In Memoriam

Douglas McKay

Friend of the University, J. Douglas McKay, passed away on December 4, 2019. Doug was a long-time donor and friend of the University who cared deeply about education. Doug grew up in Eugene and learned about business early on from the family enterprise, McKay's Markets. He attended the University of Oregon on an ROTC scholarship and after graduation entered the Air Force as an officer and pilot. After completing his military service, Doug returned to the area and joined his family in the founding of McKay Investment Company. Doug later went on to found McKay Commercial Properties and was also the head of North Douglas Wood Products. In his professional work, Doug was committed to sustainable commercial development. Doug was a faithful servant to the Eugene higher education community, serving on both the University of Oregon Foundation Board the Lane Community College Board as well as giving generously to endowments and scholarships at the University of Oregon and Northwest Christian University. A recent gift of $500,000 for future campus development highlights Doug’s lifetime commitment to generosity. Doug is survived his sister Linda McKay Korth, his daughters, Amy Romero and Tracie Shojai, and four grandchildren.

Hazel (DeMarce) McLarrin ('37-'39) passed away on January 25, 2018. Hazel was born and raised in Corvallis, Oregon and attended NCC from 1937 - 1939. She married James W. "Jim" McLarrin in 1940 and lived most of their lives in Eugene and Lebanon, Oregon. She is survived by two daughters, five grandchildren, sixteen great-grandchildren and one great-great-grandchild.

Delbert "Steve" Fenn '60 passed away in February 2019. He is survived by his wife Pat (Patty Myers) Fenn of 62 years, his son Roy Fenn and daughter Jeanette Buystedt. Dan N. Armstrong '70 passed away on February 11, 2019. He was born in Spokane, WA. He met Janice Cromwell at NCC and they were married in 1969. He graduated from NCC with a Bachelor of Theology in 1970, Fuller Theological Seminary with a Master of Divinity in 1974, and a Doctor of Ministry from San Francisco Theological Seminary in 1977. In 1972 Dan joined the Air Force as a Chaplain Candidate and served 5 years in the AF reserves. In 1977 he entered active duty as a Protestant Chaplain for the United States Air Force. Over the next 22 years, Dan, Jan, and their children Lisa and Daniel served God, country, and the men and women of the US Air Force. In 1999 Dan retired from the Air Force with the rank of Colonel and moved to Hood River, Oregon where he was the paster of Hood River Valley Christian Church for 5 years and then 6 more years as interim for Silverton, Ione, Springfield, La Grande and Pendleton. Above all else, Dan loved Christ and His church. He is survived by his wife, children and 8 grandchildren.

Ruth Watters ('43-'45) passed away on April 18, 2019 in Eugene, Oregon. She attended high school in Billings, Montana and came to NCC in the fall of 1943. She married her husband Arthur in 1944. They were married 65 years; Arthur passed in 2010. Together they owned and operated three beauty schools and ten salons for over 60 years. She was an active member of First Christian Church in Eugene and in the cosmetology industry. She is survived by three of her sons, her brother, eight grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her husband and her son Larry.

Carol Ann (Lyda) Wright '73 passed away on April 23, 2019 in Lawton, Oklahoma. Carol was a lifelong music lover and performer. She is survived by her husband of 41 years, David, her son David (Crystal), her daughter Corinne (Dustin), four younger sisters, their husbands and three grandchildren.

Katherine Alsing '43 passed away on June 15, 2019 at the age of 95 in Ashland, Oregon.

Rogene A. Stock '69 passed away on July 3, 2019 in Sweet Home, Oregon. Rogene attended NCC where she met and married husband Ted Stock '69. Ted and Rogene had five children and raised them in Sweet Home. Rogene was an educator at heart, whether in the local classroom, teaching educators at NCC or serving the Riverside Christian Church. She is survived by her husband Ted, five siblings, her five children, their spouses and eleven grandchildren. graduating in the 1960's. She then served as the audio-visual director in the NCU library until retiring in 1976. She was a member of First Christian Church, Eugene and was an avid birder. She is survived by her son Greg (Sandy) and three step-grandchildren.

James C. Smith '51 passed away on October 23, 2019 in Yorba Linda, California at the age of 91. He grew up in Billings, Montana and attended NCC where he met his wife Joyce (Couch) '50. He served as Student Body President during his time on campus, and proceeded to complete two graduate degrees from both Butler University and Fuller Seminary. Together, Jim and Joyce served the Christian church all over the country, but his longest tenure was as General Director of the Christian Missionary Fellowship (now CMFI) from 1967 to 1987. He also served as a part-time professor at Hope International University. He is survived by his wife, Joyce as well as their four adult children, many grandchildren and two great grandchildren. Jim requested that in lieu of flowers, donations can be made to NCU (www.nwcu.edu/give) or CMFI (www.cmfi.org/give).

Harvey Ruegsegger '58 passed away on October 24, 2019. He met his wife Bonnie (Van Doren) '58 at NCU and they were married 63 years. He sang in the men's quartet while at NCU. After graduation, Harvey served in churches spanning Oregon, Washington, Iowa, Colorado and Wyoming. He was an active volunteer in Volunteers of America, Habitat for Humanity and the Lions Club. Notably, Harvey helped start the Loveland (Colorado) Police Chaplains in 1976 and served this organization for 40 years. He is survived by his wife Bonnie, his three children (Debra, David and Daniel), three grandchildren and three great-grandchildren.

