UC Davis. The team's 10-3 record in 1988 was the best in the Mattos era. He is the only football coach in school history with a winning record. "He's such a special person and truly embodies the spirit of Sacramento State," Sac State athletic director Terry Wanless said. "He's Mr. Hornet." Said Hornets football coach Marshall Sperbeck: "Bob Mattos is Sac State football." Mattos, who played quarterback and linebacker at Sac State in 1962 and 1963, is survived by Maureen, his wife the past 46 years; sons Bruce and Doug; and six grandchildren. "Forever the optimist," Maureen Mattos said. "It was always the positive, no matter how bad things got when you weren't winning games. "An awesome father and a tremendous grandfather." Bob and Maureen Mattos met as students at Stockton Junior College, now Delta College, with Maureen having to do the recruiting work. "I guess I had to pursue him," she said. Gary Quattrin, a former teammate and longtime close friend, said Mattos could connect with anyone. "He had the ability to communicate with people at all levels, from people who were taking care of the grounds all the way to the administration," Quattrin said. Maureen Mattos agreed. "He would say numerous things about how you always treat the little people nice because they're the ones that are going to take care of you," she said. "And he was so right." Quattrin recalled a visit to Kauai in 1987 when he and Mattos rescued a man struggling with the current well offshore. "We went out and got him," Quattrin said. "We'd all have gone down if it wasn't for two Hawaiians on the beach who came out and got us with surfboards. The tide was really turned." Mattos served as a fundraiser the past few years for Sac State, his efforts helping build the Broad Fieldhouse. He received the President's Medal for Distinguished Service in 2008. Mattos coached at Orestimba High School in his hometown of Newman, and Turlock High before taking the head-coaching job at Stockton's Stagg High School, where he won a Sac-Joaquin Section Division I championship. He also was credited with easing racial tension at the school. "Forget the coach," Quattrin said. "He was very successful as a human being. As a mentor, as a teacher, he was just what we need in society." UC Davis football coach Bob Biggs, an Aggies assistant in the Mattos era, said the Hornets coach was a class act. "A quality person, over and above the coaching," Biggs said. "He was just one of those people you couldn't help but like. He's so genuine." Mattos took the Sac State job in 1978, rebuilding a program that didn't win a game the previous season. After four losing seasons and threats of the school dropping football, he savored success, finishing .500 or better in nine of his final 11 seasons. "He started with nothing," Quattrin said. "He actually saved the program." His players remain grateful. "He's a very passionate guy, very loyal, hard-working, blue-collar," said Sac State defensive coordinator Lou Baiz, who played for Mattos from 1988 to 1990. "I loved being around him. He was a great person who cared about his players." Mattos also worked as an assistant coach with the Sacramento Gold Miners and the San Antonio Texans of the Canadian Football League, and he served as Elk Grove High School's athletic director for five years. "He took on all the problems," said former Elk Grove football coach Dave Hoskins, now a Sacramento City College assistant. "He had the biggest heart. "He was just a man's man, kind of like Clint Eastwood to me. I just wish I could be more like him." Mattos found himself in the news in November, when Sacramento State rallied for a victory over UC Davis in the season-ending Causeway Classic. The score was 31-28, the same numbers on the scoreboard for Mattos' first win over the Aggies in 1988. And the player catching the winning touchdown pass was Brandyn Reed, whose locker happened to be paid for by a donation from Mattos. All the Hornets wore Mattos' name on their jerseys that day. "It was kind of our tribute to him," Sperbeck said. Services are pending. A memorial fund has been set up at Sac State. Donations can be sent to: The Bob Mattos Fund, c/o Marshall Sperbeck, head football coach, Sacramento State University, 6000 J Street, Sacramento, CA 95819. (written by J. Schumacher, Sacramento Bee)
MARY ERMIE BACHARACH Ermie was a graduate of Purdue University and received a Masters in Education at Hofstra University. She and her husband Steve had 3 children while living in New York and then moved to California in 1962. Mrs. Bacharach pursued a long teaching career, including many years at Albert Schweitzer Elementary School in Carmichael. After retiring, she continued her love of education and worked into her mid-70s as a Student Teacher Supervisor at National University and Sacramento State University. Mrs. Bacharach is survived by her 3 sons, Stephen (Louise) of San Francisco, Logan of Santa Ana, Cris (Kay) of Newcastle, grandchildren Sondra (David) Eng of New Zealand, Val Bacharach of San Francisco, Bryn, Brett and Abby Bacharach of Newcastle, one great-grandson Stephen Eng and great-granddaughter, Samantha Eng. She is also survived by one sister, Sandy Scheurer, of Bakersfield and several nieces and nephews. As a loving mother and grammy, dedicated educator, friend to innumerable former students, neighbors, and all cute puppies, she will be greatly missed. No services are planned at this time.
