Geetha Ramachandran

Died February 18, 2016

Geetha Ramachandran, Professor Emerita of CSUS, went to heaven on February 18th. Her husband of 41 years, Doraiswamy (Chandra) Ramachandran, was at her side. She was the second of four children born to A. S. Krishnan and Saraswathy Krishnan of Madras, India. Was "First class First" in B.Sc. Statistics as a teenager in 1966, and was the debate champion of Presidency College, an honor earlier achieved by former Indian President Dr. S. Radhakrishnan. Entered the Indian Statistical Institute graduate program, where she met her husband and lifelong colleague. Obtained her Ph.D. in Statistics and was visiting faculty member in University of Dar-es-Salaam, Tanzania, and University of the Philippines, then moved to the United States in 1980, accompanying her husband when he joined the Institute for Advanced Study in Princeton, NJ. She was on faculty at Rutgers University; Rider College in Princeton; Elon College, NC; and University of Georgia at Athens, before coming to California in 1983. After visiting UC Davis Division of Statistics for one year, she embarked on her applied statistics career at CSU Sacramento from 1984 till her retirement in January 2015. During this time, she was a pioneer in teaching and statistical research, preparing a generation of students for statistical careers in academia and with state agencies. Was consultant to numerous state agencies including State Controller's office, Office of Auditor General, and Department of Health, saving millions of dollars for California taxpayers with her expertise. Was a role model as a woman scientist for many students including her two daughters, Rageshree Ramachandran (Joel Moore) and Sohini Ramachandran (Jeremy Mumford). Survived by her husband, daughters, sons-in-law, granddaughters Irene Moore and Anarkali Mumford, her mother, sisters Jayalakshmi Subramanian and Radha Ramachandran of Madras, and their families. Predeceased by her father and her brother, Raghupathi. Her joys were promoting Indian culture in the Sacramento area through the performing arts, world travel, reading, long walks, and teaching mathematics and reading to her grandchildren.

Marilyn Hsiao-Yu Chaing

March 24, 1948 ~ February 26, 2016

At 12:30pm on February 26th, 2016, Marilyn Hsiao-Yu Chiang, passed away in the comfort of her own home, with loved ones by her side, in Citrus Heights, CA after a courageous two year fight with bladder cancer. She was 67 years old. Marilyn was born on March 24, 1948 in Nanjing, China, and was the oldest of three children born to Nelson and Lily Li. She spent her childhood in Taipei, Taiwan where she attended the prestigious Taipei First Girls High School and went on to college at Tunghai University. She moved to the United States in 1972, lived in several Mates (Virginia, New Jersey, California), giving birth to two children, and raising a family as a confident and proud career woman.

She pursued a myriad of vocations throughout her life - as computerprogrammer, a financial investor, a travel agent. a real Estate agent, even started and sold her own locksmith business. Nearly everything Marilyn tried her hand at, she found success.

Marilyn was a certifiable health nut, Dr. Oz disciple, exercised her body as a form of religion (running a marathon at age 55), and embraced organic in the 90's before it became a modern trend. She always loved fresh, healthy, tasty food, and made sure everyone knew why they should as well.

Marilyn maintained a careful balance of her social calendar with a solidcommitment to her weekly routines. She loved planning themed parties, birthday celebrations, dinners out, and game nights. There was a unique quality of fun and laughter that she brought with her wherever she went. She could also be found happily engaged in a thick mystery novel or watching her favorite shows: 24, CSI, the Food Network, or competitive tennis.

But her true love was traveling and the outdoors. The dizzying list of places to which she has traveled include: Italy, Japan, Peru, Australia, Switzerland, Greece, South Korea, New Zealand, and nearly every national park in the Western US. She loved to meet interesting people, eat exotic foods, and visit places she had never been.

Her effervescence, infectious energy, relentless positivity, and her engagement in life will be sorely missed by all. She was preceded in death by her parents, Nelson and Lily Li, and her grandson, Louie Chiang. She is survived by her two younger brothers, Pieter Li and Stone Li (wife: Meilin Li), her two children, Jeanne Ng (husband; Albert Ng) and Warren Chiang (wife: Melissa Yeh), and three grandchildren, Madeleine Ng. Jonah Ng, and Alexis Chiang.

