
9 minute read
In Memoriam
Richard R. Crane '57 passed away on Jan. 12, 2018 at the age of 89. After graduating from Northwest Christian College, he worked for 29 years for the Federal Aviation Administration as an electronic engineer. Richard served for many years as an elder at the Shoreline Christian Church in Seattle, Washington. He is survived by his wife Myrtlemay (Pittman) Crane '59 and their three children Radine Herrick, Raymond Crane, and Rodney Crane as well as two grandchildren, Peter and Sarah Crane.
Carolyn Rose "Lynnie" Bailey Evans '69 passed away on March 5, 2018. Born in Medford, Oregon, on Dec. 13, 1946, she graduated from Medford Senior High School in 1965 and from Northwest Christian College in 1969. She and her husband Rev. Dr. John Evans '69 had two children and were active in the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) throughout their lives. Carolyn and John settled in Corvallis, Oregon, in 1991 and actively served First Christian of Corvallis in their various ministries to people in need. She was a devoted wife, mother and grandmother as well as an avid gardener and seamstress. She is survived by her husband John, her children Jeremiah and Emily, and her grandchildren.
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Howard L. Neal '54 passed away on Oct. 11, 2018 at the age of 88. Howard was a graduate of Molalla High School and attended Northwest Christian College to prepare for a life of ministry. He married wife Betty and they were married for 66 years. Howard attended Drake Divinity School after graduating from NCU and spent most of his years serving the Christian church in Pomeroy, Washington. He is survived by his wife, children, and many grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces and nephews.
Mary Lou McCauley Burrows (1951-1952) passed away on Oct. 23, 2018 at the age of 86. She was born in Palco, Kansas and attended Northwest Christian College for one year before entering politics. She served as the secretary for the California Republican Assembly, acted as the campaign chairman for both Oregon Senator Bob Packwood (1967) and Governor Tom McCall (1970). She served as a member of the Oregon House of Representatives from 1973 - 1987, as a Republican in the 4th District (which included NCC and the University of Oregon). She helped paved the way for women in state politics and was one of only a handful of females serving in the legislature at the time. She and her husband of 66 years, Charles, raised four children in the First Christian Church (Eugene, Oregon) and were lifelong members. She is survived by her husband and children, seven grandchildren, a brother, and many nieces and nephews.
Friend of the University, Shirley L. McMurtrey was born April 10, 1923, in Mountain Home, Idaho. She graduated from Mountain Home High school as valedictorian in 1941 and went on to work at the Elmore County Courthouse as deputy auditor, recorder, and deputy clerk of the District Court. Shirley married A. Dale McMurtrey on April 6, 1943 while Dale was serving in the U.S. Navy. They eventually moved to Boise, Idaho, in 1948 where Shirley became member of the Boise Chapter No. 65, O.E.S., Kemi Court #55, L.O.S., Social Order of Beauceants, Court #137 and Iras Temple #40, Daughters of the Nile, where she served on the Iras guard drill team for 15 years and served as queen of the temple in 1980. She was a member of the John Regan post #2, and the American Legion Auxillary. Shirley and Dale owned and operated the Summer Funeral home from 1956 to 1988. Shirley and Dale were known for their compassion. Throughout their community they were always willing to take in children who needed a place to stay and they assisted many young adults with their college educations. Shirley and her husband have a son and a daughter, Scott and Shirley Anne, as well as two granddaughters Crystal and Misty and five great-grandsons. Shirley is survived by her three sisters Glenna Tooman, June Zillisch, and Mary Gill as well as many nieces and nephews with whom she was very close.
Kathy (Lester) Gough (1968-1971) passed away on Dec. 20, 2018. She attended Northwest Christian College where she met her future husband, James (Jim) Gough '70. She spent much of her career in the field of compliance with Pacific Mutual. In her free time she enjoyed singing in her church choir and volunteering in local hospitals. Kathy is survived by her husband Jim, her twin sister Dorothy, and her brothers Loren and David. Jim and Kathy most recently made their home together in Irvine, California.
Wayne H. Watkins '67 passed away on Jan. 22, 2019. He was born on Dec. 2, 1942 to Hugh and Stella Watkins. Wayne's life was defined by his principles and Christian faith. He was an accountant for 40 years, on the Bethel school board for 32 years, and spent several years on the Eugene Mission board. He was a lifelong blood donor and volunteered at schools and the hospital. He was also an active member of the North Park Community Church. He is survived by his wife of 50 years, Kathy '67, along with their two sons Rick and Greg.
Friend of the University, Betty Jo Johnson died on Jan. 28, 2019 at the age of 93. Betty Jo was born in 1925 in Lakeland, Florida, where she attended the University of Tampa. She was deeply involved in Tampa's first Christian Church and it was at this time when she met her husband Harold Victor Johnson, Jr. Betty Jo and Harold moved to Eugene where they became active in Eugene's First Christian Church. Betty Jo is survived by her three children Sharon, Rick, and Susan her four grandchildren Devon, Jodi, Kim and Julie as well as seven great-grandchildren.
