Lawrence (Larry) Shumate

1928 ~ December 24, 2020

Lawrence Shumate, in many ways the patriarch of the Theatre Department of California State University, Sacramento, passed away from natural causes on Christmas Eve 2020. In an academic career that spanned more than 40 years, “Larry”, as he was known to dozens of Colleagues and thousands of Students, designed over 100 productions and did technical direction for many more at the University Theatre Department.

A native of Sacramento, Larry was born in 1928 and attended Kit Carson Junior High School and Sacramento High School. He received his BA and additionally studied engineering at the University of Utah. He was also an Air Force veteran of the Korean War Era, attached to Special Services, Education and Information.

It was at Kit Carson that Larry first became interested in theatre, particularly the technical aspects, running lights for shows and the projector for class films. He became deeply involved in all of the backstage aspects of theatrical production at the University of Utah. While there, he also crewed many of the productions touring the United States at the time, allowing him to work with such notables as Orson Wells, Roddy McDowell and Beverly Sills.

Larry returned to Sacramento in 1956 and was one of the first hires in the new Speech Department at Sacramento State College. As Technical Director, he was instrumental in the outfitting of the new Little Theatre. Over the next several years, he finished his MFA and became an Associate Professor, then a Full Professor in the department. He was instrumental in both the development and the growing reputation of the Little Theatre.

The 1960’s saw dozens of productions mounted that received glowing reviews from The Sacramento Bee and other papers.
“… one more unnecessary but welcome proof of the superb theatrical flair that distinguishes the work of director Gerard Larson and designer Larry Shumate.”
- William Glackin, review for Marat Sade - The Sacramento Bee

“The technical production of “Hay Fever” sets a standard of quality that is absolutely awesome. I’ve seen many professional companies whose décor couldn’t hold a candle to the work of Larry Shumate, Ed Roney and Shirley O’Donnol.
- Charles F. Slater, review for Hay Fever – The Sacramento Union

Indeed, the collaboration of Larry Shumate’s handling of the design and technical aspects, along with Dr. Gerard Larson’s directing, brought what was considered in many quarters to be a nearly professional level of production to the Sacramento area. This is particularly remarkable considering that the shows were cast and crewed by Students. In 1969 Sacramento State College undertook a major expansion of the Theatre, Speech and Music departments. Larry was responsible for the layout of much of the complex, as it can be seen today, including a new scene shop and a second Theatre.

Larry eventually became Chairman of the Theatre Department at California State University, Sacramento. However, his first love was the intricacies of stagecraft and teaching stagecraft to Students, many of whom were not theatre majors, but who received their first introduction to the theatre, to carpentry and to scenic painting through his classes. Larry led student teams in the creation of professional-level scenery. Many of these Students have gone on to professional careers in theatre, television, film and theme parks. Tom Hanks, a former student, was being interviewed with regards to his movie “Castaway” and was asked who he’d like to be stranded with on an island with. “Oh! My old stage and lighting teacher Larry Shumate because he could make anything from anything.” A leader by example, he would exhort Students to the extra effort that is always needed to mount a show with his standard catch phrase; “While you’re resting….”

Larry is survived by his 4 children, 6 grandchildren and 1 great grandchild.
Memorial services are to be determined. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation which will be used to install a memorial “While you're resting…” bench outside the theatre and to support the ongoing work of the Theatre Department at California State University, Sacramento. Send donations to:

Larry Shumate Memorial Fund

George McClellan

August 6, 1937 ~ January 10, 2021

George Bernard McClellan, age 83, of Sacramento, California, passed away on Sunday, January 10, 2021 in Hospice care due to complications from Covid-19. He was a 1956 graduate of Grant Union High School and 30 year employee of California State University, Sacramento. He was a longtime member of Calvary Lutheran Church in Rio Linda and also the Lutheran Church of the Good Shepherd in Sacramento for whom he also volunteered for the Sierra-Arden Food Closet. He was a loving husband to his wife of 25 years, Antonia McClellan and is also survived by his devoted family - sister Betty Ann (McClellan) Cassina and niece, Gina Cassina.

There will be no services due to the ongoing pandemic. In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to the Sierra-Arden Food Closet or to a charity of your choice.

Daniel Decious

July 12, 1938 ~ January 31, 2021

Died peacefully in Sacramento, CA from complications from concussion and cardiac disease. Born to Doris and Stan Decious in Alturas, CA. Survived by wife Mary of 39 years; cousin Kay McDonald; niece Cindy Exline (Alex) and children Chloé and Kincaid; and nephew Chuck Davis (Carrie) and daughter Shiloh. Loving brother-in-law to John and Cinda Smith and uncle to their children Kevin Svendsen and David Brown. Predeceased by his parents, sister Beverly Gay Boehme and niece Leisa Smith Vitale.

Made in Modoc. Colorful characters, migrating geese, and starlit skies shaped Dan's roots. His bond with sports began with MLB games sputtered out on a radio he and his dearest friend Jerry Gloster coaxed into life. The boys became scorekeeper and batboy for the Alturas Tigers, a regional team with Stan at first base. $1 per game. They traveled with Stan to away games and occasionally tried to foil opposing batters by aiming mirrors and sunlight. Longer drives and deliberations carried the threesome through Pacific Coast League seasons. Candlestick and 24 Willie Mays Plaza followed. Autumn brought true love to Dan's sports heart with his first CAL-Stanford Big Game alongside his dad, a CAL alum. This love hit hard and stayed a lifetime.

Dan excelled academically, yet knew his rural community didn't expect or even encourage its youth to seek higher education. No matter. His brilliant mind, spirit and motivation took him from a hometown of 2,000 to a UC Berkeley chemistry class of 2,000 and into a broader world of possibility. Dan received his B.S. in Chemistry at UC Berkeley and Ph.D. from the University of Washington. Along the way, he wrote for The Daily Cal, announced UC Davis Aggies games, and formed lifelong friendships. Dan's calling to teach came in graduate school when 250 students joined the pre-exam session he'd scheduled for 60. Two years of research at the Johns Hopkins University did nothing to change his mind. He taught at the University of Washington, UC Berkeley, UC Davis, and UC Santa Barbara. Dan's 36 years at CSUS lay ahead and would center on helping students achieve their own scholastic objectives.

Professor and Advocate. 'Dr. Dan', as he was affectionately known, was a magnificent teacher and academic advisor. In his lecture hall, Dan's great humor turned daunting chemistry curriculums into enjoyable semesters, backed by the Help! office he originated. In his department office, he tutored individually or directed spirited chalkboard problem-solving sessions. Advising was available at any time and place. In all cases, Dan's commitment and encouragement lead the way. Dan was a passionate champion for students, dedicated to helping them realize their academic goals. First in line to engage in programs promoting student success, he was Founding Faculty Director of the CSUS Academic Advising Center, an innovative concept using faculty to help students navigate complex requirements. His work helped make the Center a model for California and beyond.

The Science Educational Equity (SEE) Program was dear to Dan's heart and values. Its collaborative learning community supports the academic goals of students from underrepresented backgrounds. SEE students seek to build diversity in health, research, teaching and STEM fields and to expand quality health care access to underserved communities. Dan signed on at SEE's inception and never said goodbye.

Dan's contributions were recognized with many awards, the foremost of which was the John C. Livingston Annual Faculty Lecture, a University Convocation honoring faculty whose active role in the life of the university reaches across a broad range of spheres. In retirement, Dan counseled science majors at area colleges and taught privately. For twelve years, he volunteered at the SFBFS Adult Education Program, his second teaching home. His versatility and ability to connect with students ranged from illuminating P-Chem 'thermo-godammits' at CSUS to teaching adult learners in our community how to add and subtract. He made the difference for thousands of students and is remembered as a trusted friend and mentor.

The Great Loves. Dan enjoyed SF Giants spring training, golf, and visits north. At home, he read about the indigenous Modoc tribes, historic events, science and sports. In his garden chair, he relaxed with his pipe and the Modoc County Record. Dan's depth of feeling and knowledge for sports cannot be understated. Any baseball or football experience with him was a master class in the history, lore, art and beauty of the game. No player was more revered by Dan than Willie Howard Mays, Jr., retired uniform number 24. He was as intense as he was learned and could weep in joy or launch astonishing harangues into distant atmospheres. To cement marriage vows, Dan required Mary to become proficient in baseball. She was given books, quizzes and drills and passed her final by announcing nine innings of play-by-play and color commentary to a muted TV. Dan fulfilled Mary's return stipulation of learning one theater or music work per year, up until Thanksgiving Evening 1982 when his shout of 'play ball!' rang throughout the SF Opera House following the playing of the national anthem.

As dearly as he loved the SF Giants and 49ers, Dan's dedication to the California Golden Bears was a thing apart. It existed on a transcendental plane. From childhood seasons at his father's side, his devotedness to the Blue and Gold evolved with every coach, roster, team and game into complete love.
Dan was an old school spirit with a warm open-hearted nature. His dynamic personality, intellect, and sense of humor drew people into his orbit. To share his presence and friendship was a privilege.
Dan's heart for his family ran deep. He cheered on the younger generations' aspirations and delighted in their successes. For over forty years Dan and Mary cherished their love-lit cosmos of two, an entirety unto itself. Treasured memories of who he was and how he was on this earth remain with Dan's beloved family, friends, colleagues, golf crew, and Men of Thursday. We'll gather to honor his life at a safer, sunnier time.