Charles Rennie "Charlie" Martell Jr

September 18, 1936 ~ April 23, 2016

Born on September 18, 1936 in Massachusetts to Charles R and Dorothy Martell. He passed away suddenly in his backyard under a peaceful sky on April 23, 2016 in Sacramento, CA. He leaves his wife Leyla Bentley, son Ryan, daughter Jennifer, granddaughter Sequoia and Leyla’s children Brian, Brenda (Peter) grandchildren, Sasha (Chris) Alek, Kate, and Brock. Two brothers, Dan (Rita) John (Stephanie) and sister Diana (Tim). He was a loving, funny and supportive father, grandfather, uncle and great uncle to many nieces and nephews. He was loved and appreciated by family and many friends.

A graduate of Brown University and he received his Doctor of Library Sciences at UC Berkeley.

Charlie had a 48 year career in library sciences as Dean and university librarian at California State University Sacramento and associate librarian at various universities. As a scholar he was associate editor of the Journal of Academic Librarianship and editor of the College and Research Libraries. He contributed over 85 articles to the field of library science and created history and photography websites for the library at CSUS.

He established Friends of the Library at CSUS and served as Board President 2010-2015 and treasurer 2016. He also established the Japanese American Archival Collection and Cambodian Oral History Collection at CSUS.

He retired in 2000, was an on call librarian at 14 Sacramento Public Library Branches for 8 years. Charlie went on to teach graduate students for 3 years as professor for academic library services for the College of Information Science and Technology at Drexel University in Sacramento.

Charlie’s passions were reading, writing, watercolors, photography and travel. He completed 7 novels, and published 2 poetry books. His watercolors were exhibited in Sacramento in 2005 and 2006. His photography exhibited in Sacramento in 1996 and 1999. He and Leyla loved travel to exotic countries and spent several months each year traveling the globe. Their last adventure was to Anarctica, Chile, and Argentina in February and March 2016. He beautifully composed 16 photography travel photo books to all 7 continents.

John F. (Jack) Brackmann Jr.

July 13, 1923 ~ April 20, 2016

Brackmann, John F. Jr., age 92, died peacefully on April 20, 2016 in Carmichael, California. The son of John F. Brackmann and Dorothy Miller Brackmann, "Jack" was born on July 13, 1923, in Piqua, Ohio, the second of seven children. Jack grew up in Ohio, and entered the U.S. Army Air Corps in 1943. He then attended Miami University, where he married Joan Sarchet. Jack earned a Master's Degree and Ph. D. at Indiana University, and taught at West Virginia University. In 1956 he became a professor at CSUS, and in February of 1957 his daughter Jill was born. Jack remained at CSUS for 37 years. He particularly enjoyed introducing new students to basic psychology, as well as teaching behavioral theories developed by B.F Skinner. Jack divorced, and then married Mary Jean Hunt, with whom he spent a year's sabbatical teaching in Sydney, Australia. Jack and Mary Jean also eventually divorced. Jack spent the remainder of his retirement years volunteering and traveling. One of his favorite memories was eating lunch in Vezelay after visiting the Lascaux Caves with his daughter. Thinking over a second Kronenbourg beer, he announced that all in all, "this boy from Piqua has had a pretty good life." Jack is survived by his brother Bob Brackmann (Betsy), daughter Jill Brackmann, and numerous nieces and nephews and grand-nieces and grand-nephews.