RICHARD ALLEN KOCH
MARGARET ROE HJELSTROM
EVELYN GRACE REDDICK
GAY KORNWEIBEL
When the children were young, Gay typed manuscripts at home including several dissertations. Eventually she began typing training manuals for OWP (Office of Water Programs). Soon she joined the small staff half time, became office manager and eventually assistant director. OWP expanded and so did Gay’s responsibilities. Upon her diagnosis of multiple myeloma in 2005 she was forced to stop working and she grieved for three years over that loss in her life. She also had to give up donating blood but continued to wear her fifteen gallon donor tee shirt. In spite of complications and several life-threatening events Gay also managed to read on average two books every three days. She also continued to cook, travel and knit. She and friends attended plays and movies. She and Dick regularly entertained and were entertained by friends and family. Gay was an easy person to help and Dick had extraordinary assistance from the children and from the extended family who though not resident in Sacramento were here as often as possible. Just as important was the physical and emotional support from many close friends and a wonderfully connected neighborhood community.
ROBERT FOREMAN I'm sure most of you know by now that Bob Foreman collapsed on the tennis court at Nepenthe on Monday and has died. I spoke to his wife this afternoon when I got home from San Diego, and she was very courageous and gracious and said one of the highlights of Bob's retirement was being able to play tennis with us. She also said a get-together of remembrance is tentatively planned for Saturday, Jan. 23 from 2 to 5 pm. at the Nicoletti Funeral Home, 5401 Folsom Blvd. I hope many of you will stop by. I know his family would appreciate it. (Submitted by Bill Endicott) Robert Foreman died suddenly on January 11, 2010. A Professor Emeritus of California State University, Sacramento, he taught Philosophy for 35 years. He is mourned by his wife Carla, his son James, his granddaughters, Taylor and Kyla, and his many relatives, colleagues and friends. A gathering to celebrate Bob's life will be held at Nicoletti Funeral Home on Saturday, Jan. 23, from 2-5pm.
JAMES VICTOR VAUGHTER
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Dr. John Luhende Shoka was born in Kishapu, Tanzania on March 28, 1937. He was the only child of Sukuma Chief BaleleMaximillianShoka and TherezaMbuke, and had three half sisters. Tradition would have had John follow his father’s footsteps as a Sukuma Chief in the Kishapu region; however, the chiefdom system was abolished in the early 1960s soon after Tanzania gained independence.
Maud Udvardy, the widow of Ornithologist Miklos Udvardy of the Biological Sciences, CSUS. Maud was born on February 11, 1925, in Helsinki, Finland. She died in Sacramento, California, on December 17, 2010, from stroke complications. After enduring the Finnish Winter war and World War II, she married the late Dr. Miklos D.F. Udvardy in 1951. They first immigrated to Vancouver, Canada. The family moved to Sacramento in 1966. Maud spoke both her native Swedish and Finnish along with English, Spanish and German. Her adventurous life included living in Hawaii in 1959, a year in Honduras, and travelling by bus through South America. She wrote about her trips as well as acquiring a B.A. degree from CSUS in California history. Maud volunteered at the Discovery Museum History Center. An avid bridge player and exercise enthusiast, she never quit aerobics classes. She helped protect wildlife habitat in the Sierra Nevada foothills. Lifelong concern fueled her involvement with animal welfare organizations. She is survived by her three children, Monica Lilly Udvardy, M. Andrew Udvardy, Beatrix, and two grandchildren, Jacob and Sarah. Maud is dearly missed. A contribution in her name can be made to the Sacramento Society for Prevention of Cruelty to Animals.
