CLASS NOTES
2021
Dr. James E. Fitzgerald, Colfax, Wash: Nancy, my wife of two years, and I enjoy good health and remain active. We are working to keep our small town of Colfax healthy also. Nancy is in charge of the historic Perkins House in Colfax. If any of you are in the Colfax area, the house is a must-see. (Open weekends.) Call me at 509-397-3330 with questions. (Spring 2021)
Dr. Robert L. Sherman, Hampstead, N.C.: I sure hope we have a 50-year class reunion eventually. I am also happy to achieve “Lifetime” status. (Spring 2021)
2020
Dr. Patrick Fleege, Seattle: The Class of 1970 decided to postpone our 50-year class reunion until next year out of an abundance of caution. During the process of updating individual class members’ information in planning for the event, it was learned that 13 of our members had passed away: Mark Abrahamson, Gary Butler, Bill Gray, Bob Gidner, Ron Heilman, Bill Hodgson, Dave Joyce, Guy Lemmon, Boyd Magdal, Bob Siegel, Lloyd Smith, Gary Steiman, and Tom Van Dyke. It is hoped that postponing our reunion will not result in any more of us passing. (Fall 2020)
Dr. Robert Sherman, Hampstead, N.C.: I am still at it four days a week but I am only working half-days. Looking forward to our 50th reunion. (Spring 2020)
2019
Dr. James E. Fitzgerald, Colfax, Wash.: Life after dentistry: one dog, two cats, three llamas, and 12 chickens. And in love at age 73! (Spring 2019)
Dr. Robert L. Sherman: We got knocked around by Hurricane Florence. No power for a week and lost some large trees, sadly, but no leaks in the house. Need a new dock now. (Spring 2019)
Dr. Robert L. Sherman: Yes, I am still at it. I am looking forward to our 50th reunion. (Spring 2017)
Dr. Robert L. Sherman: Still at it and enjoying myself! (Spring 2016)
Dr. Robert L. Sherman, Jacksonville, N.C.: I am still at it. My wife says I can retire when I come up with a hobby! (Spring 2015)
2011
Dr. Michael M. Hoffman, San Mateo, Calif.: My wife, Valeree Sue Hoffman, passed away on Valentine’s Day 2011. We had been happily married nearly 41 years. In addition to myself, she is survived by our sons Geoffrey, Tyler and Randy; and two granddaughters, Hailey and Elaina. (Fall 2011)
Dr. James E. Fitzgerald, Olympia, Wash.: The class reunion was a special event for Betty and me. Good to see all of you! (Spring 2011)
Dr. James E. Fitzgerald: Two years ago, Betty let me into her art studio to paint. I am pleased with the new form of expression. It has enhanced my usual farming, hiking, skiing, fishing, and other experiences. I continue to try new activities. (Spring 2010)
2008
Dr. James C. Cockrell, Olympia, Wash.: Our oldest son will graduate from Tufts Dental School, May ’08, and I hope will join me in the next few years so I can work less. Our youngest son graduates from the UW undergrad, June ’08, and he will be applying to dental school for 2009. (Spring 2008)
IN MEMORIAM
DR. GEORGE W. HODGSON, CLASS OF 1970
Dr. George William Hodgson died on Aug. 9, 2019 as a result of injuries suffered in a fall.
He served in the U.S. Army and was stationed in South Korea and Leavenworth, Kan. He was a member of the Washington State Dental Association and Seattle-King County Dental Society.
Dr. Hodgson made several trips to Ecuador to provide dental care to underserved patients in the Andes and the eastern jungle.
He is survived by his wife of 49 years, Kay.
DR. LLOYD A.W. SMITH, CLASS OF 1970
Dr. Lloyd A. W. Smith passed away from cancer on June 14, 2013, in Tucson. He was 68.
Dr. Smith was born on Jan. 3, 1945. He practiced dentistry for more than 40 years in Tucson and was involved in several dental study groups. He retired in 2010 and had a long bucket list.
In 1966, Dr. Smith received a Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of Colorado at Boulder, where he was active in the Sigma Alpha Epsilon fraternity and intramural sports.
From 1970 to 1972, he served as a captain in the U.S. Army Dental Corps at Fort Leonard Wood in Missouri. After his Army dental service, he and his wife, Carol, moved to Tucson, where they spent the rest of their professional lives.
Dr. Smith had a very full and busy life as a husband, father, grandfather, dentist and athlete. He participated in many sports, including baseball, golf, racquetball, skiing, scuba diving, motorcycle riding and racing. He also enjoyed traveling throughout the world with his wife and family. He loved cooking and entertaining good friends in Tucson. He was an active member of the Centurions, a men’s charitable organization, for many years. He would frequently attend the Pacific Northwest Dental Conference in Seattle to take CDE courses and touch bases with classmates.
Dr. Smith is survived by his wife of 44 years, Carol; sons Dr. Garrett (Cori Moriarty) and Tracy; and grandchildren Taryn and Milo. (Arizona Daily Star)
DR. THOMAS R. VAN DYKE, CLASS OF 1970, ORTHODONTICS CLASS OF 1973
Dr. Thomas Russell Van Dyke passed away peacefully at Beehive Homes Assisted Living in Perry, Utah, on July 30, 2019. He was 76.
Dr. Van Dyke was born in Brownwood, Texas, on May 20, 1943 to Ellis Russell and Joyce Adelaide Williams Van Dyke. He graduated from Ogden High School in 1961 and attended Weber State College for pre-dental courses. He graduated from the School of Dentistry in 1970, followed by additional education to obtain a Master of Science in Dentistry, which completed his Orthodontics education.
He married the love of his life, Annette Brown Best, on Aug. 30, 1967 in the Salt Lake Temple. They raised their family in Ogden and Farr West, Utah. He practiced orthodontics for 37 years in Ogden and in Texas, most of which was spent working with his father and daughters. He had a kind and gentle touch and was a master in his craft, producing thousands of beautiful smiles.
Dr. Van Dyke was a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and served an LDS mission in California. He held many positions within the church, ranging from bishop to working with youth in Scouts. He was involved in many organizations and served as president of the Utah Orthodontic society and in various professional service-oriented groups.
He had a love for music and was an accomplished accordionist. He also loved genealogy, gardening, fishing, horses, and the outdoors. He especially loved spending time with his family.
Dr. Van Dyke is survived by his wife, Annette; daughters Teri (Curtis) Child, Mira (Ryan) Whitby, Melissa (Tom) Grant, and Shandra (Paul) Becraft; sons Mark (Shanna) and Evan (Christina); 21 grandchildren; two great-grandchildren; sister Mimi (Curt) Noel; and brothers Leigh (Barbara) and Edmund (Michelle). He was preceded in death by his parents and brother Scott. (Standard.net) (Lindquistmortuary.com)