Memorial donations may be made to:
Dan Decious Science Educational Equity (SEE) Program Scholarship or CSUS Schrödinger Equation Scholarship c/o The University Foundation at Sacramento State 6000 J Street Sacramento, CA 95819


The Decious family thanks UCD Medical Center for attentive and compassionate care.
Man, educator, advocate, colleague, devotee, friend, uncle, and husband.
Go Bears!

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If you would like to share comments or memories of Dan, here is the link to Dan's obituary on Legacy.com.

If you would like to submit a remembrance to be published on this In Memory page, please send to Judy Montgomery, Webmaster: judym@csus.edu.

Remembrance from Tom Griffith, Student Affairs

I first met Dan in 1971 when we served together on the Student Advising Committee. Three years later our committee recommended sweeping changes in campus advising including replacing the current student-run advising center with a faculty-based one. The two of us ended up as co-directors of the new center. Dan’s reputation as a professor who really cared about helping students attracted faculty with similar qualities, contributing to our success.

A testament to Dan’s effectiveness helping students succeed was his selection by faculty colleagues to deliver the esteemed Livingston Lecture in 2002. His topic was “Making Use of the CSUS Web,” or network of people he knew to call on behalf of students needing help. He believed all faculty and staff should have such a “web.”

He was a true-blue California Bear who introduced many friends to Cal football – and to La Val’s Pizza before the game. When my daughter Jane was on the Cal rowing team Dan came to her Lake Natoma regattas to cheer on the Cal boats. He also made Jane feel honored when he attended an end-of-season awards dinner with us.

Dan was a FORCE, loved by many because of his colorful personality, sense of humor, intelligence, and big heart. I will miss him.

Remembrance from Paul Noble, Professor of Chemistry (retired)

Dan Decious has been one of my closest friends for more than 50 years, and for most of that time we were also professional colleagues in the Chemistry Department at Sacramento State. We worked together to teach General Chemistry (1A), a course viewed with a sense of dread by many students. Dan was a master at helping his students not just to survive, but to thrive. He enriched the course with innovative labs, and he established the Chemistry Help Office to assist students out of class. I can remember seeing former students walk up to Dan and thank him for all that he did, even if it had been years since they last saw him.

Dan had an encyclopedic memory for sports statistics, especially for his beloved Cal Bears and SF Giants. He could almost do a play-by-play of a game he’d attended years ago. Ever wonder about his fascination with 24? It was the uniform number of Willie Mays. Dan had a big personality that could light up a room. He was a natural in the role of an emcee, and I’ll never forget the eulogy he gave at the funeral of Tom O’Keeffe, my father-in-law. None of us will ever forget our time with Dan Decious, a genuine human being and a real good guy.

Hamid Ahmadi

November 15, 1945 ~ January 8, 2021

Dr. Hamid Ahmadi passed on January, 8, 2021 after a short and very unexpected illness. Hamid Ahmadi was born in Iran and spent most of his life in the United States. He attended Claremont Graduate University in California and received a Ph.D. in finance. He then moved to California State University, Sacramento where he became a professor of finance in the College of Business Administration and taught highly regarded undergraduate and graduate courses in finance and modern portfolio management. His courses were tough but fair and he was voted an outstanding teacher. He was very student oriented and his students were well prepared and popular with local businesses.

He also served as a visiting professor at Stanford University as well as universities around the world. He published widely on portfolio management and investment strategies and was in demand as a consultant and advisor to numerous individuals and organizations. Hamid was generous with his time and expertise and was a frequent speaker at local organizations.

He loved literature and always had two or three books he was reading. He loved films and was knowledgeable about their production and content. He and his wife were enthusiastic world travelers and there few places they had not visited and really appreciated. Hamid was a "people" person who made friends easily and really enjoyed discussions on almost any topic.

He is survived by his loving wife Pari, three older brothers and many nieces and nephews.
Due to COVID restrictions for gatherings, there will be no formal service but a memorial event will be planned for later when we can all gather together safely and celebrate his life.

Irving Marcus

1929 ~ 2021

Irving Marcus (1929 - 2021) was an original faculty member in the art department at Sac State, a prominent artist, and a donor. Marcus was a key figure in the Sacramento Delta arts community, fostering crucial exchanges between Chicago, San Francisco, Davis, and Sacramento. His work was the subject of a 2018 retrospective exhibition and catalog at the Manetti Shrem Museum of Art at UC Davis, curated by founding director Rachel Teagle. Marcus joined the faculty at Sacramento State College (now California State University, Sacramento) in 1959 and was eventually promoted to chairman of the art department. Marcus taught at the school for over 30 years and will be remembered by legions of students and peers for his measured wit, encyclopedic knowledge of art history, and profound sensitivity to the most subtle relationships of color and tone.

In 1962, his work was included in a wide-ranging annual exhibition of local artists at the Crocker Art Museum, where it caught the eye of Adeliza McHugh. Adeliza was preparing to open her Candy Store Gallery in nearby Folsom and was searching for artists to promote and exhibit. Marcus was perhaps the very first artist Adeliza approached when she visited his studio and praised his colorful, pastoral oil pastel drawings. She took one and by the end of the day, Adeliza called Marcus to let him know the drawing had been sold and asked for more, claiming she could sell them “like hotcakes.” Over the next several years, Marcus would serve as a crucial conduit to the Candy Store Gallery, introducing to Adeliza many artists she would eventually exhibit, including Jack Ogden, Gladys Nilsson, Jim Nutt, Suzanne Adan, and Michael Stevens.

In the catalog for “Irving Marcus: Romance & Disaster— A Retrospective,” the late art historian Susan Landauer considers how Marcus’s oeuvre “presents a tragicomic panorama of humanity, populated by a cast of pitiful victims and fools. Their struggles and mishaps may be of their own making, but just as often they seem trapped in an inevitable vortex of chaos.” His subjects were often ripped straight from the headlines of the newspaper. Marcus noticed that newspaper photographs of pets and animals could be interpreted as “possible propaganda to humanize public figures or more difficult scenes in the news.” Landauer outlines the rigorous process Marcus developed for creating a painting, which he “began with a freehand drawing, then produced one or pastel ‘studies’ (stand-alone artworks), and finally— only after meticulous experimentation with color combinations— created the final painting. Only the bare essentials of the original photograph remained, all but lost in the welter of flickering shapes painted in relentlessly flat, intense colors…which are deliberately unexpected, with a fauvist’s eye toward pleasurable dissonance.”

In her essay, “Making Worlds: The Art of Irving Marcus,” also included in the Manetti Shrem retrospective catalog, art historian Francesca Wilmott describes how Marcus continued to refine and redefine his meticulous practice. “In a surrealistic move, he began to turn his news clippings upside down and made composite images from different sources.” By taking his preparatory drawings beyond translation and well into the realm of distortion, Marcus established a signature style that became instantly recognizable, while the subject remained vehemently elusive. Wilmott continues, “the incongruity of Marcus’s caustic appraisal of contemporary events, laborious technical process, and fanciful creatures demonstrates the artist’s singular ability to hold formalism and postmodern irreverence in tension. His images are products of our media-saturated world— a world increasingly beleaguered by distortions between reality and fiction— and of the fantastical ruminations of the artist’s mind.”

Parker Gallery presented its first solo exhibition of Irving Marcus in 2019. A second solo exhibition is scheduled for 2022. His work will be included in forthcoming Candy Store Gallery exhibitions at the Crocker Art Museum, California State University, Sacramento, and the Manetti Shrem Museum of Art at UC Davis in 2022. His work is included in many permanent collections, including the Crocker Art Museum, de Young Museum, Oakland Museum of California, the Manetti Shrem Museum of Art at UC Davis, and the Minneapolis Institute of Art.

John Vogel

December 23, 1926 ~ March 9, 2021

On March 9, 2021 John Edwin Vogel, loving father of 4 children, and 2 step children, passed peacefully into the arms of Jesus. John lived with his daughter Nancy Littlefield (Don) and resided in Marysville, California and then recently moved to Prescott Valley, Arizona where John passed.

John was born on December 23, 1926 in Hummelstown, PA to Edwin and Iola Vogel. He received his Bachelor degree from Lebanon Valley College in 1951. John enlisted in the Army/Air Force and served in World War II and re-enlisted in the Air Force after college as an interpreter during the Cold War, stationed in Turkey, Alaska and other locations. John spoke several different languages, Spanish, German, Russian, French and Turkish just to name a few. After 16 years of serving his country John went to work for California State University of Sacramento as a mail carrier and retired after 25 years of service.

John married Catherine Rebecca Gordon in 1954 and they had 5 children, David, Bruce (deceased), Nancy, Marcia and Scott. They divorced in 1963. John married Marion Elizabeth Harmon on August 29, 1975 and Marion had 2 children of her own, James and Judy. John is survived by his sister Nancy Orlik of Homasassa Florida, 6 children; James Harmon (Deborah), Judy Bertrand (Ron), David Vogel (Sue), Nancy Littlefield (Don), Marcia Piper, and Scott Vogel, 11 grandchildren and 20 great-grandchildren. A graveside service will be held on May 14, 2021 at 10:00 AM at Sacramento Memorial Lawn, Sacramento, CA.

Pauline Guinther

November 3, 1931 ~ March 11, 2021

Pauline was born in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. She graduated from Nathan Hale School of West Allis in 1949; University of Wisconsin, LaCrosse in 1953. Upon graduation, she taught English and Physical Education at Winneconne Community Schools; Physical Education and Elementary music at Burlington Public schools, Wisconsin. She moved to Arizona in 1960 and taught Physical Education and coached tennis in the Scottsdale Schools; earned a Master of Science in Health and Physical Education (1961) and a Doctor of Education degree in Secondary Education (1966) at Arizona State University.

