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1950s

Class of 1952

CLASS NOTES

2012

Dr. Rollin L. Hurd, Kirkland, Wash.: I was sent a World War II Honoree Certificate for being a combat medic. I was in the 42nd Rainbow Division in Europe and my business was saving lives. I received a Bronze Star medal, Silver Star medal, etc. Our division liberated Dachau, a Nazi concentration camp. I was missing in action and a veteran of the Battle of the Bulge. Have authored and published five books: Promise to Mellita, Minefield Connections, Overdose, Unbeatable and Overdose – Second Edition. Will be having a book-signing at the Madison House Retirement and Assisted Living Center in April 2012 in Kirkland. My e-mail is dochurd@frontier.com. (Spring 2012)

Dr. Kenneth E. McVey, Spokane, Wash.: Following 36 years of practice in Spokane, I am now president of E-Vac, Inc. The company manufactures and distributes high-volume dental evacuator tips. We have a close association with both the dental and medical professions. One son is a veterinarian, one son is a surgeon and his daughter is a nurse practitioner. Our grandson and his wife have Doctor of Dental Surgery degrees. Their daughter-in-law is a dental hygienist and their granddaughter is a dental assistant. One of my hobbies is playing the saxophone in a 17-piece dance band. Arleen and I recently celebrated our 67th wedding anniversary. (Spring 2012)

2011

Dr. Rollin L. Hurd: I currently live at Madison Retirement House in Kirkland. I published my third book, Overdose – Homeless Hero, last year. I hope to publish my fourth book this year, The Runner. I can be reached at dochurd@frontier.com. (Fall 2011)

2008

Dr. Rollin L. Hurd: The following information is listed on the new World War II Memorial Registry online: “Departed the continental U.S. with his unit on Nov. 25, 1944 bound for Marseilles, France. As part of Task Force Linden, entered combat in vicinity of Strasbourg on Dec. 24, 1944 during the Battle of the Bulge and fought in the Ardennes, Rhineland, and Central Europe Campaign. Recommended for Silver Star Medal for entering live mine field to save wounded comrade and removing him to safety. Honorably discharged as a Technician Fifth Grade on March 30, 1946 at Fort Lewis, Wash. Earned the Bronze Star Medal; Combat Medic Badge, Good Conduct Medal, American Campaign Medal, European-African Middle Eastern Campaign Medal with three Bronze Battle Stars, and the World War II Victory Medal.” (Spring 2008)

IN MEMORIAM

DR. WILLIAM CHRISTIANSON, CLASS OF 1952

Dr. William Christianson died on Dec. 5, 2013 in Coupeville, Wash., after a lengthy battle with cancer. He was 88 and affectionately known as “Doc” or “Chris.”

Dr. Christianson was born on Sept. 13, 1925 to Victor and Orpha Christianson in Seaview, Wash. He grew up in Longview and graduated from R.A. Long High School in 1943. He was an accomplished musician at an early age and played the piano and trombone. One of his favorite teenage memories was playing with a band that christened the Kalakala Ferry. He learned to snow ski on Mount St. Helens. After high school, he served in the Army Air Force during World War II and was part of his unit’s band. He attended college at Lower Columbia and Montana State before earning his DDS at the University of Washington. Soon thereafter, he began his dental practice in Mountlake Terrace. He met the love of his life, Patricia Ward, through one of his first patients and they were married on Aug. 28, 1954 in Longview. The next year they moved to Cathlamet, Wash., where he was the town dentist for more than 35 years before retiring to Coupeville.

Dr. Christianson served on the board of the Washington State Dental Association and on the school board for Wahkiakum County. He was a member of the Longview Elks and the Lions Club and known locally for his part in the Cathlamet Little Theater. He was a great bridge player and passionate about trout and salmon fishing and deer and elk hunting. He also enjoyed bowling and golfing with friends and family. He loved dogs and collected stories and retold them with enthusiasm.  The Christiansons were beautiful dance partners. After retiring, they settled in Coupeville and spent some time wintering in Wellton, Ariz.