Dwight Woodruff '74 died tragically in a house fire on Feb. 14, 2019. He graduated from Northwest Christian College with a degree in pastoral ministry. Dwight founded the New Hope Christ Fellowship Church in Anacortes, Washington in 1999. Dwight is survived by his loving daughter Nicole who is also an NCU alum class of 2001. Reverend Woodruff was known for his huge heart and huge personality to match. He will be missed by many.
Friend of the University, Lois P. Morse, passed away on Feb. 18, 2019. Lois was born in Venice, California, and graduated from Salem High School (Oregon). She met her husband, alumnus William (Bill) Morse and married in 1944. Their 69 years of marriage was full of travel, adventure and quiet philanthropy. She was a stay-athome mom and enjoyed raising her three children, two of whom attended NCU. The Morses were lifelong members of Harrisburg (Oregon) Christian Church. She is survived by her son Ray (Phyllis) Morse, son Greg (Tish) Morse, and daughter Diana (John) Perdue, along with 11 grandchildren and 12 great grandchildren.
Dorothy Genevieve Porter (1944-1947) passed peacefully in her sleep on March 14th, 2019. Dorothy was born Feb. 5, 1926 and adopted by Adolph and Harriett Hoven. She grew up in Tillamook, Oregon. Dorothy married Arnie when she was 20 and they shared 73 years of marriage together. Dorothy and Arnie were a U.S. Air Force family. They lived across four countries moving 14 times while having three children along the way. Dorothy studied music at Northwest Christian College and became a worship musician. She sang, played piano and organ, and conducted prize winning choirs. It was common for Dorothy to have not just family and friends over, but also friends of friends, and sometimes even strangers sharing meals. One of several foster children once said they should have a sign on the door that says: "Come in and stay if you need to." The compassion that Dorothy shared with all those around her will be greatly missed.
Peter N. Anderson '79 passed away on April 5, 2019. Peter spent most of his adult years in Oregon and was married to Vernadene, for 30 years. Peter was deeply devoted to his church and to creation care. He and Vernadene had three children (Patrick, Samuel, and Regan) and seven grandchildren.
Lucien Mills Harriman '56 passed away on April 10, 2019 in Sweet Home, Oregon. Mills attended Northwest Christian College where he met Catherine (Thiemens) Harriman '58, whom he married in 1955. Mills spent 30 years teaching elementary school in the Sweet Home School District. He is survived by his two sons, Bill (Edwina) Harriman and Marty (Sheila) Harriman, three grandchildren and one great-grandchild. David Earl Haverstock, M. A. ’04 passed away on April 24, 2019, from cancer at the age of 74. He was born to Earl and Ellen Haverstock in Pasadena, California. He and his family moved to Coquille, Oregon, in the late 1960s. Dave graduated from Northwest Christian College with a master of arts in school counseling. He volunteered for 28 years as a school mentor and coordinator, specializing in working with students affected by autism. He was also a realtor in Eugene, Oregon for 26 years with his wife, Nancy. They were one of the first married couples to partner in the real estate business in Eugene/Springfield. Dave served on many local boards of directors. He was nominated by United Way as a community service Volunteer of the Month in 2012, "inspiring the children, their families, and the employees at Bridgeway House" and again in 2016 as one of eight mentor coordinators for the Lunchtime Mentor Program. He was nominated for the AARP Andrus Award in 2016. He is survived by his spouse of 41 years, Nancy Sundquist Haverstock; his daughter, Kali Pelham '90 (Mark) of Sartell, Minnesota; grandchildren Samina and Erica; his son Ty Hodson (Prajna) of Eugene, Oregon; and grandchildren Oliver and Rose. He was preceded in death by his daughter, Johanna.

Harold Robert Hake '61 passed away on May 11, 2019. Harold served as the pastor of First Christian Church in Gooding, Idaho. Harold was a native of the Willamette Valley and attended Northwest Christian College after working in lumber mills until his late 20s. He was married to Barbara (Robertson) for 62 years and they had two children (Nancy and Gary). He was ordained after graduation, serving churches in Goshen and Mill City, Oregon. He is survived by his son, Gary, seven grandchildren and eight great grandchildren.
Cliffton Peightal '52 passed away on July 14, 2018 at the age of 90. He is survived by his loving wife of 65 years, Arlene, and their four children Lisa, David, Karen, and Stephen. Cliff was born in Lodi, California to Kenneth and Myrtie Peightal. He was one of four sons and grew up during the Great Depression. After graduating from High School, he joined the U.S. Navy (1945-1948). After Cliff graduated from Northwest Christian College, he married Arlene in 1952. Cliff went on to earn a master of divinity degree from Christian Theological Seminary as well as a masters in social work from Washington State University. He was ordained a minister at Lodi Christian Church in 1952 and served as a minister for many years. Cliff worked as a social worker as well, helping youth and senior citizens. Cliff loved his family, friends, the Lord, and this free country. He gave generously with no expectation of recognition or reward.