Friend of the University, Artha "Artie" King passed away on October 29, 2019. Artie and her late husband Ed were longtime supporters of Northwest Christian University, both giving generously of their time and financial resources over the years. Artie was involved in many philanthropic efforts in the Eugene area and had a particular interest in supporting the education of women. She and Ed were married for 59 years and raised three children. Together they were the founders of King Design, Inc. which grew into one of Eugene's most successful locally-owned companies. Artie was an avid Rotarian, devoted Oregon Duck fan, and active member of Eugene Country Club. She is survived by her three children, their spouses and eight grandchildren.

attended NCC and settled in Salt Lake City. She spent most of her career in office administration, was active in her church, and a supporter of International Fellowship of Christian Businessmen (IFCB). She is preceded in death by her husband Calvin. She is survived by her daughter, grandson, niece and nephew.

Ruth Hazel (McCandless) Kistler ’58 passed away on November 15, 2019 at the age of 96. Originally from central California, Ruth moved to Eugene when she married longtime NCC music professor Gilbert Kistler. She graduated in 1948 and spent much of her career teaching elementary school. In retirement Ruth enjoyed quilting and sewing. Ruth was an active member of First Christian Church in Eugene where she sang in the choir. She is survived by her daughter Roberta ‘71 (and Gary ‘73) Smith, her son Ron (and Krystal) Kistler, three grandchildren and one great-grandchild. Memorial contributions can be made to NCU for the Kistler Scholarship Fund at www.nwcu.edu/give.

Rev. Paul I. Nelson ‘65 passed away on December 8, 2019 in Johnston, Iowa at the age of 77. Paul came to NCC from Deer Lodge, Montana after having grown up in Christian Churches all around the Pacific Northwest. He met Donna Jean (Foote) ’65 at NCC where they both participated in the chapel choir. After graduation, Paul attended both Drake Divinity School and Lexington Theological Seminary. Their life of ministry in the church took them all over the country. Paul also had a second career as the Director of Transportation and Technology for Des Moines Christian School until his retirement in 2010. Paul is survived by his wife Donna, his three adult children, two grandchildren, one great-grandson, nieces and nephews.

Lynn M. Griffith ’67 passed away on December 14, 2019 after losing a two-year race with lung cancer. Lynn came to NCC from his hometown of Livingston, Montana and played basketball as a Crusader. After obtaining his Master of Education degree at the University of Oregon, Lynn taught fifth, sixth, seventh and eighth grades for many years in Portland. He also coached basketball, track and cross-country. Lynn and his wife GK Bash Griffith ’71 celebrated their 30th wedding anniversary in 2019. Personally, Lynn was a ninetime veteran of the Ironman Triathlons, he cycled across the United States twice, from Canada to Mexico once and rode at least 100 miles in every one of the 50 states. He was a committed Christian who taught adult Sunday school and sang in the choir with GK. He is survived by his wife, GK, his daughter Beau (Randy) Koshiol, his three siblings, his grandson and his granddaughter. He was preceded in death by his daughter, Kit Griffith.

Ways to Give & Opportunities to Support NCU

Cash

Cash gifts immediately benefit NCU. Gifts by check, credit card, debit card, or cash can be accepted in person, by mail or online.

Securities

Corporate Matching

Gifts of securities can be arranged by contacting NCU’s brokerage account. To make a securities gift, contact Amanda Bailey at D. A. Davison at 541-608-7225 or abailey@dadco.com.

Many businesses have corporate matching gift programs that can double or even triple a gift to NCU. Contact your employer’s human resources department to learn if this is available to you.

Planned Gifts

Bequest & Estate Gifts

ira Charitable Rollover

Gifts in Memorium

Planned gifts are a creative opportunity to support NCU. They can offer a significant financial benefit to both the university and the donor during the donor’s lifetime. Bequest donors can include NCU in their will by designating a specific dollar amount or percentage of their estate to the University, leaving a significant legacy upon their passing.

Taxpayers over age 70 ½ can make tax-free charitable gifts up to $100,000 per year directly from their IRAs to eligible charities. Contact your IRA plan administrator for details.

Any gift can be made in honor or in memory of someone special. Simply note your intentions when you make your gift.

Generous donors contribute each year to keep Northwest Christian University strong. This commitment allows NCU to provide Christian higher education to those seeking wisdom, faith and service.

Would you consider how you might help keep the Beacon flame shining bright?

The Beacon Fund: Gifts to the Beacon Fund provide an unrestricted contribution to NCU in support of undergraduate student scholarships. Those who give monthly through automated giving are part of NCU’s Torchbearer Society and are recognized for their faithful partnership.

Endowed Scholarships provide talented and deserving students the opportunity to attend NCU. These funds can be established in the donor’s name or to honor one you love in support of future students.

Capital Gifts are designated to fund construction and renovation projects, often with naming opportunities.

Give online at www.nwcu.edu/give For more information, call 541-684-7318