Iris Nordberg passed away October 19, 2010, in Hillsboro, Oregon, where she had lived for the past 8 years with family. She had been a member of the "Faculty Wives Club" and was the wife of Orville Nordberg, former Education Department Chair, who passed away in April of 2002. 
Sacramento State Emeritus Association board member and editor of the Silver Bulletin, Hortense Simmons, who rose from underage migrant field hand to multiple Fulbright Scholar, passed away on November 26 in Atlanta of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, Lou Gehrig's disease. Dr. Simmons was a founding judge of the international Panel of Judges who select annual winners of the Free Press advancement of knowledge, leadership and preservation prizes, the highest honors awarded in the international Underground Railroad community.
Formerly of Sacramento, CA, died peacefully on October 8, 2010, in Rathdrum, ID. Born in Edinburgh, Scotland to David and Anne Stephen, Aileen received a Nursing degree from the Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh, where she met and married Rue William (Bill) Draper, who was serving as Surgeon Lieutenant in the Royal Navy. In 1950 Aileen and Bill immigrated with their three eldest children to Sacramento, CA, where they had two more children. Sadly, Bill Draper predeceased Aileen in 1960. Aileen furthered her education by earning a Family Nurse Practitioner Degree and served as Director of Nursing for Sacramento State University Student Health Services until retirement in 1985. She moved to Eugene, Oregon in 1994, and subsequently to Idaho in 2004 for her final years. Aileen is remembered fondly and respectfully as a devoted single mother to her 5 children, grandmother to 10 grandchildren and great-grandmother to 2 great-grandchildren. She volunteered on the Girl Scout Council, was a lifelong member of the Daughters of Scotia, a choir member of the Eugene and Sacramento Symphonies. Her talents & interests were many; pianist, knitting, quilting, sewing, travel, choir, stained glass, gardening and the outdoors. Aileen is remembered by all that knew her for a wonderful sense of humor and great enthusiasm for life. She is survived by David and Mary Draper of Stockton, CA, Susan and David Gonzales of Rathdrum, ID, Iain and Ingrid Draper of Mukilteo, WA, Robin and Lupe Draper of Quito, Ecuador, Gillian and James Ralls of Guilford, CT, sister-in-law Rhoda Stephens, niece Lesley La Haye, and nephew David Stephens all of Scotland. A Celebration of Life will be held at Carmichael Presbyterian Church, Carmichael, Calif. on Friday Nov. 12 at 4pm. Memorial donations may be made to Alzheimer's Association Inland Northwest or Daughters of Scotia, Kilwinning Lodge #203, P.O. Box 87, Placerville, CA 95667.
Born in Detroit, MI June 28, 1919. From age 1 she lived out her life in CA & died Oct. 12, 2010 at the Terraces of Roseville in Roseville, CA. Marion's musical ability was shared with many of her family & friends. She always encouraged people to sing the old (sing along songs) while she would play along on the piano or organ. One of her favorite mottos was, "Write it down"; this saying was used during her professional career as a Secretary in various positions through out her life. She was most proud of her last job in the Home EC Dept. at CSUS. At CSUS, Marion made many friends, a squirrel & bird included. They met her bus daily & escorted her across the campus to her office. She kept snacks in her desk for her furry friends. During her retirement days, she had more time to develop her animal friendships. She had dogs, a chicken, a toad, many deer, assorted birds & yes, more squirrels! Her cooking skills were almost as famous as her musical abilities. She won several contests for her baked creations. She married her sweetheart, Jack Dobbs in Las Vegas on Feb. 8, 1941. They were married 68 years & life was never dull or boring. Jack passed away in Nov. of 2008 at age 89. They had one child, Diane. Diane married Darrell Herold & they had one daughter, Deena (25). Marion also has a grandson, John Scatena (36) & his wife Liz. Other special people in Marion's life are Shirley & Harry Tow, (sister & brother-in-law of Jack). We will always remember Marion for her kind heart, her caring spirit, her love of animals, old songs & home cooking. She was a great mom, a fun grandma & a good friend to many. We will miss you & remember one of your favorite statements, "I am 91 but I don't feel old!"
