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1970s

Class of 1979

CLASS NOTES

2021

Dr. James Robert Oates, Monument, Colo.: Joyce and I have moved to Colorado to enjoy our grandchildren. Avery is 5 and Jack is 3. We are enjoying the skiing, camping, hiking, and fly fishing. (Spring 2021)

Dr. H. Kirby Skavdahl, Kennewick, Wash.:  I sold my periodontal practice at almost 40 years to Dr. Abdulah Alkanen on July 31. He is a fantastic clinician and board certified. I am excited that the Tri-Cities has such a talented person to provide the many options that are available today for periodontal procedures. Besides enjoying my nine grandchildren, my next job is “ski instructor” at Sun Valley, Idaho. See you on the slopes! (Fall 2021)

2020

Dr. Marianne R. Day, Lincoln, Neb.: I am currently an assistant professor at University of Nebraska Medical Center College of Dentistry in Lincoln. I have been here for the last four years. As course director for Dental Anatomy, a newer digital method of waxing assessment will be incorporated into that time-honored passage of waxing teeth. I am mentoring two students who will present a poster at the 2020 ADEA meeting. For fun, I do long-distance bicycle rides and tours. I have plans to complete a century ride (100 miles in a day) this coming summer. (Spring 2020)

Dr. George F. Naden, Seattle: I retired at the end of 2018. Missing my patients, but enjoying retirement. (Spring 2020)

Dr. H. Kirby Skavdahl, Kennewick, Wash.: I am hoping to retire from private practice, limited to periodontics and implants, this year. I will put in about 38 years in the saddle. My next job is ski instructor at Sun Valley, Idaho. And nine grandchildren to spoil! I enjoyed our 40th class reunion at the University Club. Thanks to Jeff Parrish and Brew Bede for organizing this fine event. (Spring 2020)

2019

Dr. Marianne R. Day: I sold my solo practice of nearly 30 years in 2016. Moving to Lincoln, I accepted a position as an Assistant Professor in the Adult Restorative Dentistry Department at UNMC College of Dentistry. I am course director for Dental Anatomy and Fixed Prosthodontics II. On the personal side, I am still married to Grant Watson, who works for Nebraska University as Capital Construction Manager. Our daughter lives in Seosan, Korea and our son is in the Army. For recreation, I have taken up long-distance bike touring and hope to complete a century ride (100 miles) this summer. (Spring 2019)

2018

Dr. H. Kirby Skavdahl: This is my 36th year of private practice in periodontics, same location since 1986. It has been amazing to see the new technology help so many people. A health periodontium certainly appears to be vital for our technology to endure in dentistry. Despite having to sign up for Medicare in March, I have no immediate plans to retire. I still enjoy skiing, biking, golfing and flying my twin Cessna 340 to Seattle to visit my six grandchildren and attend CDE courses in Seattle. (Spring 2018)

Dr. James N. Sledge, Spokane, Wash.: Finishing my second term on the Washington State Board of Health. (Spring 2018)

2017

Dr. H. Kirby Skavdahl: This is my 35th year of private practice in periodontics. I still enjoy doing the various intricate procedures that periodontal surgery demands. I have five grandchildren, still skiing in Sun Valley (despite a new knee), a busy practice and a poor golf game, all enhanced by my passion to fly my Cessna 340 – yep, life is good! My classmate, Frank Spear, has a phenomenal learning center in Scottsdale, Ariz. Check it out! (Fall 2017)

Dr. Dennis B. Welch, Kirkland, Wash.: Dennis is currently enjoying his first year of retirement and being an affiliate faculty member at the School of Dentistry with friends Dr. Jeff Parrish and Dr. Karen Sakuma. (Spring 2017)

2016

Dr. Stephen L. Kirkpatrick, Olympia, Wash.: Besides my Olympia practice, I’ve been busy on various fronts. I must first mention our triplet preemie grandchildren and their 2-year-old brother, and that our daughter’s family of six all live with us, so I have four little ones to keep me busy. On top of that, I’ve had time for these dental activities:

  • I’ve had five journal articles in five different dental journals, mostly about occlusion. In one example, I compare the bite to a game of pool: Teeth need to hit at the correct angle and with the right amount of force.
  • As a former member of the Wenatchee Youth Circus, I put together a juggling video for my office: www.vimeo.com/148456580.
  • I designed over 100 dental cartoons (DENToons), some of which you can see at www.facebook.com/olysmiles. Twenty are available on recall cards, take-home bags and wall plaques, through Sherman Dental and Henry Schein.
  • I have also worked outside my office (in tribal clinics, etc.) on my “day off” (Mondays).

