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1950s

Class of 1951

CLASS NOTES

Dr. Sam Anderson, Hansville, Wash.: Thinking about giving something back to the community? Consider volunteering a little time to the Dr. Johnny Johnson Memorial Clinic for the Disabled. You will never regret it. For more info, please call Dr. Sam Anderson at 360-638-2751. (Spring 2009)

Dr. Sam Anderson and Alberta Y. Tefft: Class of 1951 Legacy Scholarship was recently created. The endowment is matched by the UW 50 cents to the dollar and will help dental students with the heavy debt load that they have getting an education today. Sam encourages all to donate. For more information, please call Dental Alumni Director Randy Newquist: (206) 543-7297. (Spring 2008)

IN MEMORIAM

DR. ALAN D. ADAMS, CLASS OF 1951

Dr. Alan Adams

Dr. Alan Duane Adams passed away on Sept. 25, 2016. He was 87.

Dr. Adams was born on July 1, 1929 in Port Angeles, Wash., to Harley and Marian Adams. He enjoyed a happy childhood filled with fishing for salmon on the Elwha River, gardening and lettering in three high school varsity sports. He earned academic college scholarships and attended Central Washington University, where he majored in education and was elected student body president. On his first day of college in Ellensburg, he met the CWU homecoming queen – and his future bride – Edith Sandberg. After graduating, they moved to San Antonio, Texas, where he served as captain of intelligence in the U.S. Air Force during the Korean War. He attended the School of Dentistry on the G.I. Bill and became a lifelong Husky fan, graduated in 1951 and established a successful dental practice in Bellevue, Wash., with two colleagues. After moving his young family to Mercer Island, he created fish ponds, waterfalls and bridges in his garden.

After moving to another Mercer Island home in Brook Bay, Dr. Adams had more ponds, Japanese maples and flowers. A pump in Lake Washington fed a waterfall and stream running underneath the home and he envisioned a residential salmon hatchery on his own property. He received a state permit to raise baby coho and, in 1978, to his utter delight, more than 147 silver coho returned from the Pacific to spawn in the front-yard streams. This sparked a lifelong passion: to protect and restore the wild salmon habitat in the Pacific Northwest. His unique venture of salmon restoration was featured in various newspapers and magazines, including The Seattle Times, the Seattle Post-Intelligencer and Sunset magazine.

With their fun-loving dental study group, Dr. Adams and his wife traveled and photographed the world. His dental office displayed pictorial highlights of their travels, including the Taj Mahal, penguins in Antarctica, 75-pound salmon in Alaska, wildlife in Africa, rice paddies in Nepal, and Mount Rainier. In 1986, the couple moved to Hood Canal, where a freshwater stream flowed through their property. Seeking early retirement because of health concerns, Dr. Adams turned from a carver of teeth to a world-class woodcarver, fulfilling his passion for salmon protection by carving wild salmon from ancient cedar wood. He relished any opportunity to take an adult or child to see his chum salmon hatchery, feed the fish or watch them jump up the waterfalls. The couple spent the next 30 years here.

Dr. Adams and three colleagues founded the Hood Canal Salmon Enhancement Group, located at the Pacific Northwest Salmon Center in Belfair, Wash. In 2010, he was inducted into the center’s Salmon Hall of Fame. He made bronze castings of his life-size Elwha Tears woodcarving, which is at the Lower Elwha Klallam’s Tribal Center in his hometown of Port Angeles, Wash. The original cedar carving is displayed at Waterbrook Winery in Walla Walla, Wash. He received the last of his many accolades in 2015, when the winery released two wines in his honor. These award-winning red and white wines were named “Al’s Run.”

Dr. Adams is survived by his son, Brian (Kathy); daughters Cameon (Bill) Geyer and Cathy (Wayne) Taylor; grandchildren Jordan (Michelle) Taylor and daughters Aurelia, Florence and Vivia, Lindsey (Matt) Buchanan and daughter Charlotte, Amy (Dan) Lefotu and son Timothy, Riley (Bhritney) Taylor and children Atticus, Scout and Athan, Nick (Anna) Taylor and daughter Elloise and Dashiell and Daulton Geyer; brother Edwin (Dee); and sisters Carol Hill and Marian (Ed) Mills. He was preceded in death by his wife of 62 years, Edee, and son David. (Legacy)

DR. H. SAM ANDERSON, CLASS OF 1951

Dr. Sam Anderson

Dr. Howard Sam Anderson died on May 14, 2016 at his home in Point No Point, near Hansville, Wash. He was 91.