Mary A. Baker

March, 1939 ~ June 2, 2016

Mary A. Baker, 77, resident of Jaffrey, NH died on Thursday, June 2, 2016 at the Good Shepherd Nursing Home after a period of declining health. She was born in March of 1939 in Arlington, MA, a daughter of the late William and Mary (Hosmer) Richmond. Mary attended Arlington High School and later took courses at both Harvard University and Franklin Pierce University. She resided in Massachusetts, New Hampshire, California and finally here in New Hampshire again. She worked at the Widener Library of Harvard University, the library at Franklin Pierce University, and for many years at the library at California State University Sacramento, retiring in 2003. Mary had a keen intellect, a ready wit and a love for helping others and found her calling working as a university librarian. Mary enjoyed crossword and Sudoku puzzles, knitting, backyard birds and animals, and most importantly spending time with her family. Survivors include her children: Andrew Jones of Jaffrey, NH, Pamela Achille of Hingham, MA, William Baker of Hasting, FL and Amy Harvey of Gold River, CA, eight grandchildren, one great grandchild, her sister, Kate Reynolds of South Berwick, ME and many nieces and cousins

Michael R. Farnham

April 13, 1958 ~ April 28, 2016

Michael Farnham was a staff member who worked for the College of Natural Sciences and Mathmatics. He was an Equipment Support Center specialist, working in the basement near the anechoic chamber. He also used to tutor students in his spare time. It looks like he started working at Sac State in 1998.
Submitted by Jeanie Krieger, Business Intelligence Analyst, CSUSI had Mike as a student twenty or more years ago, and then while he worked in the Science shop he helped me with various things in connection with my demonstration equipment, always friendly and accommodating.
Submitted by Don Hall, Physics

Robert Stephen Polkinghorn

May 19, 1924 ~ April 14, 2016

Loving father, brilliant professor, author and model railroad enthusiast, of Camino CA died on April 14, 2016. He was 91 yrs old. Lover of puns, teaching, chocolate, women, tea and cookies, murder mysteries and trains (order interchangeable depending on proximity), he will be missed by all. Born in Craig, CO on May 19, 1924 the 1st child of Stephen Merlin and Ruth Zillmann Polkinghorn, Steve graduated from Littleton High School in 1942, having dated every girl in his class at least once. His 4 yrs at The Univ of Colorado Boulder and 3 at University of Chicago were interrupted by WWII and a stint in the Army Air Corpswhich he spent in Boca Raton teaching radar classes. Steve was married 4 times; 1st to Pat during WWII with whom he had a daughter who died shortly after birth; 2nd to Olive Dean Holmes with whom he had 3 children; 3rd to Bette Hall; and finally to Frances Williams. After which, he gave up on the institution all together. In 1956 Steve and family moved to Sacramento where Steve taught Economic theory at California State University, Sacramento for 38 happy years. Smart, entertaining, approachable, politically active and fair, he was a popular professor. As head of the Honors program from 1965 to 1973, he mentored some of Sac State's best and brightest. Always interested in steam engines, he arranged several teaching exchanges so he could see steam engines. 2 years teaching in Ghana, West Africa and 3 years teaching in England and trips to Europe, Kenya, South Africa, India and Cuba to see narrow gauge trains rounded out his travels. A published author, he wrote 3 books, 2 on Economics and one, Pino Grande on a logging Railroad in the Sierras. He spent his last 20 years working on his favorite project, co-raising his granddaughter, Laura. Steve is proceeded in death by his parents and his sister Ruth Mary, ex-wives, Pat, Olive and Bette. He is survived by his children, Kathy, Ted (Suellen) and Bobbi (Rich), step children Gordon Hatcher, and Jane & Jonathan Williams and their families, and 2 grandchildren Laura and Josh Polkinghorn and numerous nieces and their children.

