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1950s

Class of 1956

CLASS NOTES

Dr. Robert S. Heighton, San Diego, Calif.: Hi to all. My thoughts go back 67 years to 1956. It was graduation time and the beginning of a new life. What a life it has been! The draft was still in use and I found myself a U.S. Marine. My first duty station was Camp Pendleton, just north of San Diego. After a year there, I was sent to Okinawa and then back to the States for a year at Miramar Marine Corps Air Station, again in San Diego. After declining to re-enlist, I opened my solo practice here. It grew into a group with four other dentists. It was a very busy time. I do miss Seattle, but this is my home.

I married a great gal in 1972 but lost her to Alzheimer’s in 2018. We had no children, so we traveled a lot, especially after I retired in 1987. I spent a lot of days (over 600) cruising the world and loved every minute. I’m doing pretty well physically and live in a retirement facility. My travel days are over, but I still enjoy life. My best to all. (Spring 2023)

Dr. Stanford Prince, Seattle: Retired for over 20 years and still living on Queen Anne for the past 33 years. I am still playing the violin with a small group of musicians. We enjoy getting together. I enjoy socializing with other alumni at the President’s Club Reception. (Fall 2010)

IN MEMORIAM

DR. JAMES R. CALAHAN, CLASS OF 1956

Dr. Calahan

Dr. James R. Calahan passed away on July 16, 2018 in Poulsbo, Wash. He was 86.

Dr. Calahan was born on June 19, 1931 to James and Dorothy (Harris) Calahan in Seattle. He attended Daniel Bagley grade school, Lincoln High School (1949), the UW and the School of Dentistry. He then served in the U.S. Air Force and was stationed at George Air Force Base in California for three years. He returned to Seattle in 1959 and spent the next 40 years practicing dentistry in Madison Park.

A kind and generous man, Dr. Calahan chaired several committees of the Seattle-King County Dental Society and served as a delegate for three years. He also chaired the Madison Park Business Association and the local Rotary Club. He served on the King County Cancer Society board and was chairman of the March of Dimes for two years. He also was quite proud of the years he coached two Mercer Island Little League championship teams without ever having a serious disagreement with a player, parent or umpire. In 2001 he happily put on a baseball uniform for the first time in 50 years, and helped his son coach his grandson’s district-winning Babe Ruth team.

Dr. Calahan married Cherie Dennis on Feb. 25, 1979. They spent 40 wonderful years living on the shores of Apple Tree Cove, enjoying the beach with their family and many friends. He loved gardening, reading (he was quite the history buff), golfing, traveling and talking. He was a gentle man with bright blue eyes, a quick wit, and incredible humor who loved his family, patients, all his friends, and life. He will be greatly missed.

Dr. Calahan is survived by his wife, Cherie; three children with previous wife Barbara, Jim (Michele Browning), Lynn (Ed) Thenell, and Connie Calahan; grandchildren Jimmy, Aimee (Geoff) and Jillian Calahan, and Eddie and Erin Thenell; and great-grandchildren Landon and Makayla. (www.legacy.com)

DR. DONALD C. HAYES, CLASS OF 1956

Dr. Donald Hayes

Dr. Donald C. Hayes of Camano Island, Wash., passed away on March 29, 2016. He was 85.

Dr. Hayes was born on Oct. 2, 1930 to Leonard and Gladys Hayes in Seattle. He graduated from Lake Washington High School in 1948 and attended the UW, where he earned his DDS.

Dr. Hayes was a captain in the U.S. Army, stationed in Alaska from 1957-59. He met his wife, Audrey, there. In 1959 they moved to Stanwood, Wash., where he had a private dental practice for 36 years.

After retiring, he continued practicing on a volunteer basis with Medical Teams International on the dental van in his community. He was a warm-hearted, hardworking, generous and humble man who will be missed by all who knew him. He thoroughly enjoyed many hobbies, especially fishing every summer with friends and family.

Dr. Hayes is survived by his children, Sharon (Dick) Billings, Gary (Ronda), Steve (Pat), Tom (Debbie), Mary (Ron) Crerar, Ann (Wayne) Burns, Jim (Vickie) and Barb (John) Noste; 21 grandchildren; 15 great- grandchildren; multiple nieces, nephews and other loving relatives and friends; and sisters Kathy (Don) Shaw and Shirley (Ed) Reed.