Age 84, daughter of Ernest and Bernice Sutcliffe, was born in Happy Camp, California, on November 30, 1925, and passed away on Thursday, October 7, 2010, in Lake Ozark, Missouri. She leaves behind her husband, Bob (Robert S.) Jones; her two children: daughter Nancy Fong, and son, Bill Rogers and his wife Kay; granddaughters, Sarah Smith and her husband, Lee Leiber, Dalea Fong, Amy McCarthy and her husband Tom, and Shelly Davies. She is also survived by three great-grandchildren; three brothers, Swede (Donald), Wallace and Charles Sutcliffe; and many nieces and nephews. Madge was preceded in death by her sister, Ilene Giesser; her brother, Marvin (Cope) Sutcliffe; and her parents.
A private burial service was held in Santa Cruz, CA for Dr. Brigham Arnold who passed away on September 26, 2010. He was 92 years old. 
Louis Bronson passed away at his home in Sacramento on August 16, 2010. Louis was a devoted husband, loyal brother and loving father. He was a professor in the School of Social Work at CSUS for more than 20 years. His work in the community included serving on the advisory council for the Area 4 Agency on Aging, the Planning Council, and the Bay Area Morehouse College Alumni Assoc. He was a dedicated and active member of St. Andrews A.M.E. Church. He is survived by his wife, Thelma, one son, three daughters, five sisters, three brothers, two sisters-in-law, and many other relatives and friends. Visitation will be Saturday, August 21st, between 12-4 p.m. at Morgan Jones, 4200 Broadway. Funeral services will be Monday, August 23rd, at 11:00 am at St. Andrews A.M.E. Church, 2131 8th Street. In lieu of flowers, donations may be sent to The Louis H. Bronson Social Work Scholarship, Sacramento State, Office of University Development, 6000 J Street, Sacramento, CA 95819.
Kirsten Amundsen (Sissi) died peacefully at Marin General Hospital on August 16, 2010. 
Ethel Livingston, Age 91, died July 30, 2010, in Sacramento, California. A memorial service will be held at 3:00 PM on Sunday, September 12, 2010, at the Unitarian Universalist Society, 2425 Sierra Blvd., Sacramento, CA 95825. Ethel was born Ethel Mae Canavan on July 2, 1920, in Margaretville, New York, to Marie Denison Canavan and Harold Bolger Canavan. Ethel married John ''Jack'' C. Livingston on August 5, 1944, and they remained deeply in love and devoted to one another until Jack's death in 1981. Ethel and Jack were committed to social justice and equality, and were extremely active in the civil rights movement and in civic affairs generally. They believed that war is humanity's greatest failure, and worked throughout their lives to promote peace and nonviolence. Their lives were models of compassionate service. Ethel was a consummate homemaker. She created a home for her husband and children that provided them with the guidance, support and opportunity to flourish, and that made friends feel like family. In addition to her tireless commitment to family and her home, Ethel worked as an executive administrator in the healthcare field for a number of years. She always enjoyed the outdoors immensely, and spent many vacations hiking or camping with her family in the Sierras. Ethel was a life-long student, and for many years served as a coordinator in the Renaissance Society, a continuing education program at California State University at Sacramento. She was a long time member of the Unitarian Universalist Society of Sacramento. In her later years, Ethel served as a volunteer and a volunteer trainer at the Kaiser Permanente Hospital in Sacramento. Ethel was a woman of pure heart, strong spirit, and complete integrity. Ethel was predeceased by her husband, John C. Livingston, her sister, Elizabeth Johnson, and her brother, Harold Canavan, and is survived by her daughter, Rebecca (Dennis) Pottenger, and her sons, J. Cleve (Virginia) Livingston, Michael K. (Arlynna) Livingston, and George A. (Susan) Livingston, and by her 13 grandchildren, her 8 great grandchildren, and numerous nieces and nephews. Donations in Ethel's honor may be made to the John C. Livingston Lecture and/or the Livingston Scholarship fund at California State University Sacramento. Please send checks made payable to CSUS (noting ''Jack Livingston Scholarship/Lecture'' in the memo line) to CSUS, Development Office, Attn: Jackie Morris-Henderson, Sacramento, CA 95819-6030. 