In 1970, She was hired at California State University, Sacramento as an Associate Professor of Physical Education and promoted to full professor in 1973, where she remained until her retirement in 1992. Dr. Guinther also had a post-doctoral concentration in Leadership and Communication, Strategic Planning and Resource Development from University Associates of San Diego. She was a former member of Kappa Delta Pi and Pi Lambda Theta Honorary Societies in Education. She held various elected offices in Arizona AAHPERD and was President of the Southwest District AAHPERD, receiving a SWD Honor Award for her many accomplishments and contributions to the profession.

Many of Dr. Guinther's accomplishments included numerous published articles in Physical Education, Professional Education, and Leadership and Communication. She conducted many training workshops for teachers of handicapped children, leadership training, and contract negotiation. She was named Vice- President of Malcom Realty Company, Inc. of Waukesha, Wisconsin in 1999.

Her many varied interests and accomplishments included membership in the Sacramento Women's Golf Club, Ancil Hoffman Women's Golf Club and a former member of California 15 Women's Golf Organization. As an educator, Dr. Guinther was listed in Who's Who of Women in Education, International Who's Who in Education, and Who's Who in the West. Dr. Guinther is pre-deceased by her mother Dorothy, her father, Walter and her brother Malcom Guinther of Waukesha, Wisconsin. She is survived by her many friends in Sacramento, California, Sedona and Scottsdale Arizona, and Milwaukee, Wisconsin. She requested that there be no services.

Deborah Ann Shidler

July 15, 1954 ~ May 23, 2021

Professional oboist & music teacher Deb Shidler passed away from pancreatic cancer on May 23, 2021, home from the hospital and in the loving arms of her husband of 40 years, Dave Burkhart. She was 66.

Born in Fort Wayne, IN, Deb switched from clarinet to oboe when she found out that her favorite actor, David McCallum, was an oboist. She graduated from Westside H.S. in Omaha in 1972, received her B.M.E. from Univ. of Nebraska, Lincoln in 1976, and her M.M. from Yale School of Music in 1978, where she met her future husband. Deb studied with Ronald Roseman, Marc Lifschey, Sarah Bloom & Robert O'Boyle, and in master classes with John Mack, Joseph Robinson & Marcel Moyse.

Equally adept as oboe soloist, chamber musician, studio musician, and orchestral player, she also played oboe d'amore (and adored Bach's writing for it) & English horn. The San Jose Mercury called her Largo from the New World Symphony "hushed and reverent, transfigured by Deborah Shidler's lustrous English horn solo."

While still in college, Deb performed with the Omaha & Lincoln Symphonies and at the Aspen Music Festival. After receiving her M.M., she moved to Israel, where she was a member of the Beersheba Chamber Orch. before joining the Jerusalem Symphony Orch. in 1979. After a season playing together in the JSO, she and Dave returned to the US. They married in Wilton, CT in 1981 and moved to Northern California.

Deb was a top Bay Area freelancer, often performing with the SF Ballet, Opera & Symphony. She could be a chameleon-like 2nd player one day, a plaintive English hornist the next, and an enthralling 1st player the next. And she had an uncanny ability to sight-read a rehearsal, performance, or recording at a moment's notice—as if the music had been written expressly for her.

From 1991-2014, Deb commuted to Orange County, where she was 2nd oboe of the Pacific Symphony. She became principal oboe of the Berkeley Symphony in 1991, principal of Walnut Creek's Festival Opera in 1995, and 2nd oboe of Symphony Silicon Valley in 2002. And, from 2011-2019, she was a full-time acting member of the SF Opera Orchestra. One of her most memorable performances was moving up to 1st oboe for opening night of Lohengrin—on only a few hours' notice.

Deb was as gifted and devoted a teacher as she was a player, inspiring her students with her singing sound and soaring phrasing, musical and historical insight, reed-making skill, and "You're doin' it!" encouragement. Her college teaching positions included UC Davis from 1991-2001 and 20+ years at California State University, Sacramento. Deb relished coaching chamber music as much as she did playing it. She taught/coached at CalCap Chamber Music Workshop, Bocal Majority Double Reed Camp, and, most recently, online for California Youth Symphony. She taught her last Zoom lesson the day before she went into the ICU.

In her spare time, Deb always had projects—like building brick patios and a raised garden bed, woodworking, cooking, and genealogy—and she loved long walks in nature and in art museums. She lived very much in the moment and always for others, with a bottomless reservoir of inner strength and determination. And her zest for life, keen wit, and joyful laughter were as uplifting as they were contagious.

Deb will be deeply missed by her loving husband, parents Ken & Pat, sisters Nancy & Jenn, brother Doug, 7 awesome nieces & nephews, and her extended family, countless friends, colleagues, and students. A celebration of her incredible life will be planned for a later date.

In lieu of flowers, tax-deductible donations are welcomed to help establish Deborah Shidler Oboe Scholarships at

California Youth Symphony:
https://www.cys.org/support/donation_form.html

Cal. State University, Sacramento:
https://securelb.imodules.com/s/1894/19/home-hero.aspx?sid=1894&gid=2&pgid=418&cid=1063&dids=217

& the Deborah Shidler Principal Oboe Chair at Berkeley Symphony:
https://tickets.berkeleysymphony.org/TheatreManager/1/login?donationcampaign=140

In the scholarship links, please make sure "in memory of Deborah Shidler" appears in the appropriate area.

These three wonderful organizations mirror Deborah Shidler's own musical journey. Heartfelt thanks for all your love and support.

Juan D. Hernandez

June 25, 1933 ~ May 29, 2021

Our father, grandfather, uncle, and friend, Juan D. Hernández, 87, left this world on May 29, 2021. He was born on June 25, 1933 in Watts, California to Luísa del Sagrado Corazón Hernández and Juan "Wenceslao" Ayala Hernández. Though born to two immigrants, his dreams, his life, and his impact on the world grew to be much larger. Growing up in the Sawtelle area of West Los Angeles — mere miles from Hollywood — he found a lifelong love of the cinema at the local nickel matinees. By his early teens, he was living with his father in Tyler, Texas where he discovered an aptitude for piano, often playing in programs with pianist Van Cliburn.

To support his studies in applied music at Midwestern University he taught piano and joined the Army ROTC. Upon completion of his degree, he enrolled in the US Army where he was a captain providing artillery instruction. After 2 years of active duty, he joined the Army Reserve in Southern California and served for 10 more years.

At the dawn of the civil rights movement, he wanted to create a meaningful and positive impact, so he made a career change. While studying for a master of social work degree at the University of Southern California, he also began working at the L.A. County Welfare Department. It's here that he met his beloved wife and fellow social worker, Ann. Together the young couple shared a vibrant social life from flamenco shows at El Cid to joining a bowling league and hosting Star Trek and Batman watch parties.

In 1972 Juan took a position in the graduate department of the School of Social Work at California State University, Sacramento where he was one of the first and few Chicano educators in academia at the time. For 30 years he provided leadership as a distinguished professor, graduate coordinator, and interim division director. He was dedicated to his students and particularly proud of his work to establish a college parolee program with the Community Resource Project. As an active member of both the National Association of Social Workers (NASW) and the Latino Social Work Network of California (LSWN), Juan helped organize numerous events including the LSWN 2002 conference.

Professionally, he was most proud of his involvement in the omnibus litigation that sought to resolve the issue of unequal provision of services to the Spanish speaking which resulted in the establishment of the Office for Civil Rights and the hiring of Latinos and other underrepresented groups.

Personally, Juan was most proud of his wife, five children, and one grandchild, often saying that family is the most important thing in life. He shared his commitment to social justice by including his family in his community organizing. Not only did Ann assist with his statewide lobbying efforts, together they brought their family to demonstrations for farmworker rights and doorknocking to register Spanish-speaking voters for the Southwest Voter Project. He loved all forms of music and delighted in playing his favorite flamenco, classical, or Mexican canciones on his stereo to raise his teenagers from their beds on weekend mornings. His friends will miss being offered sweets and a glass of champagne upon arrival at his home to show his appreciation for their visit. We will fondly remember his love of entertaining family and friends. He would say, "There must be an abundance of food" and to leave a drop of wine in your glass is a "mortal sin!"

Juan will be lovingly remembered by his wife of 55 years "Winnie" Ann Hernández and their children, Juan Jr. (Mahini), María Alberigi (George III), Patrick (Laura), Sara, and Mónica (Tony Del Porto). Juan will forever be remembered by his beloved granddaughter Brianna (Theo Nault), his sister Yolanda Hamburger, and numerous nieces, nephews, colleagues, students, and friends. Juan is preceded in death by his parents and sister Wilda Johnson.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be sent to one of Juan's endowments at CSUS. The Juan D. Hernández Scholarship in Social Work or the Luísa del SC Hernández Memorial Nursing Scholarship: Sacramento State University, Development Office, 6000 J Street, MS 6030, Sacramento, CA 95819.
Funeral mass and services will be held on Friday, June 25, 2021, at 1 pm. St. Mary's Funeral Center Chapel, 6505 Fruitridge Road, Sacramento, CA. The services will also be live-streamed. Due to COVID, please plan to wear a mask.

Matthew George Monsoor

October 17, 1950 ~ May 3, 2021

Matthew left this earth on May 3, 2021, surrounded by his loving and heartbroken family. With his usual positive attitude and quiet strength, he fought to the very end against a very rare and aggressive form of cancer, BPDCN.Matthew was born October 17, 1950, to Elias George and Rosemary (Meenan) Monsoor in what was then North Sacramento. He attended Mira Loma High School and graduated from Colfax High School in 1968, where he was a founding member of the school’s science club, focusing on electronics. Matthew earned his Associate Arts Degree in Art (1975) and his Associate Science Degree in Electronic Engineering Technology (1977) from Sierra College.

