computer nerd, electronics wiz, discophile, investor, gardener, conversationalist, organizer and, above all, friend.
Former Faculty
He had the eyes of an artist, the mind of an engineer, the heart of a lion, the soul of an empath, the loyalty of a Labrador, the legs of a sherpa, the arms of a lover, and the hands of a carpenter. A senseless automobile accident cut short Geoff’s life. Aliey miraculously survived the horrific crash, and her physical injuries have healed, but she may carry emotional burdens for the rest of her life. Even out of this tragedy, Geoff’s generosity of spirit shines through. His gift of organ donation has benefited at least six people directly. Those improved lives, in turn, will brighten many more lives. Geoff’s connections continue to grow. Unable as we are to know why Geoff left us so young, we have, nonetheless, felt the brilliance of him—the echoes of his life passing through our hearts and minds, leaving evidence of him, of memories and experiences yet imagined, shining a light, and guiding our journeys. Geoff will forever connect us, degrees of separation now insignificant. We are intersecting circles, pulled closer together, gravitationally, toward the center—the polestar. Consider the lucky 10-year-old boy who received Geoff’s heart. Wondrous adventures await that young man, when he begins to realize the power and passion of the new engine revving in his chest. Sleep can wait. Geoff will be deeply missed by his partner Aliey Cheah, parents Alan and Gretchen, siblings Matthew and Madeline, and grandparents Brian and Verna Goral. A celebration of Geoff’s life took place on the CA campus on June 12, 2021. Contributions to a scholarship in Geoff’s name can be made at: giving.cu.edu/fund/geoff-goralmemorial-scholarship-fund n
Betsey and Charles Coleman at the inner harbor, Victoria, B.C.
B
etsey and Charles Coleman moved to Brentwood Bay, Vancouver Island, B.C., Canada in February 2021. They reported that the drive took a horrendous four days, involving white-out conditions, an avalanche, and two sets of PCR COVID-19 tests. The first set were delayed because of the avalanche. Their daughter Phoebe Coleman ’03 accompanied them on the drive, which included two cars, two dogs, and one cat. The Colemans are now settling into their new home and finding Victoria, B.C. to be everything they had hoped it might be. Charles writes, “It is amazing after having a garden where only ponderosa pines and Douglas firs would grow, to be surrounded by flowers and blossom-covered trees. Our garden is one where you throw seeds over your shoulder and then jump back to avoid the surging plants. We are five minutes from the sea and enjoy the clichéd walks along the
beaches. Betsey has chronicled much of this on her Facebook pages. So, this was an idea that began as a forest fire and Trump escape and turned into a new life chapter.” Becky Russell and her husband Roger moved to Cypress, Texas, in 2020 to be closer to their daughter, Robyn Russell Stout ’88, son-in-law Peter Stout ’89, and their three grandsons. During the pandemic, Becky and Roger were able to enjoy the company of their family and play bridge online with friends all over the country. Read about Paul Krajovic, Linda Plaut, and Anne Strobridge on page 50. >>>
Correction The gift given by Lauri Keener ’94 in honor of her former teacher Bernice Knight was incorrectly listed in the Fall CA Journal. Bernice currently lives in Colorado. We regret the error.
Summer 2021
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