Dr. Doug Leen, Petersburg, Alaska: I’m fully retired from dentistry, after spending the past 15 years in public health here in Alaska. But I am still working – currently on the 2016 National Park Service Centennial tour, giving campfire programs, auditorium talks and exhibitions of my NPS poster art. Just finished a 14-month exhibition at the Department of the Interior Museum and am taking that exhibit on the road for the 2016 NPS Centennial in a restored 1948 Airstream Trailwind. Follow me at RangerDoug.com. (Spring 2016)

2015

Dr. George Naden: Went skiing with my father, Dr. Tom Naden (Class of 1960) last winter—he is 86 and still playing tennis and skiing. Climbed a mountain in Olympic National Park with my sons this summer. Row a 60-year average 8 at the Head of the Charles regatta this fall. Still doing dentistry in West Seattle. (Spring 2015)

2014

Dr. Darlene Chan, Seattle: Happily retired from clinical practice, immediate past president of American Association of Dental Consultants, current director of Washington Oral Health Foundation, owner of Yellow Bird Vineyard in Walla Walla – the first dry-farmed grapes in Washington State – and grandparenting 9-year-old Gabrielle. (Fall 2014)

Dr. H. Kirby Skavdahl: Still working four 10s at my perio practice. It has been a great journey to incorporate implant therapy into my practice and very satisfying to see how this technology has vastly changed treatment planning. I still work occasionally at Grace Clinic, where we serve the uninsured. I plan to retire in five years, so am beginning my search for an associate who would like to transition to full ownership at that time. I am also a leader in the Spear Study Club, founded by my classmate Frank Spear. I highly recommend his institute – an invaluable resource! (Fall 2014)

Dr. Glenn Short was visiting from Rhode Island. A group of the class gathered on the waterfront to enjoy each other’s company: Steve Schwager, Jeff Parrish, Glenn Short, Karen Sakuma, Dave Spooner, Jim Sledge, Dennis Welch and Bob Parker. (Fall 2014)
Class of 1979

2012

Dr. Darlene M. Chan: Retired from practice of Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery after 27 years. Current President-elect of the American Association of Dental Consultants, Dental Director for WOHF-sponsored Rainier Vista Boys and Girls Club. Proud grandmother of Gabrielle, mom and spouse. My hobbies include kickboxing, cooking and wine. We have a winery and a home in Walla Walla. (Spring 2012)

2009

Dr. Darlene M. Chan: Celebrating 25 years as oral and maxillofacial surgeon, board certified, now a grandmother of Gabrielle and youngest daughter 21 years. Margret is a senior at Santa Clara University. (Spring 2009)

Dr. Douglas Leen, Petersburg, Alaska: I’ve just finished my eighth year as a private contractor in the public health sector from Barrow Alaska to the South Pole, Antarctica. Come visit us virtually at: www.dougleen.com/ontheroad or in person at Buoy 54, Wrangell Narrows, city of Kupreanof near Petersburg. We’ve just finished restoring a 10-acre log homestead with a guest house on the point. (Spring 2009)

Dr. Robert W. Juhl, Anacortes, Wash.: After a near-death due to viral encephalitis in October/November 1999, I sold my private practice. As time went on I recovered very well (thanks to God, University of Washington Medical Center and my wife, Jacqueline) and am now back on track in the U.S. Air Force Reserve at McChord AFB (446th Aerospace Medicine Squadron), working full time in a civil service dentist position at NAS Whidbey, and teaching one day a week at the new dentist hygiene program at Bellingham Tech College. I hope everyone had a great summer. (Fall 2009)

Dr. Cheryl Townsend, Bellevue, Wash.: In early June, I finished my MBA program at the UW Foster School of Business while still working my practice schedule. This Executive MBA program is designed for those in the work force to maintain their job positions while they finish their MBA degree. Graduation came 30 years post-dental school and 40 years post-high school, and I was the oldest student in my class of 45. It was quite a ride! (Fall 2009)

2008

Dr. Marianne R. Day, Las Cruces, N.M.: I received a Fellowship in Implantology from the International College of Oral Implantology in February 2008. My kids are doing great. Erin, 16 wants to be a diplomat. Son Bryce, 14 is slowly coming around to the idea of medicine or dentistry as a career. Husband Grant works for the Pueblo Sandia as a project manager. All is well. (Fall 2008)

Dr. H. Kirby Skavdahl: My wife and I recently moved to a condo as our three children have “flown the coop.” Twenty six years of private practice in perio has also “flown by.” Ten more to go! Enjoying new dental technology (read implants) and all the problems they potentially solve. Also enjoying our 2-year-old grandson. (Fall 2008)

REUNIONS

Class of 1979 40th reunion
40-year reunion: On Oct. 26, 2019, around 40 geezers and geezerettes gathered in the lovely University Club to renew friendships, find out what has happened with a classmate after 40 years, and generally enjoy an evening filled with memories and nostalgia. The general consensus was that Steve Greiwe had changed the least among the geezers, and no one was brave enough to make that assessment among the geezerettes. People came from far and wide, and all agreed it was a wonderful evening with hopes that another reunion will take place sometime in the future before we’re all in THE HOME. Dean Gary Chiodo gave us a brief update on the state of the dental school especially from a fiscal perspective as it has been tenuous in the past few years. The physical plant is much the same as we left it 40 years ago and in need of a massive, expensive modernization into 21st-century dentistry. He was gracious enough to stay awhile and chat with individuals who had questions. See if you can spot that person who sat across from you in D-1! — Jeff Parrish

IN MEMORIAM

DR. BERGE A. ANDERSON, CLASS OF 1979

Berge Anderson

Dr. Berge “Skip” Alan Anderson died on May 30, 2011 at the University of Washington Medical Center in Seattle after a long battle with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis. He was 67.