Matthew began his career in the California State University System in 1979 in Long Beach and moved to the Sacramento campus in 1984. He retired in 2009 as an Information Systems Equipment Specialist. After deciding that full retirement was not for him, Matthew found a way to continue learning while sharing his knowledge and passion for technology and became a Specialist for Apple Retail in 2011. He enjoyed being a member of the Arden Fair Mall “Apple Family” until his death.

Matthew will be forever missed by his wife of 32 years, Donna Gillott Monsoor, and his much loved children, Ananda Ybarra (Adam) and Elizabeth and Ian Monsoor. We will remember you and your calmness as we try to live by your favorite mantra, “Be here now.”

Matthew was selfless when it came to family and friends, and he considered everyone he met a friend. He was always patient and kind and never let the small stuff get to him. He was interested in everything, especially if it was related to technology and space and his taste in music was quite eclectic. A perfect evening for him was spicy food, good beer, and an obscure martial arts movie. To quote a friend, “His hippie powers were always strong” as he rumbled down the road in his beautifully restored 1967 red VW, at times with waist-length hair that he would then donate to Locks of Love.

Those who would like to remember and honor Matthew are invited to A Gathering of Matthew’s Family and Friends at the Cameron Park Country Club at 3201 Royal Drive, Cameron Park on Saturday, June 19, at 6:30 PM. The 5:00 PM Mass at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church at 307 Montrose Drive, Folsom, is being offered for the repose of Matthew’s soul.

Donna would especially like to thank the countless doctors, nurses, and staff members at the UC Davis Medical Center who were so kind and caring to us during our difficult journey and all of the family and friends who kept us strong with their prayers and loving thoughts.

In keeping with Matthew’s spirit, remembrances may be made to the charity of your choice.

Laurel Hargrove

May 7, 1946 ~ March 19, 2021

Laurel passed away at the age of 74 on March 19, 2021 at her residence, Golden Pond Retirement Community, in Sacramento, CA. She was born on May 7, 1946 in Palo Alto, CA to Herbert Robertson and Ruth Robertson (Donald). She was the youngest of two children. At a young age the family moved to Lakeport, CA where Laurel joined the 4H Club of Scotts Valley at the age of 10. From the age of 10 to 18 she lived on her family’s small ranch where she raised prize winning sheep and loved riding horses. Laurel attended Clear Lake High School where she was a cheerleader and played the trumpet in the band. She graduated from high school in 1964 and went on to attend Utah State University from 1964 to 1967. In 1968, Laurel met and married her husband of 52 years, Gerald D Hargrove, in Chico, CA. In 1970, her daughter, Leslie, was born. In 1972, the family moved to Sacramento, CA and a couple of months later in 1973, her son Mark was born.

When her children were of school age, Laurel took a part time job in the cafeteria at Sequoia Elementary School. In 1979 she took a position with the Department of Kinesiology at Sacramento State. She was the Woman’s Issue Room attendant (AEA II) and eventually its manager (AEA I), before retiring in 2009. As part of her position, she would support the athletic teams with equipment management and event set-up. Even after retirement, she enjoyed giving back to Sacramento State’s athletics by attending events, volunteering, or giving to fundraising events. She enjoyed visiting with her colleagues and athletes, past and present.

Laurel enjoyed playing and watching sports. When her children were young, she would take them to her adult softball or volleyball games. Her favorite professional sports teams were the A’s, Raiders, and Kings. She loved attending many Sacramento State athletic events as she could to cheer on the Hornets.

She had an outgoing personality and loved to socialize with friends and strangers alike. She loved getting together with friends and family to catch up and play games like bunco and bridge. In her spare time, she enjoyed reading Danielle Steel novels and working on crossword puzzles.

She is survived by husband Gerald Hargrove, her children Leslie Pederson (James) and Mark Hargrove (Cherry Ann), her grandchildren Sarah, Daniele, Cedric, Chloe, Cara, and Ava.

She is predeceased by her parents Herbert and Ruth Robertson, her brother Robert Robertson, and her in-laws Haskell and Una Hargrove.

In-lieu of flowers please make a donation in her name to the Greater Sacramento ALS Association or the Sacramento SPCA.

Chris Shinya Tomine

March 15, 1944 ~ June 10, 2021

Chris Shinya Tomine passed away on June 10, 2021. Chris was born March 15th, 1944 at the Tule Lake Relocation Center in Northern California. He grew up in Alameda, California, attending elementary and high school there, with fond memories of playing at McKinley Park, across the street from the Tomine house, with his brother, Eugene and sisters, Naomi and Amy. Chris was an exceptional student, skipping several grades and starting at the University of California, Berkeley, when he was just 16-years old.

He went on to earn a Masters Degree in Physics, and later, a PhD in Mechanical Engineering at Oregon State University. Professionally, he spent his entire career at California State University, Sacramento, starting in 1970 as a Professor of Engineering, then becoming Civil Engineering Department Chair, Interim Chair of Asian American Studies, and Associate Vice President of the university. He retired in 2008.

More than just the math nerd he often claimed to be, Chris also excelled in the arts. He was a skilled musician who played guitar and sang for family, friends and with a band at gigs around Northern California. He also designed posters, cards, banners and t-shirts for many different organizations and events, including the Buddhist Temple of Alameda's bazaar and Obon festival, the San Francisco Japantown Mall and the Bainbridge Island Blueberry Company.

Chris was also known far and wide for his chef skills in the kitchen, and an ability to fix almost anything mechanical. He brought his engineering side and artisitic side together with a collection of handmade furniture using intricate Japanese joinery techniques. Through it all, a personal imperative to "do it right or don't do it at all" ensured that everything he worked on—from elaborate dinners to furniture to home improvements and repairs—turned out spectacularly. His grandchildren remember him for his "brownberry" chocolate-chip pancakes, banana splits and the songs he played and sang for them.

When he wasn't creating or fixing something, Chris enjoyed golf with his buddies, holiday celebrations with family, cooking and traveling with his wife Jane, a sip of Pappy Van Winkle, the Three Stooges and anything else that sparked his offbeat sense of humor. He is survived by his wife, Jane Naito; sons Dylan Tomine and Adrian (Sarah Brennen) Tomine; grandchildren Skyla, Weston, Nora and May; step-children Paul Sonona and Angela (Jack Knutson) Sonoda; brother Eugene (Sharron Sue) Tomine and sisters Naomi (Walt) Ellis and Amy Tomine. A private family service will be held at the Buddhist Temple of Alameda later this summer.

Chris was a family man, art man, music man, math man but most of all, he was a good man. We will miss him dearly.

Janet Ann Shaban

October 7, 1943 ~ June 26, 2021

Janet Ann Shaban, age 77, passed away peacefully on Saturday, June 26, 2021, at Mercy Hospital in Sacramento, after a long illness. She was born October 7, 1943 in North Carolina, the only child of Elizabeth M. Shaban and Zenon Shaban. As a child, Janet excelled in academics and was photographed in the local paper receiving a prestigious academic award upon HS graduation.

Following in the footsteps of her mother and maternal grandmother, Janet went on to get her B.A. from Duke University, followed by graduate studies at the University of Texas, Austin. She completed her PhD in Social Psychology at the Stony Brook University in NY. Janet began teaching in the psychology department at CSU Sacramento in 1970 where she gained a reputation for challenging her undergraduate and graduate students with the highest standards and with requiring in-depth study. Receiving an A in one of her classes was well earned.

After retirement in 1998, Janet turned to her life-long love of writing. She wrote numerous short stories, took Stanford University online writing classes for fun, and became an Associate Editor for The Crescent Review, a well-regarded literary magazine. Janet will be remembered for her sharp wit; her infectious laugh; her no-nonsense direct speak-your-mind style; the wonderful, homemade luncheons she prepared for others; for her voracious reading of books, newspapers, journals and magazines; her love of music and musical theater; and for her mean game of tennis. But most of all, Janet will be remembered for her friendship and loyalty to those that she loved. Janet was quick to deliver a meal or groceries to a sick friend or one in need, never missed a birthday, always called to check up on people, and never let a friend down. She had a deeply warm heart for those she loved.

Janet was predeceased by her husband William Westbrook, and is survived by her stepson, Lance Westbrook, her Cousins John Shaban, Diana Shaban, David Shaban, Susan Ward, and many nieces and nephews. A celebration of Life will be held on Aug 29, 2021, 11 AM, at East Lawn on Folsom Blvd in Sacramento. There will be a reception in the East Lawn Green House following the service.

Gregory Knapp

March 5, 1963 ~ July 22, 2021

(Obituary from State Hornet) Former Sacramento State quarterback and longtime NFL assistant Greg Knapp has passed away following an accident in which he was struck by a car while riding his bicycle in San Ramon, Calif. He was 58 years old.

"We are heartbroken over the loss of Greg Knapp," Sacramento State head coach Troy Taylor said. "Greg was not only a great former Hornet player and coach, but one of the kindest and most generous people that I've ever known. His success and humility have been an inspiration to all of us here at Sacramento State. We will continue to carry on his legacy within our football program and wish his family and friends peace and comfort through this difficult loss."

