BEARCAT WORLD
In Memoriam (Extended Version)
Jeffrey B. Hudson ’72 Oct. 8, 1949 – May 13, 2014 Jeffrey Brian Hudson was born in Portland, Ore., and raised in Oregon City. After graduating from Willamette, he earned a master’s in education from Lewis & Clark College. Shortly thereafter he began a 37-year career in teaching and coaching, most of which was spent at Evergreen High School and Mountain View High School. Away from work, he was known as a compassionate family man who spent his spare time serving the community and contributing to charitable organizations. Survivors include his wife and daughter. Daniel P. Niederer ’76 May 4, 1955 – July 1, 2014 Daniel Patrick Niederer received a scholarship to Willamette and joined the Kappa Sigma fraternity. After college, he went on manage several restaurants in Portland, Ore. He was musically talented on the piano and console organ. He will also be remembered for his sense of humor, and his love for animals and gardening. Survivors include his mother, foster sister and six cousins. Ronald L. Silveira M’77 Sept. 29, 1948 – June 20, 2014 After earning a graduate degree from Willamette, Ronald Louis Silveira went on to work in the television industry. Known as an innovator of digital technologies that helped shape the modern era of postproduction, Ron served as the president of Unitel and the COO of The Post Group. Survivors include his wife and a brother.
1980s Mark D. Stapleton ’86 July 26, 1963 – July 24, 2014 Mark David Stapleton was born in Fort Collins, Colo. While attending Sprague High School in Salem, Mark excelled at sports, especially baseball, which he went on to play at a semi-pro level. After attending Willamette, he worked for Shared Communications, Oregon Telecom and Pacific Pellet. Outside of work, his passions included hunting, watching and playing sports and spending time with his family. Survivors include his parents, wife, sister and two children.
2000s
Faculty
Bryan K. Murray MAT’00 Nov. 17, 1952 – Jan. 2, 2014 Bryan Keith Murray was born in San Antonio, Texas. He received his bachelor’s degree in journalism from San Jose State University in 1974 before embarking on a 23-year career as a television news reporter, anchorman and producer. After receiving his master’s degree in teaching from Willamette, he spent several years teaching in Salem. Survivors include his wife, a brother and a son.
Dr. James A. Hand June 3, 1925 – June 11, 2014 Reverend James Albert Hand was born in Mobile, Ala. After serving in World War II, he earned a Master of Divinity degree from Union Theological Seminary in 1952, and a Doctor of Philosophy degree from Vanderbilt University in 1964. Later that year, he took a teaching job at Willamette, which turned into a 24year career that saw him become a Professor of Religion and a Department Chairman. In between, he ran a ministry in the AlabamaWest Florida Conference of the Methodist Church for 10 years. Jim retired from teaching in 1988. Survivors include his wife, a son, a daughter and five grandchildren.
Robert S. Fetter MAT’03 Sept. 9, 1964 – May 10, 2014 Robert Scott Fetter was born in Portland, Ore. After earning a master’s degree in teaching from Willamette, he began his education career in Japan, where he taught English for five years. Rob and his family then moved back to the U.S. and he spent the rest of his career teaching in Iowa, Washington and Oregon. In his spare time, Robert enjoyed reading, philosophy, playing bass guitar and rock climbing. Survivors include his parents, wife and two children.
Professor Robert H. Hess Aug. 12, 1935 – May 8, 2014 Robert Hess was born in Brooklyn, N.Y. After studying art at Indiana University and the University of Notre Dame, he relocated to Salem and began a 34-year career teaching art at Willamette. Robert was a well-known and respected artist in the Northwest, as well as a beloved professor. Survivors include his wife of 43 years.