He was preceded in death by his wife of 56 years, Audrey; sister Sharon Rathbun; brother Harold; and parents. (Legacy.com)

DR. JAMES R. HITZ, CLASS OF 1956 

Dr. James Hitz

Dr. James R. “Jim” Hitz passed away on Oct. 14, 2020, surrounded by his loved ones, at Hospice House in Bellingham, Wash. He was 92.

He was born on May 20, 1928 to Dr. Clarence and Doris (Johnson) Hitz. He was a lieutenant in the dental corps at Camp Pendleton, Calif. He practiced dentistry in the Bellingham Herald building, and later at his personal residence on Hannegan Road for many years.His passions in life were organic gardening and raising healthy livestock. He also built a 57-foot ferro-cement sailboat called the Shawmanee. He loved winter trips to Baja, Calif.

Dr. Hitz is survived by his wife of 60 years, Carol (Bloomgren); children Brenda Cronk, Steve, and Eric; grandchildren Heather Hitz, Michelle Stiles, Hillary Hitz, Bryan Cronk, Calvin Hitz, and Audra Hitz; great-grandchildren Asher Stull and Braxton Cronk; and brother Bob (Maurine) of Stanwood, Wash. (Legacy.com)

DR. M. PHILLIP HUTSON, CLASS OF 1956

Dr. Phillip Hutson

Dr. M. Phillip Hutson died on Aug. 12, 2021 in Puyallup, Wash. He was 93.

He was born on Jan. 20, 1928 to Lloyd and Sarah Hutson in Brewster, Neb. Even though he spent the majority of his life in Washington state, he never forgot his corn-fed roots. After he graduated high school, he and his family moved to the Northwest and he attended Washington State University. He finished his degree in microbiology and started dental school. He was a proud supporter of each college so he could cheer for both teams. He then enlisted in the Navy for two years and was stationed in Barstow, Calif. He was discharged as a lieutenant.

Dr. Hutson practiced dentistry for 46 years in Tacoma. After retiring, he volunteered at the local community college, helping patients who could not afford treatments. He was a long-standing member of the Pierce County Dental Society, the Tacoma Yacht Club, Masons, and the Royal Order of Jesters.

He loved the outdoors, especially snow skiing on Crystal Mountain. The last time he skied was on his 80th birthday. Over the years he had a few sailboats and got out on the water any chance he could. Some of his memorable trips were to the San Juan Islands and the British Virgin Islands, but mostly he took day trips on Puget Sound. He loved BMW cars and allowed his children and grandchildren to borrow his on special occasions.

Dr. Hutson was a faithful member of Our Savior Lutheran Church. He was an adult Bible class leader for 22 years and served on the board for various churches for 10 years.
He met his wife, Kay Schrader, at church and they married in September 2015.

He is survived by his wife, Kay Schrader-Hutson; children David (Karen), Stephen (Shelley), Maleena (Floyd) Brown, Megan (Kurt) Anderson, Alyssa (Bruce) Marti, Julie (Rick Buttelo) and Mark; grandchildren Erika, Lisa, Jenny, Iain, Onyx, Evan, Ashley, Derek, Amber, Scott, Jamie, Chad and Lindsey; and 20 great-grandchildren. He was proceeded in death by his daughter Kimberly, grandson Aaron and stepson David Schrader. (Legacy.com)

DR. EDWARD ROBERT JANISCH, CLASS OF 1956, ORTHODONTICS CLASS OF 1968

Edward Robert Janisch

Dr. Edward Robert “Bob” Janisch died on March 13, 2019. He was 87.

Born on Nov. 10, 1931 to Edward and Dorothy Janisch in Seattle, he grew up in Magnolia with many friends. He graduated from Queen Anne High in 1950 after excelling in track and field and as a quarterback. From early on, Dr. Janisch made and kept lifelong friends.

During summers after World War II from 1946 to 1955, he was on the Boy Scouts Camp Parsons Staff on the Hood Canal. He was an Eagle Scout with Troop 82 and at Camp Parsons.

He obtained the highest ranking in the Order of the Silver Marmot (Blue Braid). He led and positively influenced young men on many hikes and climbs throughout the Olympic Mountains.

In June 2018, he relished participating in a 100-year anniversary celebration at Camp Parsons.

Dr. Janisch graduated from the UW School of Dentistry in the top of his class and was a member of Alpha Delta Phi  fraternity, the Omicron Kappa Upsilon national dental honorary society, and Purple Shield.