Knapp came to Sacramento State from Huntington Beach High School in the fall of 1983. After seeing limited action his first two seasons, he earned the starting job in 1984 where he was named honorable mention all-Northern California Athletic Conference. That year, he set the then-school record with 16 touchdown passes and finished the season completing 142-of-274 passes for 2,083 yards. His season was highlighted by a 351-yard passing performance against UC Davis. The following year, he was 111-for-196 and ended the year with 1,357 passing yards and 12 touchdowns. He is currently ranked eighth in school history in career passing yards (3,806) and touchdowns (32), 10th in career completions (279), tied for 10th in career pass efficiency (124.1), and 11th in career attempts (524).

Knapp immediately transitioned into a coaching role, serving as Sacramento State's running backs coach from 1986-88, wide receivers coach from 1989-90 and assistant head coach and offensive coordinator from 1991-94. During that same time, Knapp continued to train, and earned training camp invites from the Kansas City Chiefs (1986), Los Angeles Raiders (1987-90) and San Francisco 49ers (1992-94).

His NFL coaching tenure began with the 49ers where he was an offensive quality control coach from 1995-97. He was elevated to quarterbacks coach from 1998-00 and later served as the team's offensive coordinator from 2001-03.

Knapp moved to the Atlanta Falcons as the offensive coordinator from 2004-06, spearheading an electric offense which was led by Michael Vick. He then moved to the Oakland Raiders as the offensive coordinator during the 2007 and 2008 years and was the OC for the Seattle Seahawks in 2009.

He was the quarterbacks coach with the Houston Texans in 2010 and 2011 before returning to Oakland to serve as the offensive coordinator in 2012. Knapp was the quarterbacks coach with the Denver Broncos from 2013-16, helping the team a Super Bowl title and setting numerous offensive records with Peyton Manning at the helm. That season, the future Hall of Famer threw for 5,477 yards and 55 touchdowns.

He returned to the Atlanta Falcons as the quarterbacks coach from 2018-20 and was recently hired as the quarterbacks coach and passing game coordinator for the New York Jets for the upcoming 2021 season.

During his NFL career, Knapp coached quarterbacks to a combined 11 NFL Pro Bowls. He had five different 4,000-yard passers comprised of Steve Young (1998), Jeff Garcia (2000), Carson Palmer (2012), Peyton Manning (2013-14) and Matt Ryan (2018).

Knapp is survived by his wife, Charlotte, and three daughters.

Albert Gutowsky

December 4, 1936 ~ July 18, 2021

Albert Gutowsky born December 4, 1936 in Chicago to Albert and Christine Gutowsky. He met his wife Constance Kelly at the University of Oregon. His education included Lane Technical High School, Chicago, 1955; Denver University, BA, 1959; University of Oregon, MS 1961, PhD 1965. An expert witness, he testified in state and federal courts in California, Nevada, and Oregon.

Al taught economics at Arizona State University 1965-1967; California State University, Sacramento 1967- 2004. Al was preceded in death by his handicapped son Ronald Gutowsky, 1967-2007. He is survived by his wife Constance, two sons, Peter (Sharon) Edward (Connie), four grandchildren, and younger brother Wayne Gutowsky (Susan). He was diagnosed with Parkinson's disease in 2014. He died peacefully in his sleep. A celebration of life memorial will be held at a future date.

REMEMBERING AL GUTOWSKY BY BOB CURRY

Al Gutowsky and I met during the fall of 1961 when each of us started out on a Ph.D. program in economics at the University of Oregon in Eugene. It was my good fortune to be assigned to share a graduate student office with Al. From there we also shared an apartment for the next several years. It didn’t take me long to learn that he was a gregarious, well-read, engaged and interested person who was deeply committed to becoming a first-rate economist. On this score, he succeeded as attested to by the contents of his formal obituary.

I quickly learned that Al was also up to trying new things. One Saturday morning he decided that we were spending too much money eating out. So he suggested that we start out by making pancakes, something which neither of us had ever done before. We were surprised at how quickly the pancake mix poured out into the frying pan to which we had added far too little oil. We soon learned that a massive, deep-fried, scrambled pancake tasted pretty good with enough maple syrup.

During the years that we shared an office and an apartment we often talked about Sacramento and CSUS among an array of other topics. We were soon joined in the UO Economics department by another CSUS graduate, William (Bill) Kerby. The three of us spent a great deal of time together as Bill moved into the apartment that we all shared for the next couple of years. It was a wonderful time for me, and I trust for both of them. And soon a person named Connie entered the scene. A relationship with Al blossomed and caused a distinct shift in his focus.

Al was not gifted with great patience. When Connie left Eugene for San Francisco, they arranged to talk every evening at 6pm. They took turns placing the call but every time it was Connie’s turn, at about four seconds after six when no call arrived, Al grabbed the phone and called. He immediately asked her “what was wrong.” Nothing, obviously: and while we had a terrific phone bill, he paid for it.

They married and settled in Sacramento in 1967 when Al and I began teaching at CSUS. Shortly thereafter we were joined at CSUS by our old pal Bill Kerby. So a distinct Eugene-Sacramento connection was formed among the three of us. It was built upon the kindness of our mentor Dr. John Ranlett who taught, advised and paved the way for me and Bill to move on with our studies at UO.

Al and Connie went on to raise sons while she practiced law and he taught in the Economics Department. He turned out to be a really good teacher and a gifted but none too quiet lecturer. He became a solid part of the department and eventually he chaired it.

Al’s obituary tells the full story of this wonderful man’s life. To it I would like to add one point: knowing him was a wonderful experience. Time shared with him made it impossible to forget Al Gutowsky.

Robert L. (Bob) Curry, Professor Emeritus, Economics and International Affairs, CSUS.

Estela Serrano

December 25, 1936 ~ May 4, 2021

Estela Serrano died peacefully at home in Sacramento on May 4, 2021; she was surrounded by loving friends and family. Her parents and her older brother Carlos Jr. preceded her in death. She leaves her companion Elizabeth and her brother Andrew broken-hearted, and she leaves a vast void in the lives of hundreds of dear friends and relatives.

Estela was a joy and inspiration to her godchildren, Jennifer, Reenie, Tony, and Lisa, and also to her honorary godchildren Katie, Karen, and Leila, who spent part of their formative years with her. They will all miss her warm grounding and supportive presence. As will Francesca, Bebo, Claire, George, and Greg, children of Estela's dear departed friends, Patricia, Mickey, and Norma.

At Christmas day's first light, in 1936, at the Stork's Nest maternity home in Tucson, AZ, Cecilia and Carlos Serrano welcomed their bright-eyed baby girl into the world. They lived in Tucson for the first few years of her life, and then moved to Mesa to expand the Serrano retail stores. The family traces its roots back to Altar in Sonora, Mexico, where the patriarch, Luis Serrano, prospered in banking, mining, and retail. He moved the family to Tucson shortly after the 1910 revolution, and established businesses in Arizona and California.

When Estela was one year old it was discovered that she had retinitis pigmentosa, a progressive disease of the retina that would lead to blindness. However, her parents saw to it that she led a normal childhood, playing with her friends, and biking and horseback riding, at times alone, at times with others. She was fearless in the face of blindness, a gift she attributed to her parents' decision to avoid being overprotective, and to allow her the freedom to chart her own territory. Estela attended The Queen of Peace parochial elementary school, where kind-hearted schoolmates read lessons endlessly to her, and she thereby developed a capacious memory and an immense well-lit imagination. For her secondary education she attended the local public high school where she excelled in languages, literature, and music. In college she majored in Spanish literature, graduating with honors from Arizona State University, and then she proceeded to the University of Arizona for her graduate studies.

In 1964 Estela joined the faculty of the Foreign Languages department at California State University Sacramento, and remained there until her full retirement in 2005. From teaching first semester Spanish to supervising and guiding the work of graduate students, Profesora Serrano was a dedicated mentor at every level. She was known to be demanding but fair, expecting from her students the same level of effort and attention to detail that she demonstrated as a professor.

She was truly in her element in the classroom, learning the names and voices of her students with remarkable speed, and addressing and engaging every student in her highly interactive teaching style. Throughout the decades she frequently ran into past students, especially in Sacramento. They would come up to her and greet her, and before they had a chance to introduce themselves, much to their astonishment, and that of whoever was accompanying her, she would address them by name. She retained this remarkable memory until a few days before she died.

Estela had great admiration for the works of the musician-turned poet and playwright, Federico Garcia Lorca. She spoke of his enormous creativity, his fascinating imagery, and the musicality of his language. Occasionally she would direct her students in his plays. Music was a lasting love in Estela's life. Her piano, a gift from her parents on her tenth birthday, stayed with her for 74 years. She took weekly piano lessons until she fractured her elbow, and then her loyal teacher Timo played weekly for her during the last year of her life.

Estela found all manner of locomotion exhilarating. She owned a variety of sports cars over the decades, and she had a tandem bike custom made in Paris for a trip through the Loire Valley with her dear friend Peggy. She flew often with pilot friends, took trains throughout Europe and Canada, and went sailing whenever possible. In 1990 Estela took a trip to Egypt which was to have a lasting impact. Upon her return she embraced Sufism. The teaching, the poetry, and the music all spoke to her.

In 2001 Estela transitioned to semi-retirement and dedicated her free time to philanthropy, community activism, and the study of Italian, Persian, and Comparative Religions. She established a scholarship in her own department and contributed to programs in other departments such as Music and Drama. She helped many off-campus organizations as well. The year 2001 was also the beginning of the annual trips abroad. Estela was a born traveler; she loved every city and town and village she visited.