Dr. Christianson is survived by his wife of 59 years, Patricia, of Coupeville; daughter Kim Christianson of Cathlamet; sons Vic of Bellingham and Ron (Vicky) of Shoreline; grandchildren Kristin (Mike) Iacono of Everett and Andrew and Nicholas Christianson of Shoreline; and great-grandchildren Isabella and Athena Iacono of Everett, Wash. He was preceded in death by his granddaughter Elisa Kaye and his sister and brother-in-law Phyllis and Don Parsons.

DR. RICHARD P. HARRISON, CLASS OF 1952

Dr. Richard P. Harrison, an early graduate of the School of Dentistry, longtime affiliate faculty member  and highly regarded dentist who practiced for 35 years in the Seattle area, passed away on May 29, 2011. He was 86.

Dr. Harrison was a founding member of the Seattle Crown and Bridge Study Club in 1954 and served on the Dental Board of Examiners. He was a natural teacher and wonderful mentor. Dr. David Branch (’73) recalled that Dr. Harrison, along with former classmates Drs. Jack Sproule (’52) and Stan Sutcliffe (’50), would carpool to work at the crack of dawn every day to get their own lab work done prior to seeing patients. They would take an early-morning break with a half-dozen or more physicians and dentists on the second floor of the Medical Dental Building, with those early-morning conversations at “the round table”  providing an invaluable opportunity for the younger dentists to gain institutional knowledge and advice.

Born in Seattle, Dr. Harrison grew up in the city’s Bryant area and met his future wife, Patricia, while spending summers in Indianola, Wash. Both attended Roosevelt High School and graduated in 1942. Dr. Harrison served in the Navy as an aviator from 1943 to 1946, proposing to Patty while in the service. They married in 1946 after he returned home.

A member of Phi Gamma Delta Fraternity at the UW, where his undergraduate studies were interrupted by the war, Dr. Harrison graduated first in his dental class with honors. In 1952, he started his dental practice in downtown Seattle at the Medical Dental Building, and became known for his gentle, articulate chairside manner. The Harrisons settled in Seattle’s Wedgwood neighborhood, where they raised two children. The family spent many summers boating in the San Juan Islands and around Puget Sound. In the early 1970s, the couple built a cabin at Point Monroe at the north end of Bainbridge Island, eventually moving there permanently and spending 30 years in residence. Many memorable hours were spent with the family beachcombing, boating and fishing.

Known as Harry to friends and Pap to his grandchildren, Dr. Harrison was an avid fisherman, licensed U.S. Coast Guard skipper, hunter, wood carver, artist, self-taught saxophone player, lover of big band music, jokester and talented builder. He was a member of the American Dental Association, Washington State Dental Association, Seattle-King County Dental Society and Seattle Rotary.

He is survived by his wife of 65 years, Patricia, son Robert, daughter Nancy and son-in-law Paul Schuldt, brother Donn Harrison and wife Ann, and grandchildren Marielle, Caroline, Travis and Corey.

DR. ROLLIN L. HURD, CLASS OF 1952

Dr. Rollin Hurd

Dr. Rollin Lawrence Hurd of Kirkland, Wash., died on March 31, 2015, surrounded by his four daughters. He was 89.

Dr. Hurd was born July 23, 1925 in Hoquiam, Wash., to the late Rollin Edgar Hurd and Blanche Ada (Coffield) Hurd Crandall. In June 1948 he married his high school sweetheart, Helen Carolyn Cleaver, who preceded him in death in 2007.

In his younger years he enjoyed riding his bike, which he rode around the Olympic Peninsula loop. In high school, he ran track and set a record for the mile, and also played on his school’s state championship basketball team. Dr. Hurd was a U.S. Army veteran of World War II, serving as a combat medic with the 42nd Rainbow Division in Europe. At one time during his tour he was trapped behind enemy lines and reported as MIA.

After receiving his DDS degree, he practiced in Kirkland for 40 years. Dr. Hurd was in the Lions Club of Kirkland and enjoyed basketball, playing bridge and golfing. He had a passion for writing, having authored four books. He enjoyed meeting for coffee with his family on Wednesdays;  going out for a meal, which most likely included hot chocolate with whipped cream; and spending time at the ocean.

