In Memoriam


WILLIAM "PAUL" DELAMARTER '39 died on July 11, 2001, at his home in Canby, Oregon. He was 89. Born in Forgan, Oklahoma, Paul met his wife, ELEANOR STRONG DELAMARTER '40, while attending SPC. He served in Italy with the U.S. Army during World War II; he also served with the Army during the Korean Conflict. For many years, Paul owned and operated a shoe store in Sandpoint, Idaho, and was an appraiser for the Bonner County Appraiser's Office. In 1978, he moved to Canby, where he enjoyed raising cattle. He was a member of the First Presbyterian Church in Sandpoint and the Aurora Presbyterian Church, where he loved singing in the choir. Survivors include his wife of 61 years, two sons, two daughters and 10 grandchildren.

MARIAN GAU DIXON '50 passed away June 27, 2001, following a stroke. She was 72 years old. Born in Spokane, Washington, Marion was an expert gardener, participating in numerous flower and art shows. While attending SPC, she met her husband, ROBERT DIXON '49, on the first day of freshmen tests. Through the years, she and her husband designed and built three homes together: two in Riverside, California, and one in Everett, Washington. Each home had distinctive gardens, which she designed and cultivated. Starting in 1964, Marion led student and adult tours to nearly every European country. She was active in civic and church groups and held offices in Christian Women's Clubs. She remained in touch with SPU alumni, even serving as president of the Society of Fellows. Marian is survived by her husband; four children, including ELEANOR DIXON HARVEY '74, KRISTEN DIXON ROGNALDSON '81 and BRIAN DIXON '82; and eight grandchildren.

HAROLD HEMRY '33 died on July 22, 2001, at the age of 89. He and his six siblings all attended Seattle Pacific High School and, later, SPC. After graduation, Harold taught in the Seattle School District. In 1941, he became an inspector with the Immigration and Naturalization Service (INS) in Blaine, Washington. During World War II, he received a commission in the U.S. Navy and was a gunnery instructor at Pacific Beach, Washington. Afterward, he returned to teaching and earned a master's degree in education from the University of Washington. In 1950, he became the first superintendent of schools for King's Garden in Edmonds, Washington, leaving the position two years later. He rejoined the INS and served in Montana; Hawaii; Washington; and Van-couver, British Columbia, before retiring in 1974. A lifelong Free Methodist, Harold lived in Warm Beach, Washington, for many years. He is survived by his sister, GENEVA HEMRY '30; two sons, including LARRY HEMRY '53; daughter PATRICIA HEMRY ELLIS '68; eight grandchildren; and six great-grandchildren.

HOMER HENSLEY '65 died on August 14, 2001, after being struck by a truck while walking home from Sunday services at First Presbyterian Church of Seattle. He was 68 years old. His longtime companion and friend, NORENE STRID '71, was with him and critically injured. Homer, who had cerebral palsy, was once active in youth ministry and as a volunteer with a local cerebral palsy organization. More recently, he was a church elder at First Presbyterian and spent many hours each week typing the church prayer requests, writing the church newsletter and visiting the sick and infirm. He also volunteered at a homeless shelter. Homer never married, but he is survived by his treasured friend, Norene Strid; two sisters; and a nephew.

VERNICE CARLSON LUPTON '42 died July 4, 2001, in Salem, Oregon, at the age of 83. After graduating from SPC, Vernice taught school in Southern California until she retired in 1982. She is survived by three sisters and three brothers. Vernice's husband, Lanse, passed away in 1985.

LOLA LINGLE NELSON '33 died on March 27, 2001, at the age of 92. Born in Damascus, Oregon, she met her future husband, ROYAL NELSON '33, while attending SPC. For 60 years, Lola worked with him as he pastored Free Methodist churches in Sanders and Deer Flat, Idaho, and in Washington state. Royal also served at the Free Methodist headquarters in Winona Lake, Indiana, and as district leader in northern California. In 1980, the couple moved to Warm Beach Senior Community. After her husband's death in 1997, Lola went to live with her daughter in Payette, Idaho. She is survived by her four children, including WES NELSON '63; 11 grandchildren; and six great-grandchildren.

REBECCA JOHNSON OPFER '80 was killed in a car accident on August 21, 2001, in Holdredge, Nebraska. Rebecca was a member of the Seattle Pacific University Singers from 1978-1980. She is survived by her husband, DAVID OPFER '80, and four sons.

DELORES ANN SCARBROUGH '77 died on April 17, 2001, from lung cancer. She was 60 years old. Delores devoted her life to Christian service. In 1965, she became the director of Christian education at the Church of Christ in Rosemead, California, and then joined Toronto Christian Mission in Toronto, California, from 1968-1970. She went on to become the registrar for Puget Sound Christian College (PSCC) in Edmonds, Washington, where she remained for 25 years. She earned a master's degree in Christian ministry at SPU in 1977. In 1987, Delores was ordained to Christian ministry, and in March 2001, she received the Christian Service Award of Merit from PSCC. She is survived by her father, three sisters, three nieces and two nephews.

VINCENT SMITH '59 died on January 25, 2001, from a glioblastoma brain tumor. He was 72 years old. After graduating from SPC, he earned a doctorate at the University of Oregon in 1974. He went on to work as director of special services in the Federal Way, Washington, School District. After retiring in 1985, Vincent and his wife, Erma, served as interim ministers for churches in Washington, Oklahoma and Oregon for 15 years until he became ill. He is survived by his wife, a son and a grandson.

HARVEY YORK '65 of Everett, Washington, died on July 17, 2000, after battling Lou Gehrig's disease. He was 61 years old. Harvey was a Pemco Insurance agent for 28 years, and received much enjoyment from singing in his church choir, kayaking, hiking, traveling, going to University of Washington Husky games and spending time with his grandchildren. He is survived by his wife, Donna; three daughters, including LAURIE YORK YOUNGQUIST '85; five grandchildren; two brothers, including RAY YORK '56; and two sisters, including LINDA YORK HUNT '68.


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