In 2013 Estela and Elizabeth set up a second home in Port Townsend on the Olympic Peninsula, and friends and family flowed in from near and far. The wealth of music, theatre, poetry, and film, the waterfront cafes, and the sound of the roaring waves made it their heaven on earth, rivaled only by Galway, Ireland, which they visited often during its International Festival of Arts. In Port Townsend, as in Sacramento, Estela was an avid patron of the arts, and she supported as many organizations as possible.

Estela was masterful at living each day to its fullest, and she did so until the very end. She touched the lives of many, from all walks of life. She was a role model to her thousands of students, and to her family and friends she was the quintessence of serenity, equanimity, courage, and generosity. Poem: Hargez nameerad aankeh delash zendeh shod beh eshgh
Eternal is the one whose heart has awakened to love. --Hafez

Donations in Estela's memory may be made to Sacramento Loaves and Fishes, a 501c3 organization providing services to the indigent.
Address:
Sacramento Loaves and Fishes
PO Box 13495
Sacramento, CA 95813
A celebration of Estela's life will be held in the fall. Please send an email with subject CELEBRATION to Elizabeth for details.

Elaine Ann Kasimatis

May 25, 1952 ~ September 7, 2021

Elaine Kasimatis was born in Bakersfield, CA. She passed away unexpectedly at the age of 69. In 1955, Elaine's family moved from Bakersfield to Davis, where she grew up and made her lifelong home. From a young age, Elaine was passionate about mathematics. She persevered and overcame many challenges to earn a Ph.D. in pure mathematics as well as a M.A. in Mathematics Teaching along with elementary and secondary teaching credentials in both math and multiple subject. Her breadth of expertise in mathematics and education made her a unique mathematician. Elaine was a faculty member at CSU Sacramento for over 30 years, where she continued teaching until her passing.

Elaine dedicated her career to supporting future teachers of mathematics. She co-developed and revamped CSU Sacramento’s curriculum for remedial mathematics, created professional development programs for faculty teaching remedial mathematics, and co-developed a course to support undergraduate and graduate tutors and instructors. She also played a major role in developing the first undergraduate mathematics degree program in California to integrate mathematics content with teacher preparation. Since the program’s inception in 2001, she carefully mentored and supervised over 40 student teachers. Elaine influenced mathematics education nationally and internationally as one of the three co-creators of the innovative “College Preparatory Mathematics: Change from Within” program, which was designated one of three Exemplary Mathematics Programs by the US Department of Education. In 2021, the Mathematical Association of America awarded Elaine the Deborah and Franklin Tepper Haimo Award for Distinguished College or University Teaching of Mathematics. Her thoughtful and careful work efforts have profoundly influenced not only her students, but also generations of mathematics teachers and students.

Elaine’s generous nature, endless energy, and positive outlook impacted anyone that knew her. She advocated for the unhoused community through her support for Davis Community Meals. She was also an active member of her church, which led her and her daughter to move to Eastern Province, Rwanda in 2008 to help establish a secondary school. Elaine had a great appreciation for immersing herself in new cultures and lived in Australia, Germany, and Rwanda. She enjoyed being outdoors, whether hiking in the mountains, playing on the beach, or digging in her yard.

Elaine was a loving sister and mother. She is survived by her daughter, Katja Kasimatis, and her brothers, David Kasimatis, Andrew Kasimatis, and Paul Kasimatis.

A celebration of life is planned for September 25th at 11:00am at Lutheran Church of the Incarnation. The service will be outdoors, masked, and socially-distanced.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made in Elaine’s honor to Paul’s Place through Davis Community Meals, the Monterey Bay Aquarium, or the Pacific Crest Trail Association.

Joan Bauerly

March 29, 1939 ~ August 11, 2021

Rembrance by Stephanie Tucker: On August 11th, Joan Bauerly passed away peacefully at Sutter Hospital. Born in Le Mars, Iowa, she attended the University of Oregon where she received her B.A. M.A. and Ph.D. in English. In 1965, she began a 4-year tenure at Fisk University, in Nashville. Moving to California in 1970, Joan taught at Chico State, until 1974, when she accepted a position at CSUS, then “Sacramento State University”. She retired in Fall 2005. An Americanist, Joan taught popular graduate and undergraduate courses in literature and composition, including: Women’s Fiction (“Wharton and Chopin,” and “20th Century Fiction by Women,” to name two); “American Realism”, and “Henry James,” who was the subject of her doctoral dissertation.

Besides her accomplished teaching, Joan contributed hugely to the English Department, the School of Arts and Sciences, and the University. She served on many committees, including several terms on the Academic Senate. Joan also, virtually single-handedly, created the university-wide WPE (Writing Proficiency Exam), then a new requirement for all undergraduate students prior to graduation—developing the written exam and instructing professors from disparate departments how to grade the thousands of essays. It was a monumental undertaking (politically thorny and pedagogically complex). But she did so successfully, and for many years.

The above is the barest of outlines of Joan’s accomplishments as a teacher and colleague—all of which are indeed substantial. What this brief professional “bio” lacks is a sense of who Joan was as a person-- a teacher, a colleague and a friend. I first got to know Joan, in, of all places, New Orleans, where we were attending an MLA conference—she as a scholar, I in desperate search for a tenured-position—Sac State’s being my first choice. She could not have been more gracious, putting me quickly at ease—not an easy task in a job interview. When I received an offer, she was one of the first two faculty members to welcome me—and celebrate!

The following autumn, when I started teaching at Sac State, I was assigned a desk in her office—which was barely large enough for two desks, shelves enough for all our books and papers, and, not unimportantly, Joan’s excellent coffee maker. We had very good coffee! Despite what must have felt like an invasion (faculty office space was short at the time), Joan was great—helpful, in any number of ways! She taught me a lot. I remain grateful—for her generosity and our close friendship over the years—on and off campus.

When I was elected to the Academic Senate some years later, I got to see Joan’s political skills in action. During several truly maddening sessions, Joan would take the floor and quickly, succinctly clarify the issues, the debates and get her point made—eloquently and convincingly. I have yet to see a more skilled debater in action.

Joan was a fine colleague and a great friend. I’m privileged to have known her. I miss her a lot.

And I’m not alone. Besides her beloved companion, Christina George, Joan leaves her daughter, Sydney, two grandsons, two great grandchildren and many, many friends.

Stephanie Tucker

Jeffrey Hoover

September 11, 1939 ~ October 11, 2021

Dr. Jeffery Lee Hoover, 62 of Sacramento, California passed away on October 11, 2021 after a sudden cardiac event. He was born September 11, 1959, in Anderson, Indiana, to Patricia and George Hoover.

Dr. Hoover was a man of many talents, but everyone who knew him also knew that music and art were his life's work. Growing up in Northern Indiana, Jeffrey started playing the clarinet in fourth grade and began playing the saxophone when he entered high school. He graduated from Rochester High School, Rochester Indiana in 1977. He attended Ball State University and graduated with a Bch.Sc.in Music Education in 1981 and saxophone was his principal instrument. He received a master's degree from Ball State in 1985 in music composition and musicology. He then pursued an interdisciplinary doctorate in music and arts at Texas Tech University and graduated with his Ph.D in 1991.

He established a career as a music teacher in public and private schools and was a university professor in music and arts at Sterling College, Sterling Kansas, Illinois Central College, Peoria, Illinois, University of Baltimore, California State University, Sacramento CA, and Sacramento City College. Over his career, his body of compositions – ranging from music for vocal soloist to symphony orchestra –received recognition through the prestigious Trieste prize, the Russolo competition, awards from Mu Phi Epsilon, the Lancaster Fine Arts Festival, grants, publications, fellowships, and more than twenty commissions. His music has been performed by many great artists and his book, The Arts and Society: Making New Worlds, is also used and recognized in universities as a narration of the rich and diverse experience in the arts.

He leaves a loving wife of 27 years, Joy (Whartman) Hoover, daughter Elle Hoover, and step-daughter Katie Howard, all of Sacramento, California. Jeffrey was a devoted husband, father, friend and colleague. His sweet, kind and unique nature was adored by all who knew him. In addition to his immediate family, he is survived by his mother Patricia (Kumler) Hoover, Rochester Indiana; sister Jennie Carey (Chuck), Plymouth, Indiana. He was proceeded in death by his father George Hoover.

A memorial service will be held at California State University, Sacramento in the Capistrano Concert Hall on November 14th at 10:00am PST where some of his works will be performed.

Memorials can be made to the Jeffrey Hoover Memorial Scholarship, or sending to Sacramento State, University Development, Attention Nebrisa Fish, 6000 J Street, Sacramento, CA 95819-6030. Please include "Jeffrey Hoover Memorial Scholarship" in the memo line.

Donald Dale Miller

November 20, 1934 ~ October 11, 2021

Coach Donald Dale Miller of Chico, California passed away on October 11, 2021. After a long battle of Parkinson's disease. Don was born on November 20, 1934 in Bottineau, North Dakota, to Theodore and Myrtle Miller. He was one of 7 children. He graduated from Upham High School in North Dakota Class of 1952. There were 14 people in his class! He received his B.S. from the University of North Dakota, Grand Forks in 1956, where he lettered in all four sports. After graduation from UND he played with the Minot Mallards Semi-Pro Baseball Team for 3 months. 1956-1957 he coached Basketball, Track and taught at Happy Camp High School in Siskiyou County, CA. In 1958, he was offered a job as JV Coach, (Football, Basketball and Baseball) at Willows High School and later was the Athletic Director. Five yrs. later he became the head coach (Football & Baseball) and of course teaching until 1967. In 1968 Don became Assistant football coach and Instructor at CSUS then Head Baseball Coach from 1969 - 1983. Receiving his Masters from Chico State University in 1971. Became Director of Athletics and was promoted to full professorship until 1989.