On July 14, 1956, he married Doris “Dodie” Ann Turner in Seattle. Shortly thereafter, he was drafted into the U.S. Air Force, where he and Dodie were stationed in Cheyenne, Wyo. for two years. He rose to the rank of captain and was the go-to dentist at Warren  Air Force Base. He would later recall this time as a two-year honeymoon with Dodie,  where during off-duty time they hiked and skied in the Rockies, water skied, golfed, and made more lifelong friends.

In the summer of 1958, the Janisches returned to Seattle with a newborn son and Dr. Janisch commenced his private dental practice. He had offices in Seattle and Bellevue. He also taught at the School of Dentistry over the course of his career.

In 1960, the couple were blessed with a newborn daughter. In 1962, the family moved to Bellevue.

In 1966, Dr. Janisch returned to the School of Dentistry to pursue a residency in orthodontics, which he began  practicing in 1968 after obtaining his certification and Master of Science in Dentistry in the specialty.

Dr. Janisch always maintained his love of the outdoors as a hiker, snow and water skier, golfer, and boater with his family.

After a skiing accident in 1970, he suffered a stroke which paralyzed his right side (of which he never regained use) and claimed his speech, spelling, and sense of taste. With the endless support of his beloved wife, Dr. Janisch exhibited remarkable determination, endless courage, pure grit, and incredible hard work to regain the ability to walk, albeit with a heavy right leg brace. He also relearned to read, write, spell, and speak.

Dr. Janisch returned to the practice of orthodontics in 1974 and resumed teaching orthodontics at the School of Dentistry for many years.

He did not let the stroke lessen his zest for life, but continued to take his family on boat trips, road trips, and beach walks. He and his wife traveled throughout America and overseas.

The couple retired to Stretch Island, Wash., where they designed and crafted a pine-walled cabin  overlooking the Sound. At the cabin, Dr. Janisch enjoyed the company of his family and longtime friends through his remaining years

He is survived by his cherished wife of almost 63 years, Dodie Turner Janisch; son Tom Janisch (Patti Janisch);  daughter Kay Janisch Ambrose (Michael Ambrose); granddaughter Juli Janisch (Ian Edelson); and many friends.

On learning of his passing, friends wrote: “Bob is still a prince, a gentleman with a wonderful sense of humor, with kindness and consideration…generosity of spirit. We will always remember him with his amused smile, the guy who knew the joke before we caught on.”

DR. LEONARD E. LOFLIN, CLASS OF 1956

Dr. Leonard Loflin

Dr. Leonard Ernest Loflin died on June 26, 2021, surrounded by his family at Village Green in Federal Way, Wash. He was 93.

He was born on Jan. 24, 1928 to Irene and Harry Loflin and raised on McKinley Hill. He attended Sheridan Elementary school (and learned to play the saxophone at age 7), Gault Junior High (where he was in the school orchestra), and Lincoln High School (where he was on the boxing team).

He signed up for an apprenticeship during World War II as a shipfitter in Puget Sound Naval Yard. For three years he served in the Army Air Force as a medical technician in medical air evacuation, flying in C-47s. He continued his education at the College of Puget Sound for three years. While at the School of Dentistry, he lived in Union Bay Village, a veterans-only housing unit, where he was mayor for two years. He also was president of the UW chapter of the Delta Sigma Delta dental fraternity. He practiced dentistry in Browns Point, Wash., for 55 years and retired at age 83.

Dr. Loflin was a strong believer in lifelong learning. He often spent weekends attending continuing education courses, upgrading his practice, and working in his office laboratory.

His many hobbies included water skiing, fishing, boating, camping on Maury Island, propagating rhododendrons and palm trees, training and competing with his tumbling pigeons, and home, wooden boat and car restoration projects. Most of all he loved pouring concrete. He also played the piano and accordion.

Dr. Loflin spent many years with Arthur Murray ballroom dancing and competed in Oregon, Kauai and Maui. He was an active member of St. Matthew’s and St. Patrick’s churches and a past president and active member of the Slavonian Hall. At the Village Green retirement village, he served on the council as vice president and president and enjoyed all the activities there, including the talent show where he danced and played the accordion.