James Arthur Livingston

Died May 11, 2016

James Arthur Livingston, longtime Sacramento educator, died May 11, 2016 at his home. Dr. Livingston was Professor Emeritus of Education at CSU Sacramento following his retirement in 1992 after a 24 year career on the faculty. He is survived by Lyn, his wife of 56 years, his four children; Laura, Maria, Frances (Kevin) Leslie, & James; three grandchildren; Lucas Farrar, Logan Farrar and Emma Leslie. Well respected in the community for his many civic contributions, Dr. Livingston served on the San Juan Unified School District Board for three terms. Additionally, he was a member of the Sacramento County Board of Education, the Board of the Carmichael Water District, the Advisory Committee of the UC Davis Eye Center, the Art Access Committee at the Crocker Museum, the Organization of Macular Friends, Swing Club for the Blind, California Eagles, the US Army Reserve, and brother of the Masonic Lodge & Scottish Rite. His life long pursuit of knowledge saw him make his way from grammar student in a one room Corwith, Iowa schoolhouse to UC Berkeley Doctor of Education. Dr. Livingston's career highlights included a two year USAID posting as consultant to the Brazilian Ministry of Education & Culture in addition to many decades as mentor and advisor to educators throughout Northern California and beyond. Jim, as those close to him knew him, was preceded in death by his father, Arthur "Bud" Livingston, mother, Edna Livingston, and brothers, Eugene & Elmer Livingston.

Ian P. McGreal

August 27, 1919 ~ August 26, 2016

Dr. Ian Philip McGreal was born on August 27, 1919 in Brockville, Ontario, Canada. After growing up in New Jersey, he was a Sergeant in the United States Army during World War II. Ian passed away due to natural causes on August 26, 2016. He attended Oberlin College for his undergraduate education, and he received his Ph.D. in Philosophy from Brown University in 1947. He taught at Brown University, Southern Methodist University and the University of Maryland. In 1955 he joined the philosophy department at California State University, Sacramento, where he taught until the late 1980's when he became an Emeritus Professor of Philosophy. His books include The Art of Making Choices, Analyzing Philosophical Arguments, Problems of Ethics, Master-pieces of World Philosophy, Masterpieces of Christian Literature, World Philosophy, Christian Spirituality, Great Thinkers of the Western World, Great Thinkers of the Eastern World and Great Literature of the Eastern World. Along with his wife, Patricia, the couple was a major supporter of the arts, especially in the area of California Native American paintings. A substantial collection of art pieces was donated to the Oakland Museum of California, comprising the Aeschliman-McGreal Collection. Other works were displayed several times for exhibitions at the Crocker Art Museum in Sacramento. Ian was a great thinker and philosopher. He possessed a wry wit, which ranged from the silly to the profound. He was a loving father and husband, was a kind and caring soul, and maintained a fierce loyalty to those around him. He traveled the world, but found his home in Sacramento. Ian is survived by his wife, Patricia, his brother Robert, his three sons Patrick, Colin and Derek, three grandchildren and four greatgrandchildren.

Thomas D. Swift

February 7, 1934 ~ September 29, 2016

History professor Thomas Swift passed away on September 29, 2016, at the age of 82. Born in Chicago on February 7, 1934, he was the son of Anice and Duane Swift. He had two siblings--Winston (deceased) and June Swift Ewing. After graduation from Highland Park High School in 1951, he served in the U.S. Army in Korea and Japan (1953-1955). While in the Army, he took college correspondence courses, taught English to high school students, and made many Japanese friends. After returning to the U.S. he studied Asian history at U.C. Berkeley and earned B.A. and M.A. degrees (1957/1959). In 1960 he returned to Japan, studying at International Christian and Tokyo Universities for another 3 years where he also taught Chinese history. He again enrolled at U.C. Berkeley for his Ph.D. (1966). His thesis was researched at Kyoto University, in a city he dearly loved. Dr. Swift began in 1966 as a professor of Asian history at CSU Sacramento until retirement in 1998. He enjoyed sharing his love for Eastern cultures and led many summer student tours to Japan and China (1973 to 1985). Tom fought a courageous battle to overcome declining health. Despite the obstacles he remain-ed active in leisure activities such as music and theater performances and local senior dance groups. He taught for many years in the popular senior educational program Renaissance Society at CSUS. Tom also took leadership roles in organizations that were dear to his heart: League of Women Voters, Congress of California Seniors, fibromyalgia support and medical advocacy groups, Hmong Women's Heritage Association, and groups prom-oting world peace and cultural exchange. He was a great benefactor of non-profit educational institutions such as CSUS student scholarships, UC Berkeley, KVIE and Capitol Public Radio. Among his broad base of loyal and lifelong friends and students, he is known as a gentle and kind- hearted person who will be greatly missed. A Celebration of Life reception will take place on the CSUS campus, Thursday, November 10, in the Student Union, Ballroom 2, 4:00-5:30 p.m. All are welcome. Donations may be made to the Swift Scholarship Endowment through the CSUS University Foundation Development Office, 6000 J. Street, Sacramento, CA 95819-6030.