As AD he was instrumental in establishing the groundwork leading to the induction of women, as well as men into the Chico State Hall of Fame. From 1989-1991, Don coached the Men's and Women's Golf teams until he retired. Coach Miller acquired many accolades in his career. Athletic Hall of Fame at UND, Athletic Hall of Fame CSUS, Hall of Fame Tri-Counties, and Hall of Fame at the College of Forestry. Many Championships were won. As Baseball Coach he led the Wildcats to 332 victories over 15 years.

Don married Beverly Joan Dorr in Aug 1954, for 61 years until she passed away in 2017. Throughout the years, Don had many hobbies, he loved taking the family on ski/boating trips, duck/pheasant hunting, tending to his yard and roses, golfing, bridge, puzzles, watching his favorite teams, SF Giants, Warriors and lots of golf. But most of all, he enjoyed spending time with family and friends. Church meant a lot to him, he was a member of Redeemer Lutheran church for 54 years. Surviving Siblings: Elaine Fiskum, Marlene Root (Gary) and Byron Miller (Bobbie Jo). Children: Greg Miller (Sandra) Tamara Kozloski (Ron) SueAnn Lawson {Paul} and Lisa Breuner (Ken). He has 9 grandchildren and 7 great grandchildren.

We as a family will always be grateful and appreciate all the love, true friendship and care given to him over the years, especially his later years. He will surely be missed by all who knew him. Burial and Service will be held at the Glen Oak Cemetery, Chico CA on October 22, 2021 at 9:30 am followed by a reception at Canyon Oaks Country Club, at 11am.

Fang F. Gu

July 10, 1956 ~ October 18, 2021

The world lost a beloved matriarch, Fang Gu, who passed away on 10/18/2021 in West Sacramento, California after a heroic battle with pancreatic cancer for nearly one-and-half years. At the young age of 65, she is survived by her loving husband Wen Xu, her son Joe Xu, her daughter-in-law Jane Song, and her two grandsons Camden Xu and Connor Xu. Fang dedicated her career to higher education. After serving as a university English instructor in China for several years in the 1980s, she emigrated to the U.S., where she continued her academic career over the next quarter century. Fang worked tirelessly as a senior faculty who helped modernize the multimedia departments of numerous university libraries in keeping up with technological innovation. Though her career required her to be a visionary, Fang has always believed that her proudest achievement was having the foresight and courage to execute on her American Dream. Despite long odds and countless obstacles, Fang was the only person in her extended family to emigrate before ensuring her immediate family members joined her in the U.S. Fang has always been a patron of independent thinking, and her charter into the U.S. will ensure this value is forged with her descendants.

Fang requested a private ceremony with only her closest family members. She did not want news of her illness to be publicized because she wanted everyone to remember her in her most positive and spirited state. Fang’s energy, bravery and smile will be missed but forever remembered by her loved ones for generations to come.

Sheila Murphy Holcomb

August 7, 1950 ~ September 24, 2021

Sheila Holcomb was a caring wife, mother, grandmother, sister, aunt, friend and mentor. She left this world on Friday, Sept. 24, 2021, at the age of 71. She was born in Independence, Iowa, on Aug. 7, 1950, to Bud and Sally Murphy. After graduating high school, she attended Allen Memorial Hospital School of Nursing and earned her RN. Sheila then enlisted in the U.S. Army and volunteered to serve a year in Vietnam during the Vietnam War. There she met her husband of 48 years, Tom Holcomb. Together they had three boys. Sheila was a lifelong learner earning her RN, BSN, Master's and eventually her Doctorate in Nursing Education in 2009. Throughout her nursing career, she became an educator and mentor to many.

Sheila taught Public Nursing at California State University, Sacramento, worked with the Visiting Nurses Association and as a school nurse in two California school districts. She has had an immeasurable impact on countless children and future nurses over her career.

Sheila is survived by her husband, Tom; sons, Mike (Lindsay), Wes (Jaimie) and AJ (Krystal); and six grandchildren. She is also survived by her siblings, Ray (Nancy) Murphy, Cheryl (Billie) Winter, Patty Webster and Kelly Murphy (Randy Jones); sisters-in-law, Chris Murphy and Billie Jean Kovalcheck; as well as two nieces and four nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents, Bud and Sally Murphy; and brother, Mike Murphy. Sheila will be remembered for her tenacity, her kindness and understanding nature.

Memorials can be made to the Alzheimer's Association. A Celebration of Life will be held from 1 to 4 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 5, at the VFW 128 Third Ave. NE, Independence, Iowa.

Peter Beyer Lund

June 20, 1939 ~ November 25, 2021

Peter Beyer Lund, age 82, passed away on November 25, 2021. He was born in Lakeview Oregon on June 20, 1939 to parents Ernest and Jeannette Lund. He spent early years in Eugene, Oregon and Minneapolis, Minnesota. He attended high school in Tallahassee, Florida and was a star athlete in basketball and track and field. He earned his Bachelors degree in Economics from Oberlin College, where he was a four-year basketball and track athlete, and completed his Ph.D. in Economics at the University of California, Berkeley. After a brief stint at Vanderbilt University, Peter accepted a teaching position at California State University, Sacramento where he served for 32 years in the Economics department, 12 of them as Department Chair, retiring in 2002.

Peter enjoyed woodworking, gardening, hiking, camping, backpacking and travel. In 1997, Peter married Maureen McDermott. Together they traveled widely, on both domestic and international trips.
Peter is survived by his wife Maureen, his children Kirsten (Quinn), Kevin, and Robert (Aimee), his sister Barbara, seven wonderful grandchildren: Kieran, Kerith, Julian, Lars, Quinn, Marie, Niko, and his first wife Sandra Coyle.

Peter was a sensitive, caring person who worked hard and was generous to others. He set high standards for himself and others and tried each day to become a better person. Those he knew and loved will miss him. The family is grateful for the care provided by Apexcare, The Woodlake, and Snowline Hospice.

REMEMBERING PETER LUND By Bob Curry

I met Peter in 1970 during my first assignment as a recruiter for the CSUS Economics Department. At that year’s American Economics Association’s annual meeting, I had the good fortune of recruiting both Peter and the late John Henry. Wow! What an extraordinary “daily double” that turned out to be. Some years later, over an eighteen year period Peter and I chaired the department. He chaired for twelve and I chaired for the other six. John Henry was vice-chair during the entire eighteen year period. John steadfastly refused to chair and during their tenure he and Peter went on to form a tremendous team and the friendship that the three of us shared lasted through the years.

Peter Lund was dedicated to the department in numerous ways but mostly as a teacher. His specialties were fiscal policy and public finance. For many years he and our late colleague Wilma Krebs taught courses in these academic areas. Peter and Wilma formed another formidable team. Peter was well trained and educated at Oberlin College and U.C. Berkeley. He brought his academic competence to the classroom and infused it with his patience and good humor.

Beyond his skills as a teacher, Peter brought something else to the Department. For example, a situation compelled him to handle a very serious personnel issue. He knew he had to deal with it. Dealing with it couldn’t be put off any longer. He managed this sad and compelling situation with an amazing combination of a dedication to the needs of students, a commitment to civility and a search for a result what would be in the best interest of all parties.

There was very little drama in the way that Peter went about serving our department, our university and most of all our students. He did his work diligently, effectively and to the best of his ability. But I guarantee one thing—none of that made him dull. He had both a sharp wit and a keen sense of humor. He brought competence, humor and wit with him on a daily basis over the more than three decades that he was part of CSU Sacramento. The University was a “better” place because of what he brought to its everyday life. He will be missed greatly and remembered fondly.

Robert Whitehead

January 21, 1928 ~ November 29, 2021

Peter Robert Whitehead was born January 21, 1928 and passed away on November 29, 2021. His is survived by his wife Mary Ellen Whitehead, sons Kevin and Mark and his wife Wendy, Grandchildren Dana and Mike and his wife Linda, and Great-Granddaughter Sara. Born in Logansport, Indiana, Robert served in the United States Navy and then earned a Doctorate of Education from Indiana University. Robert enjoyed a 31 year career as a Professor of Education at Sacramento State University where he taught Children's Literature and supervised the university's Student Teacher Program. A voracious reader, Robert not only collected books but also wrote or co-wrote dozens of educational and children's books.

Beloved by his students, friends, and family, he will be greatly missed. Visitation for Robert will be held at St Mary Parish 1333 58th Street Sacramento, CA on December 20th at 10:00am followed by mass at 11:00am. Internment will follow at St Mary Cemetery 6509 Fruitridge Rd Sacramento at 1:00pm.

Donald R. Gerth

Passed away December 6, 2021

The Sacramento State community and beyond is remembering Donald Rogers Gerth, Sacramento State’s longest-serving president, for his long commitment to and significant accomplishments in higher education. Gerth, who died Dec. 6, 2021, at age 93, spent 45 years in educational leadership and teaching, mostly on CSU campuses. He made his most-lasting impact at Sacramento State, where he was president from 1984 through 2003. He also was president of CSU Dominguez Hills for eight years.

His passing is being felt at Sac State and in the Sacramento region, the CSU, and beyond.

Until an official obituary is received, please see these articles remembering the life of Dr. Gerth, from the Sacramento State web page, and the Sacramento Bee.