Dr. Loflin is survived by his daughters Sandra Kornegay (Rob Pocrnich) and Susan (Tom) Tankieweiz; sons Harry  (Janice Pepin), Steven (Leslie), and John Keizer (Norine); sister Betty Welling; 15 grandchildren; 26 great-grandchildren; and one great-great grandson. (Legacy.com)

DR. ROY S. MAR, CLASS OF 1956

Dr. Roy Mar

Dr. Roy Sing Mar passed away on March 14, 2018, surrounded by his closest loved ones. He was 90.

Dr. Mar was born on Dec. 26, 1927 in Seattle, the eighth of 10 children. After serving in the Navy, he became the first Chinese American to graduate from the School of Dentistry. He established his successful practice on Beacon Hill and retired in 2013.

For years, Dr. Mar was active in the Seattle-King County Dental Society, holding various positions, including president. He also helped start and coach the Seattle Chinese Athletic Association’s first girls basketball team.

Dr. Mar was well known for his sense of humor, recipes, current events, politics, and stories. His primary joy came from spending time with his children and their growing families.

He is survived by his six children, six grandchildren, one great-grandchild and their families. (Seattle Times)

DR. EUGENE MEYER, CLASS OF 1956

Eugence Meyer

Dr. Eugene “Gene” Meyer died on March 22, 2012 at the age of 82. He was buried in Riverside National Cemetery in Riverside County, Calif. Having served as a captain in the U.S. Navy Reserve, he received full military honors. A reception followed in Long Beach, Calif.

After graduating from the UW School of Dentistry and active duty in the Navy, he relocated to California. For more than 45 years, he practiced general dentistry and served the Long Beach and Bellflower communities. After retirement, he dedicated his life to enjoying his loving grandchildren.

Dr. Meyer is survived by his daughter, Robin McIlroy; grandchildren, Katrina and Kyle; family in Washington; and many friends.

DR. PAUL D. PRICHARD, CLASS OF 1956

Dr. Prichard Dr. Paul David Prichard died peacefully surrounded by family on Aug. 20, 2021 in Grays Harbor County, Wash. He was 88.

He was born on Nov. 21, 1932 in Hoquiam, Wash., and led a full life marked by service to others.

Dr. Prichard married Carolyn Ann Dick on Jan. 1, 1955. They lived in Renton, Wash., until he graduated from the School of Dentistry – its youngest graduate at that time. He remained a proud Husky throughout his life.

Nellis Air Force Base in Nevada was the couple’s home through the birth of their daughter Kathryn. The young family moved back to Grays Harbor County in 1958. The Prichards welcomed their daughter Janet while living in Hoquiam, Wash., which was their home for the next 62 years. Dr. Prichard practiced dentistry in his Aberdeen office until his retirement in 2005.

He had many passions and hobbies. He was a 20-year member of the Hoquiam Lions Club and a lifetime member of the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, for which he played trumpet in the Elks National Band. He played in the Grays Harbor Symphony and sang tenor for the Grays Harbor Community Choir and the Hoquiam Presbyterian and Aberdeen Baptist churches.

He was an eight-year reserve deputy for the Grays Harbor Sheriff’s office and then developed and led the Hoquiam Police Department Reserves until his retirement as captain after 31 years. He also served as Grays Harbor deputy coroner for 20 years, leading the dental identification program and computerizing the office.

Dr. Prichard is survived by his daughters Kathryn (William) Miller of Tijeras, New Mexico, and Janet Prichard (Dale Gluck) of Berwyn, Penn.; grandchildren Paul Miller, Ann (Aquila) Liu, and Zoe Gluck (Schuyler Jones); other relatives; and many friends. He was preceded in death by his wife of 65 years, Carolyn; brothers Glenn and Dewitt; sister June (Morton) Mason; and parents. (The Daily World)

DR. TANFORD D. PRINCE, CLASS OF 1956

Dr. Stanford Prince

Dr. Stanford Daniel Prince died on July 12, 2019 at the age of 94.

He was born on June 27, 1925 in Spokane, Wash., to Maurice D. and Blanche M. Prince. He was active in the Boy Scouts, eventually earning the rank of Eagle Scout. He also took violin lessons and played in his elementary and high school orchestras. He graduated from Lewis & Clark High School in Spokane, then spent the last two years of World War II in the U.S. Navy, becoming an aviation electronic technician.

Returning home, he entered the UW and completed a BA degree in zoology in 1950. He practiced dentistry in California and later returned to Seattle, where he spent worked for the Seattle-King County Health Department. He volunteered for two tours of duty with the naval hospital ship Project Hope. He was anchored off the coast of Sri Lanka in 1968 and Tunisia in 1969.