Age 85, died of complications from Parkinson's disease at the North Avenue Retreat in Fair Oaks, Calif. on Saturday, August 14, 2010.
After a short but courageous battle with pancreatic cancer Rochelle entered God's kingdom from the loving arms of her dad and mom. She was born in San Mateo but lived most of her adult life in Sacramento. Despite some learning difficulties she was a mastermind at endearing herself to all she met. She was quick with a smile and often amused us with her innocent quips and witticisms. Rochelle worked for 25 years as a dishwasher and bus person at Sacramento State University until joyfully retiring one year ago. She leaves behind her dad and stepmom, Alan and Carolyn Markis; her mom and stepdad, Sylvia and Andy Smith; her brother Eric Markis; her sister Carrie Markis; and sister and brother-in-law Rene and David Lindahl and their family. Rochelle also says goodbye to her very special friend and Independent Living Counselor, Sue Anne Bennett, who followed her and supported her through both joyous and difficult times. She will miss her loving aunts and uncles, her square dancing friends at Guys & Dolls, and cheering with friends for her favorite Dallas Cowboys. Of strong spiritual makeup, her church home was St. Andrew Lutheran in Sacramento. With the expectation of a future life you will find Rochelle in heaven's V.I.P. section. The thoughts, prayers and kind words of friends have been greatly appreciated by the family. A private ceremony will celebrate her life. In lieu of flowers donations may be made in Rochelle's name to the Sutter Cancer Center at 2800 L Street, Sacramento, CA 95816.
Age 82, passed away June 21, 2010 of natural causes. A private service for family will be held at a later date. Dr. Somerville was born August 6, 1927 in Greensboro, Alabama to Ernest and Ellen Somerville. He graduated from Howard University and served in the United States Army. He moved to Sacramento to take a position at California State University, Sacramento, where he taught for more than 30 years. He also ran a successful counseling practice. He was preceded in death by his wife of 38 years, Carolyn, his siblings Joseph, Ernestine, Anna-Louise, Iola and Dora. He is survived by his sister Eunice George; his children Laurene, Ernest, and Christopher; and grandchildren Savannah and Adrian. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations may be made to: National Hospice Foundation http://www.nationalhospicefoundation.org Department 6058 Washington, DC 20042-6058 or Lewy Body Dementia Association
Born in Penryn (CA) in 1922, she passed quietly away on May 2, 2010 at the age of 88. Widow of Hisatoshi Tamaribuchi (d. 1967) & George Matsushita (d. 2007); sister to the late Michiye Okamoto, Hiroshi Mikawa, & Keiji Hirata; & mother to the late Hitoshi ''Tosh'' Tamaribuchi. Her memory will be cherished by sons Satoru and Stephen & daughter-in-law LeAnne Tamaribuchi; sister Etsuko Kohagura; brothers Ben, Takayuki, Akio, & Kazuo Seo and their families; her grandchildren Tiffany, Nicole, Tara (h. David Gibbs), Mathew (w. Aubrey), & Shawn; & great-grandkids Anthony, Mason, Kaylie, Liam & Beatrix. A Placer H.S. grad (1939), Reiko was interned with her family at the Tule Lake Relocation Center during WWII. After the war she worked at the Office of the State Comptroller. She retired from the CSUS Payroll department in 1983. An avid golfer and former Sunday School teacher at Placer Buddhist Church, she was active with the Ladies Auxiliary of VFW Post 8985 and the MSSCC. A memorial service will be held at the Placer Buddhist Church at 11:00am on Weds, May 12, 2010.