Remembrance by Claude Duval:
President Donald Gerth’s legacy is immeasurable. His dedication to the campus community and tireless, innovative academic leadership will always define the countless, positive improvements he introduced to make Sac State an outstanding university. His accomplishments will never be equaled.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Sunday, March 20th, at 1:00PM
University Union Ballroom

Complimentary parking in parking structure 2

More information and RSVP

Lawrence (Larry) Chase

May 20, 1949, ~ November 20, 2021

Lawrence grew up in the Van Nuys area of Southern California. He passed away in his home in Elk Grove, CA the morning of November 20, 2021. Lawrence was preceded in death by his wife/love of his life of over 40 years Terry Jean Chase and earlier by father, Louis Richard Chase, and mother, Elizabeth Barth Chase. Lawrence is survived by his daughter, Meredith (“Mere Bear”) Chase, and stepmother Shirley Chase. Lawrence always showcased his true personality in all interactions. Dad jokes were a favorite with his college students, whom with he was referred to as “Coach.” Sports-related banter was a staple among his friend groups. He would even have inside jokes with a local barista or grocery store clerk, for example.

And his daughter embraced it all (maybe with an occasional eye roll).

“Semi-retired” is how he described his job status the last few years as he still taught multiple classes at Cosumnes River College up until his passing but had retired from Sacramento State University. He never wanted to stop teaching and would often say, “I’ve never worked a day in my life,” due to the passion he felt surrounding his career as a College Professor.

In addition to teaching, Lawrence enjoyed activities like joining his “Starbucks Crew” several mornings per week, playing Cribbage with a group of friends one day a week, going to the gym daily, playing golf at Valley High Country club with his friend Russ multiple days a week, and was involved in a Sacramento Rotary chapter. He enjoyed both going out on the town to a local concert or having a night in with his cat and watching baseball (Go Dodgers!) or college football (Go USC!) on TV. Sushi dinners, trying new wines, and mini road trips with his daughter were also often on the agenda.

Fun fact: Lawrence also wrote for the Elk Grove Citizen in the mid-90’s.

He has touched so many hearts and will live on through the fun-loving memories and entertainment he delivered.

Manfred Walter "Bob" Hopfe

July 7, 1937, ~ August 25, 2021

Bob's life began in Berlin, Germany, at a hospital near his grandparents' home. A few months later, he crossed the Atlantic with his Mother and Grandmother to join his Father at their home in Riverhead, New York. His early years were filled with typical childhood activities: picnics at the beach, swimming in the ocean, scouting, track and tennis, summer jobs, and "school learning." He was an avid reader, an eager student, and a high school honor student who was encouraged by his teachers to become a math teacher
Shortly before he graduated from Riverhead High School, he received a congressional appointment to attend the US Merchant Marine Academy at Kings Point, New York, where he received a degree in Marine Engineering and Naval Architecture. His one year "at sea" put him back on a ship crossing ocean waters again. His assignment after graduation was to work as Third Assistant and as Refrigeration Engineer aboard the SS Limon as it sailed up and down the coastal waters of the Atlantic.

Next, he worked for General Electric in Schenectady, NY, as an Installation Service Engineer and Nuclear Reactor Operator (participating in the West Milton S3G program). Slowly as he moved from Nuclear Engineering to recruiting and training, he re-established and served as Director of the GE Industrial Sales Training Program. Here he found a niche that would send him back to "school learning" and lead to a long, rewarding academic career and a new professional life with the US Navy. Back to school for several years. First, he was awarded a Master of Science in Mathematics from State University of New York at Albany and a PhD from Ohio University in Athens, Ohio. He served as Professor of Decision Sciences and Associate Dean of the College of Business at California State University, Sacramento, where he retired after 35 years of service. He was a proud recipient of multiple "Excellence in Teaching" awards and the highly coveted "Students First Award." He became affectionately known as "Dr. Bob" and as a mentor and encourager for many of his students.

His publications included a textbook, Mathematics: A Foundation for Business, and over 70 journal and proceedings articles. He also had teaching appointments at Georgia State University; the Naval Postgraduate School, Monterey, CA; and, after retirement, at UT and ITT.

His career with the US Navy included his active duty commitment, followed by service in the Navy Reserve for over 30 years. He held various Navy billets from Ensign to Commander to Captain, for which he was awarded two Legion of Merit Medals, the Meritorious Service Medal, and the Navy/USMC Commendation. He also received the Navy Unit Commendation for his dedicated service with NR CINCPACFLT Detachment 420, which conducted management audits and studies for active duty commands world-wide. Bob said repeatedly that he felt honored to serve with this group for most of his Navy Reserve career. In addition, he served as CO, N&MC Center in Sacramento and as CO, NR NAVSTA Weapons Station, Concord, CA.

As retirement approached, plans were made to move in 2005 from "out west" to "back east," to Maryville, TN, where his wife had lived and graduated from Maryville High School. This time the mountains, not the oceans, spoke to him; and the history of the area captivated his attention. Bob and Carol found their way to the Cades Cove Preservation Society and volunteered at the museum.

Later, he and Carol joined the First Baptist Church of Maryville and the Encouragers Class. The welcoming arms were wide, and friendships developed quickly, just as they did in Sacramento when they joined the Fremont Presbyterian Church in 1969 as newlyweds. He became an ordained Deacon and Elder and served in many volunteer capacities, including the Retreat Ministry and Sunday School teacher for 4 year olds (perhaps his favorite).

Bob's life journey took him from Berlin, Germany, where he was born on July 7,1937, to Maryville, TN, where he died on August 25, 2021, at age 84, after a long, courageous struggle with Parkinson's Disease. Family members dying before him include his Brandt and Hopfe grandparents; his parents, Gerda and Walter Hopfe; his wife's parents, Ruth DeButy Orr and Joe L Orr; sister-in-law, Char Orr Frost; special sister-in-law, Robin Lynn Orr; and cousin-in-law, baby Paul Skeenes. He is survived and missed deeply by Carol, his wife of 52 years, and by his son Michael and wife Dannelle; sisters-in-law and brothers-in law: Sharon and Edward Skeenes, Ramona and Tommy Yarbrough, Dodie and Carl Maples, Jody and Joe Frost; and brother-in-law, Larry Orr. Other surviving
family members include "adopted" nieces and nephews, deeply loved also. Watching them learn, read, ask questions, and grow brought more joy to his life. From afar, he is survived by his cousins, Sonya and Fritz Ternofsky of West Clandon, Surrey, England; and Renate and Sepp Sippl of Holzkirchen, Germany. Family. Every time together filled with memories.

Due to Covid Virus concerns and restrictions, a small, private "Celebration of Bob's Life" was held at Smith Funeral and Cremation Service on Friday, September 3, 2021. Manfred Walter "Bob" Hopfe was a devoted and loving husband, father and BobDad; an encourager; a good friend; a gentle and kind man always. He looked for ways to help make life easier for someone else. He faced the hard times with prayer, faith, and strength. He celebrated life's blessings with deep joy and gratitude.

Allen Putt

March 15, 1938 ~ December 16, 2021

Born in Lynchburg, Virginia to Samuel Jordan Putt and Evelyn Frances Diuguid. Proudly served in the United States Air Force. Retired from California State University, Sacramento as a Professor Emeritus in the Department of Organization Behavior. Wonderful husband, great father, and best friend to all. Forever remembered and always loved.

Nicholas F. “Nick” Burnett

July 22, 1956 ~ December 1, 2021

Nicholas F. “Nick” Burnett, age 65, passed away peacefully at Kaiser Hospital on December 1, 2021, surrounded by his wife and a few close friends. He will be dearly missed. Born on July 22, 1956, Nick is survived by his wife of 38 years Debra (Couchon) Burnett of Sacramento, CA, his brother Roger and husband Paul Kenney of Springfield, MA, an uncle and aunt Nino and Pam Yannoni of San Jose, CA and many cousins and close friends across the country. Nick was pre-deceased by his parents, Roger and Margherita Burnett of Easthampton, MA.

Nick met the love of his life, Debbi, in college, and they married in 1983. They were dedicated to each other throughout their years together and enjoyed entertaining, cooking, gardening and fishing together. Frequent visits with family and friends and two Alaskan cruises were trips Nick fondly remembered.

After graduating from Cony High School in Augusta, ME, Nick attended the University of Massachusetts at Amherst, where he earned his undergraduate and Masters degrees in Communication Studies. He taught at Emerson College in Boston before attending the University of Pittsburgh, where he received a PhD in Communication Studies.

Nick served as debate coach, professor, department chair and Associate Dean during his 30 year tenure at California State University, Sacramento (CSUS) before retiring in 2017. He was a valued colleague, friend and mentor to many. After retirement, he stayed active and continued to serve on the boards of Capital Public Radio, the CSUS Retirees Association, and the CSUS Friends of the Library.

A vibrant and engaging man, Nick enjoyed raising orchids and was an accredited orchid judge with the American Orchid Society and a certified UC Master Gardener. He served on the board of the Sacramento Orchid Society for many years, and was twice elected President. An avid and enthusiastic fisherman, Nick enjoyed many flyfishing trips from coast to coast. There was nothing he liked better than fishing from a drift boat with a rod in his hand and a fish on the line, rain or shine.

Those who knew him know that Nick was smart and funny and a kind and generous friend. Nick was also passionate about debate. Whether researching, debating, judging, traveling, or coaching, he found great pleasure and success in debate, leading to many long-term friendships and a fulfilling career. He served as National President of the Cross Examination Debate Association from 1992-1993.

Donations in Nick’s memory can be made to support the debate program at CSUS through the Burnett Forensics Program Fund.

A Celebration of Life event is planned for 1:00 p.m. Saturday, April 30, 2022 on the CSUS campus at the Harper Alumni Center, 6000 J Street, Sacramento, CA. For more information, please contact RememberNickB@gmail.com.