Dr. Anderson was born on Jan. 26, 1944 to Berge and Alice Anderson in Yuma, Ariz. He grew up in Olympia, Wash., and remained close friends with many of his classmates. He had fond memories of playing football for Olympia High School. At Washington State University, he was a member of Lambda Chi Alpha, became a loyal fan of Cougar athletics and earned a BA degree.

His love of flying led to his first career as a pilot for TWA. Wanting a more secure and settled life for his family, he followed his dad and uncles into dentistry. After graduating from the UW School of Dentistry, he moved back to Olympia, where he and his brother Rod were in practice together at Westside Dental for more than 30 years.

Dr. Anderson enjoyed bird hunting and raised various sporting dogs. Even his Standard poodles, Baylee and Lucy, had to try hunting. He loved coaching and mentoring his sons and their friends in basketball, soccer and football. He encouraged young people to take advantage of all the opportunities the United States has to offer.

Dr. Anderson is survived by his wife, Ellen; son, Garrick (Janie) and grandchildren Asia and Ezra; son, Ryan (Paige) and grandchildren Shaye and Caleb; son, Kyle; sister Verree Parks; brother Rod (Carol); and many cousins, nieces and nephews.

DR. PETER W. JACOBSEN, CLASS OF 1979

Dr. Peter Jacobsen

Dr. Peter William Jacobsen died on Nov. 14, 2016 in his home. He was 67.

Dr. Jacobsen was born on Feb. 25, 1949 in Seattle. He was a standout athlete at Kirkland’s Lake Washington High School in the 1960s and the starting safety for the University of Colorado football team when the Buffaloes won the 1968 Liberty Bowl. After graduating from the School of Dentistry, he operated dental practices in Snoqualmie and Maple Valley, Wash. He loved the relationships he built with his patients and staff, and found great joy impacting the lives of those he felt he had the privilege to serve.

Dr. Jacobsen held an enduring love for discovery, adventure, navigation, astronomy and all things in nature. His greatest passion was being at the helm of his boat, Courageous, on Puget Sound. He spent summers with his family sailing through the San Juan and Gulf islands.

He enjoyed snow skiing at Mount Bachelor and Sun Valley, waterskiing on Lake Washington and summiting Mount Rainier in 1978.

Peter had a magical smile, a contagious laugh and a sense of humor that was appreciated by most. Through his enthusiasm, encouraging words and his genuine interest in others, he had a way of making everyone he encountered feel special. He was kind and generous, and the warmth of his hugs and bright spirit will be dearly missed.

Dr. Jacobsen is survived by his wife, Deanna of Bellevue; son Ryan (Jenna); daughter Ashley (Tim) Olson; and three grandchildren. (Legacy)

DR. DAVID NOURSE, CLASS OF 1979

Dr. David Nourse died on June 27, 2012, surrounded by his loving family in Olympia, Wash. He was 65.

Dr. Nourse was born to Tilford and Elberta Preston Nourse on Oct. 2, 1946, in Oakland, Calif. He graduated from Texarkana High School in Texas in 1964 and entered the U.S. Navy in 1966, where he served as a machinist’s mate in the nuclear-powered submarine program for six years. He attended the UW School of Dentistry on a Navy scholarship.

After serving as a dental officer for three years at Mare Island, Vallejo, Calif., Dr. Nourse and his family moved to Anacortes, Wash., in 1982. He practiced there for 24 years, retiring in 2004 and moving with his wife to the Olympia area.

Dr. Nourse was active in his church, serving in many capacities, and enjoyed woodworking, gardening, hiking, golf and racquetball.

He is survived by his wife, Kathy; daughters and sons-in-law, Kimberly and Adam Newton and Stacie and Tyler Siira; and grandchildren, Nicholas and Natalie Newton and Bjorn and Meghan Siira.

DR. SCOTT S. WORLTON, DDS CLASS OF 1979

Dr. Scott Worlton

Dr. Scott S. Worlton died on June 10, 2022. He was 72.

He was born on Sept. 22, 1949 in Phoenix, Ariz. Despite moving around a lot, he considered himself a native of Richland, Wash. He graduated from Columbia High School in Richland, then completed a two-year mission in Germany for the LDS Church. He earned a BS degree from Brigham Young University.

Dr. Worlton served in the U.S. Army from 1979 to 2001. He completed two tours in Germany and spent 18 months in support of the Multinational Force Organization in the Sinai Peninsula. After retiring as a lieutenant colonel, he worked in private dental practice in Las Colinas, Texas, for 10 years. He then returned to his beloved Washington and worked part-time in dentistry for several years. He also volunteered at the annual Seattle/King County clinic. His passions were travel and photography. He had refined several recipes over his lifetime, and his specialties were eagerly anticipated by his friends and family.

Dr. Worlton is survived by his wife of 47 years, Pamela; children Tamara, Megan De Cecchis, and Daniel; grandchildren Mia and Peter De Cecchis; and grandpuppies Winston and Chewie. (Legacy.com)