Born on Oct. 31, 1924 in Centralia, Wash., under difficult circumstances, he began a lifelong habit of making the best of everything. He made many dear friends growing up in Centralia and stayed true to his connections there. He enlisted and served in the Navy during World War II as an ensign. He used the GI Bill to attend the UW and the School of Dentistry, where he was a member of the second graduating class. Dr. Anderson was a proud Husky and a fixture at football games near and far for more than 50 years. Along the way he married Pat, the love of his life and a steadying influence, but also a willing co-conspirator in any wild adventure he cooked up.

Dr. Anderson had a solo practice in Ballard for 43 years, and every filling came with a Sven and Ole joke free of charge. In 1956, he returned to the School of Dentistry, where he taught and had the chance to share his belief in dentistry with a personal touch with many students. In 1970, he began one of Seattle’s first group practices, Crown Hill Dental Center. In 1985, he received the School’s Distinguished Alumnus Award and in 2015, he received the Dean’s Club Honorary Lifetime Member Award. He also served as his class’s alumni representative for more than 60 years.

Dr. Anderson didn’t just love to laugh, he lived to laugh and his wonderful sense of humor was a lifelong calling card for him.

He is survived by his children, Christine Stickler (Jay), Camille Horne (Ken), Mark (Rachel), David (Kathy), Stephen and Lisa Crabtree; 17 grandchildren; 10 great-grandchildren; his extended family; Colette Jones of Longview; and many friends.

Dr. Anderson was preceded in death by his wife of 50 years, Pat; son Will; and son-in-law James Crabtree.

Donations in Dr. Anderson’s name can be made to the UW Dental Class of 1951 Legacy Endowed Student Scholarship Fund, UW School of Dentistry Advancement, Box 357137, Seattle WA 98195 (Legacy.com)

DR. ROBERT L. ANDERSON, CLASS OF 1951

Dr. Robert Lee Anderson passed away on March 10, 2014, with family members at his side. He was 94.

Dr. Anderson was born on April 7, 1919 in York, Neb. In 1931, his family moved to Seattle, where he graduated from Roosevelt High School in 1937, became an Eagle Scout and later spent many years as a scoutmaster. He earned a BS in anatomy from the UW in 1942. He served with distinction as a lieutenant and then as a captain with the 2nd Armored Division in Europe during World War II and was highly decorated for valor. He also served as a dental officer in the Army during the Korean War. He practiced in Seattle until his retirement in 1999 and served as president of the Washington State Dental Association in 1974.

Dr. Anderson is survived by his wife of 71 years, Doris, of Lynnwood, Wash.; children William, David, Donald Gregory, Debra and Emilie; grandchildren; and great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his son James in 1952. (Seattle Times)

DR. NEIL E. BEASLEY, CLASS OF 1951

Dr_Neil_Beasley

Dr. Neil Emerson Beasley died peacefully on July 21, 2017 at his daughter’s home in Arlington, Wash. He was 95.Dr. Beasley was born on Jan. 27, 1922 in Wenatchee, Wash., to Alvin E. and Zella S. Beasley. He had a happy childhood and often spoke of it fondly, telling many stories about Soap Lake, Wash., and the Apple Orchard Ranch his family lived on in the Hiawatha Valley near Moses Lake, Wash. His grade school was a one-room schoolhouse. He and his brother, Bruce, walked to school, and often joked that it was one mile there and two miles back because they took detours to play and visit with friends. Dr. Beasley was the valedictorian of his graduating class of 10 at Moses Lake High School in 1940. He then spent 2½ years at Washington State University in Pullman, where he majored in chemical engineering. He spent the summer of 1941 working on the construction of the Grand Coulee Dam.While at WSU in 1942, he enlisted in the U.S. Army Air Corps. During World War II, he was sent to UCLA Meteorological School for one year, commissioned as a 2nd lieutenant, and served as a weather forecaster at McChord Air Force Base in Washington, Wendover Field Air Force Base (now Wendover Airport) in Utah, and Chengdu Air Force Base in western China. He was honorably discharged as a 1st lieutenant in 1946 and served an additional six years in the Air Force and Navy Reserves.