James Decker Chopyak

November 30, 1949 ~ October 28, 2016

On the evening of October 28, 2016, James Decker Chopyak passed away from complications of Progressive Supranuclear Palsy (PSP) while being attended to by the familiar staff at 8407 Hialeah Terrace, in Fair Oaks, California.

James Chopyak was born in Buchanan, NY November 30th 1949. He is a graduate of Lehigh University with a B.A in Music. In 1973 he entered the Peace Corps serving in Malaysia for three and a half years as a music educator. He subsequently worked there as a French horn performer for the Radio Television Malaysia Orchestra and as a contract officer for the Malaysian government collaborating on music education projects. Having found his passion in the intersection of globalization, pop culture and education, James completed a M.A in Anthropology from the University of Hawaii. After receiving a PhD in Ethnomusicology, James moved to Sacramento in 1987 and began lecturing at California State University Sacramento. He published on Malaysian music, education and culture.

While raising a family and organizing the world music concert series in Sacramento, James became actively involved in the CSUS California Faculty Association (CFA) chapter serving as Vice President and President. In addition to the union activities James relished, he was enthusiastically engaged in playing the shakuhachi and traveling, especially enjoying attending world music conferences. James was preceded in death by his loving wife Deva, and is survived by his brother Stephen and his two children, Elena and Steven.

Remembering Jim, from Kevin Wehr
I am sorry to announce that the former President of our CFA chapter, Jim Chopyak, has passed. We will always remember Jim’s vibrant smile, gregarious manner, and deep belly laughs when management tried to get away with something. His many contributions to CFA over a long period of time is a testament to his passion and commitment. We will all miss him.
Kevin Wehr, CFA Bargaining Team Chair, CFA Capitol Chapter President, and Professor of Sociology

Theodore David Taylor

July 25, 1931 ~ December 3, 2016

Ed.D. Professor Emeritus California State University - Sacramento Ted - loving partner and friend, father, brother, grandpa, great-grandpa, uncle and friend to many; beloved professor and mentor; irreverent comic and lover of life, passed away peacefully December 3, 2016 at 85 years young. Ted's last weeks were spent surrounded by family and friends with many opportunities to express his impact on their lives and hearts, and in turn their impact on his. It was an incredible end to an incredible life. Challenged with complex health issues for years, he faced them with grace, dignity and humor. Throughout it all nothing dampened his spirit. Ted was born in Spokane, Washington on July 25,1931 to Ellis David Taylor and Mildred Hazel Moon Taylor. The youngest of 4 siblings, he was raised to be loving, compassionate, gentle, strong, generous and independent. Ted graduated from Oregon State University with a Masters of Education in 1965, and a Doctorate of Education in 1970. As a professor in the Counselor Education Department at CSUS for 30 years, he encouraged students to trust themselves, their clients and the counseling process. Authenticity was important to him. Ted was a strong believer in Carl Rogers' person-centered counseling principles of empathy, congruence and unconditional positive regard. These values defined his life as a counselor, teacher and human being. Ted valued time with family and friends. He enjoyed world travel with his loving partner Karen of 32 years and took many vacations and cruises over the years with family and friends. Fearless and always game for new experiences, Ted parasailed off the coast of Mexico well into his 70's. Other activities he enjoyed throughout his life included golf, bowling, reading, card games, Sudoku, family dinners and celebrations, and dining out with friends. More recently he participated in Renaissance Society classes and the Macular Friends group. Hops, Teddy, Da, Papasan, Little Brother, Brother, Uncle Ted, U.T., Bumpa we love you so very much and miss you. I miss you too Dad. Sadie Ma Grady. PS - They found your pillow! A celebration of Ted's life will be held in the Spring. "The fear of death follows the fear of life; a man who lives fully is prepared to die at any time." Mark Twain