Passed away peacefully at the age of 68 on Sunday, March 14, 2010 at his home in Rancho Murieta. Born September 28, 1941 to John and Mabel Mattos in Ceres, California, he is survived by his wife Maureen, mother in-law Barbara, proud sons Doug (Jennifer) and Bruce (Julie) and 6 grandchildren (Ally, Olivia, Sophia, Nicholas, Emma and Caroline). Service previously held on March 19th. "Celebration of Life" will be on April 11th at 1pm, Alumni Center at Sacramento State University. In lieu of flowers, please send a donation to the following: The University Fund at Sacramento State: Bob Mattos Fund, c/o Marshall Sperbeck, Football Office, 6000 J Street, Sacramento California 95819. (Posted 4/7) 
Born on July 5, 1937, in Trimont, Minn., to John and Vera Koch, Dick passed away on February 23, 2010, at his home in El Dorado Hills, Calif., following a lengthy illness. He grew up in Minnesota, a place he always said was ''a good place to be from'', with a brother and sister, into a family whose activities revolved around baseball, fishing and the family business. His father was an inductee of the Minnesota Amateur Baseball Hall of Fame and Dick showed talent as a baseball catcher. However, a back injury cut short his career in baseball and in the family business building silos, but laid the foundation for the rest of his life. Following his injury, he received vocational rehabilitation services, realized the great benefit of such services, and devoted the rest of his life to helping and advocating for people with disabilities. He completed a bachelor's degree at St. Olaf College, a master's degree at Mankato State College and his doctorate at the University of Missouri in 1967. His first college-level teaching experience was at The University of Arizona. After two years he went to the Kansas State Teachers College, and one year later began teaching at Sacramento State College, where he taught in the Masters program in Vocational Rehabilitation Counseling from 1969 through 2007. He helped establish the NorCal Center on Deafness and was president of the California Rehabilitation Counseling Association for five years. In addition, he served on the Boards of Directors at Goodwill Industries and other community agencies for many years, and provided testimony on the need for vocational rehabilitation for injured workers at the state legislature on several occasions. He also dabbled in a variety of other activities, including coaching baseball at American River Little League, coaching the Department of Rehabilitation football team, and selling real estate, and in a more long-lasting private practice where he provided vocational rehabilitation services and expert witness testimony in personal injury cases. However, his true love was working with people with disabilities and teaching others to do the same. Everyone who was a student of his, or was one of his clients, appreciated the passion, caring and selflessness that he brought to the job. When he wasn't involved in teaching or helping others in some other way, he could be found at his beloved Tahoe Donner Golf Course, where his golf game seemed to improve with age. He was married twice, and will be dearly missed by his four sons, daughter and three grandchildren. He was predeceased by his parents and sister, and is survived by his brother, nieces and nephews. A celebration of his life will be held on Sunday, March 7, at 12:00 noon at the CSUS University Union Ballroom. Parking Passes will be provided at each of the Information booths at the entrances to the University. Peanut M&Ms and popcorn will be served, along with Diet Shasta Cola (and maybe a golfer's lunch and ice cream). This is a time for amusing or inspirational stories, or the like, only. Hawaiian shirts and/or golfer's attire preferred. Memorial gifts can be made to the University Foundation at CSU Sacramento for The Dick Koch Memorial Scholarship, 6000 J St., Sacramento, CA 95819-6030.