After he graduated from the School of Dentistry, he practiced in the Northgate Hospital Building for 45 years before retiring in 1996 at the age of 74. He volunteered one day a month at the 45th Street Community Clinic for three years. He also provided free dental care to children of missionaries.In 1997 he received the David B. Law Award in recognition of excellence in the clinical management of his pediatric patients. He was a member of the Alpha Chi Sigma Chemistry Fraternity, Delta Sigma Delta Dental Fraternity, and Washington State Academy of Pediatric Dentists, and past president of the Washington Society of Dentistry for Children, the Puget Sound Continuing Dental Education Group (an operative study club), and the Seattle Pediatric Dental Society.

Dr. Beasley’s fascination with clouds, sky, and weather patterns was useful when he acquired his private pilot’s license. He first learned to fly float planes on Lake Washington in the late 1950s, then joined “Caper’s Flying Club” at Boeing Field in Seattle. He became a safe pilot flying single-engine Cessnas. He took friends and family on many cherished airplane trips.His guiding force throughout his life was his love and faith in the Lord Jesus Christ, which he passed on to his children. The Beasleys often read the Bible after dinner, insisted on the family eating together, and faithfully took their children to church.Dr. Beasley is survived by his wife, Betty Ann; children Marilyn-Jane Overman, Douglas, Kathleen Raan and Timothy; 10 grandchildren; and four great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his son Kent of Seattle, brother Bruce of Mount Vernon, Wash., and sister Lois Becklund of Post Falls, Idaho.(Sacred Moment)

DR. ROBERT CANFIELD, CLASS OF 1951

Dr. Robert Canfield

Dr. Robert Canfield, a highly popular former professor of Restorative Dentistry who was recognized as the School’s Distinguished Alumnus in 1986, passed away on April 19, 2011 at the age of 89. He was a resident of Enumclaw, Wash.

Known as “Uncle Bob”, Dr. Canfield loved teaching and was a great friend to all students, recalled Dr. John Townsend of Restorative Dentistry. “He was a very warm and charismatic person,” Dr. Townsend said.

A member of the School’s second graduating class, Dr. Canfield received his DDS in 1951 and began a 38-year private practice in Seattle. He was a part-time clinical assistant and clinical associate at the School until joining the faculty full time as an assistant professor in 1967. He became an associate professor in Restorative in 1970 and then full professor in 1974 until his retirement in 1989. He also held an adjunct appointment as professor of neurological surgery at the School of Medicine starting in 1981, and was also visiting professor at Norway’s University of Bergen.

Dr. Canfield served on the UW Faculty Senate and as an affiliate in the Center for Research in Oral Biology and as an associate in Hospital Dentistry. He also was assistant dean for regional education and an acting chair of Restorative Dentistry. In addition, he served on the board of the Dean’s Club, which in 1994 bestowed on him its highest honor, the Honorary Lifetime Member Award.

Active in organized dentistry and campus affairs, Dr. Canfield served as a member of the Washington State Dental Association House of Delegates and was a life member of the Omicron Kappa Upsilon honorary society, which he served as president. He received several Outstanding Instructor awards at the School, as well as a UW Distinguished Teaching Award in 1976.

Born in 1922, in Forsyth, Mont., Dr. Canfield served as a Marine during World War II. In 1956, he married Connie Gunderson, and they lived in Belfair, Sequim and Enumclaw. His interests encompassed fly fishing, opera, poetry and travel by recreational vehicle.

He is survived by his wife, Connie; sons Mark Canfield of Idaho and Kirk Canfield and wife Michelle of Snohomish, Wash.; daughters Sally Canfield of Carnation, Wash., Kathi Rick of Camas, Wash., Kari Canfield of Redmond, Wash., Kristi Thomas and husband Michael of New Hampshire and Karyl Reynolds of Hawaii; eight grandchildren and three great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his brother Gerald and sister Betty.

DR. DALE O. MURRAY, CLASS OF 1951

Dr. Dale Murry

Dr. Dale Oliver Murray passed away on Dec. 5, 2018. He was 92.
Dr. Murray was born on Aug. 6, 1925 in Yacolt, Wash., to Joe and Myra Murray and older brother Glenn. He practiced dentistry for more than 40 years. Dr. Murray lived his life full of family, kindness and grace.