Dr. Hurd is survived by his four daughters, Nancy Zombro (Jim), Lisa Bate (Brian), Laurie Davies (Roger), and Jane Krpan (Dan); nine grandchildren, Mark Tellvik (Emily), Michael Tellvik (Laci), Jonathan Bate (Kaitlyn), Mary Phillips (Shannon), Michael Bate, Jeffrey Davies (Victoria), Julianne Diaz (Juan), Nick Krpan, Adam Krpan; and twelve great-grandchildren, Caden, Ashton, Edyn, Tristan, Rosemary, Eli, Elle, Evan, Melia, Kayla, Tiago and Faith. He was preceded in death by his brother, Edgar W. Hurd.

DR. MARVIN ALONZO JOHNSON, CLASS OF 1952

DR. MARVIN ALONZO JOHNSON

Dr. Marvin Alonzo Johnson passed away on Nov. 9, 2012 in Tacoma, Wash. He was 92 and had taught at the UW School of Dentistry for more than 54 years.

He retired from private practice at the age of 87 and from teaching at the age of 89. He was admired by colleagues around the world for the quality and craftsmanship of his dental restorations and was a member of the American Academy of Crown and Bridge Prosthodontics.

Dr. Johnson was born on Dec, 27, 1919, the oldest of five children. He attended Chillicothe Business College in Missouri for a year and then enlisted in the Army. He served in the European theater during World War II and later patrolled the Washington and Oregon coastline.

After the war, Dr. Johnson distinguished himself as an expert cavalryman in the Wyoming National Guard and was active in the Army Reserve. After earning his DDS at the UW, he also taught at the School of Dentistry while maintaining a private practice in Lakewood, Wash.

He was honored multiple times by the Pierce County (Washington) Dental Association and the Washington State Dental Association.

Dr. Johnson is survived by his wife, Judy; children, Elizabeth (Bob) Hauser and Mark (Diane) Johnson; 10 grandchildren; 14 great-grandchildren; brother, Fred; and sisters, Myrna and Susan Nell. He was preceded in death by his first wife and their daughter, Susie; and his brother Bud.

DR. DEAN E. LARGENT, DDS CLASS OF 1952

Dr. Dean Largent

Dr. Dean Elmore Largent passed away on July 30, 2021, in Sandpoint, Idaho. He was 92.

He was born on Oct. 4, 1928 in Salt Lake City to Ira E. and Mary Largent. He grew up in Tyler, Texas, and moved to Clarkston, Wash., after high school graduation. At age 16, he entered college in Moscow, Idaho, and met his future wife, Betty Lou Loman, at a sorority/fraternity exchange. He took his first plane ride during his junior year of college to interview for a position at the new UW School of Dentistry. The couple married on June 19, 1949, after her graduation and his first year of dental school.

After graduating, he served in the U.S. Public Health Service on the Yakima Reservation. The couple and their first child moved to Othello, Wash., in 1956. There he established a dental practice, and he and his wife raised four children, a niece, and a nephew.

Dr. Largent was a hunting and gold enthusiast. He sang bass in the choir of his Presbyterian Church and enjoyed traveling and public service. In June 1995, he retired from 39 years in dental practice. The couple spent their retirement years in Othello, the Tri-Cities, and Sandpoint.

Dr. Largent is survived by his children Barbara (George) Ray of Upper Pack River, Idaho, Lawrence “Larry” of The Dalles, Ore., Donna (Steve) Zeck of Woodinville, Wash., and Gail (Robert) Gilliam of Kennewick, Wash.; grandchildren Elisabeth Gilliam, Joseph Jackson, Sarah Danielle, Ian Largent, and Justin Zeck; and three great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Betty; brother Don; and grandson Nick Gilliam. (Bonner County Daily Bee)

DR. KENNETH E. MCVEY, CLASS OF 1952

Dr. McVey

Dr. Kenneth E. McVey died on May 4, 2013 in Spokane, Wash. He was 90 and the inventor of the E-VAC Dental Tip.

Dr. McVey was born to Charles and Joyce McVey on June 14, 1922 in Spokane. In his youth, he worked for the Northern Pacific Railroad. He served in the Army from 1944-46. He graduated from the UW School of Dentistry and was a member of the American Dental Society. He enjoyed many hobbies, including hunting, fishing and collecting model railroads.