After 18 years Dr. Prince resumed playing the violin, and derived much pleasure from performing in several amateur string quartets. From 1971 to 1996, he backpacked and climbed mountains in the Olympic and Cascades national parks. Among others, he summited Mount Adams, Mount Rainier, Mount St. Helens, Mount Olympus, Glacier Peak, and Mount Baker.

For the last five years of his life, he was an assisted-living resident at Bayview Manor in Seattle. He became such a familiar figure at the exercise center that Bayview created the “Wellness Warrior” award to present to him. He was an extremely well-liked member of the Bayview community and an inspiration to younger residents.

Dr. Prince is survived by his brother, Richard; sister-in-law, Karen; and nieces and nephews Danielle and Eric Prince and Richard and Maura Pratt. His sister, Elaine Prince Pratt, preceded him in death.

Remembrances may be made in his honor to the School of Dentistry. (Seattle Times)

DR. CARROL E. REICHELT, CLASS OF 1956

Dr. Carrol E. Reichelt

Dr. Carrol E. Reichelt died peacefully on March 17, 2013 at Providence Medical Center in Everett, Wash., due to complications from pneumonia. He was born to Evelyn and Carl Reichelt on April 25, 1931, in Everett. He graduated from Everett High School in 1948 and received his Doctorate of Dentistry from the University of Washington in 1956. After serving in the U.S. Air Force for two years, he returned to Everett and practiced dentistry for the next 35 years.

Dr. Reichelt was a member of Sertoma, the Everett Elks and Eagles clubs, the Snohomish County Dental Society and the Everett Golf & Country Club. He married Diana “Dini” Dawson on June 19, 1982. He enjoyed golfing, fishing, duck hunting, bowling, snow skiing and the “occasional” poker game. He loved going to Husky and Seahawks games and shared his passion for horseracing with family and friends.

Dr. Reichelt is survived by his wife, Dini; children Carol Moulton, Troy and Michael; grandchildren Trevor Moulton, Tara (James) Hammeran, Gracie Aiello and Edward Reichelt; siblings Linda (Doug) Dulin and Jim Reichelt; and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, Evelyn and Carl Reichelt; siblings June Bermudez, Marlene Silkman and Janice Jaroz; his first wife, Sharon Vincent Reichelt; and son Scott. (Everett Herald)

DR. MELVIN F. RUGG, CLASS OF 1956

Dr. Melvin Rugg

Dr. Melvin Frederick “Dr. Mel” Rugg, a long-time resident of Kent, Wash., died peacefully in his sleep on Dec. 13, 2018, due to complications from a fall. He was 86. He also battled cancer and heart disease for many years.

Dr. Rugg was born on Nov. 10, 1932 in Auburn, Wash., to Dr. Roy and Mildred Rugg. He grew up in Kent and was in the last graduating class of Kent-Meridian High School in 1950. A mutual friend introduced him to his future wife, Judith Olson, at a dance in the late 1940s. They were married in 1953 and celebrated their 64th anniversary shortly before she died in January 2017.

After graduating from the School of Dentistry, Dr. Rugg joined the Navy as a dentist and was posted to San Diego, taking his family with him. After his discharge, the Ruggs moved to Kent, where he joined his father, Roy, and uncle Porter Rugg in their dental practice downtown. He built an office building on the East Hill of Kent in the late 1960s and moved his dental practice there. He retired in 2002 after 46 years of dentistry.

Dr. Rugg was an active member of the Kent Kiwanis Club for more than 55 years. He was a life member of the American Dental Association and the Washington State Dental Association and a respected member of the American Academy of Gold Foil Operators. He enjoyed skiing, fishing, boating, working on household projects and puttering in the gardens of his Auburn and Gig Harbor properties. Always a gentleman with a dry sense of humor, he was happiest when helping others. As a devoted servant of God, his humble, compassionate, and generous nature touched many lives.

Dr. Rugg’s greatest joy was his family. He cherished his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.

He is survived by his daughter, Elizabeth (Geoffrey) Cooper; son James (Kipling); grandchildren Caroline (Trey) Weatherford, Meredith (Davis) Zapffe, and Thomas (Celina); great-grandchildren Scarlett, Savannah, Juliette, Haisten, Lavender, and Henry; sister Bernice (Chet) Stencil; niece Karen Stencil; and sister-in-law Clarin Blessing (Wayne) Olsen. (Legacy.com)