He is survived by his wife of over 70 years, Doreen; daughters Kay (Gerry), Joan (Michael), and Martha (Steve); son Jack (Cindy); grandchildren Molly, Kelly (Abdul), Thad, and Conor; and great-granddaughter Amya. (Legacy.com)

DR. DONALD C. ROSE,  CLASS OF 1951

Dr. Donald C. Rose of Gig Harbor, Wash., died on June 11, 2018. He was 94.

Dr. Rose was born the eldest son of Bueford and Louise Rose of Shelton, Wash., on Jan. 24, 1924. He graduated from the UW with degrees in pharmacy and dentistry. He was a veteran of World War II and the Korean War and practiced dentistry in Tacoma, Wash., for 39 years.

Dr. Rose is survived by his wife of 53 years, Marian; son Kenneth; stepdaughters Marge and Janet; six grandchildren; and several great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his daughter, Kathy, step-grandson Jim and brothers Bob and Darrell. (www.legacy.com)

DR. EUGENE A. STROM, CLASS OF 1951

Dr. Eugene Strom

Dr. Eugene Alton “Bud” Strom passed away on May 17, 2017. He was 94.Dr. Strom was born on Oct. 4, 1922 on Guemes Island, Wash., to Andrew and Emma (Overland) Strom. He attended the one-room Guemes schoolhouse through eighth grade, and then attended Anacortes High School, graduating in 1941. He worked in the plywood mills of Anacortes and the Alaskan fish canneries to pay for his college education. He hitchhiked daily from Anacortes to Mount Vernon to attend Skagit Valley Junior College. After two years, he transferred to the UW, where he graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree in physics. He was a proud Husky and Sigma Nu fraternity brother, and would willingly sing the Husky fight song whenever he was asked.In 1943 he became a weather officer in the U.S. Navy and attended Officers Candidate School at the University of Notre Dame and received meteorological training at UCLA. He then served in Guam for over a year as a weather officer in the Pacific Theater through the end of World War II.After the war he enrolled in the School of Dentistry, received his DDS and moved back home to Anacortes to establish his dental practice. It was then that his leadership abilities shone, as he served in many organizations and local elected offices. Along with his dear friend newspaper owner Wallie Funk, he helped Anacortes win the coveted “All-American City” designation in 1958, and after this championed bringing industry and jobs to Skagit County, showcased by attracting the Shell and Texaco oil refining companies to Anacortes.

In 1955, he married Jeri Borseth, his wife of over 60 years.

Dr. Strom shone most at the intersection of his love of faith, his country, his friends, and his family. To say he loved people was an understatement. He was the ultimate networker and loved nothing more than to share his friends and connect them with other friends. But his Christian faith was his foundation, and he loved his church, Anacortes First Baptist, where he served for many years as deacon, Sunday school teacher, and greeter. He simply loved to serve, including with the Salvation Army, where he became one of the yearly iconic holiday sights, ringing charity bells around Anacortes businesses for many years. His faith was his identity, and it was his hope that all would see God’s love.

He was known throughout Skagit Valley, in Anacortes, and on Guemes Island from his years of service as mayor, city council member, port and hospital commissioners and countless other positions, boards, and service, civic, and charitable organizations. His dental practice spanned almost 40 years, and he was a strong advocate for his community, having served with the Anacortes Chamber of Commerce and the Skagit Valley College Foundation, and through his longstanding membership with the Anacortes Kiwanis Club.

Dr. Strom loved to talk, share, and laugh. He was always encouraging and always positive, and he lived out this attitude wherever he could. He loved a good joke, loved to discuss politics (especially Republican politics), loved his Norwegian heritage, and always had a smile that showed the love in his heart. In short, he was a charter member of the “greatest generation,” which made an impact on our nation because his life’s mission was simply to serve, love his neighbor, and love his God. During his last days on earth, Dr. Strom would often quote one of his favorite scriptures – “faith, hope, and love” – but the greatest of these was love. He loved so very well!

He is survived by his children, Teri Ramsey of Anacortes, Sandi McKenzie of Mill Creek, Wash., Karen (K-K) Iversen of Clinton, Wash., and Erik of Seattle; eight grandchildren; five great-grandchildren; his sister and brother-in-law, Dr. Thomas and Alice Brooks of Anacortes; and numerous cousins, nieces and nephews. (Skagit Valley Herald)