Dr. McVey is survived by his wife of 69 years, Arleen; daughter Molly; sons Kent (Pam) and Kevin (Norma); grandchildren Patsy (Kevin) Bryant and Kent Charles (Sarah) McVey Jr.; and three great-grandchildren. (Legacy.com)

DR. EDWARD F. MILLER, CLASS OF 1952

Dr. Edward F. Miller passed away on Jan. 27, 2012. His wife preceded him in death. (No further details were available.)

JOHN G. RAYNES, CLASS OF 1952, ORTHO 1956

Dr. John G. Raynes passed away peacefully in his sleep on May 19, 2019. He was 90.

He was born in 1928. He had an orthodontics practice in North Seattle, and also taught classes at the School of Dentistry.

Dr. Raynes is survived by his wife, daughter, son, and three grandchildren. (Seattle Times)

DR. DAVID C. SAHLIN JR., CLASS OF 1952

Dr. Sahlin

Dr. David Carl Sahlin Jr. passed away on Jan. 15, 2019 at the age of 90.

Dr. Sahlin was born on March 29, 1928 to David and Edith Sahlin in Tacoma, Wash. He attended Stadium High School, the University of Puget Sound and the UW School of Dentistry, where he received his degree in 1952. During the Korean War, he served in the Air Force as a dentist in Okinawa, Japan. Returning to Tacoma, he met and married Marion L. Russum in 1957. They shared 61 years of marriage.

Dr. Sahlin practiced dentistry for five decades, providing caring service to generations of families in the Tacoma area and retiring at the age of 74. A long-time member of First Covenant Church in Tacoma, he taught Sunday school, served on various educational committees and as deacon, sang in the choir, and played trombone in the orchestra.

He was passionate about his Swedish heritage and always ready for a political or theological discussion, catching you off guard with a witty comment or story. He shared a love of classical music, hymns, and singing with his beloved wife and friend, Marion. He was happiest working on projects at home, taking in the salty sea breeze and admiring birds, sea life and beautiful sunsets.

Dr. Sahlin was “Papa” to his granddaughters, Julia and Anna Sahlin, who brought much joy to his life. He is also survived by sons Karl (Diane) of Gig Harbor, Wash., and Stephen of New York; and many nieces and nephews and their spouses and children. He was preceded in death by his sister, Gloria (Lawrence) Sahlin Christensen, and brother, Dr. Edward (Barbara). (www.newtacoma.com)

DR. JEROME M. ZECH, CLASS OF 1952, ORTHODONTICS CLASS OF 1963

Dr. Jerome Zech

Dr. Jerome Monroe “Jomy” Zech died peacefully on Oct. 15, 2015 after two weeks at Swedish Hospital. He was 89 and surrounded by family and friends.

Dr. Zech was born on July 6, 1926 to Lando and Mae Zech in Seattle. He graduated from Roosevelt High School, where he played football and baseball. After his freshman year at the UW, where he lettered in baseball, he enlisted in the U.S. Navy during World War II. He returned to the UW, where he was a member of the Phi Delta Theta fraternity, and graduated in 1949. He received his DDS from the School of Dentistry and later completed studies in dental radiology at the University of Pennsylvania and orthodontics at the UW. He met Elizabeth “Betty June” Elliott at the UW and they were married for 59 years.

Dr. Zech had a successful orthodontics practice in Bellevue, Wash., and then on Queen Anne Hill in Seattle. The couple lived on Capitol Hill and were actively involved in the St. Joseph’s Parish community. They were also loyal Husky fans, attending football games and proudly wearing their purple and gold. The family spent memorable summers on Whidbey Island, a legacy that continues with several of the children.

After his retirement, the couple lived in Edmonds, Wash. After his wife died, Dr. Zech moved to the Mirabella retirement community in Seattle, where he lived until his death. He was an avid golfer and a long-standing active member of the Seattle Golf Club, where he seemed to know every blade of grass and often was able to “shoot his age.”

Dr. Zech is survived by his children, Caron (Rich) McCune, Jerome (Denise), Julie (Pete) Lackie, Mary Kay (Rick) Perrigo, Joe (Marianne), Theresa (Larry) Meyers, Jack, Margie (Jon) Zech Hallgrimson and Richard (Ava Altschul); 26 grandchildren; four great-grandsons; and many nieces, nephews and cousins.

He was predeceased by his wife, Betty; and brothers Lando, Bob and Jack. (Legacy.com)