Peg was born and raised in Montclair, N.J., where she trained at Mountainside Hospital School of Nursing. She served as an R.N. at the Student Health Center, California State University, Sacramento, and at American River Hospital in Carmichael. Upon her retirement, she volunteered with the Mercy San Juan Hospice team. Irving Hjelstrom, her beloved spouse of 64 years, preceded her in death on April 7, 2005. Peg leaves behind three children and their spouses, Joanne Schoefer (Gil), David Hjelstrom (Karen), and Jane Ballisty (Dan), as well as 13 grandchildren and their spouses, and 14 great-grandchildren. The entire family will gather in love and remembrance for a Vigil service on Thursday, January 21, 2010, at 6 p.m. and for a Mass of Christian Burial on Friday, January 22, 2010, at 10 a.m. Both will take place at Saint Clare's Catholic Church, 1950 Junction Blvd., Roseville, with Peg and Irv's grandson, Reverend Timothy Hjelstrom officiating.
Evelyn Reddick passed away January 20, 2010 in Sacramento. She was born Evelyn Grace Gamel in Festus, Missouri, August 29, 1919. She attended Festus High School and graduated from Southeast Missouri State University in Cape Giradeau. Evelyn was devoted to the cause of public education throughout her life. She taught mathematics in high schools in Missouri, Illinois and Michigan before moving to Sacramento in 1954, where her husband, Harvey Reddick, was Professor of Music and later Academic Vice President at California State University, Sacramento. After Harvey's death she returned to teaching in adult education for the San Juan Unified School District. Evelyn was politically active in the Democratic Party, volunteering in presidential races from Adlai Stevenson's through Bill Clinton's. Evelyn was a generous, fun, and creative person with a delightful sense of humor. She is survived by her children, Mary and Robert Reddick, daughter-in-law Mona, granddaughter Carol Brash, great-grandchildren William and Violet Ditter, sister Elizabeth, and many nieces and nephews. A memorial service will be held in Festus in the near future.
Gay (Gladys Anne Kornweibel nee Young) died unexpectedly January 16, 2010. Gay was born December 28, 1942 in Oakland and spent her youth in Yosemite. She graduated from Wasatch Academy in Mt Pleasant Utah and, after attending other colleges, graduated from Sacramento State where she was also the long time Assistant Director of the Office of Water Programs. She is survived by her husband Richard and her three children Mark, Karen and Tolithia. She also leaves brothers and sisters and their spouses in Virginia as well as Dick’s brother and his wife. There will be no funeral but arrangements are pending for an event in her honor in March. 
VAUGHTER, James Victor Lt. Col., USAF, Retired. Born in Byers, Texas May 22, 1918, passed away in Sacramento, January 9, 2010 at the age of 91 years. Survived by his son, Michael D. Vaughter of Reno, NV; grandchildren, Amy and Chad and great grandson, Ethan. He was predeceased by his wife of 40 years, Betz Christensen Vaughter. Mr. Vaughter was the son of Dr. Hiram and Ada Vaughter. He was of a family of three brothers and two sisters. He entered the Air Force as an Aviation Cadet in 1940 during which time he was in combat in the European Theater Eighth Air Force and was a prisoner of war from 1943 to 1945. He retired as a Lieutenant Colonel Master Navigator in 1964. Mr. Vaughter received a MBA from the University of Colorado in 1958. After graduation, he joined the staff of California State University, Sacramento as director of Facilities Planning. He also held other positions at the University until his retirement in 1981. Mr. Vaughter was very active in the community, a charter member and Past President of the Rotary Club of East Sacramento, Life member of the Comanche Riders Association, Past President of the Second Schweinfurt Memorial Association, Inc., served for a number of years as a member of the advisory board of the Salvation Army and was a devoted member of Saint Marks United Methodist Church. Friends are invited to attend Memorial Services Friday, January 15, 2010 at Saint Marks United Methodist Church, 2391 St. Mark's Way, Sacramento. Graveside Services with full Military Honors, Tuesday, January 19, 2010 at 2:00 P.M. at Glen Oaks Memorial Park, 11115 Midway, Chico, CA 95928. Arrangements by NICOLETTI, CULIIS & HERBERGER Funeral Home. 451-7284.
© March 2005- December 2010
Sacramento State Retired Faculty & Staff Association