John W. Kight

July 8, 1921 ~ December 6, 2016

Born July 8,1921, in Hazelhurst, GA, and passed away December 6, 2016, in Sacramento, CA. He was preceded in death by his parents John E. and Donnie Kight, siblings Gertrude Sinclair, Adelle Crosby, and George and Gene Kight, wives Doris Kight and Jimmye Kight and grandson Ricky Staggs. He is survived by his wife Joan Boyd, children Donna Staggs, J. Charles (Ann) Kight, and Julie (Tim) Reardon, six grandchildren, six great grandchildren, and siblings Mary Lee, Betty Faulk, Charles E. Kight, Sr., Donna Skeen, and Dianne Kight. John proudly served his country for six years in the Navy aboard the USS La Vallette DD 448, which was the only American destroyer to be both torpedoed and mined during World War Il. He served on the destroyer following repairs for damage sustained in an air torpedo attack in the Solomon Islands that killed 22 crew members and wounded four. He fought in 21 major battles including Leyte Gulf. His ship was the only ship to get a 21-gun salute when the ship returned to San Francisco as the war was ending. John retired from California State University, Sacramento after 27 years as the supervising painter for the campus.

Jayne Ann Willett

July 4, 1954~ December 13, 2016

Jayne Ann Willett, 62, passed away from a sudden illness on December 13, 2016 at her winter home in La Ventana, Baja, Mexico. Jayne was born July 4, 1954 in Sacramento, California, daughter of Paul Willett and Patricia King Kenyon. She is survived by her beloved husband of 19 years, Keith Casey, her father, Paul Willett (Carol), brother Steve Willett (Brenda), nieces Allison and Meredith, nephew Eric, grandniece Rilee, mother-in-law Frances Casey, brother-in-law Michael Casey (Martha), aunts, uncles and cousins. Preceded in death by her mother, Pat Kenyon and stepfather, Grant Kenyon.

Jayne graduated from Kennedy High School in 1972. Her education included an Associate Arts Degree from Napa College, a Bachelor's and Master's Degree from Sacramento State in Physical Education, and a Doctorate from the University of California, Davis in Physiology/Neurophysiology. Jayne's work experience included service as an Athletic Trainer at CK McClatchy High School and Sacramento City College. She was a swim teacher and coach at Rio Del Oro Racquet Club. She began teaching at Sacramento State University in 1984 and taught a variety of courses in the Kinesiology and Health Science Department. She was active as a clinical instructor and served as program coordinator for the aerobic program, the pre-therapy program, and the graduate program.

Jayne retired from Sacramento State University in 2009 following 25 years of service. She was granted Emeritus Faculty Status and continued to teach part time. She is remembered for her academic brilliance and outstanding teaching in both the classroom and the clinic.

Jayne was an accomplished athlete in many sports. She swam competitively in high school and junior college, competed in triathlons and was a daily swimmer and runner for many years. She was most passionate for wind sports including sailing, windsurfing and kiteboarding. Jayne and Keith travelled the world and enjoyed sightseeing, hiking, and wind sports. They recently returned from South Africa where Jayne fulfilled a lifelong dream of going on safari. They built a beautiful beachfront home in La Ventana, Baja, Mexico so they could enjoy wind sports, swimming and recently, pickleball during the winter months. During the summer, they kept a motorhome at Sherman Island in the Sacramento Delta where she enjoyed her daily kiteboarding and when in Sacramento, played pickleball with various groups. Jayne was an integral part of the windsurfing/kiteboarding communities in La Ventana and the Delta and will be truly missed by these close groups of friends.

Jayne lived in Campus Commons for 30 years and was a member of Rio Del Oro Racquet Club. She was a true animal lover and will be missed by her cat, Blue. She enjoyed designing and working in her beautiful gardens in Campus Commons and La Ventana. She was a very kind, strong, energetic, beautiful, and positive person who inspired many and will be greatly missed by her family, friends, and colleagues.